eSIM Authentication Server for Remote Data Usage Configuration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inconvenience in configuring or replacing a sharing target device for data usage sharing as they need to visit an offline agent of the mobile network operator, and there is no efficient way to monitor data utilization or detect manipulation of data usage.

Innovation Solution

The use of an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) or embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) allows users to subscribe, change, or unsubscribe from mobile communication services over the air without visiting an agent, enabling remote configuration and monitoring of data usage through an authentication server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user visits an offline agent to configure or replace a sharing target device, then the device can be configured for data sharing, but the user experiences inconvenience and time loss

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDevice configuration convenienceVSAvoidTime required for device configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of visiting an offline agent with an electronic/automated system. The authentication server handles device configuration requests electronically through message exchanges between the electronic device, sharing target device, and server, eliminating the need for physical visits and manual agent intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service configuration where the user can initiate and complete the sharing target device configuration process autonomously through their electronic device. The authentication server automatically processes the configuration requests without requiring user visits to external locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional data sharing methods are used, then data usage can be shared, but there is no efficient way to monitor data utilization or detect manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveData usage monitoring capabilityVSAvoidSystem complexity for monitoring and detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication server implements a feedback mechanism by receiving data usage information from both the electronic device and sharing target device, verifying consistency between reported usage amounts, and notifying users of discrepancies. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic detection of manipulation without adding significant complexity to the devices themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication server acts as an intermediary that centralizes the monitoring and verification functions. Rather than embedding complex monitoring logic in each device, the server handles data collection, verification, and anomaly detection, simplifying the device architecture while maintaining reliable oversight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3545700B1Method, authentication server, and electronic device for configuring a sharing target device for sharing data usage of the electronic device
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3545700B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3545700B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3545700B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and electronic devices are provided for configuring a sharing target device. A method includes transmitting, to an authentication server associated with a mobile network operator for managing data usage, a device configuration request message for configuring the sharing target device to share a data usage amount assigned to the electronic device; receiving, from the authentication server, in response to the device configuration request message, an access code permitting access to the authentication server; and transmitting the received access code to the sharing target device, wherein the sharing target device receives, using the access code, a subscriber profile from the authentication server for sharing the data usage amount assigned to the electronic device.