eUICC Profile Installation via OTA Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile communication devices face inconvenience in switching between different mobile communication providers, particularly when traveling, as they need to physically acquire local SIM cards, and roaming services are expensive and often require established contracts.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for remotely downloading and installing a SIM module on an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) using Over The Air (OTA) technology, allowing users to select and use different SIM profiles without physical card changes, enabling seamless network access across providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users physically acquire local SIM cards when traveling, then they can access local networks, but the process becomes inconvenient and requires physical card changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the SIM card functionality through a SIM module that can be remotely downloaded and installed on the eUICC. Instead of physically acquiring and changing SIM cards, users download a digital representation (SIM module) that replicates the authentication and network access functions of a physical SIM card, eliminating the need for physical card handling while maintaining full adaptability to different providers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically inserting and removing SIM cards with an automated electronic download and installation process. The SIM module is transmitted via OTA (Over-The-Air) technology and automatically installed on the eUICC through software commands, substituting the manual mechanical operation with an automated electronic process that is both more convenient and equally adaptable
2Adaptability or versatility
If roaming services are used for network access, then users can access foreign networks, but costs increase and contract requirements are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to pre-download and install SIM modules from multiple different providers onto their eUICC before traveling. This preliminary action allows users to have multiple authentication credentials ready in advance, so when they arrive at their destination, they can immediately activate a local provider's SIM module without incurring roaming charges or needing to establish contracts with foreign providers
3Ease of operation
If SIM modules are remotely downloaded and installed, then physical SIM card changes are eliminated, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the eUICC automatically receives, validates, and installs the downloaded SIM module without requiring user intervention in the complex technical processes. The system handles authentication, decryption, and installation automatically through pre-configured protocols, making the complex backend processes transparent to the user while maintaining operational simplicity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technologies, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. The method, performed by an electronic device comprises receiving, from a profile server, profile package information including a plurality of data which are segmented from an unprotected profile package and are encrypted based on a key, wherein the unprotected profile package consists of at least one profile element and each of the at least one profile element is to be processed independently from other profile element, obtaining at least one data unit from the profile package information, and delivering the at least one data unit to a universal integrated circuit card, UICC, associated with the electronic device.