Method, apparatus and computer program product for adaptive paging of user equipment supporting multiple subscriber identity modules

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and computer program product provide adaptive paging for a user equipment (UE) having multiple user identity modules (SIMs). The UE may provide an indication to the network in a registration message that the UE supports multiple SIMs. The network may allow repeated paging to allow a SIM to miss a paging occasion without explaining that the UE is unavailable. The indication from the UE may specify the number of SIMs supported by the UE. The network may adjust the number of paging repetitions to the UE. If the UE is receiving paging from another network or has a SIM that is already active in the network, the UE sends a paging control message to the network. If the UE detects a paging occasion conflict, the UE sends a registration message with a replacement ID to the network for paging another SIM, and the UE and the network negotiate appropriate paging.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 908,044, filed on September 30, 2019, entitled “Method, Apparatus And Computer Program Product For Adaptive Paging Of User Equipment Supporting Multiple Subscriber Identification Modules,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The subject matter described herein relates to wireless communications and, more particularly, to paging occasions for user equipment supporting multiple subscriber identity modules. Background Art

[0004] Telecommunication networks such as the fifth generation mobile networks (5G networks) are expected to be the next major stage in mobile telecommunication standards and bring many improvements to the mobile network user experience. For example, 5G networks should provide new technical solutions to allow higher throughput, lower latency, higher reliability, higher connectivity and a higher range of mobility. In addition to these improvements in performance, 5G networks are also expected to expand the flexibility of network use and allow a wider range of use cases and business models for users.

[0005] In wireless telecommunications, a user equipment (UE) such as a smartphone or another such mobile device may be connected to a network such as a 5G network. The UE may have one or more user identity modules (SIMs), such as a universal SIM (USIM), and may be configured to operate in a single radio or dual radio mode. Sometimes, when a UE has more than one SIM card, one or more of the SIM cards will become active SIM cards, while some or all of the remaining SIM cards are in standby mode or otherwise inactive. The network and the UE may interact at a given point in time using a single SIM associated with the UE. However, over a longer time span, two or more SIMs that are active during at least a portion of the longer time span may be used for independent interactions between one or more networks and the UE. Therefore, a multi-SIM UE is typically a UE that can allow more than one SIM to be active at the same time.

[0006] A multi-SIM UE often receives messages with the network, for example, paging a second SIM by the network, while using a first SIM in a set of active SIMs, which are SIMs registered with a public land mobile network (PLMN). These messages may overlap in time with the activities of the SIMs in use, for example, a paging message for one SIM may conflict with a paging message or paging occasion for another SIM. Summary of the invention

[0007] A method, apparatus and computer program product for adaptive paging of user equipment supporting multiple subscriber identity modules are disclosed. A user equipment (UE) may provide an indication to the network in a registration message that the UE supports multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs). The network may then allow repeated paging to allow the SIM to miss a paging opportunity without the network interpreting that the UE is unavailable. The indication from the UE may specify the number of SIMs supported by the UE. The network may adjust the number of paging repetitions to the UE. If the UE is receiving paging from the network using a certain SIM card, but at a certain point in time it should not need mobile terminated services used with other SIM cards, although the UE may initiate data on any network with which it is currently registered at any time, the UE may include an indication to stop any paging for these SIMs in the registration message to the network (multiple) for these SIMs. If the UE detects a paging occasion conflict between SIMs, it sends a registration message with assistance information to the network to avoid paging conflicts for the paging of the SIM to which the registration message relates (e.g., an alternative identity (ID) used to calculate the paging occasion, rather than the current UE identity used by the network for the paging occasion calculation or any other information that may affect the change of the paging occasion calculation algorithm results, as this may evolve over time or change with future radio technologies). In other words, the UE and the network can thus negotiate appropriate paging.

[0008] According to a first embodiment, a method for adaptive paging of a user equipment supporting multiple SIMs is provided. In some embodiments, the method may include determining that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs in an active mode; transmitting a registration message to a network entity, the registration message including an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs; receiving a number of iterations of paging occasions associated with a network request for an active connection between the user equipment and the network entity; and transmitting a paging control message to the network entity when the user equipment has accepted paging on another network and has determined the non-preemptible or high priority nature of the communication on the other network; or transmitting the paging control message to the network entity when the user equipment supports a first SIM in the active mode with the network entity and the user equipment determines that the second SIM will not be placed in the active mode with the network entity. In some embodiments, high priority communication may refer to communication having a priority value greater than a predetermined threshold, a priority ranking in a highest subset of a group of other communications, etc. In some embodiments, high priority communication may refer to communication having one or more communication types, such as a phone call, a short message service (SMS) text, etc. In some embodiments, the registration message includes an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment. In some embodiments, the network entity is a core network or a radio access network. In some embodiments, the registration message also includes auxiliary information for avoiding paging conflicts for paging of at least one of the multiple SIMs (e.g., an ID for calculating the paging occasion, but not the current UE identity used by the network for paging occasion calculation or any other information that may affect the change of the result of the paging occasion calculation algorithm, as this may evolve over time or change with future radio technologies). In some embodiments, the number of iterations of the paging occasion is 1, and the one paging occasion is associated with the auxiliary information (e.g., a replacement identity). In some embodiments, the method may also include negotiating with a network entity about an appropriate paging occasion.

[0009] According to a second embodiment, a method for adaptive paging of a user equipment supporting multiple SIMs is provided. In some embodiments, the method may include determining whether the user equipment supports multiple SIMs in active mode, the SIMs being operable to facilitate registration of the user equipment with a service network; transmitting a registration message to a network entity of the service network; receiving a single instance of a paging occasion from the network entity if the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment supports only a single SIM or the registration message does not include an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment; and receiving multiple iterations of a paging occasion associated with a network request for an active connection between the user equipment and the network entity if the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs, the number of iterations being determined at least in part based on the indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs. In some embodiments, such a method may further include: transmitting a paging control message to the network entity if the user equipment has accepted paging or participated in a connection for data transmission or voice call on another network; or transmitting a paging control message to a network entity of a service network to which the second SIM is registered in the following case: the user equipment supports a first SIM in use in the network, the UE participates in a connection in the network for data transmission or voice call, and such a network entity is in the network, and as long as the UE participates in a connection in the network for data transmission or voice call, the user equipment determines that the second SIM will not be used. In some embodiments, the registration message includes an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment. In some embodiments, the network entity is a core network or a radio access network. In some embodiments, the registration message also includes assistance information to avoid paging conflicts, wherein the number of iterations of paging occasions is determined at least in part based on the use of the assistance information. In some embodiments, the assistance information includes a replacement identifier used by the network entity to calculate the paging occasion. In some embodiments, such a method may further include negotiating with the network entity about appropriate paging occasions.

[0010] According to a third embodiment, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code. In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: determine whether the apparatus supports multiple SIMs in active mode, the SIMs being operable to facilitate registration of the apparatus with a service network; transmit a registration message to a network entity of the service network; receive a single instance of a paging occasion from the network entity if the registration message includes an indication that the apparatus supports only a single SIM or the registration message does not include an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the apparatus; and receive multiple iterations of a paging occasion associated with a network request for an active connection between the apparatus and the network entity if the registration message includes an indication that the apparatus supports multiple SIMs, the number of iterations being determined at least in part based on the indication that the apparatus supports multiple SIMs. In some embodiments, such an apparatus may include at least one memory and computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code being further configured to, together with at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: transmit a paging control message to the network entity if the apparatus has accepted paging or participated in a connection for data transmission or voice call on another network; and transmit the paging control message to the network entity of the service network to which the second SIM is registered if the apparatus supports a first SIM in use in a network in which the UE participates in a connection for data transmission or voice call, or the apparatus determines that the second SIM will not be used as long as the UE participates in a connection for data transmission or voice call in the network. In some embodiments, the registration message includes an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the apparatus. In some embodiments, the network entity is a core network or a radio access network. In some embodiments, the registration message also includes assistance information to avoid paging conflicts, wherein the number of iterations of paging occasions is determined at least in part based on using the assistance information. In some embodiments, the assistance information includes a replacement identifier used by the network entity to calculate paging occasions. In some embodiments, such an apparatus may include at least one memory and computer program code further configured to, with at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: negotiate with a network entity regarding an appropriate paging occasion.

