Selector Assistant for Multi-SIM Application Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a multi-SIM or eUICC environment, operators and applications face challenges in interacting with multiple USIM, C-SIM, ISIM, SIM, and R-SIM, as traditional methods are not suitable for locating and managing applications across different secure modules and radio instances, leading to potential conflicts and connectivity issues.
Innovation Solution
A novel control entity, the selector assistant, is implemented within the terminal to manage incoming requests for applications in eUICC or UICC, allowing users to assign descriptive names to downloaded applications and presenting a list of named applications for selection, ensuring the correct application is activated based on user choice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple USIM applications are stored in the same secure module, then the terminal can support multiple operators and networks, but it becomes difficult to locate and select the correct application for activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a selector assistant as an intermediary component that mediates between the requestor (application or operator) and the multiple USIM applications stored in the secure module. This selector assistant maintains a mapping between application identifiers and USIM application locations, and presents a user interface for selection when multiple applications are found, thereby resolving the contradiction between supporting multiple operators and enabling easy application selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy or representation of the USIM application information (application identifier, display name, icon) in the selector assistant without duplicating the actual cryptographic materials. This copy allows the system to reference and select applications efficiently without compromising security, while still providing full multi-operator support
2Device complexity
If traditional application location methods are used in multi-SIM environments, then the system structure remains simple, but conflicts and connectivity issues arise when multiple radio instances are active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the application selection and management functionality into a separate selector assistant component, distinct from the traditional SIM management. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple active radio instances and USIM applications without conflicts, as the selector assistant can independently determine which application to activate based on the requestor's needs and current system state
Solution Approach 2:
The selector assistant acts as a mediator between the radio access technology (RAT) selection and the USIM application activation. It ensures that when multiple radio instances are active, the correct USIM application is selected for each radio instance based on the requestor's requirements, preventing conflicts and ensuring reliable connectivity across different networks
3Extent of automation
If no user interface is provided for application selection, then the system operates automatically with simple control, but users cannot choose the correct application in multi-SIM scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic selection mechanism where the system adapts its behavior based on the situation. When only one USIM application is found, the system automatically activates it without user intervention. When multiple applications are found, the system dynamically switches to presenting a user interface for selection, thereby combining the benefits of both automatic operation and user control
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes downloading at the request of a user an application for storage in a secure module of a terminal; requesting the user to assign a descriptive name for the downloaded application; storing the descriptive name together with an application identity of the downloaded application; in response to a request to activate a stored application, presenting the user with a list having elements of one or more stored applications, where each list element comprises at least the user assigned descriptive name; and activating an application associated with a selection of a list element by the user. Various embodiments of apparatus for implementing the method are also disclosed.