Profile Manager Automating Subscription Profile Lifecycle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing subscription profiles on security elements in mobile devices is cumbersome, especially when users need to switch between different mobile network operators, requiring manual SIM replacement or complex over-the-air profile changes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a profile manager to load, check, and automatically put out of operation a first subscription profile when predetermined conditions are met, such as crossing a national border or reaching authentication limits, allowing for automatic profile maintenance without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple subscription profiles are loaded on the security element to provide user choice, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to unwieldy handling of large numbers of profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic profile maintenance through self-service mechanisms. The security element autonomously checks conditions for profile validity and automatically puts outdated profiles out of operation without requiring user intervention, thereby managing multiple profiles efficiently while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively checking whether loaded profiles satisfy predetermined conditions before user selection. By anticipating profile obsolescence and automatically managing profile states in advance, the system prevents clutter accumulation and simplifies the user interface
2Reliability
If manual SIM replacement is performed to switch mobile network operators, then security is maintained through physical replacement, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome manual process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical SIM card replacement process with an electronic/software-based solution. Subscription profiles are loaded and switched electronically through the security element's memory, eliminating the need for physical SIM card removal and insertion while maintaining authentication security through encrypted profile data
Solution Approach 2:
The security element is designed with multi-functionality to store multiple subscription profiles and automatically manage them. This universal capability allows the single security element to perform both physical SIM card functions and multiple operator profile management, enabling seamless switching between networks
3Ease of operation
If over-the-air profile loading is implemented to enable wireless profile changes, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional loading and management mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The security element incorporates self-service capabilities to automatically manage the complexity of over-the-air profile loading. It autonomously receives profiles wirelessly, checks their validity against predetermined conditions, and manages their activation states without requiring complex user-side management systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation checks of loaded profiles against predetermined conditions before making them available for use. This proactive approach simplifies the overall system by preventing invalid profile states from propagating through the system, reducing the complexity of error handling and profile management
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing subscription profiles of a security element, which is provided for use in a mobile end device and on which a profile manager and at least one first subscription profile is loaded, includes: loading a second subscription profile from a subscription management server; checking whether the at least one first loaded subscription profile satisfies a predetermined condition; and putting the at least one first subscription profile out of operation when the at least one first subscription profile satisfies the predetermined condition.