eUICC Subscription Transfer via Wireless Profile Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for transferring a subscription from a conventional UICC to a new electronic device with an eUICC are hindered when the new device lacks a physical UICC slot, and there is a need for a method to transfer subscriptions between electronic devices equipped with eUICCs without physical SIM insertion.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device is designed with both a first wireless communication circuit for short-range connections and a second wireless communication circuit for long-range connections, enabling it to establish a connection with an external device, acquire subscription information, transmit this information to a server, and receive a corresponding profile to store in a second SIM, thus facilitating subscription transfer without physical SIM insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical UICC slot is used for subscription transfer, then the transfer process is simple and direct, but the new electronic device cannot receive the physical UICC when it lacks a slot structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical UICC insertion system with a wireless communication-based profile transfer system. The eUICC uses wireless communication circuits to receive subscription profiles remotely, eliminating the need for physical slots and manual card insertion while maintaining subscription transfer functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical UICC functionality through the eUICC's ability to store and execute subscription profiles. Instead of transferring a physical card, the system transfers the functional equivalent (profile data) wirelessly, allowing the same subscription to be accessed without the original physical UICC.
2Speed
If subscription information is transferred directly between devices, then the transfer is fast and direct, but authentication and security verification steps are skipped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs authentication and authorization actions before the actual profile transfer. The system verifies device eligibility, authenticates the user, and obtains authorization from the home network operator before initiating the subscription information transfer, ensuring security is established in advance rather than during transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the electronic device and the subscription information. The server acts as a trusted mediator that validates authentication credentials, authorizes the transfer, and manages the profile delivery process, ensuring secure and controlled information transfer without direct peer-to-peer access.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device according to an embodiment may include: a first wireless communication circuit configured to support a first communication protocol, a second wireless communication circuit configured to support a second communication protocol, at least one processor operatively coupled with the first wireless communication circuit and the second wireless communication circuit, and a memory operatively coupled with the at least one processor, wherein the memory stores instructions which, when executed, cause the at least one processor to control the electronic device to: establish a short-range communication connection between the electronic device and an external electronic device through the first wireless communication circuit, acquire subscription information of a first profile stored in a first Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) of the external electronic device from the external electronic device through the first wireless communication circuit, transmit at least part of the subscription, information to a first server through the second wireless communication circuit, acquire authentication information provided by the first server from the external electronic device through the first wireless communication circuit, transmit the authentication information to the first server through the second wireless communication circuit, acquire a second profile from a second server associated with the first server through the second wireless communication circuit based on transmitting the authentication information to the first server, and store the second profile to a second SIM of the electronic device.