UICC Segmentation for MNO Switching Without Device Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

In machine-to-machine communications, embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Cards (UICCs) in devices like automobile engines or streetlights cannot be easily replaced, making it difficult for subscribers to switch to different Mobile Network Operators (MNOs without replacing the entire device, due to lack of re-provisioning capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A UICC with a processor and memory that retrieves credential information, facilitates communication sessions, and allows users to select and switch between MNOs by transmitting necessary information for establishing communication services with the new MNO, enabling seamless service continuity without device replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the UICC is embedded in the communication device, then the device can operate in harsh environments and maintain structural integrity, but the subscriber cannot easily switch to another MNO without replacing the entire device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice operation in harsh environmentsVSAvoidability to switch MNO

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the UICC into two independent components: a fixed embedded portion that remains in the device for environmental stability, and a removable SIM card portion that can be exchanged to switch MNOs. This allows the device to maintain reliability in harsh environments while enabling flexibility for MNO switching through the removable component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where a removable SIM card is housed within the embedded UICC. The SIM card is inserted into a slot within the UICC housing, allowing it to be removed and replaced independently while the UICC remains permanently installed in the device. This nested arrangement enables MNO switching without device replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the UICC is made removable, then the subscriber can switch MNOs by swapping SIM cards, but the device cannot be used in harsh environments where the UICC is not easily accessible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to switch MNOVSAvoiddevice operation in harsh environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the UICC system into a permanently embedded housing that provides environmental protection and accessibility, and a removable SIM card that enables MNO switching. The embedded portion maintains reliability in harsh environments while the removable portion provides adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary structure - the embedded UICC housing with an accessible slot - that mediates between the need for environmental protection and the need for easy SIM replacement. The housing protects the SIM card slot from environmental factors while providing a accessible interface for SIM insertion and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the embedded UICC is not configured to be re-provisioned, then the device structure remains simple, but the subscriber must replace the device to switch MNOs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUICC configurationVSAvoidability to switch MNO

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the provisioning capability into the removable SIM card, which contains the MNO-specific configuration and credentials. This allows the SIM card to be re-provisioned by simply replacing it, while the embedded UICC housing remains structurally simple and requires no modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary provisioning by pre-configuring multiple SIM cards with different MNO credentials before insertion. The device can switch MNOs by inserting a pre-provisioned SIM card with the desired MNO configuration, eliminating the need for complex re-provisioning procedures or device modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10659957B2Apparatus and methods for provisioning devices to utilize services of mobile network operators

Publication Date: 2020.05.19 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for facilitating, at a system including at least one processor, establishment of a communication session with a device coupled to a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) by way of network equipment of a default Mobile Network Operator (MNO), receiving, at the system, information descriptive of an MNO selection, selecting, at the system, from a database of credentials of a plurality of MNOs first credential information according to the received information, wherein the first credential information is associated with a first MNO of the plurality of MNOs, and transmitting, from the system, the first credential information to the UICC over the communication session by way of the device to cause the UICC to facilitate establishment of communications with network equipment of the first MNO according to the first credential information. Other embodiments are disclosed.