Identification Module Subscription Data Reversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for changing mobile phone service providers are cumbersome, requiring logistical efforts such as replacing identification modules or entire terminals, and lack secure, automated mechanisms for switching subscription data, which can lead to service disruptions and unauthorized changes.

Innovation Solution

A method and identification module that automatically revert to previous subscription data if a confirmation message from the new provider is not received, ensuring secure changes without external commands and eliminating the need for a central administration unit, allowing for seamless provider switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional identification modules are used where subscription data is fixed before issuance, then security and reliability of subscription data are improved, but adaptability and ease of changing home network deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity and reliability of subscription dataVSAvoidability to change home network

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The identification module dynamically switches between different subscription data sets based on activation status. The system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where subscription data can be activated or deactivated remotely, allowing the module to adapt to different home networks while maintaining security through controlled activation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple subscription data sets are pre-loaded into the identification module during manufacturing or initial configuration, but they remain inactive. The desired subscription data is prepared in advance and activated only when needed through remote commands, combining security of pre-configured data with flexibility of on-demand activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If remote activation of subscription data is implemented, then ease of changing home network is improved, but risk of unauthorized changes and service disruptions worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of changing home networkVSAvoidrisk of unauthorized changes and service disruptions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the identification module reports status information about activated subscription data back to the network. This allows the network to verify successful activation, detect failures, and prevent unauthorized changes by confirming that only authorized activation commands have been executed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The network acts as an intermediary between the user and the identification module for activating subscription data. Rather than allowing direct user modification, the network mediates the activation process by sending authenticated commands, thereby preventing unauthorized changes while maintaining ease of operation through remote activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If central administration center is used to control subscription data changes, then security is improved, but device complexity and logistical effort worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of subscription data changesVSAvoidcomplexity of administration infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The identification module performs self-service by automatically processing activation and deactivation of subscription data based on remote commands. The module autonomously manages its own configuration state, switching between subscription data sets without requiring physical intervention or complex external administration infrastructure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If identification module must be replaced to change home network, then security of subscription data is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of subscription dataVSAvoidtime for replacing identification module

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of physically replacing the identification module with an electronic/telecommunications-based activation mechanism. Remote commands transmitted through the network enable subscription data changes without physical intervention, eliminating the time loss associated with module replacement while maintaining security through authenticated command processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2528362B1Change of subscription data in an identification module

Publication Date: 2018.07.04 VODAFONE HOLDING GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for changing active subscription data in an identification module for use in a mobile communication device that can be connected to a mobile network. After the activation of new subscription data, the identification module automatically reverts to activating previously activated old subscription data if at least one predefined event is not detected in the identification module after the activation of the new subscription data. Furthermore, the invention relates to an identification module suitable for carrying out the method.