eUICC Profile Fallback Based on Network Loss Duration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of managing network connectivity in embedded UICC (eUICC) cards, which are not replaceable and require efficient fallback mechanisms to ensure network and service coverage without dependence on specific network operators, is not adequately addressed by existing solutions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system architecture that utilize a heuristic approach to determine the duration of network loss events by analyzing network rejection events, enabling or switching profiles based on estimated duration thresholds, and utilizing a remote server to calculate average resolution times for network issues, thereby optimizing the fallback mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fallback mechanism is implemented to switch profiles during network loss events, then network coverage and service continuity are improved, but device complexity and profile management overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidprofile management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and stores duration thresholds for different network loss causes before actual network events occur. These thresholds are computed based on historical data and stored in the eUICC for rapid comparison during network loss events, eliminating the need for complex real-time analysis when switching profiles is needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The eUICC autonomously determines whether to switch profiles by comparing the duration of network loss against pre-stored thresholds, without requiring external server intervention or complex decision-making algorithms. The card self-manages the fallback mechanism using locally available information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Duration of action of stationary object

If profile switching is performed immediately upon network loss detection, then service continuity is improved, but unnecessary switches during temporary outages increase, reducing network stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidnetwork stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the decision parameter from binary (switch or not switch) to threshold-based (compare duration against pre-calculated values). By evaluating the duration of network loss against multiple pre-determined thresholds, the system intelligently determines whether to switch profiles, avoiding unnecessary switches during temporary outages while ensuring continuity for prolonged losses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from network loss duration measurements to determine the appropriate action. By continuously monitoring network status and comparing against established thresholds, the system adjusts profile switching decisions based on actual network conditions rather than reacting immediately to every network event

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If the eUICC autonomously manages profile switching, then response time is improved, but the ability to learn from historical network patterns is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidhistorical network patterns
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Historical network pattern analysis is performed in advance during periods when network connectivity is available. The system collects historical data, calculates average resolution times for different network loss causes, and stores these as duration thresholds in the eUICC. This preliminary processing enables rapid autonomous responses during actual network events without requiring real-time data analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Pre-calculated duration thresholds act as an intermediary between historical network patterns and real-time decision-making. The thresholds encode historical information in a simplified form that can be rapidly compared during network events, bridging the gap between complex historical analysis and fast autonomous response

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4243467B1A method for managing attachment to a communication network of profiles in an integrated circuit card operating in a communication device and corresponding system and integrated circuit card
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 STMICROELECTRONICS SRL
  • EP4243467B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4243467B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4243467B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for managing in an integrated circuit card (108), in particular an eUICC, operating in a communication device (10) configured to communicate with a mobile communication network (12), the attachment to said mobile communication network (12) in case of a network loss event of profiles representing user subscriptions, stored in said integrated circuit card (108), said method comprising when a network loss event occurs and is signaled by a notification of network loss (NR), obtaining (110) a current network loss cause (CC), in particular from the notification of network loss (NR), selecting (120) among estimates (RT) of the duration of network loss event stored at the integrated circuit card (108) with the respective network loss event causes (CC), the estimate of the duration of network loss event with network loss event cause (CC) corresponding to the current loss event causes (CC), selecting (130) which profile (FB, PP) stored in the integrated circuit card (10) attach to said mobile communication network (12) on the basis of the value of said selected estimate of the duration of network loss event with network loss event cause (CC) corresponding to the current loss event causes (CC).