[0011] According to a fourth embodiment, an apparatus may include means for adaptive paging of a user equipment supporting multiple SIMs, such as at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include means for determining whether the apparatus supports multiple SIMs in active mode, the SIM being operable to facilitate registration of the apparatus with a service network; means for transmitting a registration message to a network entity of the service network; means for receiving a single instance of a paging occasion from the network entity if the registration message includes an indication that the apparatus supports only a single SIM or the registration message does not include an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the apparatus; and means for receiving a plurality of iterations of a paging occasion associated with a network request for an active connection between the apparatus and the network entity if the registration message includes an indication that the apparatus supports multiple SIMs, the number of the iterations being determined at least in part based on the indication that the apparatus supports multiple SIMs. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a means for transmitting a paging control message to the network entity if the apparatus has accepted paging or participated in a connection for data transmission or voice call on another network; or for transmitting the paging control message to the network entity of the service network to which the second SIM is registered in the following case: the apparatus supports a first SIM in use in a network, the UE participates in a connection for data transmission or voice call in the network, and such a network entity is in the network, and the apparatus determines that the second SIM will not be used as long as the UE participates in a connection for data transmission or voice call in the network. In some embodiments, the registration message includes an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the apparatus. In some embodiments, the network entity is a core network or a radio access network. In some embodiments, the registration message also includes assistance information to avoid paging conflicts, wherein the number of iterations of paging occasions is determined at least in part based on using the assistance information. In some embodiments, the assistance information includes a replacement ID used by the network entity to calculate paging occasions. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a means for negotiating with the network entity about appropriate paging occasions.

[0012] According to a fifth embodiment, a computer program product for adaptive paging of a user equipment supporting multiple SIMs is provided. In some embodiments, the computer program product may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a program code portion stored thereon. In some embodiments, the program code portion may be configured to, after execution: determine whether the user equipment supports multiple SIMs in active mode, the SIM being operable to facilitate registration of the user equipment with a service network; transmit a registration message to a network entity of the service network; receive a single instance of a paging occasion from the network entity when the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment supports only a single SIM or the registration message does not include an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment; and receive multiple iterations of a paging occasion associated with a network request for an active connection between the user equipment and the network entity when the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs, the number of iterations being determined at least in part based on the indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs. In some embodiments, the program code portion is further configured to, after execution: transmit a paging control message to the network entity in the case where the user equipment has accepted paging or participated in a connection for data transmission or voice call on another network; and transmit a paging control message to a network entity of a service network to which the second SIM is registered in the following case: the user equipment supports the first SIM in use in the network, the UE participates in a connection in the network for data transmission or voice call, or the device determines that the second SIM will not be used as long as the UE participates in a connection in the network for data transmission or voice call. In some embodiments, the registration message includes an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment. In some embodiments, the network entity is a core network or a radio access network. In some embodiments, the registration message also includes assistance information to avoid paging conflicts, wherein the number of iterations of paging occasions is determined at least in part based on the use of the assistance information. In some embodiments, the assistance information includes a replacement identifier used by the network entity to calculate the paging occasion. In some embodiments, the program code portion is further configured to, after execution: negotiate with the network entity an appropriate paging occasion.

[0013] According to a sixth embodiment, a method for adaptive paging of a user equipment supporting multiple SIMs is provided. In some embodiments, the method may include determining that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs in active mode; determining the possibility of a paging occasion conflict; transmitting a registration message from the user equipment to a network entity on a serving network, the registration message including an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs and auxiliary information, the auxiliary information being operable to calculate the number of iterations of paging occasions suitable for the user equipment; negotiating with a network entity about the number of iterations of the paging occasions suitable for the user equipment; and receiving the number of suitable iterations of the paging occasions from the network entity at the user equipment, the paging occasion being associated with a network request for a transmission of data or a telephone call between the network entity and the user equipment.

[0014] According to the seventh embodiment, a device for adaptive paging of a user equipment supporting multiple SIMs is provided. In some embodiments, the device may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, together with at least one processor, cause the device to at least: determine that the device supports multiple SIMs in active mode; determine the possibility of a paging opportunity conflict; transmit a registration message from the device to a network entity on a serving network, the registration message including an indication that the device supports multiple SIMs and auxiliary information, the auxiliary information being operable to calculate the number of iterations of paging opportunities suitable for the device; negotiate with a network entity about the number of iterations of the paging opportunities suitable for the device; and receive the number of suitable iterations of the paging opportunities from the network entity at the device, the paging opportunity being associated with a network request for a transmission of data or a phone call between the network entity and the device.

[0015] According to an eighth embodiment, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising means for supporting adaptive paging of a user equipment of multiple SIMs, such as at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory comprising computer program code. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include means for determining that the apparatus supports multiple SIMs in active mode; means for determining the possibility of a paging occasion conflict; means for transmitting a registration message from the apparatus to a network entity on a serving network, the registration message comprising an indication that the apparatus supports multiple SIMs and auxiliary information, the auxiliary information being operable to calculate the number of iterations of paging occasions suitable for the apparatus; means for negotiating with a network entity about the number of iterations of the paging occasions suitable for the apparatus; and means for receiving the number of suitable iterations of the paging occasions from the network entity at the apparatus, the paging occasion being associated with a network request for a transmission of data or a telephone call between the network entity and the apparatus.

[0016] According to the ninth embodiment, a computer program product for adaptive paging of a user equipment supporting multiple SIMs is provided. In some embodiments, the computer program product may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a program code portion stored thereon. In some embodiments, the program code portion may be configured to, after execution: determine that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs in active mode; determine the possibility of a paging occasion conflict; transmit a registration message from the user equipment to a network entity on a serving network, the registration message including an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs and auxiliary information, the auxiliary information being operable to calculate the number of iterations of the paging occasion suitable for the user equipment; negotiate with the network entity the number of iterations of the paging occasion suitable for the user equipment; and receive the number of suitable iterations of the paging occasion from the network entity at the user equipment, the paging occasion being associated with a network request for a transmission of data or a telephone call between the network entity and the user equipment.

[0017] According to the tenth embodiment, a method for adaptive paging of a user equipment supporting multiple SIMs is provided. In some embodiments, the method may include receiving a registration message from a user equipment; determining whether the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs; in the case where the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment only supports a single SIM or the registration message does not include an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment, determining that only a single paging opportunity is appropriate to be sent to the user equipment; and in the case where the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs, determining that multiple iterations of paging opportunities are appropriate to be sent to the user equipment. In some embodiments, the registration message also includes an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining the number of iterations of paging opportunities suitable for sending to the user equipment based at least in part on the indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment. In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a paging control message from the user equipment; and after receiving the paging control message, sending a paging opportunity to the user equipment or stopping sending a paging opportunity to the user equipment according to the paging control message. In some embodiments, the registration message also includes support information about the SIM supported by the user equipment. In some embodiments, the support information includes a replacement identity. In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending the plurality of iterations of paging occasions to the user equipment if the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs, the paging occasions being associated with a network request for a transfer of data or a voice call between a network entity and the user equipment.

