Electronic device and operating method thereof

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an electronic device, comprising: a first SIM supporting a communication with a first cellular wireless network, a second SIM supporting a communication with a second cellular wireless network, wherein the first SIM and the second SIM operating under dual SIM dual standby (DSDS) mode, memory for storing instructions, and at least one processor operatively connected with the first communication module, the second communication module and the memory; wherein, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to, determine that the first SIM is being in a high priority service; select one of at least one external device capable of receiving an incoming call to the second SIM from the second cellular wireless network as a supporting device based on the determination that the first SIM is being in the high priority service; and re-direct the incoming call to the selected supporting device. The disclosure also relates to an operating method of the electronic device and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

Description

ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF

[0001] The disclosure relates to an electronic device supporting multiple subscriber identity modules (SIM) and, more specifically, to an electronic device operating under dual SIM dual standby (DSDS) mode for managing and re-directing an incoming call to a supporting device, and the operating method thereof.

[0002] In recent years, the use of electronic devices that support multiple SIMs has gained popularity due to the flexibility they provide for users managing multiple phone numbers or carriers. Dual SIM dual standby (DSDS) mode allows two SIMs to be active in an electronic device simultaneously, however, the two SIMs share a single radio transceiver, meaning one SIM can actively engage in a call or data session at any given time.

[0003] When the electronic device is actively using data service on one SIM, an incoming call on the other SIM can interrupt or pause the data session. This is a common issue when a user is engaged in data-intensive activities (such as online gaming, over-the-top (OTT) voice or video call, or streaming) on one SIM and receives a call on the other SIM, causing the data connection to be interrupted temporarily and thus significantly impacting the user experience. Consequently, there is a need for an enhanced technical solution that allows a user to receive an incoming call on one SIM without interrupting ongoing data services on the other SIM.

[0004] The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the disclosure.

[0005] Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and / or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a method for predicting network congestion in a wireless network system.

[0006] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0007] The disclosure has been made to address at least the above problems and / or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below.

[0008] According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided an electronic device. The electronic device comprises a first SIM supporting a communication with a first cellular wireless network, a second SIM supporting a communication with a second cellular wireless network, wherein the first SIM and the second SIM operating under dual SIM dual standby (DSDS) mode, memory for storing instructions, and at least one processor operatively connected with the memory. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to, determine that the first SIM is being in a high priority service, select one of at least one external device capable of receiving an incoming call to the second SIM from the second cellular wireless network as a supporting device, re-direct the incoming call to the selected supporting device.

[0009] According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, an operating method of an electronic device supporting multiple subscriber identity modules (SIM) operating under dual SIM dual standby (DSDS) mode for re-directing an incoming call to the electronic device to a supporting device is provided, wherein the electronic device using a first SIM for communicating with a first cellular wireless network and a second SIM for communicating with a second cellular wireless network, the method comprising: determining that the first SIM is being in a high priority service, selecting one of at least one external device capable of receiving an incoming call to the second SIM from the second cellular wireless network as a supporting device based on the determination that the first SIM is being in the high priority service, re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device.

[0010] According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising executable program instructions is provided, wherein when the instructions are run on an electronic device, the electronic device is enabled to perform the method described above.

[0011] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0012] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a network connection relationship of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the operating method of an electronic device for re-directing an incoming call to a supporting device according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b are a flow chart showing the operating method of an electronic device for re-directing an incoming call to a supporting device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a interaction process between an electronic device based on a first SIM and a second SIM in DSDS mode and a cellular wireless network or a server to redirect an incoming call to a supporting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b are a flow chart showing the operating method of an electronic device for re-directing an incoming call to a supporting device according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b are a flow chart showing the operating method of an electronic device for re-directing an incoming call to a supporting device according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b are a flow chart showing the operating method of an electronic device for re-directing an incoming call to a supporting device according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operating method of an electronic device for automatically routing a wireless headset to a supporting device during a call according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a process implemented by an electronic device to automatically route a wireless headset to a supporting device during a call according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0023] Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

[0024] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0025] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0026] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0027] It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of the embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated below, the disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the design and implementation illustrated and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

[0028] The term "some" as used herein is defined as "none, or one, or more than one, or all." Accordingly, the terms "none," "one," "more than one," "more than one, but not all" or "all" would all fall under the definition of "some." The term "some embodiments" may refer to no embodiments, to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term "some embodiments" is defined as meaning "no embodiment, or one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments."

