eUICC Profile Management via Command Code Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing and installing universal integrated circuit card (UICC) profiles, particularly in selecting and downloading SIMs for different mobile communication operators, which is inconvenient for users, especially when traveling or switching services.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enables terminals to download, install, and manage eUICC profiles through online procedures, allowing for selective addition of signatures and authentication, simplifying inter-server and terminal-server communication by generating and verifying command codes, enabling seamless profile management and service selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical SIM cards are used for mobile communication, then network access is reliable, but user convenience deteriorates when traveling or switching services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual copies of SIM profiles (eUICC profiles) that can be downloaded and installed on the eUICC. Instead of physically swapping SIM cards, the system creates and manages digital replicas of subscriber identities, allowing users to switch between multiple operator profiles remotely. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable network access through authenticated profiles while dramatically improving convenience and service switching capability through digital profile management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical SIM card swapping system with an electronic profile download and installation system. The physical insertion/removal mechanism is substituted with wireless communication protocols that transfer profile data between servers and the eUICC. This substitution eliminates the physical constraints of SIM cards while maintaining network access reliability through cryptographic authentication, thereby improving user convenience and service adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operator profiles are stored in terminal, then service selection flexibility is improved, but terminal storage complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the profile storage function from the terminal's internal memory to a separate eUICC (embedded SIM card). The terminal only needs to store minimal profile metadata and download information, while the actual profile data resides on the eUICC. This extraction reduces terminal storage complexity while maintaining service selection flexibility, as users can download multiple profiles as needed without burdening the terminal's internal storage resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional layer for profile storage by utilizing the eUICC as a separate, dedicated storage medium. Instead of storing all profiles within the terminal's single storage hierarchy, the system creates a two-dimensional storage architecture: profile metadata in terminal memory and actual profile data on the eUICC. This dimensional separation simplifies terminal storage structure while enabling flexible service selection through profile downloads.
3Ease of operation
If online profile download and installation is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but authentication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces profile downloading and installation servers as intermediaries between the user terminal and the eUICC. These servers handle the complex authentication procedures, including command code generation, signature verification, and profile validation. By offloading authentication complexity to dedicated intermediary servers, the system maintains simple user-facing operations while ensuring secure profile installation through robust server-side authentication mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated authentication and profile installation processes that require minimal user intervention. The system uses self-service mechanisms where the terminal automatically communicates with profile servers, retrieves appropriate profiles, and installs them on the eUICC without requiring users to manually configure authentication parameters. This self-service approach simplifies user operations while maintaining security through automated cryptographic verification.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a terminal for managing a profile by using an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) in a wireless communication system. The terminal includes: a transceiver; and at least one processor configured to: receive, from a first server, a command code including event download information for downloading an event related to a profile; perform verification for processing the command code; when the verification is successful, generate a message requesting downloading of the event, by using the event download information, and transmit the same to a second server; and receive, from the second server, the event in response to the message requesting the downloading of the event.