Method and apparatus for accessing cell, chip, terminal device, and storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a method and device for accessing a cell, a chip, a terminal device and a storage medium. The method is applied to a terminal device, the terminal device comprises a first subscriber identity card and a second subscriber identity card, the terminal device supports a dual-card dual-standby function based on a part frequency band combination of the first subscriber identity card and the second subscriber identity card, and the method comprises the following steps: accessing the first subscriber identity card to a first cell by searching for a cell; determining whether a second cell exists based on a frequency band where the first cell is located, the frequency band where the first cell is located and a frequency band where the second cell is located are dual-card dual-standby frequency bands; and if the second cell exists, controlling the second subscriber identity card to access the second cell to support the dual-card dual-standby function.

Description

Methods and devices for accessing a cell, chips, terminal equipment, and storage media Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for accessing a cell, a chip, a terminal device, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of communication technology, dual-SIM dual-pass terminal devices have gradually become popular in order to meet the needs of frequent information exchange. However, some terminal devices do not support dual-SIM dual-pass in all frequency band combinations.

[0003] For terminal devices that support dual SIM dual pass and partial frequency band combinations, there are still some technical issues that need to be resolved regarding network communication. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method and apparatus for accessing a cell, a chip, a terminal device, and a storage medium. The various aspects involved in this application's embodiments are described below.

[0005] In a first aspect, a method for accessing a cell is provided. The method is applied to a terminal device, the terminal device including a first user identification card and a second user identification card, the terminal device supporting dual-SIM dual-pass functionality based on a combination of partial frequency bands of the first user identification card and the second user identification card, the method including: using network search to access the first user identification card to a first cell; determining whether a second cell exists based on the frequency band of the first cell, wherein the frequency band of the first cell and the frequency band of the second cell are dual-SIM dual-pass frequency bands; if the second cell exists, controlling the second user identification card to access the second cell to support the dual-SIM dual-pass functionality.

[0006] Secondly, a device for accessing a cell is provided. The device is applied to a terminal device, which includes a first user identification card and a second user identification card. The terminal device supports dual-SIM dual-pass functionality based on a combination of frequency bands of the first user identification card and the second user identification card. The device includes: an access module for accessing a first cell using a network search; a determination module for determining whether a second cell exists based on the frequency band of the first cell, wherein the frequency bands of the first cell and the second cell are dual-SIM dual-pass frequency bands; and a control module for controlling the second user identification card to access the second cell if the second cell exists, so as to support the dual-SIM dual-pass functionality.

[0007] Thirdly, a chip is provided, comprising: a processor for retrieving and running a computer program from a memory, such that a device having the chip installed performs the method described in the first aspect.

[0008] Fourthly, a terminal device is provided, including a processor, a memory, and a transceiver, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to control the terminal device to perform the method as described in the first aspect.

[0009] Fifthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having executable code stored thereon, which, when executed, enables the implementation of the method described in the first aspect.

[0010] This application provides a method for accessing a cell. The method is applied to a terminal device, which includes a first user identification card (SIM card) and a second SIM card. The terminal device supports dual-SIM dual-pass functionality based on a combination of frequency bands of the first and second SIM cards. In this embodiment, firstly, the first SIM card is used to access a first cell via network search. Then, based on the frequency band of the first cell, it is determined whether a second cell exists, wherein the frequency bands of the first and second cells are dual-SIM dual-pass frequency bands. Finally, if a second cell exists, the second SIM card is controlled to access the second cell to support dual-SIM dual-pass functionality. Compared to the traditional scheme where dual SIM cards independently search for and register on the network, this scheme increases the probability of the terminal device achieving dual-SIM dual-pass functionality during the network search and registration process, thereby improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the wireless communication system used in the embodiments of this application.

[0012] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for accessing a cell provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0013] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for accessing a cell provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0014] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cell access device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0015] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0017] First, the application scenarios involved in the embodiments of this application will be introduced.

[0018] Communication system

[0019] The embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems. For example, the embodiments of this application can be applied to Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A), New Radio (NR), evolution systems of NR, LTE-based access to unlicensed spectrum (LTE-U), NR-based access to unlicensed spectrum (NR-U), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), and 5th-generation (5G) systems. The embodiments of this application can also be applied to other communication systems, such as future communication systems. The future communication system could be, for example, a 6th-generation (6G) mobile communication system or a satellite communication system.

[0020] Traditional communication systems support a limited number of connections and are easy to implement. However, with the development of communication technology, communication systems can now support not only traditional cellular communication but also one or more other types of communication. For example, a communication system can support one or more of the following communication methods: device-to-device (D2D) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. The embodiments of this application can also be applied to communication systems that support the above-mentioned communication methods.

[0021] The communication system in this application embodiment can be applied to carrier aggregation (CA) scenarios, dual connectivity (DC) scenarios, and standalone (SA) network deployment scenarios.

[0022] The communication system in this application embodiment can be applied to unlicensed spectrum. This unlicensed spectrum can also be considered a shared spectrum. Alternatively, the communication system in this application embodiment can also be applied to licensed spectrum. This licensed spectrum can also be considered a dedicated spectrum.

