eUICC Profile Update via Dedicated Element Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current specifications for managing eUICCs do not allow for efficient updating of already installed profiles, requiring costly procedures like deleting and reinstalling profiles, and rely on active profiles for OTA updates, which can be costly and limited.
Innovation Solution
A method for updating eUICC profiles using a dedicated profile element update function distinct from traditional loading and installation functions, allowing the eUICC to identify updates and implement a specific routine, while maintaining standard protocols, and using a partial profile package encoded in TLV commands to indicate updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional profile loading functions (LoadProfileElements, DownloadAndInstallation, LoadBoundProfilePackage) are used to update profiles, then the standardized protocols are maintained, but the update operation cannot be distinguished from a new profile installation, requiring deletion and reinstallation of profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the profile package by introducing a distinct update function that processes only the necessary profile elements for updating, rather than requiring complete profile reinstallation. This segmentation allows selective updating of profile components while maintaining the standardized protocol structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary update function that acts as a bridge between the standardized loading functions and the profile update operation. This intermediary function processes the profile package differently based on update indicators, enabling profile updates without full reinstallation while maintaining compatibility with existing protocols.
2Ease of operation
If OTA platforms are used to update profiles, then profile updates can be performed, but active profiles are required and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the eUICC to perform self-updating by processing update profile elements locally through a dedicated update function. The eUICC can identify update operations through specific indicators in the profile package and execute updates autonomously without requiring OTA platforms or active profile states, reducing operational dependencies and costs.
3Reliability
If profiles are deleted and reinstalled for updates, then profile updates are achieved, but time and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the eUICC by configuring it with the ability to recognize update indicators in profile packages before actual updates occur. This preliminary configuration enables the eUICC to directly process update operations without requiring prior profile deletion, significantly reducing update time while maintaining update completeness through the dedicated update function.
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
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AI summary
The invention relates to updating subscriber profiles within eUICCs under the standardized procedures SGP.02 and SGP.22. The eUICC host terminal or the eUICC itself receives (20) a partial profile package from an SM-DP server containing profile update elements for a target profile. The eUICC processes (22) the partial profile package to update the profile elements within that profile. According to the invention, the partial profile package is received from the SM-DP server via a profile element update function distinct from the LoadProfileElements function of SGP.22 and the DownloadAndInstallation function of SGP.02. For example, the commands or TLV segments containing the profile elements within the linked profile package may have a type other than '86' (reserved for the classical functions mentioned above), typically '90'.