eSIM Profile Transfer via pSIM Authentication and EF-SMDP

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing eSIM provisioning mechanism faces complexity in pSIM authentication, high costs associated with entitlement/SMDS, and difficulties in configuring eSIM for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) or Internet of Things (IoT) devices due to lack of user interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A method for transferring profile information from a pSIM of a first electronic device to an eSIM of a second electronic device involves creating an EF-SMDP file directory, obtaining eSIM identity and IMEI, sending requests to a SMDP server, obtaining authorization, and transferring profile information over a connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the existing eSIM provisioning mechanism is used, then profile transfer can be achieved, but the pSIM authentication process becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprofile transfer reliabilityVSAvoidauthentication process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the entitlement server from the eSIM provisioning system, eliminating the source of complexity and cost in the authentication process. By taking out this intermediate component, the system achieves direct profile transfer between devices without requiring complex entitlement verification steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new intermediary mechanism - a trust relationship between devices based on shared credentials - that replaces the traditional entitlement server-mediated authentication. This new intermediary approach simplifies the authentication process while maintaining security and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the existing eSIM provisioning mechanism is used, then profile transfer can be achieved, but high costs are incurred due to entitlement server requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprofile transfer reliabilityVSAvoidprovisioning cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the entitlement server from the eSIM provisioning system, eliminating the source of complexity and cost in the authentication process. By taking out this intermediate component, the system achieves direct profile transfer between devices without requiring complex entitlement verification steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables devices to perform self-authentication using shared credentials and trust relationships, eliminating the need for expensive entitlement server operations. Each device can verify profile transfer authorization independently through cryptographic verification of shared secrets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the existing eSIM provisioning mechanism is used, then profile transfer can be achieved, but configuration becomes difficult for M2M/IoT devices without user interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprofile transfer reliabilityVSAvoideSIM configuration ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables devices to perform self-authentication and self-configuration using shared credentials and automated protocols. M2M and IoT devices can independently complete eSIM profile transfers without human intervention or graphical user interfaces, simply by executing the defined authentication and profile download sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new intermediary mechanism - a trust relationship between devices based on shared credentials - that replaces the traditional entitlement server-mediated authentication. This new intermediary approach simplifies the authentication process while maintaining security and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250119725A1METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING EMBEDDED SIM (eSIM) PROFILES

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the disclosure describe a method for transferring profile information associated with a physical subscriber identity module (pSIM) of a first electronic device to an embedded SIM (eSIM) of a second electronic device. The method includes creating an enhanced feature short message delivery point (EF-SMDP) file directory in a memory associated with the pSIM. The method includes obtaining eSIM identity (EID) and international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) associated with the eSIM by utilizing a first connection. The method includes sending a first request directly to a subscription manager data preparation (SMDP) server. The method includes obtaining an authorization from the SMDP server for the first request, the first electronic device stores the profile information in a virtual Local Profile Assistant (LPA) module. The method includes transferring the profile information from the virtual LPA module to the eSIM over the first connection.