eUICC Profile Management for Seamless Device Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing SIM card system requires physical replacement and authentication processes when switching mobile communication terminals, which is inconvenient, especially for international travel and can lead to issues with lost cards and stringent online authentication procedures.

Innovation Solution

An embedded UICC (eUICC) system that allows remote downloading and selection of SIM modules, enabling seamless profile transfer between devices without the need for physical card swapping or extensive authentication processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical SIM cards are used for mobile communication access, then authentication security is maintained through physical card possession, but device switching requires physical card replacement and complex authentication processes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDevice switching convenienceVSAvoidAuthentication process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical physical SIM card system with an electronic embedded UICC (eUICC) system. The eUICC is embedded in the device and can remotely download and install SIM profiles via wireless communication, eliminating the need for physical card removal and insertion. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining security through embedded hardware while enabling seamless device switching without physical manipulation or complex authentication procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the eUICC with the capability to store multiple SIM profiles and automatically managing profile installation and switching. The system prepares authentication credentials in advance and can rapidly deploy them to new devices without requiring users to go through lengthy authentication processes at the time of device switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical SIM cards are required for each device, then network access security is ensured, but international travel requires obtaining local SIM cards which is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInternational usage flexibilityVSAvoidSIM card acquisition process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing the eUICC to universally accept and manage multiple different SIM profiles from various carriers and countries. The single embedded eUICC can store and switch between domestic and international SIM profiles, eliminating the need for travelers to physically obtain and swap local SIM cards. This multi-functional capability provides both security through a single embedded device and flexibility for international usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If SIM profiles are stored in removable physical cards, then user control over access information is maintained, but risk of card loss and unauthorized access increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccess information securityVSAvoidCard loss risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the SIM profile data from the physical removable card and stores it in the embedded eUICC. The eUICC maintains secure storage of access information through hardware-based security features, while the profiles can be remotely managed and updated. This extraction eliminates the physical card loss risk while maintaining user control through secure embedded storage and remote management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4022950B1Method and apparatus for reinstalling SIM profile in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4022950B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4022950B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4022950B1 patent drawingFigure 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 technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services.