eUICC Identifier Management via Dynamic Profile Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Embedded universal integrated circuit cards (eUICCs) face challenges in managing unique identifiers and ICCID values, as they are installed in terminals before network operators are determined, making it impossible to allocate and record ICCID values during manufacturing, which is necessary for identifier information requests.
Innovation Solution
The eUICC dynamically manages its unique identifier and ICCID based on the state of network operator profiles, generating responses to identifier requests using unique eUICC information or network operator profile information, and storing this data in a shared file system divided by profiles, allowing for dynamic identifier management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the eUICC is installed in a terminal before the network operator is determined, then the eUICC can be physically integrated into the terminal for miniaturization and durability, but the network operator cannot allocate and record the ICCID value during manufacturing, making it impossible to respond to identifier information requests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identifier management into two distinct parts: a permanent eUICC identifier (stored in the eUICC itself) and a dynamic ICCID value (allocated by the network operator later). This segmentation allows the eUICC to maintain its physical integration benefits while resolving the timing conflict of ICCID allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the eUICC pre-generate and store its own unique identifier during manufacturing, before the network operator is determined. This preliminary identifier can be used immediately for device identification, while the ICCID is allocated later when the network operator is known.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a unique ICCID value is allocated by the network operator for billing and inventory management, then the existing system can support the eUICC, but the system cannot respond to identifier information requests since the ICCID is not recorded during manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the eUICC itself can generate and provide identifier information independently. The eUICC acts as an intermediary that can supply its own identifier to external systems, eliminating the need for the network operator to have pre-recorded the ICCID during manufacturing.
3Reliability
If the ICCID value is recorded and used as an identifier of the UICC when a card is manufactured, then the identifier can be used for billing or inventory management in a network operator system, but the ICCID value cannot be changed after becoming commercially available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the identifier system flexible and changeable. The eUICC can store and switch between multiple ICCID values corresponding to different network operator profiles, allowing the identifier to be updated when users change network operators, unlike traditional UICCs with fixed ICCIDs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the ICCID parameter to be modified and updated in the eUICC. Different ICCID values can be allocated for different network operator profiles, and the eUICC can switch between them based on the active profile, making the identifier adaptable to changing network operator assignments.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for managing an identifier of an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) is disclosed. The eUICC receives an identifier information request, determines whether there is a network carrier profile in an enabled state, and provides a response with identifier information corresponding to the identifier information request based on the results of the determination. According to the method, it is possible to separately manage the unique identifier of the eUICC and a network carrier ICCID and to dynamically manage the identifier of the eUICC according to the state of the network carrier profile of the eUICC.