eSIM Transfer Between Accessory Devices via Primary Conduit

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for efficient mechanisms to transfer cellular services associated with eSIMs between accessory wireless devices, particularly in scenarios where multiple eSIMs are involved and the devices may not share a common mobile network operator or account.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves transferring cellular service credentials between accessory wireless devices through a primary device, using local connections like WPAN or WLAN, or online services like iCloud, with the primary device acting as a conduit to authenticate and communicate with MNO servers to move eSIMs between devices, even when the first accessory device is unavailable, by using stored information and authentication tokens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cellular service credentials are transferred through MNO servers between accessory devices, then transfer reliability is improved, but transfer time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer reliabilityVSAvoidtransfer time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by storing authentication credentials and service information in the primary device before accessory devices need transfer. When transfer is needed, the primary device already has the necessary authentication data to quickly provision services to the new accessory device without requiring time-consuming MNO server interactions for credential verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The primary device acts as an intermediary between accessory devices during credential transfer. Instead of direct MNO server communication for each accessory device, the primary device mediates the transfer process by providing stored authentication information, reducing the number of server interactions required and accelerating the transfer process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple eSIMs are transferred between accessory devices, then service versatility is improved, but configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice versatilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing users to automatically transfer multiple eSIMs between accessory devices through simple selection interfaces. The primary device automatically manages the provisioning process for multiple eSIMs, handling authentication and configuration without requiring users to manually configure each eSIM, thus maintaining simplicity despite multiple service transfers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer process is segmented into discrete eSIM selections, allowing users to choose which specific eSIMs to transfer. This segmentation breaks down the complex task of transferring multiple services into manageable individual choices, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If accessory devices use only eSIMs on eUICC, then device integration is improved, but transfer flexibility between devices worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice integrationVSAvoidtransfer flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The primary device serves multiple functions: it acts as an authentication server, a credential storage repository, and a provisioning gateway for multiple accessory devices. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain eSIM-only integration while providing transfer flexibility through the primary device's ability to mediate credential sharing across different accessory devices without requiring physical SIM cards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11463883B2Cellular service account transfer for accessory wireless devices

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 APPLE INC

AI summary

This Application describes efficient cellular service transfer mechanisms to move cellular services that are based on cellular service credentials, e.g., eSIMs, between accessory wireless devices under various scenarios, including in some embodiments transfer of multiple eSIMs. The first and second accessory wireless devices and the primary wireless device are associated with a common user account. Transfer of credentials for cellular service access can occur between two accessory wireless devices via the primary wireless device, where the primary wireless device and the accessory wireless devices interact with applicable network-based servers.