[0023] The embodiments of this application can be applied to terrestrial networks (TN) systems as well as non-terrestrial networks (NTN) systems. As an example, the NTN system can include an NR-based NTN system and an Internet of Things (IoT)-based NTN system.

[0024] A communication system may include one or more terminal devices. The terminal devices mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device, etc.

[0025] In some embodiments, the terminal device may be a station (ST) in a WLAN. In some embodiments, the terminal device may also be a cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA) device, handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle device, wearable device, terminal device in a next-generation communication system (e.g., NR system), or terminal device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN) network, etc.

[0026] In some embodiments, the terminal device may be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user. For example, the terminal device may be a handheld device, an in-vehicle device, etc., with wireless connectivity. As some specific examples, the terminal device may be a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, PDA, mobile internet device (MID), wearable device, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, etc.

[0027] In some embodiments, the terminal device may be deployed on land. For example, the terminal device may be deployed indoors or outdoors. In some embodiments, the terminal device may be deployed on water, such as on a ship. In some embodiments, the terminal device may be deployed in the air, such as on an airplane, balloon, or satellite.

[0028] In addition to terminal devices, the communication system may also include one or more network devices. In this embodiment, the network device can be a device for communicating with the terminal device; this network device may also be referred to as an access network device or a radio access network device. For example, the network device may be a base station. In this embodiment, the network device may refer to an access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects the terminal device to the wireless network. Access network equipment can broadly encompass various names listed below, or be interchangeable with them, such as: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), master MeNB, auxiliary SeNB, multi-mode radio (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), positioning node, etc. Base stations can be macro base stations, micro base stations, relay nodes, donor nodes, or similar entities, or combinations thereof. A base station can also refer to a communication module, modem, or chip installed within the aforementioned equipment or apparatus. A base station can also be a mobile switching center, or a device that performs base station functions in device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, a network-side device in a 6G network, or a device performing base station functions in future communication systems. Base stations can support networks using the same or different access technologies. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the network equipment.

[0029] Base stations can be fixed or mobile. For example, a helicopter or drone can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move depending on the location of the mobile base station. In other examples, a helicopter or drone can be configured as a device to communicate with another base station.

[0030] In some deployments, the network device in this application embodiment may refer to a CU or a DU, or the network device may include both a CU and a DU. The gNB may also include an AAU.

[0031] By way of example and not limitation, in the embodiments of this application, the network device may have mobility characteristics; for example, the network device may be a mobile device. In some embodiments of this application, the network device may be a satellite or a balloon station. For example, the satellite may be a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a highly elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite, etc. In some embodiments of this application, the network device may also be a base station located on land, water, or other similar locations.

[0032] In this embodiment, the network device can provide services to a cell. The terminal device communicates with the network device through the transmission resources (e.g., frequency domain resources, or spectrum resources) used by the cell. The cell can be the cell corresponding to the network device (e.g., a base station). The cell can belong to a macro base station or a base station corresponding to a small cell. The cell can include: metro cell, micro cell, pico cell, femto cell, etc. These small cells have the characteristics of small coverage area and low transmission power, and are suitable for providing high-speed data transmission services.

[0033] For example, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include a network device 110, which may be a device that communicates with a terminal device 120 (or a communication terminal, terminal). The network device 110 can provide communication coverage for a specific geographical area and can communicate with terminal devices located within that coverage area.

[0034] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary network device 110 and two terminal devices 120. In some embodiments of this application, the communication system may include any number of network devices 110, and the coverage area of ​​each network device 110 may include any number of terminal devices. The embodiments of this application do not limit the number of network devices 110 and terminal devices 120 in the communication system 100.

[0035] It should be understood that devices with communication functions in the network / system of this application embodiment can be referred to as communication devices. Taking the communication system 100 shown in FIG1 as an example, the communication devices may include network devices 110 and terminal devices 120 with communication functions. Network devices 110 and terminal devices 120 can be the specific devices described above, which will not be repeated here. The communication devices may also include other devices in the communication system 100, such as network controllers, mobility management entities, and other network entities, which are not limited in this application embodiment.

[0036] The above mainly introduced the application scenarios involved in the embodiments of this application. The following section will continue to introduce the relevant terms involved in the implementation of this application.

[0037] A public land mobile network (PLMN) refers to a cellular mobile communication network of a specific type operated by a particular operator within a specific country or region. A PLMN number consists of a mobile country code (MCC) and a mobile network code (MNC), i.e., PLMN = MCC + MNC. For example, China Mobile's PLMN could be 46000, where the MCC is 460 and the MNC is 00. It is understood that the same operator can have one or more PLMNs; for example, China Mobile's PLMNs include 46000, 46002, etc.; similarly, China Unicom's PLMNs could include 46001, 46006, etc.

[0038] A subscriber identity module (SIM) is an integrated circuit card held by mobile users of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA). It enables terminal devices (such as smartphones) to connect to the GSMA network and enjoy various services provided by the network operator.

