eSIM Secure Element Bypass Interface for Data Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems rely on physical SIM cards for access control, which are cumbersome and require new cards for carrier changes, and lack efficient mechanisms for recovering access data from malfunctioning devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a virtual Electronic Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) within a secure element, equipped with a secondary bypass interface for external recovery, allowing secure retrieval of access data without requiring the communications interface, power supply, or processor, and ensuring only one active version of eSIM data exists at a time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a physical SIM card is used for access control, then subscriber identity can be verified and network access granted, but the device requires significant internal board space and the SIM card contributes to the overall device form factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SIM card functionality from the physical device by implementing a virtual SIM solution where subscriber identity data is stored remotely on a network server rather than on a physical SIM card or embedded secure element in the device. This eliminates the need for physical SIM card slots and associated hardware space while maintaining carrier switching capability through software-based profile management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of SIM card functionality through software implementation. Instead of requiring a physical SIM card to be present in the device, the system uses virtualized access control data that can be provisioned and managed remotely, allowing multiple carrier profiles to be stored and switched between without physical card changes or additional hardware space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a physical SIM card is used for access control, then subscriber specific user information can be salvaged by removing the SIM card, but new SIM cards are required to change SIM operation or change carriers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic carrier profile management where multiple access control profiles can be stored and activated remotely without physical SIM card changes. Users can switch between carriers by selecting different virtual profiles through software, enabling rapid carrier changes without the time-consuming process of physically removing and inserting SIM cards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-provisions multiple carrier profiles in the network system before the user needs to switch carriers. When carrier changes are needed, the system can quickly activate a pre-loaded virtual profile rather than requiring the user to obtain and install a new physical SIM card, significantly reducing the time required for carrier changes.
3Reliability
If access control data is stored in a secure element within the device, then network authentication can be performed, but the device must be fully operational (communications interface, power supply, processor working) to access the data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts access control data from the device's secure element and stores it remotely on a network server. This allows the data to be accessed and retrieved even when the device is malfunctioning or cannot power its communications interface, as the data resides externally and can be provisioned to a replacement device without requiring the original device to be operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network server as an intermediary between the user and the access control data. Instead of requiring direct access to the device's secure element, the system uses the network server to store, manage, and provision access control profiles, enabling data retrieval and device replacement scenarios where the original device cannot communicate or power its interfaces.
4Adaptability or versatility
If virtual eSIM data is stored in a secure element, then physical SIM card requirements are eliminated, but mechanisms are needed to ensure data integrity and prevent multiple active versions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network server tracks and manages the state of virtual SIM profiles across multiple devices. The system monitors which devices have active profiles and automatically prevents duplicate activations, ensuring data integrity and preventing multiple active versions of the same subscriber identity through centralized control and status verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The network server acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of virtual eSIM data distribution. It handles profile provisioning, activation status tracking, and conflict resolution between multiple devices, reducing the data management complexity burden from the end devices while maintaining data integrity and preventing unauthorized or duplicate profile activations.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for recovering access data from a malfunctioning device. In one embodiment, trained service personnel are provided a specialized apparatus for retrieving access data from a malfunctioning device. For example, in the instance the device comprises a cellular device having an unrecoverable hardware failure, trained service personnel can connect to the secure element and retrieve the one or more electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs) stored thereon. The eSIMs are then “reclaimed” and reprogrammed/distributed to a new device. In one implementation, security and integrity measures are taken to protect and control distribution of sensitive access data.