eUICC Profile Management via Remote Intermediary Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional eUICC management systems lack a method for a user to centrally manage multiple devices equipped with secure elements, requiring local profile assistants for each device, which is inefficient and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device and server system that allows users to manage multiple eUICC profiles across various devices through a single interface, enabling flexible use of profiles across multiple devices and remote profile management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users manage eUICC profiles locally on each device using local profile assistants, then each device can independently manage its profiles, but users cannot centrally manage multiple devices from a single interface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentralized profile managementVSAvoidmanagement system architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a remote device as an intermediary management interface that allows users to centrally manage eUICC profiles across multiple devices. The remote device receives management requests from the user and forwards them to the target devices, eliminating the need for users to access each device individually while maintaining the existing local profile assistant architecture on each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the profile management function into two parts: the local profile assistant on each device that handles actual profile operations, and a remote device that provides centralized management interface. This segmentation allows users to manage multiple devices from one location while each device maintains its independent profile management capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple physical SIM cards are used in electronic devices, then multi-profile communication functions are supported, but device hardware complexity and management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-profile communication capabilityVSAvoidhardware configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements eUICC technology that allows a single secure element to store and manage multiple profiles, replacing the need for multiple physical SIM cards. The eUICC can be remotely provisioned with different profiles through OTA (over-the-air) updates, providing multi-profile communication capability without requiring multiple physical card slots or hardware configurations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses digital copying of profile data to the eUICC through remote provisioning, replacing physical SIM card insertion. Profiles can be downloaded, stored, and activated remotely, eliminating the need for physical hardware changes while maintaining multi-profile functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Volume of moving object

If eUICC is embedded in electronic devices, then hardware mount area is optimized and device compactness is improved, but physical SIM card replacement and management becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidprofile replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical SIM card insertion and removal with an electronic/remote provisioning system. Profiles can be downloaded, installed, and activated remotely through OTA updates, eliminating the need for physical access to the embedded eUICC while maintaining full profile management capability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3677059B1Method for providing communication service using secure element and electronic device thereof
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3677059B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3677059B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3677059B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electronic device includes a wireless communication circuit, a secure element configured to store information, the information including a first identifier indicating the secure element and at least one second identifier indicating a profile for a wireless communication service provided by at least one cellular network, at least one processor, and a memory configured to store instructions. The instructions, when executed, cause the at least one processor to transmit the first identifier to a first external server, via the wireless communication circuit, receive a second identifier and a profile associated with the second identifier from the second external server via the wireless communication circuit and store the second identifier and the profile in the secure element, and receive a first request, including the second identifier, associated with management of the profile, from the first external server.