[0039] Dual SIM dual standby (DSDS), also known as dual SIM single pass, means that a terminal device can have two SIM cards inserted and both cards can be kept in standby mode at the same time. However, when one SIM card is in a call, it will completely monopolize all the radio frequency resources of the terminal device, and the other SIM card will be disconnected from the network and unable to receive calls.

[0040] Dual SIM dual active (DSDA) refers to a terminal device with two SIM cards inserted, both of which are in standby mode simultaneously. When one SIM card is in a call, the other SIM card maintains a continuous network connection and can make and receive calls.

[0041] With the development of communication technology, people are interacting with information more frequently through terminal devices. Traditional single-SIM communication devices can no longer meet people's needs. Dual-SIM dual-standby terminal devices have emerged on the market and are gradually becoming more widespread. However, some terminal devices do not support dual-SIM dual-standby in all frequency band combinations. For example, some terminal devices support dual-SIM dual-standby with frequency band B3 (e.g., primary SIM) + frequency band N41 (e.g., secondary SIM), but do not support dual-SIM dual-standby with frequency band B3 (e.g., primary SIM) + frequency band B3 (e.g., secondary SIM). It's understandable that the data card is generally the primary SIM.

[0042] Currently, dual-SIM dual-standby terminal devices primarily employ an independent network search and registration scheme for each SIM card during the network search and registration process. For dual-SIM dual-standby terminals supporting certain frequency band combinations, this means users cannot prioritize registering on the dual-SIM dual-standby supported frequency bands, thus reducing the probability of the terminal device registering on a dual-SIM dual-standby frequency band during the network search process. Understandably, if the terminal device registers on a dual-SIM single-standby frequency band during the network search process, it may result in situations where the secondary SIM card cannot access the internet when receiving a call, and the primary SIM card cannot receive calls either, potentially leading to a poor user experience.

[0043] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a method for accessing a cell. This method is applied to a terminal device, which includes a first user identification card (SIM card) and a second SIM card. The terminal device supports dual-SIM dual-pass functionality based on a combination of frequency bands of the first and second SIM cards. In this application embodiment, firstly, the first SIM card is used to access a first cell via network search. Then, based on the frequency band of the first cell, it is determined whether a second cell exists, wherein the frequency bands of the first and second cells are dual-SIM dual-pass frequency bands. Finally, if a second cell exists, the second SIM card is controlled to access the second cell to support the dual-SIM dual-pass functionality. Compared to the traditional scheme where dual SIM cards independently search for and register on the network, this scheme increases the probability of the terminal device achieving dual-SIM dual-pass during the network search and registration process, thereby improving the user experience.

[0044] It should be noted that the terminal device in this embodiment may include a first user identification card and a second user identification card, and the terminal device supports dual-SIM dual-pass functionality based on partial frequency band combinations of the first user identification card and the second user identification card. That is, the terminal device supports dual-SIM dual-pass functionality, but does not support dual-SIM dual-pass functionality for all frequency band combinations. As an example, the terminal device supports dual-SIM dual-pass functionality for frequency band B3 (e.g., the first user identification card) + frequency band N41 (e.g., the second user identification card), but does not support dual-SIM dual-pass functionality for frequency band B3 (e.g., the first user identification card) + frequency band B3 (e.g., the second user identification card). Here, frequency band B3 + frequency band N41 are the dual-SIM dual-pass frequency bands.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first user identification card can be the primary card (i.e., the data card), and of course, the second user identification card can also be the primary card (i.e., the data card). When the first user identification card can be the primary card, the second user identification card is the secondary card; when the second user identification card is the primary card, the first user identification card is the secondary card. This application does not impose specific restrictions on this.

[0046] It should be understood that the first user identification card in the embodiments of this application may refer to the user identification card that performs network search and registration first. For example, after the terminal device is powered on, the first user identification card will prioritize the network search and registration process.

[0047] The method for accessing a cell in this embodiment of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the method 200 for accessing a cell can be used with a terminal device. It should be understood that the terminal device can be any type of terminal device mentioned above, such as terminal device 110 in Figure 1. The method 200 for accessing a cell may include steps S220 to S260.

[0048] In step S220, the first user identification card is connected to the first cell using the network search function.

[0049] In some embodiments, a first user identification card can be used to search the network to obtain multiple candidate cells of the first user identification card; then, according to the signal quality of the cells from high to low, the multiple candidate cells of the first user identification card are sorted by the first user identification card to obtain a first candidate cell priority list; then, the first user identification card can be connected to a first cell, which can be the cell with the highest priority in the first candidate cell priority list, that is, the first cell can be the cell with the best signal quality in the first candidate cell priority list.

[0050] In other embodiments, a network search can be performed using the first user identification card to obtain multiple candidate cells for the first user identification card; then, the first user identification card can be connected to a first cell, which can be the cell with the best signal quality among the multiple candidate cells of the first user identification card. That is to say, during the process of the first user identification card connecting to the first cell, the multiple candidate cells may not be prioritized.

