eSIM Identification via Special Command and Logical Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

In a multiple eSIM environment, mobile devices face challenges in uniquely identifying and accessing specific eSIM content due to shared application identifiers and file identifiers, leading to conflicts when trying to access applications or files.

Innovation Solution

A special command is introduced that includes an eSIM identifier to selectively activate or deactivate eSIM content, allowing the mobile device to access specific eSIMs, and logical channels are used to separate the access of different eSIMs, enabling unique identification and access of applications across multiple eSIMs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple eSIMs are stored on the same eUICC, then the flexibility and space utilization of the mobile device are improved, but the ability to uniquely identify and access specific eSIM content deteriorates due to shared application identifiers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of mobile deviceVSAvoididentification accuracy of eSIM content

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the identification process into two distinct levels: eSIM level identification using eSIM IDs and application level identification using AIDs. This segmentation allows the system to first select a specific eSIM using its unique eSIM ID, then access the desired application within that eSIM using its AID, thereby resolving the conflict caused by shared AIDs across multiple eSIMs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces eSIM IDs as an intermediary layer between the mobile device and the applications stored on multiple eSIMs. This intermediary enables the mobile device to first select the appropriate eSIM container using the eSIM ID, and then access the specific application within that container, solving the identification conflict without requiring changes to the existing AID structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing protocols referencing only AID are used, then compatibility with traditional UICC systems is maintained, but the ability to access specific applications in multiple eSIM environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with traditional UICCVSAvoidaccessibility of specific eSIM content

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a preliminary action by requiring the mobile device to first select the eSIM using its eSIM ID before attempting to access any application. This preliminary selection step establishes the correct context (specific eSIM) before the existing AID-based application access protocol is executed, thereby maintaining backward compatibility while enabling precise content access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds another dimension to the identification system by introducing eSIM IDs as a first level of identification, while preserving the existing AID system as a second level. This dimensional addition allows the system to maintain compatibility with traditional AID-based protocols while simultaneously enabling precise identification in multi-eSIM environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If the same FID exists within multiple eSIMs, then storage efficiency is improved, but the ability to access files in specific eSIMs deteriorates due to identifier conflicts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage efficiency of eUICCVSAvoidfile access accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the file access process into two distinct phases: first selecting the target eSIM using its eSIM ID, then accessing the specific file using its FID. This segmentation ensures that file access operations are contextually bound to a specific eSIM, eliminating ambiguity even when identical FIDs exist across multiple eSIMs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9439062B2Electronic subscriber identity module application identifier handling

Publication Date: 2016.09.06 APPLE INC

AI summary

Embodiments are described for identifying and accessing an electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM) and associated content of the eSIM in a multiple eSIM configuration. An embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) can include multiple eSIMs, where each eSIM can include its own file structures and applications. Some embodiments include a processor of a mobile device transmitting a special command to the eUICC, including an identification that uniquely identifies an eSIM in the eUICC. After selecting the eSIM, the processor can access file structures and applications of the selected eSIM. The processor can then use existing commands to access content in the selected eSIM. The special command can direct the eUICC to activate or deactivate content associated with the selected eSIM. Other embodiments include an eUICC platform operating system interacting with eSIMs associated with logical channels to facilitate identification and access to file structures and applications of the eSIMs.