[0029] The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict, or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0030] More specifically, any terms used herein such as but not limited to "includes," "comprises," "has," "consists," and grammatical variants thereof do NOT specify an exact limitation or restriction and certainly do NOT exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated, and furthermore must NOT be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated with the limiting language "MUST comprise" or "NEEDS TO include."

[0031] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, either way, it may still be referred to as "one or more features" or "one or more elements" or "at least one feature" or "at least one element." Furthermore, the use of the terms "one or more" or "at least one" feature or element does NOT preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language such as "there NEEDS to be one or more . . ." or "one or more element is REQUIRED."

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and / or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art.

[0033] As used herein, each of such phrases as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C," may include any one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term "operatively" or "communicatively", as "coupled with," "coupled to," "connected with," or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or via a third element.

[0034] It should be appreciated that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of the flowcharts may be performed by one or more computer programs which include computer-executable instructions. The entirety of the one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device or the one or more computer programs may be divided with different portions stored in different multiple memory devices.

[0035] Any of the functions or operations described herein can be processed by one processor or a combination of processors. The one processor or the combination of processors is circuitry performing processing and includes circuitry like an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphical processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip, a BluetoothTMchip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display drive integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an IC, or the like.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 may communicate with an electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device 104 or a server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 via the server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, a memory 130, an input module 150, a sound output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a subscriber identification module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module 197. In an embodiment, at least one (e.g., the display module 160 or the camera module 180) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device 101. In an embodiment, some of the components may be implemented as single integrated circuitry. For example, the sensor module 176 (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented as embedded in the display module 160 (e.g., a display).

[0038] The processor 120 may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 coupled with the processor 120, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor 120 may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module 176 or the communication module 190) in a volatile memory 132, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store resulting data in a non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), and an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor 121. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor 121. Furthermore, the processor 120 may include various processing circuitry and / or multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including the claims, the term "processor" may include various processing circuitry, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of at least one processor, individually and / or collectively in a distributed manner, may be configured to perform various functions described herein. As used herein, when "a processor", "at least one processor", and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform numerous functions, these terms cover situations, for example and without limitation, in which one processor performs some of recited functions and another processor(s) performs other of recited functions, and also situations in which a single processor may perform all recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors performing various of the recited / disclosed functions, e.g., in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0039] The auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) among the components of the electronic device 101, instead of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an ISP or a CP) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module 180 or the communication module 190) functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123.

[0040] The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176) of the electronic device 101. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program 140) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory 130 may include the volatile memory 132 or the non-volatile memory 134.

[0041] The program 140 may be stored in the memory 130 as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, or an application 146.

[0042] The input module 150 may receive a command or data to be used by other components (e.g., the processor 120) of the electronic device 101, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The input device 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0043] The sound output module 155 may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record, and the receiver may be used for an incoming call. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

[0044] The display module 160 may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The display module 160 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display module 160 may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch, or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

[0045] The audio module 170 may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 may obtain the sound via the input module 150, or output the sound via the sound output module 155 or a headphone of an external device (e.g., the electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device 101.

[0046] The sensor module 176 may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device 101, and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0047] The interface 177 may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device 101 to be coupled with the external device (e.g., the electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0048] A connection terminal 178 may include a connector via which the electronic device 101 may be physically connected with the external device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the connection terminal 178 may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0049] The haptic module 179 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

[0050] The camera module 180 may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, ISPs, or flashes.

[0051] The power management module 188 may manage power supplied to the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0052] The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

[0053] The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and the external device (e.g., the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more CPs that are operable independently from the processor 120 (e.g., the AP) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external device via the first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as BluetoothTM, Wi-Fi direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module 192 may identify and authenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the SIM 196. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may support multiple SIMs operating under dual SIM dual standby (DSDS) mode. DSDS mode allows the two SIMs to be active in the electronic device simultaneously, however, the two SIMs share a single radio transceiver, therefore one SIM may actively engage in a voice call or data connection at any given time. For example, the electronic device 101 may include a first SIM and a second SIM operating under dual SIM dual standby (DSDS) mode, wherein the first SIM capable of supporting a data communication with a first cellular wireless network, and the second SIM capable of supporting a voice communication with a second cellular wireless network.

[0054] The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external device) of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas. In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, may be selected, for example, by the communication module 190 (e.g., the wireless communication module 192) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and the external device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 197.

