Removable eUICC Profile Initialization for Multi-Enabled Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems with eUICCs supporting multiple enabled profiles (MEP) lack methods for handling profile processing, particularly when a profile with a 'disabling impossible' business provider policy (PPR1) is inserted, and there is no consideration for operations involving terminals and eUICCs.

Innovation Solution

A method involving activation and cold reset for configuring an operating environment with a removable eUICC supporting MEP mode, using ATR messages and APDU messages to determine transport protocols and manage channel openings, ensuring baseband connection and enabling profiles as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a removable eUICC supporting multiple enabled profiles (MEP) is inserted into a terminal, then the terminal can support multiple profiles simultaneously without additional hardware, but the initialization process between terminal and eUICC becomes complex and undefined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple profile supportVSAvoidinitialization process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational mode parameter of the eUICC from single-profile to multiple enabled profiles (MEP) mode. During initialization, the terminal and eUICC negotiate and determine the operational mode through parameter exchange. When MEP mode is detected, the system adjusts its behavior to support multiple simultaneously enabled profiles, resolving the initialization complexity through parameter-based adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic mode determination during the initialization process. The terminal and eUICC dynamically assess compatibility and determine whether to operate in traditional single-profile mode or MEP mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle removable MEP-supporting eUICCs flexibly, adjusting the operational characteristics based on the detected eUICC capabilities without requiring completely separate initialization procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a profile with 'disabling impossible' business provider policy (PPR1) is inserted, then the profile must remain enabled, but this restricts the terminal's ability to manage and swap profiles freely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile policy enforcementVSAvoidprofile management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the terminal queries the eUICC about profile policies and operational modes during initialization. When a profile with PPR1 ('disabling impossible') policy is detected, the terminal receives feedback about this constraint and adjusts its profile management behavior accordingly. The system continues to support profile swapping and management operations while respecting the PPR1 policy constraints, providing appropriate user notifications or restrictions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent treats profile policies as configurable parameters that affect system behavior. When a profile with specific policies (like PPR1) is detected, the system changes its operational parameters to accommodate these policies. This allows the terminal to maintain flexible profile management capabilities while enforcing necessary policy constraints, balancing reliability requirements with operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional eUICC initialization procedures are used with MEP-supporting eUICCs, then compatibility with existing systems is maintained, but profile swapping and baseband connection management become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoidprofile swapping capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic operational mode determination that allows the system to adapt between traditional and MEP modes based on the eUICC capabilities. During initialization, the terminal and eUICC negotiate the operational mode, enabling profile swapping and enhanced baseband connection management when MEP mode is detected, while maintaining backward compatibility with traditional systems. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making the system behavior conditional rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter-based adaptation where the operational mode parameter determines the initialization and profile management behavior. When MEP capability is detected, the system changes its operational parameters to enable advanced features like profile swapping and multiple baseband connections. This parameter-driven approach maintains stability with existing systems while enabling versatility when appropriate capabilities are present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4233330B1Method and apparatus for handling profiles by considering removable euicc supporting multiple enabled profiles
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4233330B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4233330B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4233330B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and apparatus of a user equipment (UE) for a communication technique that converges a 5G communication system for supporting a higher data rate after a 4G system with IoT technology, and a system, is provided. The method comprises: performing activation and cold reset for configuring an operating environment for a removable eUICC supporting a MEP mode; receiving an ATR message indicating whether the eUICC supports at least one eUICC functionality; determining a transport protocol based on the received ATR message; transmitting an APDU message indicating whether the UE supports eUICC-related capability; receiving a response message including a response code; determining to operating in a non-MEP mode; transmitting a command APDU message for MANAGE CHANNEL open transmitted for channel open; receiving a normal response message for generating a basic channel; and performing initialization between the eUICC and the UE.