[0018] According to the eleventh embodiment, a device for adaptive paging of a user equipment supporting multiple SIMs is provided. The device may include at least one processor and at least one memory, and the at least one memory includes computer program code. In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, together with the at least one processor, enable the device to at least: receive a registration message from a user equipment; determine whether the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs; if the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment only supports a single SIM or the registration message does not include an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment, determine that it is appropriate to send a paging opportunity to the user equipment only once; and if the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs, determine that it is appropriate to send multiple iterations of paging opportunities to the user equipment. In some embodiments, the registration message also includes an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment. In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are also configured to, together with the at least one processor, enable the device to at least: determine the number of iterations of paging opportunities suitable for sending to the user equipment based at least in part on the indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment. In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, together with at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a paging control message from the user equipment; and after receiving the paging control message, send a paging opportunity to the user equipment or stop sending a paging opportunity to the user equipment according to the paging control message. In some embodiments, the registration message also includes support information about the SIM supported by the user equipment. In some embodiments, the support information includes a replacement identifier. In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, together with at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: send the multiple iterations of paging occasions to the user equipment when the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs, and the paging occasions are associated with a network request for a transmission of data or a voice call between the apparatus and the user equipment.

[0019] According to a twelfth embodiment, an apparatus for adaptive paging of a user equipment supporting multiple SIMs is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include components such as at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include components for receiving a registration message from a user equipment; components for determining whether the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs; components for determining that only a single paging opportunity is appropriate to be sent to the user equipment if the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment only supports a single SIM or the registration message does not include an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment; and components for determining that multiple iterations of paging opportunities are appropriate to be sent to the user equipment if the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs. In some embodiments, the registration message also includes an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for determining the number of iterations of paging opportunities suitable for sending to the user equipment based at least in part on the indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a component for receiving a paging control message from the user equipment; and a component for sending a paging opportunity to the user equipment or stopping sending a paging opportunity to the user equipment according to the paging control message after receiving the paging control message. In some embodiments, the registration message further comprises support information about the SIM supported by the user equipment. In some embodiments, the support information comprises a replacement identifier. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a component for sending the multiple iterations of paging occasions to the user equipment if the registration message comprises an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs, the paging occasions being associated with a network request for a transmission of data or a voice call between the apparatus and the user equipment.

[0020] According to the thirteenth embodiment, a computer program product may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a program code portion stored thereon. In some embodiments, the program code portion may be configured to, after execution: receive a registration message from a user equipment; determine whether the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs; determine that a single paging opportunity is appropriate to send to the user equipment if the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment only supports a single SIM or the registration message does not include an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment; and determine that the number of iterations of sending paging opportunities to the user equipment is appropriate if the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs. In some embodiments, the registration message also includes an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment. In some embodiments, the program code portion is also configured to, when executed: determine the number of iterations of paging opportunities suitable for sending to the user equipment based at least in part on the indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment. In some embodiments, the program code portion is further configured to, after execution: receive a paging control message from the user equipment; and after receiving the paging control message, send a paging opportunity to the user equipment or stop sending a paging opportunity to the user equipment according to the paging control message. In some embodiments, the registration message also includes support information about the SIM supported by the user equipment. In some embodiments, the support information includes a replacement identifier. In some embodiments, the program code portion is further configured to, after execution: in the case where the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs, transmit to the user equipment the multiple iterations of the paging opportunity, the paging opportunity being associated with a network request for a data transfer or a phone call between a network entity and the user equipment.

[0021] According to a fourteenth embodiment, a method for adaptive paging of a user equipment supporting multiple SIMs is provided. The method may include receiving a registration message from a user equipment, the registration message including (i) an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs and (ii) support information; negotiating with the user equipment about a suitable number of times for transmitting paging occasions based at least in part on the indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs and the support information; and transmitting the suitable number of paging occasions associated with a network request, the network request including a request for data transmission to the user equipment or a request for transmitting a phone call to the user equipment. In some embodiments, the registration message received from the user equipment also includes an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment.

[0022] According to a fifteenth embodiment, a device for adaptive paging of a user equipment supporting multiple SIMs is provided. The device may include at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code. In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with at least one processor, enable the device to at least: receive a registration message from a user equipment, the registration message including an indication and support information about the user equipment supporting multiple SIMs; negotiate with the user equipment about a suitable number of times for transmitting paging occasions based at least in part on the indication and the support information about the user equipment supporting multiple SIMs; and transmit the suitable number of paging occasions associated with a network request, the network request including a request for data transmission to the user equipment or a request for transmitting a telephone call to the user equipment. In some embodiments, the registration message received from the user equipment also includes an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment.

[0023] According to a sixteenth embodiment, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising components such as at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a component for receiving a registration message from a user equipment, the registration message including (i) an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs and (ii) support information; a component for negotiating with the user equipment about a suitable number of times for transmitting paging occasions based at least in part on the indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs and the support information; and a component for transmitting the suitable number of paging occasions associated with a network request, the network request including a request for data transmission to the user equipment or a request for transmitting a telephone call to the user equipment. In some embodiments, the registration message received from the user equipment also includes an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment.

[0024] According to the seventeenth embodiment, a computer program product for adaptive paging of a user equipment supporting multiple SIMs is provided. In some embodiments, the computer program product may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a program code portion stored thereon. In some embodiments, the program code portion may be configured to, after execution: receive a registration message from a user equipment, the registration message including an indication and support information about the user equipment supporting multiple SIMs; negotiate with the user equipment about a suitable number of times for transmitting paging occasions based at least in part on the indication and the support information about the user equipment supporting multiple SIMs; and transmit the suitable number of paging occasions associated with a network request, the network request including a request for data transmission to the user equipment or a request for transmitting a telephone call to the user equipment. In some embodiments, the registration message received from the user equipment also includes an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Having thus generally described certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example network configuration according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus that may be specifically configured according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating operations performed according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating operations performed according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0031] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating operations performed according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some but not all embodiments of the present invention are shown. In fact, various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; on the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure meets applicable legal requirements. The same figure numerals always refer to the same elements. As used herein, the terms "data", "content", "information" and similar terms can be used interchangeably to refer to data that can be transmitted, received and / or stored according to embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the use of any such terms should not be considered to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] In addition, as used herein, the term "circuitry" refers to (a) a pure hardware circuit implementation (e.g., an implementation using analog circuitry and / or digital circuitry); (b) a combination of circuitry and (multiple) computer program products, including software and / or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer-readable memories, which work together to cause the device to perform one or more functions described herein; and (c) circuitry, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion of (multiple) microprocessors, which requires software or firmware for operation even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of the term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term "circuitry" also includes an implementation having one or more processors and / or (multiple) portions thereof and accompanying software and / or firmware. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuitry" also includes, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or application processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network equipment, other network equipment (such as a core network device), a field programmable gate array, and / or other computing devices.

[0034] Furthermore, as used herein, the term "module" refers to hardware or a combination of hardware and software, wherein the execution of the software directs the operation of the hardware.

[0035] As defined herein, "computer-readable storage media" referring to non-transitory physical storage media (e.g., volatile or non-volatile storage devices) can be distinguished from "computer-readable transmission media" referring to electromagnetic signals. Such media can take a variety of forms, including but not limited to non-transitory computer-readable storage media (e.g., non-volatile media, volatile media) and transmission media. Transmission media include, for example, coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optic cables, and carrier waves that travel through space without wires or cables, such as sound waves and electromagnetic waves, including radio waves, light waves, and infrared waves. Signals include man-made transient changes in amplitude, frequency, phase, polarization, or other physical properties that are transmitted through a transmission medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic computer-readable media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, tapes, any other magnetic media), optical computer-readable media (e.g., compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray discs, etc.), random access memory (RAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), FLASH-EPROM, or any other non-transitory medium from which a computer can read. The term computer-readable storage medium is used herein to refer to any other computer-readable medium other than transmission media. However, it should be understood that where an embodiment is described as using a computer-readable storage medium, in alternative embodiments, other types of computer-readable media may be used instead of or in addition to the computer-readable storage medium.

