eUICC Multi-Profile Access via Segmented Communication Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current eUICC technology limits simultaneous access to multiple subscriber profiles due to the constraint of a single physical ISO connection, requiring complex management of APDU commands and restricting the utilization of multiple active profiles.

Innovation Solution

Establishing multiple distinct communication links, including additional physical and logical links, to enable separate and independent access to multiple active profiles, allowing the baseband processor to manage and route messages efficiently without complex APDU command management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single physical ISO connection is used between eUICC and host terminal, then the device structure remains simple, but multiple subscriber profiles cannot be accessed simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of simultaneously active profilesVSAvoidcommunication link structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the communication interface into multiple independent links (first link, second link, third link) between the eUICC and host terminal. Each link can independently access different subscriber profiles, allowing simultaneous multi-profile operation. This segmentation of the communication path enables multiple active profiles without requiring a single complex shared interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-dimension communication model (one ISO link) to a multi-dimensional model by adding multiple independent communication links. This dimensional expansion allows parallel access to multiple subscriber profiles simultaneously, resolving the limitation of single-profile access while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized link implementations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple communication links are established for multiple profiles, then simultaneous profile access is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprofile access efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication link management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements communication links using universal standardized interfaces (ISO links and/or HCI links). These standardized links can be used for multiple purposes: accessing different subscriber profiles, maintaining backward compatibility, and supporting future extensions. This universality reduces the need for specialized complex management logic for each link type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a communication interface controller as an intermediary layer that manages the multiple links between the eUICC and host terminal. This intermediary handles link selection, routing, and coordination transparently, allowing simultaneous profile access while abstracting away the complexity of multi-link management from the core profile management logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single ISO link is shared among multiple profiles, then device structure remains simple, but complex APDU command management is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-profile access capabilityVSAvoidcommand management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the command flow into separate independent paths, with each communication link dedicated to specific subscriber profile access. This eliminates the need for complex APDU command multiplexing and demultiplexing logic that would be required if multiple profiles shared a single link. Each link operates independently with its own command stream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of managing multiple profiles through a single shared interface with complex command routing (the traditional approach), the patent inverts the architecture by providing each profile with its own dedicated communication link. This reversal simplifies command management because each link has a clear one-to-one correspondence with its associated profile, eliminating the need for complex APDU management logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3648490B1Management of subscriber profiles simultaneously active in an euicc card using a plurality of separate links

Publication Date: 2023.03.15 IDEMIA FRANCE SAS

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AI summary

The invention relates to managing multiple active subscriber profiles simultaneously within a single secure element integrated into a host terminal. A baseband processor in the terminal and a communication interface controller in the secure element establish separate links for each active profile. This allows for addressing and therefore using multiple profiles simultaneously. One link can be the standard ISO 7816 connection. The HCI/SWP interface allows for establishing a large number of logical links (or HCI tunnels) using a single additional connection pin on the secure element in the terminal. Each active profile is thus associated with an HCI tunnel for routing messages concerning it. Alternatively, or in combination with this, an SPI interface allows for establishing master-slave logical links.