[0055] At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) there between via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

[0056] According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and the electronic device 104 via the server 108 coupled with the second network 199. Each of the external devices 102 and 104 may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device 101 may be executed at one or more of the external devices 102 and 104 or the server 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used, for example.

[0057] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a network connection relationship of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, an electronic device 201 (e.g., the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1) may communicate with external devices 202 (e.g., the electronic device 102 of FIG. 1) over a first network 298 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) in a network environment 200 (e.g., the network environment 100 of FIG. 1) or may communicate with an external device 204 (e.g., the electronic device 104 of FIG. 1) or a server 208 (e.g., the server 108 of FIG. 1) over a second network 299 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). For example, the external devices 202 may include a laptop 202a, a headset 202b, a wearable device 202c, a tablet 202d, a smart phone 202e, and the like. The external devices 202 may include a first communication module (e.g. a short-range communication module) capable of performing short-range communication. The first network 298 may include a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi direct, or IrDA. In addition, the external devices 202 may include a second communication module (e.g. a communication processor (CP) modem) capable of performing long-range communication. The second network 299 may include a long-range communication network such as a cellular wireless network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a WAN).

[0059] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 201 may include a first communication module capable of performing short-range communication (e.g. BLE, Bluetooth module) and a second communication module capable of performing long-range communication (e.g., a communication processor (CP) modem). For example, the electronic device 201 may communicate with the external devices 202 via the first communication module. The electronic device 201 may receive an incoming call from the electronic device 204 via the second communication module.

[0060] The electronic device 201 may support multiple SIMs. Specifically, the electronic device 201 may include a first SIM and a second SIM operating under dual SIM dual standby (DSDS) mode. For example, the first SIM capable of supporting a data communication with a first cellular wireless network, and the second SIM capable of supporting a voice communication with a second cellular wireless network. According to an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device 201 may connect with at least one of the external devices 202 over the first network 298. Furthermore, the electronic device 201 may receive an incoming call from the external device 204 to the second SIM over the second cellular wireless network. In a state where the first SIM of the electronic device 201 is being connected with the first cellular wireless network for using an application under high priority mode or using a high priority service, the electronic device 201 may connect with the external devices 202 over the first network 298, and may select one suitable device among the external devices 202 to receive an incoming call to the second SIM of the electronic device 201 from the second cellular wireless network instead of the electronic device 201.

[0061] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operating method of an electronic device for re-directing an incoming call to a supporting device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, a description will be given of a case when there is an incoming call coming to the second SIM of the electronic device 201 and the electronic device 201 re-directs the call to another nearby device so as not to interrupt the high priority service being used on the first SIM of the electronic device 201.

[0063] A high priority service typically may include a service in which a large amount of mobile data is used continuously without interruption. According to this disclosure, a high priority service may be a priority service which being specified by a user or a manufacturer or being prioritized by cellular network operators, such as over-the-top (OTT) voice or video calls, or streaming, or it may be an application set in high priority mode, such as a online gaming application, etc.

[0064] In operation S301, the electronic device 201 may determine whether the first SIM is being in a high priority service, meaning whether the first SIM is being connected with the first cellular wireless network for using a specified priority service or using an application in high priority mode.

[0065] While the electronic device 201 is using a high priority service on the first SIM, receiving of an incoming call to the second SIM will cause the first SIM to enter the radio resource control (RRC) suspended state, resulting in service interruption on the first SIM of the electronic device 201.

[0066] In operation S302, in order not to miss an incoming call to the second SIM from the second cellular wireless network while maintaining the high priority service on the first SIM, the electronic device 201 may perform an operation to select one of the external devices 202 capable of receiving the incoming call instead of the electronic device 201.

[0067] In an embodiment, the external devices 202 may be short-range communication devices (e.g., laptop 202a, wearable device 202c, tablet 202d, and smart-phone 202e in FIG. 2) connected to the electronic device 201 via short-range wireless connections, and may comprise a communication processor (CP) modem. Among the external devices being connected with the electronic device 201, one external device will be selected to become a supporting device for the electronic device 201 in receiving the incoming call to the second SIM of the electronic device 201.

[0068] A selected supporting device may be replaced depending on its availability to the electronic device 201. In case when the selected supporting device is not available for a certain reason, the electronic device 201 may repeat the operation in operation S302 to re-select another supporting device that is available to the electronic device 201.