[0036] Although various creative embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily conceive of various other means and / or structures for performing functions and / or obtaining results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of these changes and / or modifications is considered to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are only examples, and that actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on one or more specific applications for which the teachings of the present invention are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to determine many equivalents of the specific inventive embodiments described herein using only routine experiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented only as examples, and within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, embodiments of the present invention may be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described and claimed. The inventive embodiments of the present disclosure relate to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the scope of the invention disclosed herein when such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually contradictory.

[0037] Traditionally, before the fifth generation (5G) system, a UE (such as a multi-SIM device) may include a first SIM and an International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI) chip configured for a third generation partnership project (3GPP) / 3GPP2 network connection. In other conventional approaches, the first SIM may be configured for a 3GPP network connection and the second SIM may be configured for a non-3GPP network connection, and the UE is configured to activate only one of the first SIM and the second SIM at any one time. For example, the first SIM may be connected to a radio access network (RAN) layer of a 3GPP core network (CN), or may be connected to a 3GPP CN without being connected to the RAN layer, while the second SIM is in an idle mode.

[0038] When a multi-SIM UE is connected to a network, the network may generally page the UE or a specific SIM stored at the UE to indicate that the network is attempting to deliver a message (e.g., an SMS message), a phone call, a data transfer, media content, a notification, etc. to the UE. In some embodiments, "paging" may refer to a one-to-one communication between a base station of the network and the UE. Paging may be performed to activate an idle SIM for use in delivering such messages, data, calls, etc. to the UE while an active SIM is already being used to connect the UE to the network, which may create a conflict or overlap in how the UE connects to and communicates with the network (e.g., through a base station of the network).

[0039] According to other conventional approaches, the network may provide a paging cause when transmitting a paging occasion to the UE, and the UE may use the paging cause to determine whether to respond to the paging occasion. However, the disadvantage of this approach is that the network often has to waste resources to page the UE unnecessarily, and the UE can determine not to respond to select a paging message, which means that the network does not know whether the UE is unavailable or simply unresponsive.

[0040] According to yet another conventional approach, the UE may periodically tune from one radio to another. However, if the UE operates according to this strategy when supporting single-radio dual registration, all message type (MT) transactions are affected and the user experience may also be poor because the UE may experience delays in receiving MT services (e.g., due to delayed traffic, delayed paging, etc.) because the UE often switches to the wrong radio when the network is transmitting packets to a different radio or performing paging. In other words, by switching between two or more SIMs, for each packet or paging occasion sent to the UE, the UE has the same chance of simply missing the packet or paging occasion because the wrong SIM is activated.

[0041] Therefore, there is a need for a way to provide adaptive paging for multi-SIM devices to adapt to situations where the network or its network entities transmit paging occasions to a specific SIM of the UE.

[0042] According to some embodiments described in more detail herein, a method, apparatus, and computer program product for adaptive paging of a UE with multiple SIM / USIMs are provided. According to one embodiment, in a registration message from the UE to the network, the UE provides an indication to the network that the UE supports multiple SIM / USIMs, thereby allowing the network (e.g., a public land mobile network [PLMN]) to allow more paging repetitions to allow the SIM / USIM to miss paging opportunities. In some embodiments, the indication may include the number of currently active SIM / USIMs supported by the UE to allow the network to adapt the number of allowed paging repetitions to the specific UE configuration and the number of simultaneously active SIM / USIMs supported by the UE. In some embodiments, the UE may provide a paging control message to the network in the event that the UE has already accepted paging on another network or the UE has an active network SIM / USIM and does not intend to use a second SIM / USIM to become active with the network. In some embodiments, in the event that the UE detects that there is a paging occasion conflict, the UE may send a registration message to the network, the registration message including a replacement ID for paging one of the other SIM / USIMs, so that the UE and the network can coordinate a more appropriate paging occasion.

[0043] In some embodiments, the UE may send a paging control message to the network or network entity at any time with or without waiting for an incoming paging message. In some embodiments, the paging control message may be included in the initial registration request message so that the UE can manage paging preferences to the network when the UE registers with the network. In some embodiments, the paging control message may include auxiliary information that is operable to allow the network to send paging to the UE regardless of the paging preferences for a particular type of service. For example, the UE may indicate to the network that paging from the network is not allowed unless the paging occasion is paging related to an incoming phone call, SMS message, etc. As an example only, the UE may send a paging control message to the network at any time to indicate that one SIM / USIM is enabled to receive Android notifications, while another SIM / USIM is enabled only for Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) voice. In other words, the paging control message may be used to stop paging, to stop paging with specific or selective rules for when paging should be performed, or to establish service-specific paging rules, etc.

[0044] Although many of the embodiments and examples provided herein refer to a SIM or Universal SIM (USIM), embodiments are also contemplated in which the UE includes a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) containing a SIM application or a USIM application.

[0045] An example embodiment herein provides a method for managing a resident mode of a UE when the UE supports a single radio or dual radio, so as to facilitate the UE's demand for high priority activities and help the network avoid interrupting paging opportunities for high priority activities. The example embodiments herein also provide a method for determining and / or establishing a predictable resident behavior pattern to facilitate a predictable MT communication pattern and avoid wasteful use of network resources. In some embodiments, a high priority communication may refer to a communication having a priority value greater than a predetermined threshold and a priority ranking in a highest subset of a group of other communications. In some embodiments, a high priority communication may refer to a communication having one or more communication types, such as a phone call, an SMS text, etc.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the UE transmits an indication to the network that the UE supports multiple SIMs, USIMs, etc. This allows the network (e.g., PLMN) to allow repetitions to allow the SIM to miss paging opportunities. For example, the UE may implement a time division multiplexing (TDM) strategy to monitor the paging opportunities of different SIMs. In some embodiments, an indication that the UE supports multiple SIMs, USIMs, etc. may be provided in a registration request message sent to the network. In some embodiments, the indication may include the number of currently active SIMs supported by the UE. In some embodiments, the network or its entity may determine the number of repetitions of paging opportunities allowed to be transmitted to the UE based at least in part on the number of currently active SIMs supported by the UE. In other words, after receiving a registration request from the UE, the network may determine from the registration request how many SIMs are supported on the UE and fine-tune how many iterations of the paging message are transmitted to the UE after the network determines the paging opportunity associated with the UE or its SIM. Then, when the network transmits the paging opportunity to the UE, the network may repeat the paging opportunity to send the number of adaptations customized for a specific UE. In some embodiments, the repetition of the paging opportunity may come from the core network and / or RAN level. In some embodiments, the UE may also provide a paging control message to the network if the UE has already accepted paging on another network, or if the UE is active on one network SIM and does not intend to become active with another SIM supported by the UE. By way of example only, reducing unnecessary paging may reduce wasted network resources. In addition, reducing the likelihood of overlapping or conflicting paging occasions may reduce the computational complexity and time required for paging between the network and the UE. Another benefit of the described approach is that the network is less likely to erroneously determine that the UE is unavailable based on unanswered paging occasions because the network pages all supported SIMs of the UE, not just inactive SIMs or SIMs that are occupied in higher priority communications with the same network or another network.

[0047] In some embodiments, another potential improvement of this approach over conventional approaches is that it does not require as many repetitions of paging occasions, because if the UE detects the possibility of a paging occasion conflict, the UE can report the possibility of a paging occasion conflict in the registration message, and can include a replacement ID for paging one of the SIMS so that the UE and the network can connect and negotiate an appropriate paging occasion. In some embodiments, this type of communication between the UE and the network for negotiating a more appropriate paging occasion can be sent to the non-access stratum (NAS) layer. In some embodiments, this approach can be at least partially combined with an approach in which the UE provides an indication that the UE supports multiple SIMs, the network can customize the iteration of the paging occasion based on the number of SIMs supported by the UE, and the UE can send a paging control message for some or all of the reasons discussed above.

