eUICC Advanced Subscriber Identity Toolkit Data Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face limitations in accessing and sharing data across multiple user access control clients, such as SIM cards, which restricts user flexibility and experience due to physical constraints and inability to consolidate information between cards.

Innovation Solution

A secure element, like an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC), manages and provides access to data stored across multiple electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs) using an Advanced Subscriber Identity Toolkit, enabling seamless data sharing and switching between eSIMs while maintaining security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple SIM cards are physically used in Dual-SIM devices, then access control functionality is improved, but data sharing and consolidation between cards becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control functionalityVSAvoiddata sharing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple SIM card functionalities into a single secure element by implementing virtual SIM card technology. Multiple access control clients are stored within one physical secure element, allowing data from different SIM cards to be consolidated and shared seamlessly while maintaining security boundaries. This resolves the contradiction by combining multiple access control functions without the physical limitations of multiple cards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The secure element is designed with multi-functionality to host multiple access control clients simultaneously. A single secure element can manage multiple SIM card identities and data sets, providing universal access control functionality. This eliminates the need for multiple physical SIM cards while maintaining all access control capabilities and enabling easy data sharing between what would traditionally require separate cards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If SIM cards are physically exchanged for different users, then access control is maintained, but user flexibility and convenience are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control securityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual copies of SIM card functionalities within a single secure element. Instead of physically exchanging SIM cards, the system can switch between multiple virtual SIM card identities stored in the same secure element. This copying approach maintains access control security through cryptographic boundaries while dramatically improving user convenience by eliminating physical card handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical SIM card insertion and extraction with an electronic/software-based system. Multiple access control clients are managed through software within the secure element, eliminating the need for mechanical card handling. This substitution maintains security through cryptographic protocols while greatly enhancing ease of operation through software-controlled switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If data is stored on separate SIM cards, then security boundaries are maintained, but information consolidation and sharing are prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity boundaryVSAvoiddata accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where multiple virtual SIM card data sets are contained within a single secure element. Each access control client maintains its own security boundary and data space, nested within the overarching secure element environment. This nesting enables secure data isolation while allowing controlled sharing and consolidation through the parent secure element's management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS8983543B2Methods and apparatus for managing data within a secure element

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 APPLE INC

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for managing and sharing data across multiple access control clients in devices. In one embodiment, the access control clients comprise electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs) disposed on a embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC). Each eSIM contains its own data. An Advanced Subscriber Identity Toolkit application maintained within the eUICC facilitates managing and sharing multiple eSIMs' data for various purposes such as sharing phonebook contacts or facilitating automatic switch-over between the multiple eSIMs (such as based on user context).