[0051] This application does not impose specific limitations on the method of determining the signal quality of a cell. For example, the signal quality of a cell can be determined by the reference signal receiving power (RSRP); or the signal quality of a cell can be determined by the reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ).

[0052] In this embodiment of the application, the timing of the terminal device searching for the network is not specifically limited. For example, it can be after the terminal device is powered on; or it can be after the terminal device loses the network and re-enters the network; or it can be during the process of the terminal device reselecting a cell.

[0053] In step S240, based on the frequency band where the first cell is located, it is determined whether a second cell exists. The frequency bands where the first cell and the second cell are located are dual-SIM dual-pass frequency bands.

[0054] Dual SIM dual pass frequency bands refer to the frequency band combinations supported by the terminal device for dual SIM dual pass functionality based on a first user identification card and a second user identification card. As an example, if the terminal device supports dual SIM dual pass functionality using frequency band B3 (e.g., the first user identification card) + frequency band N41 (e.g., the second user identification card), then frequency band B3 + frequency band N41 is the dual SIM dual pass frequency band. As another example, if the terminal device supports dual SIM dual pass functionality using frequency band B3 (e.g., the first user identification card) + frequency band B3 (e.g., the second user identification card), then frequency band B3 + frequency band B3 is the dual SIM dual pass frequency band.

[0055] It is understood that the public land mobile networks (PMRs) to which the first and second user identification cards (SIM cards) reside may be the same or different, and this application does not impose specific restrictions in this regard. If the PMRs to which the first and second user identification cards reside are the same, then the band capabilities supported by the first and second user identification cards are the same.

[0056] In some embodiments, the public land mobile network (PTN) on which the first SIM card and the second SIM card reside can be the same. In this case, to improve the network access speed of the second SIM card, the first candidate priority list can be synchronized to the second SIM card before determining whether a second cell exists. Alternatively, multiple candidate cells obtained by the first SIM card during network searching can be directly synchronized to the second SIM card. Then, the second SIM card can sort these candidate cells according to their signal quality from high to low to obtain the first candidate cell priority list. Next, based on the frequency band of the first cell, the cells in the first candidate cell priority list can be judged sequentially to determine whether a second cell exists. That is, each cell in the first candidate cell priority list can be judged sequentially according to its signal quality from high to low. If the frequency band of the current cell does not meet the dual-SIM dual-pass frequency band requirement with the frequency band of the first cell, the next cell is judged, and so on, until all candidate cells in the first candidate cell priority list have been traversed.

[0057] In some embodiments, in order to balance the dual-SIM dual-pass capability of the terminal device and the network communication quality, the signal quality of the cell can be used as a reference. When the cell signal quality is relatively good, a second cell can be searched to ensure that the terminal device camps on the dual-SIM dual-pass frequency band as much as possible. This allows users to better experience the dual-SIM dual-pass function, ensuring that users do not miss incoming calls and that the secondary SIM card does not lose network connection. In addition, when the cell signal quality is relatively poor, the terminal device can be camped on a cell with better signal quality first to ensure the network communication quality of the terminal device.

[0058] As an example, cells in the first candidate cell priority list can be evaluated in descending order of signal quality. If the signal quality of the current cell is greater than a preset threshold, then the current cell is evaluated, and it is determined whether the frequency band of the current cell and the frequency band of the first cell are dual-SIM dual-pass bands. It should be understood that the current cell is a cell in the first candidate cell priority list; if this is the first evaluation, the current cell is the cell with the strongest signal quality in the first candidate cell priority list; if it is the second evaluation, the current cell is the cell with the second strongest signal quality in the first candidate cell priority list, and so on. It should be understood that if the frequency band of the current cell and the frequency band of the first cell are dual-SIM dual-pass bands, then the current cell can be determined as the second cell. The preset threshold can be set according to requirements; for example, it can be set to -105dBm. This application does not impose specific restrictions on this.

[0059] In some embodiments, if the signal quality of the current cell is less than or equal to a preset threshold, it indicates that the cell's signal quality is poor. In this case, priority can be given to ensuring the network communication capability of the terminal device. Therefore, it can be determined whether the signal quality of the current cell is greater than that of the first cell (the reason for comparing with the first cell is that the signal quality of a cell may change). If the signal quality of the current cell is greater than that of the first cell, the second SIM card is connected to the current cell. It is understood that when the first and second SIM cards are on the same public land mobile network, the second SIM card can reuse multiple candidate cells obtained by the first SIM card during network search. Furthermore, the second SIM card can connect to the cell with the best signal quality among these candidate cells, thereby ensuring the network communication quality of the terminal device and improving the user experience.

[0060] In other embodiments, if the signal quality of the current cell is less than or equal to that of the first cell, the second SIM card can be connected to the first cell to ensure the network communication capability of the terminal device. It is understood that when the first and second SIM cards are on the same public land mobile network, if the first cell has the best signal quality, the second SIM card can be reused and connected to that first cell, thereby ensuring that the second SIM card can access the cell with the best signal quality, which helps improve the communication quality of the terminal device.

