eSIM Circuit Random Number Generator for PIN Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assigning personal identification numbers (PINs) to electronic SIMs are inefficient, as users often do not know their PINs, leading to impractical and insecure methods for activation, especially in 5G networks.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with an eSIM circuit equipped with a random number generator that produces a PIN locally, allowing the user to generate and display a new PIN, which is stored in the eSIM circuit and profile, enabling secure and user-friendly access to network services without transmitting the PIN.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the SMDP+ server generates and stores PINs in the user profile, then the profile can be activated, but the user does not know the PIN and cannot access the profile or network service
Solution Approach 1:
The eUICC circuit generates the PIN automatically using an integrated random number generator when the profile is downloaded. The PIN is stored both in the user profile and in the eUICC circuit itself, enabling the system to self-configure without external intervention. This resolves the contradiction by making the PIN known to both the system (for activation) and the user (for access), eliminating the need for manual distribution through impractical methods like mail or electronic communication.
2Ease of operation
If the operator forwards PINs and PUKs to the user via mail or electronic methods, then the user can access the profile, but the method is impractical and not user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates and displays the PIN locally on the user's device through the eUICC circuit's random number generator. The PIN appears immediately on the screen without requiring external delivery methods. This eliminates the time loss associated with mail or electronic communication while maintaining ease of access, as the user can view the PIN directly on their own device.
Solution Approach 2:
The eUICC circuit acts as an intermediary between the profile data and the user interface. It generates the PIN locally and transmits it through the display interface, eliminating the need for external communication channels. This intermediary function resolves the contradiction by providing immediate access without the delays inherent in traditional PIN distribution methods.
3Ease of operation
If the eSIM circuit generates the PIN locally using a random number generator, then the user knows the PIN and can access the profile, but additional circuit components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The eUICC circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: storing profile data, generating random numbers for PIN creation, and managing security credentials. By making the eUICC multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated components for PIN generation, thus resolving the contradiction between user access capability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the PIN generation capability directly within the eUICC circuit by integrating a random number generator. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate external components while enabling local PIN generation. The eUICC now serves both as a secure storage element and as a random number generator, resolving the contradiction between enhanced user access and increased device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a communication device (110) comprising: a screen (115); and an eSIM circuit (111) for providing an electronic SIM (eSIM), wherein the eSIM circuit (111) has a random number generator (112) configured to generate a random number (114), wherein the generated random number (114) is a personal identification number (PIN) for unlocking the electronic SIM, wherein the eSIM circuit (111) further comprises a communication interface (113) configured to transmit the generated random number (114) to the screen (115); and wherein the screen (115) is configured to receive and display the random number (114) from the communication interface (113).