eSIM Profile Management for Seamless Service Provider Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of mobile communication terminals face inconvenience when switching between different mobile communication service providers, as they need to physically acquire new SIM cards, especially when traveling, due to the lack of seamless network access and high roaming fees resulting from nonexistent agreements between service providers.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for a terminal to download, install, and manage communication profiles remotely using a profile management server, allowing users to select and switch between communication services without physical SIM card changes, through a process involving message exchange and profile management between the terminal and a profile management server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users physically acquire new SIM cards when switching service providers, then network access is enabled, but user convenience deteriorates and roaming fees increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of switching service providersVSAvoidtime required for physical SIM card acquisition

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical physical SIM card system with an electronic profile download system. Instead of physically inserting SIM cards, users can remotely download and install service provider profiles onto their terminals through automated message exchange with profile management servers, eliminating the need for physical card handling and acquisition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates digital copies of service provider authentication profiles that can be downloaded and installed on terminals. These profile copies contain the necessary authentication information to access different service provider networks, allowing users to switch providers without obtaining physical SIM cards from each provider

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If users physically acquire new SIM cards for each service provider, then network access is enabled, but device complexity increases due to multiple SIM cards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to access multiple service providersVSAvoidnumber of physical SIM cards required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal terminal capable of storing and executing multiple service provider profiles. The terminal's message exchange system can automatically select and activate the appropriate profile based on the desired service provider, making a single device versatile enough to access multiple networks without requiring multiple physical SIM cards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the service provider authentication information into separate downloadable profiles that can be independently stored and activated in the terminal. This allows the terminal to maintain multiple service provider credentials in an organized manner, enabling versatile access without the physical complexity of multiple SIM cards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If service providers lack agreements with each other, then each provider maintains independent control, but user accessibility deteriorates due to high roaming fees

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice provider authentication securityVSAvoidaccessibility to different service providers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a profile management server as an intermediary between users and service providers. This server facilitates automated message exchange and profile delivery, enabling users to access multiple service providers without direct agreements between providers. The intermediary handles the complexity of inter-provider communication while maintaining authentication security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables users to autonomously download and install service provider profiles through automated message exchange with profile management servers. Users can independently access different service providers without requiring manual intervention from providers or complex inter-provider agreements, thereby improving accessibility while maintaining security through automated authentication processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10659955B2Apparatus and method for installing and managing eSIM profiles

Publication Date: 2020.05.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus and method for safely providing a profile to a terminal in a communication system are provided. The apparatus and method include a communication technique that combines a fifth generation (5G) communication system for supporting a data rate that is higher than that of a beyond fourth generation (4G) system with Internet of technology (IoT) technology, and a system thereof. The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on 5G communication technology and IoT related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car or connected car, health care, digital education, retail, security and safety related services.