[0061] In step S260, if a second cell exists, the second user identification card is controlled to access the second cell to support dual-SIM dual-pass functionality.

[0062] As described above, in this embodiment, the first user identification card is first connected to the first cell using a network search; then, based on the frequency band of the first cell, it is determined whether a second cell exists, wherein the frequency bands of the first and second cells are dual-SIM dual-pass frequency bands; finally, if a second cell exists, the second user identification card is connected to the second cell to support dual-SIM dual-pass functionality. Compared to the traditional scheme of independent network search and registration for dual SIM cards (which prioritizes registration in cells with better signal quality and does not consider frequency bands suitable for dual-SIM dual-pass capability), this scheme increases the probability of the terminal device achieving dual-SIM dual-pass during the network search and registration process, thereby improving the user experience.

[0063] Understandably, if there is no second cell, or if the signal quality of the cell is poor, the second user identification card can be controlled to access the cell with higher signal quality among multiple candidate cells, thereby achieving the goal of balancing the dual-SIM dual-pass capability of the terminal device and the quality of network communication.

[0064] In some embodiments, before determining whether a second cell exists, regardless of whether the public land mobile network (PTN) on which the first and second SIM cards reside is the same or different, the second SIM card can be used to perform a network search to obtain multiple candidate cells. Then, these candidate cells are sorted according to their signal quality from highest to lowest to obtain a second candidate cell priority list. Next, based on the frequency band of the first cell, the cells in the second candidate cell priority list are sequentially evaluated to determine whether a second cell exists. That is, each cell in the second candidate cell priority list is evaluated sequentially according to its signal quality from highest to lowest. If the frequency band of the current cell does not satisfy the dual-SIM dual-pass frequency band requirement with the frequency band of the first cell, the evaluation continues to the next cell until all candidate cells in the second candidate cell priority list have been traversed. It is understood that the current cell at this point is a cell in the second candidate cell priority list.

[0065] It should be noted that the process of judging the cells in the second candidate cell priority list in turn to determine whether a second cell exists is similar to the process of judging the cells in the first candidate cell priority list in turn to determine whether a second cell exists. For details, please refer to "the process of judging the cells in the first candidate cell priority list in turn to determine whether a second cell exists" above. To avoid too much repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0066] In some embodiments, the terminal device may also be equipped with a dual-SIM dual-pass function switch. In response to the dual-SIM dual-pass function switch being triggered, it can be determined whether a second cell exists based on the frequency band of the first cell.

[0067] This application does not impose specific restrictions on the way the dual-SIM dual-pass function switch is triggered. For example, it can be triggered by manually operating the switch button (which can be a hardware button or a software function button), or by voice or by double-tapping the terminal device screen.

[0068] Understandably, while dual SIM dual standby functionality enhances user experience, it also increases power consumption on the terminal device. By setting a "dual SIM dual standby function switch" on the terminal device, users can be prompted to decide whether to enable this solution. Enabling it prioritizes simultaneous online access for both SIM cards, while also balancing the terminal device's dual SIM dual standby capability and network communication quality. Disabling it conserves the terminal device's power.

[0069] In some embodiments, the terminal device may include SIM1 and SIM2. Assuming SIM1 is configured as a data card and initiates the network search first, SIM1 may refer to a first user identification card, and SIM2 may refer to a second user identification card. Based on this, the method for accessing the cell will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the specific steps may include: S301 to S308.

[0070] In step S301: SIM1 is connected to the first cell using a network search.

[0071] In some embodiments, SIM1 is used for network searching to obtain multiple candidate cells. Then, SIM1 can sort these candidate cells in descending order of their RSRP (Real-Side Response Points). Based on the RSRP value of each candidate cell and its frequency, a first candidate cell priority list can be obtained. This first candidate cell priority list can be, for example, {(Freq1, RSRP1), (Freq2, RSRP2), ..., (Freq...} N RSRP N N is a natural number. It should be noted that the RSRP of the cells in the first candidate cell priority list satisfies: RSRP1 > RSRP2 > ... > RSRP N The frequency bands in which these candidate cells are located are: {Y1, Y2, ..., Y...} N}

[0072] It should be understood that the first cell is the cell with the highest RSRP for the terminal device's SIM1 priority registration, and the frequency band of the first cell can be assumed to be X.

[0073] In step S302: The priority list of the first candidate cells is synchronized to SIM2. In some embodiments, the frequency points and RSRP signal strength of the cells that SIM1 has prioritized for registration can also be synchronously informed to SIM2.

[0074] In step S303: Based on the RSRP of the cells in the first candidate cell priority list from high to low, the RSRP of the cells is ranked. n The process is repeated sequentially to determine if a second cell exists. For example, the checks can begin from n=1. The frequency band X of the first cell and the frequency band Y of the second cell are then considered. n It supports dual-SIM dual-band operation. Freq n Belonging to {Freq1, ..., Freq} N}, frequency band Y n For Freq n The frequency band in which it is located. Where n = 1, ..., N.

