eUICC Profile Unlocking via Terminal LPA Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for unlocking embedded universal integrated circuit cards (eUICCs) in terminals are cumbersome, requiring users to physically visit an operator's store, call customer service, or use a web interface for agreement termination, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for managing eUICCs that allows terminals to send unlock messages to the eUICC, carrying identifier and verification information, to instruct the eUICC to unlock profiles according to policy rules, facilitating convenient and fast unlocking without the need for external intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users follow traditional methods to unlock eUICC (visiting physical store, calling customer service, or using web interface), then agreement termination can be achieved, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device performs unlocking operations autonomously by sending unlock messages to the eUICC with verification information. The system enables self-service unlocking without requiring user interaction with external operators, thereby simplifying the operation process and reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking function is extracted from external operator systems and integrated directly into the terminal device. By moving the unlocking capability from the operator's domain to the terminal's domain, users can perform unlocking operations locally without needing to visit physical stores or contact customer service.
2Ease of operation
If the terminal performs unlocking operations locally using LPA module, then user experience is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LPA module in the terminal device is designed to handle multiple functions including profile management, verification information processing, and unlock message generation. By making the LPA module multi-functional, the system reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity while providing comprehensive unlocking capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The LPA module acts as an intermediary between the user interface and the eUICC. It receives unlock requests, processes verification information, formulates appropriate unlock messages, and communicates with the eUICC. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the complexity within a single mediating component rather than distributing it across multiple systems.
3Reliability
If verification information is required for unlocking, then security is improved, but the operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Verification information is prepared and stored in advance within the terminal device before the actual unlocking operation is needed. By performing the verification preparation in advance, the system ensures security requirements are met while keeping the actual unlocking operation simple and straightforward for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is implemented by an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) installed in a terminal, where a profile is installed in the eUICC, and where the profile is locked according to a policy rule. The method includes determining, by the terminal, identifier information and verification information of the profile that needs to be unlocked, where the identifier information of the profile is used to identify the profile installed in the terminal, and sending, by the terminal, a first unlock message to the eUICC, where the first unlock message carries the identifier information and the verification information of the profile, and where the first unlock message is used to instruct the eUICC to determine the profile and unlock the profile according to the policy rule after verification performed according to the verification information succeeds.