eUICC Remote Configuration via Support Network

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional SIM cards require replacement for subscription changes, leading to user delays and operator costs, and are unsuitable for M2M/IoT devices due to mechanical constraints and high logistics costs, prompting the need for remote configuration solutions like eUICC/eSIM, but these incur resource reservation costs for infrequent use.

Innovation Solution

An eUICC card with an incomplete provision profile that completes missing data via an assistance network, allowing remote configuration without pre-reserving expensive resources, and enabling cost-effective roaming network selection based on geographical position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If resources (IMSI, authentication key) are permanently provisioned in the eUICC card for initial connection, then the eUICC card can establish communication with the provisioning network, but the operator incurs high costs for reserving resources that are only used for short procedures and infrequent situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidresource reservation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The eUICC card is pre-configured with a support profile containing a support IMSI and support authentication key that enable initial connection to a support network. This preliminary configuration allows the card to establish communication without requiring permanent provisioning of expensive resources in the provisioning network, thereby resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and resource reservation cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional SIM cards are used and replaced for subscription changes, then subscription modification is possible, but user delays occur and operator costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubscription flexibilityVSAvoiduser delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical SIM card replacement system with an electronic remote configuration system. The eUICC card maintains permanent installation in the terminal while allowing remote downloading and activation of new operational profiles via support network and provisioning network communication, eliminating the need for physical card replacement and associated user delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional SIM cards are inserted and replaced for M2M or IoT devices, then subscription changes are possible, but significant logistical costs are generated and mechanical constraints make accessing the SIM card difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubscription flexibilityVSAvoidlogistical cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical SIM card system with an embedded eUICC card that requires no physical access for subscription changes. The card is permanently integrated into M2M or IoT devices, and all configuration changes are performed remotely through network communication, eliminating logistical costs associated with card replacement and avoiding mechanical access constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of energy

If an incomplete provision profile is used in the eUICC card, then resource reservation costs are reduced, but the card cannot establish communication with the provisioning network without assistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource reservation costVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a support network as an intermediary between the eUICC card and the provisioning network. The support network receives requests from the terminal, retrieves missing provision profile data from the provisioning network, and transmits it to the terminal. This intermediary mechanism allows the card to function with an incomplete provision profile, reducing resource reservation costs while maintaining ease of operation through automated assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3714617B1Method for assistance with the remote configuration of an euicc card and system for implementing such a method

Publication Date: 2022.07.27 SIGFOX

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AI summary

The invention relates to a terminal (1) provided with an eUICC card (10) having an incomplete provisioning profile (11), that is at least one missing datum (111) essential to the establishment of a communication between the terminal (1) and an access network (21) of a first wireless communication system (2) is not defined by default in the provisioning profile (11). In order to remotely configure the eUICC card (10) by means of the provisioning profile (11), prior communication is established between the terminal (1) and an access network of a second wireless communication system (3) in order to transmit the missing data (111) so as to be able to complete the provisioning profile (11).