[0075] In step S304: Determine RSRP n Is the value higher than -105dBm? If RSRP n If the value is higher than -105dBm, it can be considered a strong signal cell, and the process jumps to step S305; if RSRP n If the value is less than or equal to -105dBm, proceed to step S309.

[0076] Step S305: Determine frequency band X+Y n Is it a dual-SIM dual-band system? If X+Y n If it is a dual-SIM dual-pass frequency band, then proceed to step S306; otherwise, proceed to step S307.

[0077] In step S306: SIM2 is connected to the current cell. At this time, the frequency of the current cell is Freq. n .

[0078] In step S307: Let n = n + 1, and jump to step S308.

[0079] In step S308: Determine whether n is less than or equal to N. If n ≤ N, proceed to step S303; otherwise, proceed to step S310.

[0080] Step S309: Determine RSRP n Is the value higher than the RSRP of the first cell? If RSRP n If the RSRP is higher than that of the first cell, proceed to step S306; otherwise, proceed to step S310.

[0081] In step S310: SIM2 is connected to the first cell.

[0082] In step S311: End the current terminal device cell access process.

[0083] According to the steps in Figure 3, the probability of the terminal device residing on the dual-SIM dual-standby frequency band can be increased, allowing users to better experience the dual-SIM dual-standby function and ensuring that incoming calls are not missed and the secondary SIM card remains connected during calls. Furthermore, when the cell signal is weak, prioritizing dual-SIM collaboration allows both SIM cards to reside in cells with stronger RSRP (Resonance Ratio). This solution balances the dual-SIM dual-standby capability of the terminal device with network communication quality, thereby improving the user experience.

[0084] To deepen the understanding of the cell access method in Figure 3, let's assume the terminal device includes dual SIM cards (SIM1 and SIM2), with SIM1 being a data card. Both SIM cards are operated by mobile operators, and both reside on the PLMN 46000. The dual SIM cards support the frequency bands N41, N28, and N79. The terminal device supports dual-SIM dual-pass frequency bands N41+N28, but does not support dual-SIM dual-pass functionality on N41+N41. Based on this, and in conjunction with two embodiments, the cell access method in Figure 3 will be described in detail.

[0085] Example 1

[0086] SIM1 initiates a network search first, obtaining three candidate cells. These three candidate cells are then sorted according to their RSRP (Responsible RSRP) from highest to lowest, resulting in a priority list of candidate cells:

[0087] Cell 1 (Band: N41, Freq: 504990, RSRP: -70dBm);

[0088] Cell 2 (Band: N41, Freq: 513000, RSRP: -78dBm);

[0089] Cell 3 (Band: N28, Freq: 154570, RSRP: -90dBm):

[0090] Where band is the frequency band where the cell is located, Freq is the frequency point where the cell is located, and RSRP is the reference signal received power of the cell.

[0091] Since cell 1 has the highest RSRP, SIM1 initiates registration and access to cell 1 first. Then, SIM1 synchronizes the priority list of candidate cells to SIM2. SIM2 can determine the optimal cell based on RSRP. Cell 1's RSRP is greater than -105dBm, but the terminal device does not support N41+N41 dual-SIM dual-standby functionality. Therefore, it continues to consider cell 2, whose RSRP is also greater than -105dBm, but the terminal device still does not support N41+N41 dual-SIM dual-standby functionality. Therefore, it continues to consider cell 3, whose RSRP is greater than -105dBm, and the terminal device supports N41+N28 dual-SIM dual-standby functionality. Next, SIM2 can initiate a registration request to cell 3 and access cell 3. Compared to the dual-SIM independent network search scheme, this scheme allows the terminal to reside on the dual-SIM dual-standby frequency band.

[0092] Example 2

[0093] SIM1 initiates a network search first, obtaining three candidate cells. These three candidate cells are then sorted according to their RSRP (Responsible RSRP) from highest to lowest, resulting in a priority list of candidate cells:

[0094] Cell 1 (Band: N41, Freq: 504990, RSRP: -103dBm);

[0095] Cell 2 (Band: N41, Freq: 513000, RSRP: -105dBm);

[0096] Cell 3 (Band: N28, Freq: 154570, RSRP: -110dBm):

[0097] Where band is the frequency band where the cell is located, Freq is the frequency point where the cell is located, and RSRP is the reference signal received power of the cell.

[0098] Since cell 1 has the highest RSRP, SIM1 initiates registration and access to cell 1 first. Then, SIM1 synchronizes the priority list of candidate cells to SIM2. SIM2 can determine the appropriate cell based on RSRP. Cell 1's RSRP is greater than -105dBm, but the terminal device does not support N41+N41 dual-SIM dual-pass functionality. Therefore, it continues to evaluate cell 2. Cell 2's RSRP is not greater than -105dBm, and its RSRP is less than cell 1's. Therefore, SIM2 can choose to initiate a registration request to cell 1, which SIM1 is accessing, and will then access cell 1. Compared to the dual-SIM independent network search scheme, this scheme allows both SIMs of the terminal device to camp on a strong-signal cell even when there are no strong-signal dual-SIM dual-pass frequency band cells available.

