UICC Profile Swap Activation via Triggering Command
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for swapping virtual profiles in a secure element, such as a UICC, require a lengthy waiting period due to the need for a proactive Refresh command to be sent through a dedicated logical channel, which is dependent on the baseband's polling frequency, leading to increased activation time for a new profile.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves sending a swap command through a first logical channel and immediately following it with a triggering command through a second logical channel, allowing the token to send a CAT REFRESH command only if a profile swap request is registered, thereby bypassing the need for a baseband reboot and reducing the activation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a proactive Refresh command is sent through a dedicated logical channel to swap virtual profiles, then the profile swap can be performed, but the activation time increases due to waiting for baseband polling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by sending a triggering command (AT+CRSM or AT+CSIM) before the baseband polls the dedicated logical channel. This triggering command pre-prepares the condition for the Refresh command to be sent immediately when the baseband polls, rather than waiting for the natural polling cycle. The swap command is registered in advance, and the triggering command activates the Refresh command transmission at the optimal moment, thus reducing the activation time while ensuring reliable profile swap completion.
2Reliability
If the secure element waits for a command on the dedicated logical channel to send the Refresh command, then the swap can be performed securely, but the waiting phase extends the activation duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by having the secure element register the swap command in advance on the first logical channel. When the triggering command is received, the Refresh command is immediately sent on the dedicated logical channel without waiting for the natural polling cycle. This preliminary registration ensures security requirements are met while the immediate activation upon triggering reduces the activation duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary triggering command (AT+CRSM or AT+CSIM) that acts as a mediator between the swap request and the Refresh command transmission. This intermediary command bridges the gap between the swap request on the first logical channel and the Refresh command on the dedicated logical channel, enabling the secure element to send the Refresh command immediately when the baseband polls, thus reducing waiting time while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If a baseband reboot is performed to activate the new profile, then the profile settings are properly applied, but the overall process time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of profile activation from the complete baseband reboot process. By sending the Refresh command immediately when the baseband polls the dedicated logical channel, the patent achieves profile settings application without requiring a full baseband reboot. The Refresh command selectively updates the profile settings in the secure element, separating the profile activation function from the time-consuming baseband reboot operation, thus reducing activation time while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is a method for managing the swap of current profile in a UICC comprising several profiles connected to a host machine that includes an application and a baseband which includes a radio functions manager. The method comprising the steps of: - sending a swap command requesting a swap of current profile from the application to the UICC through a first logical channel and - sending a triggering command from the application to the radio functions manager immediately after sending the swap command, the triggering command forcing sending of a first command by the baseband to the UICC through a second logical channel different from the first logical channel.