eUICC Multi-Profile Activation via Destination Identifier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional embedded subscriber identity modules (eUICC) can only have one profile active at a time, limiting the ability to use multiple cell phone subscriptions simultaneously and requiring frequent activation and deactivation requests, which increases network traffic and resource usage.

Innovation Solution

An eUICC module that allows multiple profiles to be active simultaneously, with a receive module to identify and direct commands to the appropriate active profile using a destination profile identifier, reducing the need for network requests and optimizing resource management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If only one communication profile is active at a time in the eUICC module, then the system maintains simplicity in profile management, but the ability to use multiple subscriptions simultaneously is limited and frequent activation/deactivation requests increase network traffic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to use multiple subscriptions simultaneouslyVSAvoidnetwork traffic and resource usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the profile management system by introducing a profile indicator register that can simultaneously track multiple active profiles. Instead of having a single active profile state, the system divides the active state into multiple profile indicators (e.g., first profile indicator, second profile indicator) that can be set independently, allowing multiple profiles to be active concurrently without conflict.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic switching capability through the profile indicator register, which can be selectively set to indicate different active profiles based on communication needs. The system dynamically adjusts which profile is active for each communication session without requiring full activation/deactivation cycles, enabling flexible multi-subscription usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication profiles are active simultaneously in the eUICC module, then the ability to use multiple subscriptions is improved, but the complexity of managing and directing commands to the correct profile increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous use of multiple subscriptionsVSAvoidprofile management and command routing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a profile indicator register as an intermediary component between the communication interface and the multiple active profiles. This register acts as a mediator that receives profile selection information and directs communication commands to the appropriate active profile, simplifying the management complexity by providing a centralized control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service profile management where the profile indicator register automatically tracks and manages the state of multiple active profiles. The register maintains profile status information and enables automatic routing of commands to the correct profile based on the set indicators, reducing the need for complex external management logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If frequent activation and deactivation requests are sent to switch between profiles, then the correct profile can be activated, but network traffic and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprofile switching capabilityVSAvoidnetwork traffic

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by allowing profiles to be pre-loaded and maintained in an active state with their indicators set in the profile indicator register. Instead of deactivating and reactivating profiles during switching, the system prepares multiple profiles in advance and simply changes which active profile is selected for communication, eliminating the need for repeated activation/deactivation cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuity of useful action by keeping multiple profiles in a continuously active state rather than deactivating them when not in use. The profile indicator register ensures that multiple profiles remain loaded and ready, allowing seamless switching without interruption or repeated activation sequences, thus maintaining continuous operational readiness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS10833715B2Embedded subscriber identity module including communication profiles

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 IDEMIA FRANCE SAS

AI summary

An embedded subscriber identity module (eUICC1), which includes communication profiles, and that co-operates with a communications terminal (T). The module includes at least two communication profiles (P) that are active at the same time so as to allow the communications terminal to communicate with each mobile telephone network (R1, R2) associated with the active communication profiles, a receive module for receiving, from the terminal (T), a command (CMD) that has one of the active communication profiles as its destination (P), (referred to as the destination profile), and a determination module for determining the destination profile from among the active communication profiles on the basis of a destination profile identifier included in the command.