eSIM Profile Management via Primary Device Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in managing multiple embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) profiles on secondary electronic devices, particularly in remotely provisioning and activating eSIM profiles in a multi-eSIM environment, especially when push servers are not available, and in adhering to operator-specific rules.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allow a primary electronic device to remotely provision eSIM profiles on a secondary device by downloading profiles from a subscription manager data preparation server, using MNO information to determine the appropriate server address, and managing activation status through an entitlement server, even without a push server, while adhering to operator-specific rules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple eSIM profiles are stored on a secondary electronic device, then the device can support multiple network operators and services, but the complexity of remotely provisioning and managing these profiles increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-eSIM profile supportVSAvoidprofile management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a primary electronic device as an intermediary between the subscription manager data preparation server and the secondary electronic device. This intermediary manages the complex tasks of downloading eSIM profiles, determining entitlement server addresses using MNO information, and coordinating activation processes, thereby reducing the provisioning complexity burden on the secondary device while enabling multi-profile support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If push server capabilities are not available for certain MNOs, then compatibility with more network operators is achieved, but the ability to notify about profile activation status and service availability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMNO compatibilityVSAvoidactivation status notification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a polling mechanism where the primary electronic device periodically queries the entitlement server to check the activation status of eSIM profiles and service availability. This periodic action replaces the push notification mechanism, allowing the system to work with MNOs that lack push server capabilities while still obtaining necessary status information through repeated requests at defined intervals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If operator-specific rules are strictly enforced during eSIM profile provisioning, then compliance with network operator requirements is ensured, but the provisioning process becomes more complex and less flexible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator rule complianceVSAvoidprovisioning process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent retrieves and stores operator-specific rules and entitlement server address determination methods in advance from the subscription manager data preparation server. By preparing this information beforehand, the system can automatically apply the correct operator-specific procedures during eSIM profile provisioning without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thus ensuring compliance while managing complexity through pre-computation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3766266B1Method, apparatus, and computer program product for managing subscription profile
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3766266B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3766266B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3766266B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

According to an embodiment, there is provided an electronic device including: a memory storing instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to: receive information of a network operator from at least one server; identify data location information based on the information of network operator; transmit the data location information to the other electronic device for activating a subscription profile at the other electronic device to use a network provided by the network operator; and manage the subscription profile of the other electronic device at the electronic device based on a user input.