[0048] Other benefits of these approaches may include: In the case of dual registration / multiple SIM support, the network has increased control over the behavior and activities of the UE, regardless of whether the UE supports single radio or dual radio. In some embodiments, this approach may have the additional benefit of avoiding the trial-and-error paging approach used in traditional approaches, thereby increasing the network's reachability to the UE. In some embodiments, this approach also avoids trial-and-error MT packet delivery when the UE supports single radio or dual radio communications that are typically required by traditional approaches.

[0049] In some embodiments, the apparatus, methods, and computer program products described herein may be configured for a UE that may have multiple idle or inactive SIMs, a UE that has one or more SIMs connected to a network and one or more other SIMs that are idle or inactive, and / or a UE that may have multiple SIMs connected to one or more networks (e.g., in the case of multiple receivers and / or receiving signals and at least one transmitter and / or transmitting signals).

[0050] In some embodiments, a method may include a mechanism for managing a UE's camping mode when the UE supports single radio and / or dual radio so as to facilitate its needs for high priority activities and avoid paging interrupting high priority activities. In some embodiments, for a single radio or dual radio UE with dual registration capability, a mechanism for determining a predictable camping behavior pattern to facilitate a predictable message type (MT) communication pattern and avoid wasteful use of network resources is described herein.

[0051] Figure 1 An example of a portion of a 5G wireless network 100 deployed in accordance with some example embodiments is depicted. The 5G wireless network 100 may include a user device 102 configured to be wirelessly coupled to a RAN (also referred to as a core network) served by a wireless access point (such as a gNodeB 110), which may include a base station, a wireless local area network access point, a home base station, and / or other types of wireless access points. The user device 102 may include a user ID (such as a UICC, SIM, USIM, etc.) that may store information elements related to a mobile user.

[0052] The network 100 may include a core network, which may include a core access and mobility management function (AMF) 104. The user equipment 102 may be coupled to the AMF 104 in addition to or in lieu of the gNodeB 110. The AMF 104 may be used for various network tasks, such as registration management, connection management, reachability management, mobility management, and / or other various functions related to security and access management and authorization. The network 100 and / or the core network may also include a session management function (SMF) 106, and various other functions (such as a policy control function [PCF], a network slice selection function [NSSF], an authentication server function [AUSF]], a unified data function [UDM], a network exposure function [NEF], a network repository function [NRF], and / or an application function [AF]) 108. The network 100 may also include a user plane function (UPF) 112 connected to a data network (DN) 114. In some embodiments, the network 100 may include a standalone non-public network (SNPN), a public land mobile network (PLMN), etc.

[0053] In some embodiments, the network 100 may include devices with functions to support a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) and corresponding functions for "home" wireless local area network (WLAN) access, offload and / or non-3GPP access. These devices may include a UDM module, a unified data repository, an over-the-air function (OTAF) module and / or other functions, such as a home SMF, a home PCF, a home NSSF, an AUSF, an AF, a home UPF (H-UPF), a DN, etc.

[0054] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, OTAF, UDR and / or UDM can be configured as independent network functions within network 100, including an integrated security packet library, and providing configuration service logic and one or more application programming interfaces (APIs). The UDM module and OTAF module can be configured to communicate with each other via N OTAF API to access and / or communicate with each other. In this regard, the UDM modules can communicate with each other via OTAF One or more commands associated with the API access the security group library of the air function module.

[0055] Figure 2 An example of an apparatus 200 is shown in FIG. 1 , which may be configured to function as and / or be implemented by a UE 102, an AMF 104, an SMF 106, a gNodeB 110, a UPF 112, a DN 114, or other network functions 108 (such as NSSF, AUSF, UDM, NEF, NRF, PCF, AF, etc.). Figure 2As shown, apparatus 200 includes, is associated with or is in communication with, processing circuitry 22 , memory 24 , and a communication interface 26 .

[0056] Figure 2 One possible example of an apparatus 200 for performing the methods, processes, and approaches described herein is shown in FIG. It should be understood that the apparatus 200 is provided as an example of one embodiment and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the present invention in any way. In this regard, the scope of the present disclosure includes many other potential embodiments in addition to those illustrated and described herein. Therefore, although Figure 2 An example of a configuration of an apparatus for adaptively paging a multi-SIM device in a wireless communication system such as a 5G system is illustrated, but other configurations may also be used to implement certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] The apparatus 200 may be implemented as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a mobile terminal, a mobile computer, a mobile phone, a mobile communication device, a gaming device, a digital camera / camcorder, an audio / video player, a television device, a radio receiver, a digital video recorder, a positioning device, a chipset, a computing device including a chipset, any combination thereof, etc. In some example embodiments, the apparatus 200 is implemented as a mobile computing device such as a mobile phone, a mobile computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a pager, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a gaming device, a television, an electronic paper, and other types of electronic systems that may employ various embodiments of the present invention.

[0058] The apparatus 200 may include a processor 22 (e.g., processing circuitry), and a storage or memory device 24 (such as non-volatile memory and / or volatile memory). In some embodiments, the processor 22 may be implemented, for example, as various components including circuitry, one or more microprocessors with accompanying digital signal processor(s), one or more processors without accompanying digital signal processors, one or more coprocessors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more controllers, processing circuitry, one or more computers, various other processing elements including integrated circuits, such as, for example, ASICs (application specific integrated circuits) or FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), or some combination thereof. Thus, although in Figure 22 is illustrated as a single processor, but in some embodiments, the processor 22 includes multiple processors. The signals sent and received by the processor 22 may include signaling information according to the air interface standard of the applicable cellular system and / or any number of different wired or wireless network technologies, including but not limited to Wi-Fi, wireless local access network (WLAN) technology, such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, 802.16, etc. In addition, the signals may include voice data, user-generated data, user-requested data, etc. In this regard, the mobile terminal is capable of operating with one or more air interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, access types, etc. More specifically, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating according to various first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, third generation (3G) communication protocols, fourth generation (4G) communication protocols, fifth generation (5G), Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) communication protocols (e.g., Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)), etc. communication protocols. For example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating according to 2G wireless communication protocols IS-136 (Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), IS-95 (Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)), etc. In addition, for example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating according to 2.5G wireless communication protocols General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), etc. In addition, for example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating according to 3G wireless communication protocols such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), etc. The mobile terminal may additionally be capable of operating according to 3.9G wireless communication protocols such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). In addition, for example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating according to fourth generation (4G) wireless communication protocols, etc., as well as similar wireless communication protocols that may be developed in the future.

[0059] Some Narrowband Advanced Mobile Phone System (NAMPS) and Total Access Communication System (TACS) mobile terminals may also benefit from embodiments of the present invention, as may dual-mode or higher mode phones (e.g., digital / analog or TDMA / CDMA / analog phones). In addition, the apparatus 200 or its components may be capable of operating according to Wi-Fi or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) protocols.

[0060] It should be understood that the processor 22 may include a circuit system for implementing the audio / video and logic functions of the device 200. For example, the processor 22 may include a digital signal processor device, a microprocessor device, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, etc. The control and signal processing functions of the mobile terminal may be allocated between these devices according to their respective capabilities. The processor may additionally include an internal voice encoder (VC), an internal data modem (DM), etc. In addition, the processor may include functions for operating one or more software programs, which may be stored in a memory. For example, the processor 22 may be able to operate a connection program, such as a web browser. The connection program may allow the device 200 to transmit and receive network content such as location-based content according to protocols such as wireless application protocol (WAP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), etc. The device 200 may be able to use transmission control protocol / Internet protocol (TCP / IP) to transmit and receive network content across the Internet or other networks.

