UICC to eSIM Profile Migration Maintaining Subscriber Identity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in seamlessly transitioning from a physical SIM card to an eSIM while maintaining the same telephone number and service environment, as existing solutions do not provide a method for replacing a physical SIM with an eSIM while preserving the existing phone number and service settings.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a UICC and an eUICC, where the processor identifies the device's location and requests a second profile from a mobile network operator server, performs authentication, and installs the new profile in the eUICC, ensuring the same mobile station subscriber directory number is maintained across the transition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user replaces a physical SIM card with an eSIM, then device modernization and service continuity are achieved, but there is no existing method to preserve the same telephone number and service environment during the transition

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSIM card to eSIM transition capabilityVSAvoidtelephone number and service environment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a second profile in the eUICC that copies the MSISDN (telephone number) from the first profile in the UICC. This copying mechanism allows the eSIM to replicate the essential service identification information, enabling service continuity without physical SIM card dependency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary authentication with the MNO server before completing the eSIM profile installation. This preliminary action ensures that the telephone number and service environment are verified and prepared in advance, preventing information loss during the transition process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple SIMs are mounted on a device, then service options and flexibility increase, but device complexity and management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple SIM supportVSAvoidSIM management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The eUICC is designed to universally support multiple profiles and can function as both a primary and secondary SIM. This multi-functionality allows the device to manage multiple SIMs through a unified interface, reducing the complexity associated with managing separate physical SIM cards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If SIM cards are miniaturized to fit modern devices, then device size reduction is achieved, but physical SIM handling and replacement become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSIM card sizeVSAvoidSIM card handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical SIM card system with an electronic eSIM system. Instead of physically handling and inserting miniaturized SIM cards, users can remotely provision and switch profiles through software, eliminating the need for manual SIM card handling while maintaining service functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3512224B1Method for controlling UICC and euicc on a device and device

Publication Date: 2023.08.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a UICC in which a first profile is installed, an eUICC, and a processor electrically connected with the UICC and the eUICC. The processor requests a second profile to be installed in the eUICC from a first server based on the first profile, receives the second profile from a second server associated with the first server, and installs the received second profile in the eUICC. The second profile and the first profile include the same subscriber identification information.