Secure Element Multi-Profile Management via Profile Manager
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current secure elements embedded in electronic devices, such as eUICC, are limited to enabling only one profile at a time, restricting the ability to support multiple profiles simultaneously, which hinders seamless communication services across different countries and networks, especially affecting SMS services when roaming.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device is designed to manage multiple profiles using a single secure element, allowing for simultaneous enablement and disablement of profiles based on user intent, with a method to determine the maximum supportable number of profiles and manage profile lists dynamically, enabling multi-profile services while maintaining communication continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only one profile is enabled in the secure element at a time, then security and simplicity are maintained, but the ability to support multiple profiles simultaneously is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the profile management function by introducing a profile manager component that separates profile configuration from profile execution. This allows multiple profiles to be enabled simultaneously in the secure element while the profile manager handles the complexity of switching and managing them, effectively dividing the system into profile storage, profile configuration, and profile execution layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile manager acts as an intermediary between the application processor and the secure element. It mediates the interaction by receiving profile enablement requests, coordinating with the secure element to enable multiple profiles, and managing the switching between them. This intermediary layer shields the complexity of multi-profile management from both the user and the underlying hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a roaming profile is enabled in the eUICC, then international communication service is improved, but SMS service with the home number may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic profile switching capability where the profile manager can enable multiple profiles simultaneously and switch between them based on operational requirements. When roaming is needed, the system dynamically enables the roaming profile while maintaining the home profile, and can switch between them as needed. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different operational contexts (home vs. roaming) without sacrificing service reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of profile management by allowing multiple profiles to be in an enabled state simultaneously, rather than following the traditional single-profile-enabled approach. This parameter change in the secure element's profile state management enables the system to maintain both home and roaming profiles active, with the profile manager controlling which profile is currently in use for different service types, thus maintaining SMS service continuity while enabling roaming capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple profiles are enabled simultaneously in the secure element, then communication service versatility is enhanced, but the secure element's single-profile limitation is violated
Solution Approach 1:
The profile manager serves as an intermediary that manages multiple enabled profiles in the secure element without violating its operational constraints. It coordinates with the secure element to enable multiple profiles while maintaining proper state management, ensuring that the secure element's reliability is preserved even as multi-profile support is implemented. The profile manager handles the complexity of multi-profile coordination, allowing the secure element to maintain its reliable single-operational-profile behavior while supporting multiple enabled profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by enabling multiple profiles in advance before they are needed for specific operations. The profile manager pre-configures the secure element with multiple enabled profiles, so when roaming or multi-profile services are required, the system can immediately switch to the appropriate profile without delay. This preliminary enabling of multiple profiles ensures service reliability while preparing the system for versatile operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing, a display including a touch screen exposed through a part of the housing, a communication circuit supporting cellular communication, a secure element storing a plurality of profiles including a first profile associated with a first cellular network and a second profile associated with a second cellular network, at least one processor electrically connected to the display, the communication circuit, and the secure element, and a memory electrically connected or coupled to the processor.