eSIM Profile Selection for External Device Network Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices require physical SIM cards for different operators, leading to increased size, complexity, and cost, as well as the need for multiple cards for multiple operator access, which is inefficient and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with an embedded UICC or eSIM that can select and provide a subscriber profile to external devices via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing network access without the need for physical SIM cards, using a processor to choose the appropriate profile based on device and application information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If physical SIM cards are used for different operators, then network service access is enabled, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork service accessVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The eUICC contains multiple subscriber profiles (IFDs) that can be selected and activated as needed. This single multi-functional component replaces the need for multiple separate physical SIM cards, enabling access to different network operators while maintaining a compact device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple subscriber profiles are stored as digital copies within the eUICC memory. These profile copies can be activated without physical card changes, eliminating the need for multiple physical SIM cards while maintaining full network access capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple physical SIM cards are used for multiple operator access, then network service versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator accessVSAvoidcard management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages subscriber profile selection based on service requirements. The electronic device can autonomously select the appropriate IFD from the eUICC without requiring user intervention for physical card swapping, enabling seamless operator transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The subscriber profile assignment is dynamic rather than static. The system can switch between different IFDs in the eUICC based on current service needs, allowing flexible operator access without the rigidity of fixed physical SIM card assignments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If subscriber profiles are manually selected, then network service is provided, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork service provisionVSAvoidprofile selection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple subscriber profiles are pre-loaded into the eUICC during manufacturing or initial setup. The system maintains a library of ready-to-use IFDs, eliminating the need for manual profile selection or physical SIM card changes when switching operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors service usage patterns and automatically selects the most appropriate subscriber profile based on current needs. This feedback mechanism enables intelligent, automatic profile management that reduces manual intervention and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3195691B1Providing network service to an external electronic device
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3195691B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3195691B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3195691B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device and method of providing network service are provided. The electronic device includes at least one processor configured to select a subscriber profile to be used by an external electronic device functionally connected to the electronic device from among a plurality of subscriber profiles available in the electronic device, and a communication interface configured to provide, to the external electronic device, a network service based on the subscriber profile selected.