Secure Element Subscription Identity Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual SIM devices with embedded UICC (eUICC) face challenges in managing and detecting changes in subscriptions, as they cannot physically detect changes or deletions of SIM cards, and users are unsure of the number of active subscriptions, leading to inefficient IMEI and certificate management.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow for remote provisioning of subscriptions, where a secure element determines if a device identity is assigned, requests a free identity from a pool if not assigned, and informs the user equipment via an API, enabling efficient management and utilization of identities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical SIM card slots are used in dual SIM devices, then SIM card changes can be physically detected, but embedded UICC cannot physically detect changes or deletions of subscriptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary notification mechanism where the secure element actively informs the UE about subscription changes through standardized interfaces. This mediator resolves the detection problem by translating internal subscription state changes into externally observable events without requiring physical SIM slot architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical detection method (physical SIM card insertion/removal in slots) with an electronic/software-based notification system. The secure element uses logical interfaces and notification mechanisms to substitute for the physical detection capability, eliminating the need for mechanical SIM slots while maintaining change detection functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SIM card slots are provided, then users can have multiple active subscriptions, but users are unsure of the number of active subscriptions leading to inefficient IMEI management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the secure element actively notifies the UE about subscription presence, absence, and status changes through standardized interfaces. This feedback loop provides real-time information about the number and state of active subscriptions, enabling efficient IMEI management while supporting multiple simultaneous subscriptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification mechanism designed in this patent serves multiple functions: it informs the UE about subscription presence/absence, enables IMEI management, and works across different numbers of subscriptions. This universal interface handles various subscription configurations without requiring separate detection mechanisms for each scenario.
3Adaptability or versatility
If device identity is not assigned to downloaded subscriptions, then subscription flexibility is improved, but identity management becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the secure element proactively check whether a device identity is assigned to a downloaded subscription and automatically request and assign identities from available pools when needed. This preliminary assignment action eliminates subsequent identity management delays and ensures subscriptions are ready for immediate use.
Solution Approach 2:
The secure element performs self-service by autonomously managing the identity assignment process. It checks its own subscription inventory, identifies unassigned subscriptions, requests identities from pools, and completes assignments without external intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains flexibility while improving identity management efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, corresponding apparatuses, and a computer program product for multiSIM devices with embedded SIM functionality are provided. The method comprises downloading at least one subscription from a secure application manager to a secure element with remote provisioning functionality within a user equipment. The method also comprises determining whether or not to assign an identity related to the at least one subscription. The method further comprises informing the user equipment of the at least one subscription being present upon assignment of the identity. With the claimed inventions, subscriptions and a pool of identities can be efficiently and flexibly managed and maintained remotely.