eSIM Activation via Limited Functionality pSIM
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for methods to activate an electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM) as a primary SIM for mobile wireless devices that include a limited functionality physical SIM (pSIM), especially when neither a cellular connection via a fully functional pSIM nor a non-cellular connection is available for device activation.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves manufacturing mobile wireless devices with a limited functionality pSIM, which is used to establish an over-the-air (OTA) cellular connection to download and activate a reserved eSIM. This process allows for eSIM activation without requiring a fully functional pSIM or a non-cellular connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fully functional pSIM is used for device activation, then cellular connection is available, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments SIM functionality into two distinct components: a limited functionality pSIM (containing only activation capability) and a full functionality eSIM (containing all cellular service capabilities). This segmentation allows the device to have minimal SIM functionality at manufacturing while obtaining complete functionality through eSIM download, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the device with a limited functionality pSIM that contains only the essential activation capability needed before device activation. This preliminary configuration enables the device to establish cellular connection for eSIM download without requiring full SIM functionality, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring activation reliability.
2Productivity
If eSIM is reserved and activated later, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but activation process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by reserving eSIM profiles during manufacturing and preparing the limited functionality pSIM in advance with activation capability. This preliminary preparation enables efficient manufacturing while the actual eSIM activation occurs automatically during device activation through the simplified pSIM-based process.
Solution Approach 2:
The limited functionality pSIM acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between manufacturing efficiency and activation complexity. It enables the device to connect to cellular networks during activation without requiring full SIM functionality, thereby simplifying the activation process while maintaining manufacturing efficiency benefits.
3Ease of operation
If limited functionality pSIM is used, then device activation is simplified, but cellular connection capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by equipping the device with a limited functionality pSIM that contains pre-configured activation capability. This preliminary setup simplifies device activation while the subsequent eSIM download automatically restores full cellular connection capability, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by downloading the full functionality eSIM profile from remote servers to the device's eUICC. This copying process transfers complete cellular service capabilities from the manufacturer's ecosystem to the device, thereby restoring full cellular connection capability after the simplified activation process using the limited functionality pSIM.
Data Source
AI summary
This Application sets forth techniques for provisioning and activating an electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM) as a primary SIM for a mobile wireless device that includes a limited functionality physical SIM (pSIM) associated with a particular mobile network operator (MNO) and installed in the mobile wireless device at a time of manufacture. An eSIM associated with the particular MNO is reserved during a sales order process and later activated during device activation after receipt by a user using a secure over-the-air (OTA) cellular connection enabled by the limited functionality pSIM, when a non-cellular connection or other Internet accessible connection is available. Dual SIM device configuration processes can be suppressed during activation of the eSIM. After successful attachment of the mobile wireless device to a cellular wireless network of the particular MNO using credentials of the eSIM, the limited functionality pSIM is disabled.