Virtualized UICC Application Management for Multi-Network Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current card computing devices, such as eUICC, are limited in managing multiple mobile network operator (MNO) profiles, requiring manual switching and lack efficient application management across different networks, which complicates seamless communication and roaming experiences.
Innovation Solution
A card computing device capable of managing multiple virtualized UICCs, allowing for the storage and execution of applications across multiple mobile networks, with the ability to activate and deactivate applications based on enabled MNO profiles, mimicking a dedicated UICC and supporting multiple security domains for secure communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a card computing device stores multiple MNO profiles to support multiple mobile networks, then the adaptability and versatility of the device is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need to manage multiple profiles and their associated applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the card computing device into multiple virtualized UICC environments, each representing a separate mobile network operator profile. Each virtualized UICC is isolated and can be independently activated or deactivated, allowing the device to manage multiple MNO profiles without increasing overall complexity. The segmentation enables each profile to operate as an independent unit with its own application set.
Solution Approach 2:
The card computing device implements a universal platform that can host multiple virtualized UICCs and support multiple mobile networks through a single physical device. The unified application management mechanism provides multi-functionality by handling profile switching, application activation/deactivation, and resource allocation across all profiles through a single system, rather than requiring separate management for each profile.
2Ease of operation
If applications are automatically activated based on enabled MNO profiles, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for automatic selection and triggering mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by pre-associating applications with their corresponding MNO profiles during profile setup. When a profile is enabled, the associated applications are automatically activated based on these pre-established relationships. This preliminary association eliminates the need for complex real-time decision-making mechanisms, as the system simply follows the pre-defined mappings between profiles and applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The card computing device implements self-service through automatic profile-based application management. When an MNO profile is enabled or disabled, the system automatically activates or deactivates the associated applications without requiring manual user intervention or complex external control mechanisms. The system serves itself by monitoring profile states and autonomously managing application lifecycles based on those states.
3Device complexity
If manual switching between MNO profiles is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting when an MNO profile should be activated based on enabled profiles and associated application states. When a profile is enabled in the system, the corresponding applications are automatically activated, and the profile switching occurs without requiring manual user intervention. This eliminates the time loss associated with manual profile switching while keeping the underlying mechanism relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A card computing device may include and manage multiple virtualized universal integrated circuit cards (UICCs) for use with mobile communications. The card computing device may be capable of storing information, and executing applications, for multiple mobile networks (e.g., using multiple virtual UICCs) and of managing switches among those mobile networks. A mobile network operator (MNO) may be represented by a MNO profile, which, when enabled, may look and behave like a dedicated UICC. One or more applications may be deployed on the card computing device and each may be associated with a MNO profile. When a MNO profile is enabled, one or more applications may be activated and when a MNO profile is disabled, one or more active applications may be deactivated, according to some embodiments. Thus, a card computing device may be configured to activate and deactivate applications as part of managing MNO profiles.