[0099] As can be seen, the solution in this application embodiment does not increase system complexity and is applicable to various communication networks, such as 4G / 5G networks. This application proposes a joint network search solution that considers both dual-SIM dual-standby and dual-SIM collaborative functions: when there is a strong signal, the terminal is kept on the frequency band supported by dual-SIM dual-standby as much as possible, so that users can better experience the dual-SIM dual-standby function, ensuring that users do not miss incoming calls and that the secondary SIM card does not lose network connection. In addition, when there is a weak signal in the frequency band supported by dual-SIM dual-standby, dual-SIM collaboration can also be used with the same operator capabilities to prioritize ensuring that the terminal is kept on the stronger signal cell.

[0100] The method embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The apparatus embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to Figures 4 and 5. It should be understood that the descriptions of the method embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the apparatus embodiments; therefore, any parts not described in detail can be referred to the foregoing method embodiments.

[0101] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an access cell device provided in an embodiment of this application. The access cell device 400 can be applied to a terminal device, which includes a first user identification card and a second user identification card. The terminal device supports dual-SIM dual-pass functionality based on a combination of partial frequency bands of the first user identification card and the second user identification card. The device 400 includes: an access module 410, a determination module 420, and a control module 430.

[0102] The access module 410 can be used to connect the first user identification card to the first cell using a network search.

[0103] The determination module 420 can be used to determine whether a second cell exists based on the frequency band where the first cell is located, wherein the frequency band where the first cell is located and the frequency band where the second cell is located are dual-SIM dual-pass frequency bands.

[0104] The control module 430 can be used to control the second user identification card to access the second cell if the second cell exists, so as to support the dual-card dual-pass function.

[0105] Optionally, the access module 410 is configured to: use the first user identification card to perform a network search to obtain multiple candidate cells of the first user identification card; and connect the first user identification card to the first cell, wherein the first cell is the cell with the best signal quality among the multiple candidate cells of the first user identification card.

[0106] Optionally, the first user identification card and the second user identification card are located on the same public land mobile network. The device 400 further includes: a first sorting module 440, configured to sort multiple candidate cells of the first user identification card according to the signal quality of the cells from high to low before determining whether a second cell exists, to obtain a first candidate cell priority list; a synchronization module 450, configured to synchronize the first candidate cell priority list to the second user identification card; and the determining module 420 configured to: judge the cells in the first candidate cell priority list sequentially based on the frequency band of the first cell to determine whether a second cell exists.

[0107] Optionally, the step of sequentially judging the cells in the first candidate cell priority list to determine whether there is a second cell includes: if the signal quality of the current cell is greater than a preset threshold, then determining whether the frequency band of the current cell and the frequency band of the first cell are dual-SIM dual-pass frequency bands, and the current cell is a cell in the first candidate cell priority list; if the frequency band of the current cell and the frequency band of the first cell are dual-SIM dual-pass frequency bands, then determining the current cell as the second cell.

[0108] Optionally, the device 400 further includes: a second determining module 460, configured to determine whether the signal quality of the current cell is greater than the signal quality of the first cell if the signal quality of the current cell is less than or equal to a preset threshold; and a second access module 470, configured to access the second user identification card into the current cell if the signal quality of the current cell is greater than the signal quality of the first cell.

[0109] Optionally, the device 400 further includes a third access module 480, configured to access the second user identification card into the first cell if the signal quality of the current cell is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first cell.

[0110] Optionally, the device 400 further includes: a network search module 490, used to perform a network search using the second user identification card before determining whether a second cell exists, to obtain multiple candidate cells of the second user identification card; a second sorting module 491, used to sort the multiple candidate cells of the second user identification card according to the signal quality of the cells from high to low, to obtain a second candidate cell priority list; and the determining module 420 is used to: judge the cells in the second candidate cell priority list in sequence based on the frequency band where the first cell is located, to determine whether a second cell exists.

[0111] Optionally, the terminal device is equipped with a dual-SIM dual-pass function switch, and the determining module 420 is used to: in response to the dual-SIM dual-pass function switch being triggered, determine whether a second cell exists based on the frequency band of the first cell.

[0112] The following description, with reference to Figure 5, illustrates a terminal device 500 according to an embodiment of this application. This terminal device 500 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0113] It should be understood that the terminal device 500 can be applied to any of the types of terminal devices mentioned above.

[0114] The terminal device 500 may include one or more processors 510. The processor 510 may support the terminal device 500 in implementing the methods described in the preceding method embodiments.

[0115] The processor 510 can be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor. For example, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU). Alternatively, the processor can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0116] The terminal device 500 may also include one or more memories 520. The memories 520 store a program that can be executed by the processor 510 to control the terminal device 500 to perform the methods described in the preceding method embodiments. The memories 520 may be independent of the processor 510 or integrated into the processor 510.

[0117] The memory 520 can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, the memory 520 may also be various types of random access memory (RAM), such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous DRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous-link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct ram-bus RAM (DR RAM).