[0061] The device 200 may include a memory 24, such as a non-volatile memory and / or a volatile memory, such as a RAM, a read-only memory (ROM), a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), a user identity module (SIM), a removable user identity module (R-UIM), etc. In addition to the memory, the device 200 may also include other removable and / or fixed memories. In some embodiments, the volatile memory may include a random access memory (RAM), including dynamic and / or static RAM, an on-chip or off-chip cache memory, etc. In some embodiments, the non-volatile memory that may be embedded and / or removable may include, for example, a read-only memory, a flash memory, a magnetic storage device (e.g., a hard disk, a floppy disk drive, a tape, etc.), an optical drive and / or a medium, a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), etc. Like the volatile memory, the non-volatile memory may include a cache area for transient storage of data. The memory 24 may store one or more software programs, instructions, information, data, etc. that may be used by the mobile terminal to perform the functions of the mobile terminal. For example, the memory may include an identifier that can uniquely identify the device 200, such as an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) code.

[0062] The device 200 may also include a communication interface 26, including, for example, a headset, a speaker, a ringer, a microphone, a user display, a user input interface, etc., which may be operatively coupled to the processor 22. In this regard, the processor 22 may include a user interface circuit system, which is configured to control at least some functions of one or more elements of the user interface, such as, for example, a speaker, a ringer, a microphone, a display, etc. The processor 22 and / or the user interface circuit system including the processor 22 may be configured to control one or more functions of one or more elements of the user interface by computer program instructions (e.g., software and / or firmware) stored on a memory 24 (e.g., a non-volatile memory, a volatile memory, etc.) accessible to the processor 22. Although not shown, the device 200 may include a battery for powering various circuits associated with the device 200, for example, a circuit for providing mechanical vibration as a detectable output. The device 200 may also include a display. In some embodiments, the display may be of any type suitable for the electronic device in question, some examples of which include a plasma display panel (PDP), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode display (OLED), a projector, a holographic display, etc. The user interface 26 may include devices that allow the apparatus 200 to receive data, such as a keyboard, a touch display (e.g., in some example embodiments, the display is configured as a touch display), a joystick (not shown), and / or other input devices. In embodiments that include a keypad, the keypad may include numbers (0-9) and related keys (#, *), and / or other keys for operating the apparatus 100.

[0063] In some embodiments, the communication interface 26 can be implemented as any device or component, which is implemented in a circuit system, hardware, a computer program product, or a combination thereof, and the computer program product includes a computer-readable program instruction stored on a computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory 24) and executed by a processing device (e.g., a processor 22), and the device or component is configured to receive and / or transmit data from / to another computing device. In some example embodiments, the communication interface 26 is at least partially implemented as a processor 22 or otherwise controlled by the processor 22. In this regard, the communication interface 26 can communicate with the processor 22, such as via a bus. For example, the communication interface 26 can be used to implement communication with one or more remote computing devices, including antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, and / or supporting hardware or software. In an embodiment where the device 200 is implemented as the device 200, the communication interface 26 can be implemented as or include a transmitter and a receiver. The communication interface 26 can be configured to receive and / or transmit data using any protocol that can be used for communication between computing devices. In this regard, the communication interface 26 may be configured to receive and / or transmit data using any protocol that may be used to transmit data over a wireless network, a wired network, some combination thereof, etc., over which the apparatus 200 and one or more computing devices may communicate. As an example, the communication interface 26 may be configured to receive and / or otherwise access content (e.g., web content, streaming media content, etc.) from a server or other content source over a network. The communication interface 26 may also communicate with the memory 24 and / or the processor 22, such as via a bus.

[0064] return Figure 2 In an example embodiment, the apparatus 200 includes various components for performing the various functions described herein. These components may include one or more of a processor 22, a memory 24, and a communication interface 26. The components of the apparatus 200 as described herein may be embodied as, for example, a circuit system, a hardware element (e.g., a suitably programmed processor, a combinational logic circuit, etc.), a computer program product, or some combination thereof, the computer program product including computer-readable program instructions (e.g., software or firmware) stored on a computer-readable medium 24 executable by a suitably configured processing device (e.g., processor 22).

[0065] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 2One or more of the components shown may be implemented as a chip or chipset. In other words, the device 200 may include one or more physical packages (e.g., chips), including materials, components and / or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a substrate). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, size retention and / or electrical interaction limitations for the component circuits included thereon. In this regard, the processor 22, memory 24 and / or communication interface 26 may be implemented as a chip or chipset. Therefore, in some cases, the device 200 may be configured as or may include (multiple) components configured to implement an embodiment of the present invention on a single chip or as a single "system on a chip". Therefore, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute a component for performing one or more operations to provide the functions described herein.

[0066] The processor 22 may be implemented as various components, such as circuitry, hardware, a computer program product, or some combination thereof, the computer program product including computer-readable program instructions stored on a computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 24) and executed by a processing device (e.g., processor 22), and in some embodiments, implemented as or controlled by the processor 22. The processor 22 may also communicate with one or more of the memory 24 or the communication interface 26, such as via a bus.

[0067] The processor 22 may be configured to receive user input from a communication interface 26 such as a touch display. The user input or signal may carry position information indicating the user input. In this regard, the position may include the position of the user input in two-dimensional space, which may be relative to the surface of the touch display user interface. For example, the position may include a coordinate position relative to a two-dimensional coordinate system (e.g., X and Y axes), so that the position may be determined. Therefore, the processor 22 may determine an element / instruction / command corresponding to a key or image displayed on the touch display user interface at a determined position or within a predefined proximity of the determined position (e.g., within a predefined tolerance range). The processor 22 may also be configured to perform a function or action associated with a key corresponding to an element / instruction / command determined by the processor 22 based on the position of a touch or other user input.

[0068] In an embodiment where the apparatus 200 is a mobile device such as a smartphone, the apparatus 200 may be configured to be operably coupled (e.g., wirelessly coupled) to a network such as the network 100. The apparatus 200 may include means for determining that the apparatus supports multiple SIMs (e.g., SIMs in active mode), such as a processor 22 and computer-readable instructions stored on a memory 24. In some embodiments, the means may include at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform a method or part thereof, such as described herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may also include means for transmitting a registration message to a network entity such as the AMF 104 or other components of the network 100, such as the processor 22 and / or the communication interface 26 (e.g., a transceiver transmitter). In some embodiments, the registration message may include an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may also include means for receiving a number of iterations of paging occasions associated with a network request for an active connection between the apparatus 200 and the network 100 or a network entity thereof, such as a processor 22 or a receiver. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may further include a component for transmitting a paging control message to the network 100 or its network entity if the user equipment has accepted paging on another network. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may further include a component for transmitting the paging control message to the network entity if the apparatus 200 supports the first SIM in the active mode with the network entity and the apparatus 200 determines that the second SIM will not be placed in the active mode with the network entity. In some embodiments, the registration message may include an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment. In some embodiments, the network entity may be a core network or a radio access network. In some embodiments, the registration message may further include a replacement identifier for paging at least one of the multiple SIMs. In some embodiments, the number of iterations of the paging occasion is 1, and the one paging occasion is associated with the replacement identifier. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may further include a component for negotiating with the network 100 or its network entity about appropriate paging occasions. In some embodiments, the negotiation between the network 100 and the apparatus 200 may include a negotiation of the number of "appropriate" iterations of the paging occasions. In some embodiments, the number of "appropriate" iterations of paging occasions may refer to the number of iterations desired by the UE (e.g., device 200). In other embodiments, the number of "appropriate" iterations of paging occasions may refer to the number of iterations that matches or substantially matches the number of SIM / USIMs supported by the UE (e.g., device 200).In some embodiments, the number of "appropriate" iterations of paging occasions may refer to the number of iterations within the range allowed by the network (e.g., network 100). In some embodiments, the number of "appropriate" iterations of paging occasions may refer to the number of iterations that is computationally determined to be appropriate based on the characteristics of the UE, the UE device type (e.g., model, operating system, etc.), the number of SIM / USIMs supported by the UE, the past or predicted future paging occasion frequencies of a specific UE, etc.

