UICC Network Access Application Emergency Call Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems do not allow for effective disabling of network access applications on embedded UICC (universal integrated circuit card) for emergency calls, as powering down the UICC can disable other essential applications like payment and ticketing, and removing the SIM card is not feasible for all scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus to change the verification status of the PIN, effectively disabling network access applications by comparing emergency call information with stored codes and resetting the PIN verification status, allowing emergency calls on any available network while maintaining security and enabling other applications post-emergency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the UICC is powered down to disable network access application, then network access is disabled, but other essential applications like payment and ticketing are also disabled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork access controlVSAvoidapplication functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the UICC functionality by introducing a secure element that can be independently controlled. The network access application is separated from other applications (payment, ticketing) through the use of a dedicated secure element within the UICC, allowing selective disabling of only the network access component while preserving other functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a PIN verification mechanism as an intermediary control layer between the user and the network access application. The PIN status acts as a mediator that can selectively enable or disable network access without affecting other UICC applications, providing fine-grained control over access permissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the SIM card is removed to enable emergency calls on any network, then network access flexibility is improved, but the device cannot function without a SIM card

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork access flexibilityVSAvoiddevice functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of network access permissions through the PIN verification status. The system can dynamically switch between restricted mode (PIN verified, normal network access control) and emergency mode (PIN not verified, emergency calls allowed on any network). This dynamic mechanism allows the device to adapt its network access behavior based on the situation without requiring physical SIM removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the verification status parameter of the PIN to control network access behavior. By transitioning the PIN status from verified to not verified, the system fundamentally changes the network access parameters, allowing emergency calls to any network while maintaining the SIM card physically present in the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the PIN verification status is changed to disable network access, then security is improved, but reactivation requires additional steps

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidreactivation process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service reactivation mechanism where the user can reactivate network access by simply entering the correct PIN code. The system automatically verifies the PIN and restores network access permissions without requiring external intervention or complex procedures. This self-service approach simplifies the reactivation process while maintaining security through PIN verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2870787B1Method to disable a network access application in a secure element
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2870787B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2870787B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2870787B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method comprises causing a network access application or cellular authentication in a secure element to be disabled by changing a status of security information. In one embodiment, a method is provided to disable the network access applications of a UICC, in case of an emergency call, by resetting a verification status of the PIN.