eUICC Self-Provisioning via Primary Device Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for dynamically personalizing Universal Integrated Circuit Cards (UICC) in wearable devices and IoT devices are cumbersome, requiring user input for QR activation codes, which is impractical for small form factor devices, and do not allow for easy switching between wireless carriers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for remote provisioning of eUICC in companion devices using a primary device for network connectivity, allowing for self-activation and profile updates without physical hardware changes, utilizing a service provider application to manage SIM profiles and communicate with network devices for activation and profile download.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic personalization is implemented requiring user input for QR activation codes, then the ability to change SIM profile on embedded UICC is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome user input requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the eUICC to automatically receive and process activation codes through machine-to-machine communication. The primary device transmits the activation code directly to the companion device, which then autonomously personalizes the eUICC profile without requiring manual user input, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The primary device acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the service provider network and the companion device. It receives the activation code from the network, processes it, and transmits it to the companion device, eliminating the need for direct user interaction with QR codes or complex activation procedures
2Ease of manufacture
If eUICC is permanently installed in small form factor devices, then device integration is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inaccessibility for manual activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physical SIM card insertion with an electronic/digital approach. Activation codes are transmitted electronically through wireless communication between the primary device and companion device, and the eUICC is personalized through software-based profile download, eliminating the need for physical access to the embedded UICC
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital copying of the activation code from the primary device to the companion device. Instead of requiring physical manipulation of the eUICC, the activation information is copied and transmitted electronically, enabling seamless activation of permanently installed eUICCs in small form factor devices
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for self-provisioning and personalization of a companion device. A primary user device receives input to initiate a cellular service activation process for a companion device, wherein the companion device includes a preloaded version of a service provider application for facilitating remote provisioning. The primary device provides, to the companion device, an updated version of the service provider application that replaces the preloaded version. The primary device receives, from the companion device, an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) identifier for the companion device and forwards the eUICC identifier to a network device and an identifier for the primary device. When the network device verifies that the cellular service activation for the companion device can be provisioned, the primary device receives an activation code for the companion device to use to initiate a request for a new line of service for the eUICC identifier and forwards the activation code to the companion device.