eSIM Subscription Profile Loading via Combined Authentication Request

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users with embedded eSIM modules in mobile terminals face tedious processes when trying to transfer their subscription profiles to new devices, requiring complex manipulations to obtain and download the necessary server addresses and profile references.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a combined authentication and profile transfer request is sent to an authentication system, followed by a download request to a provisioning device using an activation code, allowing the subscription profile to be securely downloaded into the target mobile terminal's eSIM module, simplifying the process by leveraging existing authentication mechanisms and unique identifiers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional SIM card is used, then users can easily change devices while keeping their SIM card, but embedded eSIM modules require complex procedures for profile transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of device switchingVSAvoidcomplexity of profile transfer procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a profile transfer mechanism where the subscription profile is copied from the old SIM card to the new eSIM module through automated authentication and download procedures. The system retrieves the profile data from the network server and installs it in the target eSIM, eliminating manual configuration steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an authentication system as an intermediary between the user devices and the network server. This mediator handles the complex verification processes, activates the target eSIM, and coordinates the profile download, simplifying the user experience while managing the underlying complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual configuration steps are required for eSIM profile download, then security can be maintained, but user complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of profile downloadVSAvoidsimplicity of initialization process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary authentication and activation actions before the actual profile download. The target eSIM is activated and authorized in advance through the authentication system, which verifies user credentials and prepares the profile for transfer. This ensures security measures are in place before sensitive operations occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the authentication system continuously verifies the legitimacy of profile transfer requests. The system receives authentication responses, validates credentials against the network server, and only proceeds with profile download when verification is successful, maintaining security through continuous validation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3656142B1Loading of a new subscription profile into an embedded subscriber identification module
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 ORANGE SA
  • EP3656142B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3656142B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of loading, into a subscriber identification module (15) of a first mobile terminal (10), termed target mobile terminal, a subscription profile (PROFA), the method comprising: the emission (S21), by the target mobile terminal, of a combined request for authentication and transfer of profile to an authentication system (30), said request containing a user identifier (IdA) of the target mobile terminal; the reception (S35) in return, by the target mobile terminal, of a response message containing an activation code (AC); the emission (S41), by the target mobile terminal, of a request for downloading the subscription profile to a provisioning equipment item (50), said downloading request comprising the activation code; and, subsequent to a positive verification (S42) of the activation code by the provisioning equipment item, the downloading (S44) of the subscription profile into the subscriber identification module (15) of the target mobile terminal. The invention also relates to a mobile terminal (10), an authentication system (30), and a downloading system for implementing such a subscription profile downloading.