[0069] In an embodiment where the apparatus 200 is a mobile device such as a smartphone, the apparatus 200 may be configured to be operably coupled (e.g., wirelessly coupled) to a network such as the network 100. The apparatus 200 may include means for determining that the apparatus supports multiple SIMs (such as SIMs in active mode), such as the processor 22 and computer-readable instructions stored on the memory 24. In some embodiments, the means may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to cause the apparatus to perform a method or part thereof, such as described herein, together with the at least one processor. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may also include means for determining that there is a possibility of a paging occasion conflict, such as the processor 22 and / or computer-readable instructions stored on the memory 24. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may also include means for transmitting a registration message to a network entity, such as the processor 22 or a transmitter transponder. In some embodiments, the registration message may include an indication that the apparatus supports multiple SIMs and an alternative identifier for paging at least one of the multiple SIMs. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may also include means for receiving a paging occasion from a network entity, such as the processor 22 or the communication interface 26. In some embodiments, the paging occasion is associated with the replacement identity. In some embodiments, the paging occasion is associated with a network request for data transmission between a network entity and the device. In some embodiments, the device 200 may also include a component, such as a receiver, for negotiating with the network entity about an appropriate paging occasion.

[0070] In an embodiment where the apparatus 200 is a network entity such as the AMF 104, SMF 106 of the network 100, the apparatus 200 may be configured to be operably coupled (e.g., wirelessly coupled) to a user equipment, such as a mobile phone. The apparatus 200 may include a component for receiving a registration message including an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs from the user equipment, such as a processor 22 and computer-readable instructions stored on a memory 24. In some embodiments, the component may include at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform a method or part thereof, such as described herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may also include a component for sending to the user equipment a number of iterations of paging occasions associated with a network request for an active connection between the user equipment and a network entity (such as the AMF 104 or other components of the network 100), such as a processor 22 and / or a communication interface 26 (e.g., a transceiver transmitter). In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may also include a component for receiving a paging control message from the user equipment, such as a receiver. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may further include means for stopping sending the number of iterations of the paging occasions associated with the network request for an active connection between the user equipment and the apparatus 200 (e.g., a network entity, such as AMF 104, SMF 106, etc.), such as the processor 22 and / or computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 24. In some embodiments, the registration message also includes the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment. In some embodiments, the number of iterations of the paging occasions associated with the network request is selected based at least on the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment.

[0071] In an embodiment where the apparatus 200 is a network entity such as AMF 104, SMF 106, etc. of the network 100, the apparatus 200 may be configured to be operably coupled (e.g., wirelessly coupled) to a user equipment, such as a mobile phone. The apparatus 200 may include a component for receiving a registration message including an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs and a replacement identifier for paging at least one of the multiple SIMs from the user equipment, such as a processor 22 and computer-readable instructions stored on a memory 24. In some embodiments, the component may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, and at least one memory and computer program code are configured to, together with at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform a method or part thereof, such as described herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may also include a component for transmitting to the user equipment a paging occasion associated with the replacement identifier and a network request for data transmission to the user equipment, such as a processor 22 and / or a communication interface 26 (e.g., a transceiver transmitter). In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 also includes a component for negotiating with the user equipment about an appropriate paging occasion, such as a processor 22, a communication interface 26, and computer-readable instructions stored on a memory 24.

[0072] In some embodiments, computer-readable instructions may include a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having program code portions stored thereon, wherein the program code portions are configured, after execution, to: perform any of the methods or approaches described herein.

[0073] Reference now Figure 3, depicting a method 300 performed by a user equipment such as the apparatus 200. In some embodiments, the user equipment includes components operable to partially or fully perform the method 300, such as the processing circuit system 22, the communication interface 26, etc. In some embodiments, the method 300 may include: at box 301, determining whether the user equipment supports multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs) in an active mode, the SIMs being operable to facilitate registration of the user equipment with a service network. In some embodiments, the method 300 may also include: at box 302, transmitting a registration message to a network entity of the service network. In some embodiments, the method 300 may also include: in the case where the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment only supports a single SIM or the registration message does not include an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment: at box 303, receiving a single instance of a paging occasion from the network entity. In some embodiments, the method 300 may further include, at box 304, receiving multiple iterations of paging occasions associated with a network request for an active connection between the user equipment and a network entity, if the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs, the number of iterations being determined at least in part based on the indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs.

[0074] Reference now Figure 4 , depicting a method 400 performed by a user equipment such as the apparatus 200. In some embodiments, the user equipment includes components operable to partially or fully perform the method 400, such as the processing circuit system 22, the communication interface 26, etc. In some embodiments, the method 300 includes: at box 401, determining that the user equipment supports multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs) in an active mode. In some embodiments, the method 400 also includes: at box 402, determining the possibility of a paging occasion conflict. In some embodiments, the method 400 also includes: at box 403, transmitting a registration message from the user equipment to a network entity on a serving network, the registration message including an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs and auxiliary information, the auxiliary information being operable to calculate the number of iterations of paging occasions suitable for the user equipment. In some embodiments, the method 400 also includes: at box 404, negotiating with the network entity the number of iterations of the paging occasions suitable for the user equipment. In some embodiments, method 400 further includes, at block 405, receiving, at the user equipment, from the network entity, the number of the suitable iterations of the paging occasions associated with a network request for a transfer of data or a telephone call between the network entity and the user equipment.

[0075] Reference now Figure 5, depicting a method 500 performed by a network entity such as apparatus 200. In some embodiments, the network entity includes components operable to partially or fully perform method 400, such as processing circuit system 22, communication interface 26, etc. In some embodiments, method 500 includes: at box 501, receiving a registration message from a user equipment. In some embodiments, method 500 also includes: at box 502, determining whether the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment supports multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs). In some embodiments, method 500 also includes: at box 503, if the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment only supports a single SIM or the registration message does not include an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment, determining that only a single transmission of a paging occasion to the user equipment is appropriate. In some embodiments, method 500 also includes: at box 504, if the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs, determining that multiple iterations of transmitting a paging occasion to the user equipment are appropriate. In some embodiments, the registration message also includes an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise: determining a number of iterations of paging occasions suitable for sending to the user equipment based at least in part on the indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment ( Figure 5 In some embodiments, the method 500 may further include: optionally, at block 505, receiving a paging control message from the user equipment, and after receiving the paging control message, transmitting a paging opportunity to the user equipment according to the paging control message. In some embodiments, the method may further include: in a case where the registration message includes an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs, sending the multiple iterations of the paging opportunity to the user equipment, the paging opportunity being consistent with the network entity and the user equipment ( Figure 5 is associated with the transmission of data between the two devices (not shown) or a network request for a telephone call.

[0076] Reference now Figure 6, depicting a method 600 performed by a network entity such as the apparatus 200. In some embodiments, the network entity includes components operable to partially or fully perform the method 600, such as the processing circuit system 22, the communication interface 26, etc. In some embodiments, the method 600 includes: at box 601, receiving a registration message from a user equipment, the registration message including (i) an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs and (ii) support information. In some embodiments, the method 600 also includes: at box 602, negotiating with the user equipment about a suitable number of paging occasions for transmitting paging occasions based at least in part on the indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs and the support information. In some embodiments, the method 600 also includes: at box 603, transmitting the suitable number of paging occasions associated with a network request, the network request including a request for data transmission to the user equipment or a request for transmitting a telephone call to the user equipment.