[0118] Terminal device 500 may also include transceiver 530. Processor 510 can communicate with other devices through transceiver 530. For example, processor 510 can send and receive data with other devices through transceiver 530.

[0119] This application also provides a chip, including a processor, which can be used to call and run a computer program from memory, causing a device equipped with the chip to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. It is understood that the processor can be any type of processor mentioned above. It is also understood that the memory can be independent of the chip or integrated into the chip.

[0120] This application also provides a machine-readable storage medium for storing a program. This program causes a computer to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0121] This application also provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a program. The program causes a computer to perform the methods described in various embodiments of this application.

[0122] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a machine-readable storage medium or transmitted from one machine-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The machine-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state drives (SSDs)).

[0123] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0124] In the several embodiments provided in this disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0125] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0126] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this disclosure can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0127] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for accessing a cell, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal device, which includes a first user identification card and a second user identification card. The terminal device supports dual-SIM dual-pass functionality based on a combination of frequency bands of the first user identification card and the second user identification card. The method includes: using the first user identification card to search for a network to obtain multiple candidate cells of the first user identification card; connecting the first user identification card to a first cell, where the first cell is the cell with the best signal quality among the multiple candidate cells of the first user identification card; synchronizing the multiple candidate cells to the second user identification card; determining whether a second cell exists based on the frequency band of the first cell, where the frequency band of the first cell and the frequency band of the second cell are dual-SIM dual-pass frequency bands; if a second cell exists and the signal quality of the second cell is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, then controlling the second user identification card to connect to the second cell to support the dual-SIM dual-pass functionality; if the signal quality of the second cell is less than or equal to the preset threshold, then controlling the second user identification card to connect to the cell with the best signal quality among the multiple candidate cells.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first user identification card and the second user identification card are located on the same public land mobile network. Before determining whether a second cell exists, the method further includes: sorting multiple candidate cells of the first user identification card according to the signal quality of the cells from high to low to obtain a first candidate cell priority list; synchronizing the first candidate cell priority list to the second user identification card; determining whether a second cell exists based on the frequency band of the first cell includes: judging the cells in the first candidate cell priority list sequentially based on the frequency band of the first cell to determine whether a second cell exists.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of sequentially judging the cells in the first candidate cell priority list to determine whether there is a second cell includes: if the signal quality of the current cell is greater than a preset threshold, then determining whether the frequency band of the current cell and the frequency band of the first cell are dual-SIM dual-pass frequency bands, and the current cell is a cell in the first candidate cell priority list; if the frequency band of the current cell and the frequency band of the first cell are dual-SIM dual-pass frequency bands, then determining the current cell as the second cell.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: if the signal quality of the current cell is less than or equal to a preset threshold, then determining whether the signal quality of the current cell is greater than the signal quality of the first cell; if the signal quality of the current cell is greater than the signal quality of the first cell, then connecting the second user identification card to the current cell.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: if the signal quality of the current cell is less than or equal to the signal quality of the first cell, then the second user identification card is connected to the first cell.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before determining whether a second cell exists, the method further includes: using the second user identification card to perform a network search to obtain multiple candidate cells of the second user identification card; sorting the multiple candidate cells of the second user identification card according to the signal quality of the cells from high to low to obtain a second candidate cell priority list; determining whether a second cell exists based on the frequency band of the first cell includes: judging the cells in the second candidate cell priority list sequentially based on the frequency band of the first cell to determine whether a second cell exists.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal device is equipped with a dual-SIM dual-pass function switch. The step of determining whether a second cell exists based on the frequency band of the first cell includes: in response to the dual-SIM dual-pass function switch being triggered, determining whether a second cell exists based on the frequency band of the first cell.

8. A device for accessing a cell, characterized in that, The device is applied to a terminal device, which includes a first user identification card and a second user identification card. The terminal device supports dual-SIM dual-pass functionality based on a combination of frequency bands of the first user identification card and the second user identification card. The device includes: an access module, which uses the first user identification card to search for a network to obtain multiple candidate cells of the first user identification card; connects the first user identification card to a first cell, where the first cell is the cell with the best signal quality among the multiple candidate cells of the first user identification card; and synchronizes the multiple candidate cells to the second user identification card; a determination module, which determines whether a second cell exists based on the frequency band of the first cell, where the frequency band of the first cell and the frequency band of the second cell are dual-SIM dual-pass frequency bands; and a control module, which controls the second user identification card to connect to the second cell to support the dual-SIM dual-pass functionality if the second cell exists and the signal quality of the second cell is greater than or equal to a preset threshold; and controls the second user identification card to connect to the cell with the best signal quality among the multiple candidate cells if the signal quality of the second cell is less than or equal to the preset threshold.

9. A chip, characterized in that, include: A processor for retrieving and running a computer program from memory, causing a device with the chip mounted thereon to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

10. A terminal device, characterized in that, include: A processor, a memory, and a transceiver, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to invoke and run the computer program stored in the memory to control the terminal device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

11. A computer-readable storage medium having executable code stored thereon, characterized in that, The code is used to implement the method of any one of claims 1-7.

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