Multi-Subscription SIM Remote Management via Address-Based Profile Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-subscription SIM modules face challenges in remote management due to the non-univocal assignment of TAR codes by mobile network operators, making it difficult to identify and manage applications across different profiles.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method that allows remote management of multi-subscription SIM modules by using sender and destination addresses to determine the target profile, enabling communication through existing connections and enabling profiles even when not directly reachable, using profiles and gateway servers for routing remote management commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If TAR codes are used to identify applications in multi-subscription SIM modules, then remote management commands can be routed to applications, but the identification becomes ambiguous when multiple operators assign the same TAR code

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote management capabilityVSAvoidapplication identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary identification mechanism that combines TAR code with profile identifier. When a remote management command arrives, the system first uses the TAR code to identify the application type, then uses the profile identifier (derived from sender/destination addresses or connection context) to disambiguate which specific profile's application should receive the command. This two-stage identification process resolves the ambiguity caused by duplicate TAR codes across different operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds an additional dimension to the identification space by incorporating profile identifiers alongside TAR codes. Instead of relying solely on the one-dimensional TAR code, the system creates a two-dimensional identification space (TAR code × profile identifier) that uniquely maps each application instance. This dimensional expansion eliminates collisions while maintaining backward compatibility with existing TAR code-based command structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple profiles are stored in the SIM module, then multi-operator support is enabled, but the complexity of managing and routing commands to the correct profile increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-operator supportVSAvoidprofile management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the SIM module automatically performs profile identification and command routing based on embedded metadata in the received commands. The system extracts sender and destination addresses from incoming remote management commands, automatically determines the target profile, and routes the command without requiring external intervention or complex manual configuration. This automation reduces the operational complexity of managing multiple profiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by pre-establishing the relationship between profiles and network identifiers (sender/destination addresses) during profile configuration. When profiles are installed or activated, the system pre-computes and stores the mapping between address patterns and profile identifiers. This pre-processing enables rapid, automatic profile identification during command routing, eliminating the need for complex real-time decision-making and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If profiles are enabled only when directly reachable, then security is maintained, but remote management of disabled profiles is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidremote management accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the profile management system into two distinct operational modes: secure enabled profiles for active communication and managed disabled profiles for administrative control. Disabled profiles can receive and process remote management commands through a controlled interface that prevents unauthorized execution while allowing configuration updates. This segmentation enables secure yet flexible remote management, where security constraints are maintained but management accessibility is improved through differentiated access paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3073773B1Methods for performing a remote management of a multi-subscription SIM module, and corresponding SIM module and computer program product
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 STMICROELECTRONICS SRL
  • EP3073773B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3073773B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3073773B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method for performing a remote management of a multi-subscription SIM module (108a) is disclosed. The multi-subscription SIM module (108a) comprises at least one memory adapted to store a first (P1) and a second (P2) profile associated with a respective first (MNO1) and a second (MNO2) mobile network operator, such that a respective content may be associated with each profile (P1, P2). Specifically, the method comprises receiving a remote management message from a remote host (30a, 30b), wherein the remote management message comprises a remote management command, and a sender address and/or a destination address. Next, the remote management message is processed in order to determine the sender address and/or the destination address and a target profile (P1; P2) of the remote management command is determined as a function of the sender address and/or the destination address. Accordingly, once having determined the target profile, the remote management command may be executed in order to interact with the content of the target profile (P1; P2).