[0077] Figures 3 to 6 A flowchart depicting a method according to various example embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart and the combination of blocks in the flowchart can be implemented by various components, such as hardware, firmware, processors, circuit systems, and / or other communication devices associated with the execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the above processes can be implemented by computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions implementing the above processes can be stored by a memory device 24 of an apparatus using an embodiment of the present invention and executed by a processor 22. As will be understood, any such computer program instructions can be loaded onto a computer or other programmable device (e.g., hardware) to produce a machine so that the resulting computer or other programmable device implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory, which can guide a computer or other programmable device to operate in a particular manner so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article, the execution of which implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable device to cause a series of operations to be performed on a computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks.

[0078] Likewise, various other approaches, methods, network configurations, user equipment configurations, etc. are contemplated. For example, a method may be provided, the method comprising receiving a registration message from a user equipment, the registration message comprising an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs and auxiliary information for avoiding paging conflicts for paging of at least one of the multiple SIMs (e.g., an alternative ID for calculating paging occasions, rather than the current UE identity used by the network for paging occasion calculation or any other information that may affect changes in the results of the paging occasion calculation algorithm, as this may evolve over time or change with future radio technologies); and transmitting to the user equipment a paging occasion calculated using the auxiliary information to avoid paging conflicts / alternative identities.

[0079] In another example, a method may be provided in which a user equipment determines whether the user equipment supports only one SIM or multiple SIMs. In some embodiments, the SIMS is used by the UE to register with the service network. For example, according to 3GPP Technical Specification 21.905, the UE may register with the service network using one or more SIMs, which Technical Specification 21.905 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. The method may also include transmitting a registration message to a network entity, the registration message including an indication that the user equipment supports multiple SIMs. The method may also include: if the indication is included, receiving the number of iterations of paging occasions associated with a network request for an active connection between the user equipment and the network entity. In another embodiment, the method may also include: if the network entity does not receive a stop paging request from the user equipment, receiving the number of iterations of paging occasions associated with a network request for an active connection between the user equipment and the network entity. In some embodiments, in the case where the user equipment has accepted paging or participated in a connection for data transmission or a voice call on another network, the user equipment may transmit such a paging control message to the network entity, which may cause the network entity to stop sending paging events to the user equipment. In some embodiments, when the user equipment supports the first SIM being actively used for a registered connection with the network and / or the UE is involved in a connection for data transmission or a voice call with a network entity of the network, the user equipment may transmit such a stop paging request to the network or network entity. In some embodiments, when the UE determines that the second SIM will not be activated and / or used to register a connection between the UE and the network or network entity for any reason (e.g., already connected to another network, connected to the same network using a different SIM, etc.), the UE may transmit such a paging control message to the network entity in the network to which the second SIM is registered.

[0080] Therefore, the block of the flow chart supports the combination of the components for performing the specified function and the combination of operations for performing the specified function for performing the specified function. It should also be understood that one or more blocks of the flow chart and the combination of blocks in the flow chart can be implemented by a computer system based on special-purpose hardware or a combination of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions that performs the specified function.

[0081] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will occur to those skilled in the art having benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0082] In addition, although the foregoing description and related drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be understood that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, combinations of elements and / or functions different from those explicitly described above are also contemplated, as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. A method of communication, comprising: Transmitting, by a user equipment, a registration message to a network entity, the registration message comprising information indicating whether the user equipment supports multiple subscriber identity modules SIM in active mode; as well as In the following case, a paging control message is transmitted to a network entity of a network to which a second SIM supported by the user equipment is registered: the user equipment supports a first SIM in use in a network including the network entity, and the user equipment participates in a connection for data transmission or a voice call, and as long as the user equipment participates in a connection for data transmission or a voice call in the network, the user equipment determines that the second SIM will not be used, wherein the paging control message instructs the network entity of the network to which the second SIM is registered to stop paging for the second SIM.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the registration message further comprises assistance information to avoid paging conflicts, wherein the number of iterations of paging occasions is determined based at least in part on using the assistance information.

3. A device for communication, comprising: means for a network entity to transmit a registration message, the registration message comprising information indicating whether the device supports multiple subscriber identity modules SIM in active mode; as well as A means for transmitting a paging control message to a network entity of a network to which a second SIM supported by the apparatus is registered, in the following circumstances: the apparatus supports a first SIM in use in a network including the network entity, and the apparatus participates in a connection for data transmission or a voice call, and as long as the apparatus participates in a connection for data transmission or a voice call in the network, the apparatus determines that the second SIM will not be used, wherein the paging control message instructs the network entity of the network to which the second SIM is registered to stop paging for the second SIM.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the registration message includes an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the apparatus. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the network entity is a core network or a radio access network.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the registration message further comprises assistance information to avoid paging conflicts, wherein a number of iterations of paging occasions is determined based at least in part on using the assistance information.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the assistance information comprises an alternative ID used by the network entity to calculate paging occasions.

8. The device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, further comprising: Means for negotiating with said network entity regarding appropriate paging occasions.

9. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having program code portions stored thereon, the program code portions being configured to, after execution: Transmitting, by a user equipment, a registration message to a network entity, the registration message comprising information indicating whether the user equipment supports multiple subscriber identity modules SIM in active mode; and In the following case, a paging control message is transmitted to a network entity of a network to which a second SIM supported by the user equipment is registered: the user equipment supports a first SIM in use in a network including the network entity, and the user equipment participates in a connection for data transmission or a voice call, and as long as the user equipment participates in a connection for data transmission or a voice call in the network, the user equipment determines that the second SIM will not be used, wherein the paging control message instructs the network entity of the network to which the second SIM is registered to stop paging for the second SIM.

10. A method of communication, comprising: receiving, at a network entity, a registration message from a user equipment, the registration message comprising information indicating whether the user equipment supports multiple subscriber identity modules SIM in active mode; as well as A paging control message is received in the following situation: the user equipment supports a first SIM in use in a network, and the user equipment participates in a connection for data transmission or a voice call, and as long as the user equipment participates in the connection for data transmission or a voice call in the network, the user equipment determines that a second SIM supported by the user equipment will not be used, wherein the paging control message indicates to stop paging for the second SIM.

11. An apparatus for communication, comprising: means for receiving, at a network entity, a registration message from a user equipment, the registration message comprising information indicating whether the user equipment supports multiple subscriber identity modules SIM in active mode; as well as Means for receiving a paging control message in the following circumstances: the user equipment supports a first SIM in use in a network and the user equipment participates in a connection for data transmission or a voice call, and as long as the user equipment participates in a connection for data transmission or a voice call in the network, the user equipment determines that a second SIM supported by the user equipment is not to be used, wherein the paging control message indicates to stop paging for the second SIM.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the registration message further comprises an indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment, the apparatus further comprising: Means for determining a number of iterations of paging occasions suitable for sending to the user equipment based at least in part on the indication of the number of SIMs supported by the user equipment.

13. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having program code portions stored thereon, the program code portions being configured to, when executed: receiving, at a network entity, a registration message from a user equipment, the registration message comprising information indicating whether the user equipment supports multiple subscriber identity modules SIM in active mode; and A paging control message is received in the following case: the user equipment supports a first SIM in use in a network, and the user equipment participates in a connection for data transmission or a voice call, and as long as the user equipment participates in a connection for data transmission or a voice call in the network, the user equipment determines that a second SIM supported by the user equipment will not be used, wherein the paging control message indicates to stop paging for the second SIM.

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