eUICC Batch Management via Triggered Remote Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack an efficient solution for batch management of embedded universal integrated circuit cards (eUICCs), particularly in remote or outdoor M2M terminals, where network subscription changes are difficult due to the embedded nature of the cards, necessitating a remote and secure configuration of network access credentials.

Innovation Solution

A management method involving a subscription manager-secure routing (SM-SR) entity that sends a trigger message to eUICCs through a public land mobile network (PLMN) server to initiate communication, allowing for batch management operations such as profile downloading, installation, and status changes, using access control information to schedule communication and prevent congestion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If eUICC is embedded in M2M terminal, then vibration prevention and terminal miniaturization are achieved, but replacement operation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal miniaturizationVSAvoidreplacement operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the subscription management function from the physical card replacement operation. By implementing remote profile management through SM-SR and SM-DP entities, the system allows subscription changes without physical access to the embedded eUICC, thus resolving the contradiction between terminal miniaturization and ease of replacement operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If remote configuration method is implemented, then network subscription change becomes possible, but security risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork subscription changeVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces SM-SR (Subscription Manager-Secure Routing) as an intermediary entity that mediates between the remote configuration system and the eUICC. The SM-SR handles secure routing and authentication, while the eUICC maintains its embedded security architecture. This intermediary approach enables remote subscription changes while preserving security through established GSMA secure provisioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If batch management of eUICCs is implemented, then management efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanagement efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal batch management interface through the SM-SR entity that can handle multiple eUICCs simultaneously. The system uses standardized profile management protocols (GSMA SGP.22) that work across different eUICC types and terminal platforms. This multi-functional approach enables efficient batch operations without requiring device-specific complex implementations, as the same infrastructure serves all eUICC management needs.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3073777B1Management method for embedded universal integrated circuit card and related device
Publication Date: 2018.03.14 HUAWEI DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP3073777B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3073777B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3073777B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a management method for an embedded universal integrated circuit card, including: sending, by a subscription manager-secure routing SM-SR entity, a push request that includes a trigger message and at least one user identity to a public land mobile network PLMN/push server, so as to instruct the PLMN/push server to push the trigger message to a target embedded universal integrated circuit card eUICC indicated by the at least one user identity, where the trigger message is used to trigger the target eUICC to initiate communication with the SM-SR entity; establishing, by the SM-SR entity, a communications connection to the target eUICC; and performing, by the SM-SR entity, a management operation on the target eUICC by using the communications connection. The embodiments of the present invention further disclose a related device and a communications system. In the present invention, batch management can be performed on eUICCs, which improves management efficiency.