[0069] In operation S303, the electronic device 201 may prepare a pre-defined procedure for re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device in operation S302. According to an embodiment, the pre-defined procedure may comprise one or more operations, performed internally by the electronic device 201, or performed interactively between the electronic device 201 and the selected supporting device, between the electronic device 201 and the network 299, or between the electronic device 201 and both the selected supporting device and the network 299.

[0070] In operation S304, the electronic device 201 may proceed with re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device based on the prepared procedure in operation S303. According to an embodiment, the re-direction of an incoming call is performed before or after, or when detecting or receiving a paging message with an indication of voice service based on the second SIM of the electronic device 201. According to an exemplary embodiment, when the second cellular wireless network determines that an incoming call is for the second SIM of the electronic device 201 and being voice-related, it adds a specific paging cause field (e.g., "Voice") to a paging message and broadcasts the paging message to inform the electronic device 201 of the service type which is a voice service. The paging message may include the IMSI of the second SIM and the paging cause field of "Voice service" which is an indicator that a voice call is coming to the second SIM and waiting for the electronic device 201 to respond. In order to detect the paging message coming to the second SIM of the electronic device 201, the electronic device 201 may check for paging messages periodically and when receiving a paging message that contains its IMSI and with the paging cause field of "Voice service", the electronic device 201 detects that there is a paging message for an incoming voice call coming to its second SIM, and prepares operations to re-direct the incoming voice call.

[0071] The re-direction of the incoming voice call may also comprise one or more operations, performed internally in the electronic device 201, or performed interactively between the electronic device 201 and the selected supporting device, or between the electronic device 201 and the network 299, or between the electronic device 201, the selected supporting device and the network 299.

[0072] FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b are a flowchart showing the operation method of an electronic device for re-directing an incoming call to a supporting device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4a, and FIG. 4b, a description will be given of a case when there is an incoming call coming to the second SIM of the electronic device 201 and the electronic device 201 re-directs the call to another nearby device so as not to interrupt the high priority service being used on the first SIM of the electronic device 201 according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0074] In operation S401, similar to operation S301 in FIG.3, the electronic device 201 may determine whether the first SIM is being in a high priority service, meaning whether the first SIM is being connected with the first cellular wireless network for using a specified priority service or using an application in high priority mode.

[0075] While the electronic device 201 is using a high priority service on the first SIM, receiving of an incoming call to the second SIM will cause the first SIM to enter the RRC suspended state, resulting in service interruption on the first SIM.

[0076] In order not to interrupt the high priority service based the first SIM, the electronic device 201 may perform an operation to select one of the external devices 202 capable of receiving the incoming call instead of the electronic device 201. The operation may include some operations S402, S403, and S404 as described below.

[0077] In operation S402, the electronic device 201 may scan, via the first communication module, to detect and connect with external devices 202 capable of receiving the incoming call instead of the electronic device. In an embodiment, the external devices 202 may be short-range communication devices (e.g., laptop 202a, wearable device 202c, tablet 202d, and smart-phone 202e in FIG. 2) connected to the electronic device 201 via short-range wireless connections, and may comprise a communication processor (CP) modem.

[0078] In operation S403, after scanning to detect and connect with the external devices 202, the electronic device 201 may send, via the first communication module, a request to the detected and connected external devices 202 to obtain information on the capability of the detected and connected external devices 202. According to an embodiment, the information on the capability of external devices may comprise information on signal strength, battery level, CP modem state, owner, equipment capability of each external device, and distance of each external device relative to the electronic device 201.

[0079] The signal strength is　measured in　dBm based on radio frequency (RF) parameters of each external device. Measuring the signal strength of each external device based on RF parameters involves assessing several key indicators that reflect the quality and strength of the radio signal being received by each external device from the second cellular wireless network. The RF parameters may commonly be received signal strength indicator (RSSI), signal to interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), energy per chip to noise power density ratio (Ec / No), etc.

[0080] The CP modem state, or state of a communication processor (CP) modem, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, refers to one of the following states: idle state, connected state, and disconnected state (e.g. when airplane mode is on) of an external device. According to some other embodiments, CP modem state refers to either an "on" state or an "off" state, wherein the "off" state corresponds to the disconnected state, and the "on" state corresponds to idle state.

[0081] In order to obtain information about the signal strength of each external device, the CP modem of each external device must be in idle state or connected state. In an embodiment of the disclosure, in case when CP modem of an external device is being turned off to save energy or for a certain reason, the electronic device 201, after detecting and connecting with the external devices 202, is unable to obtain information on the signal strength of the external devices 202 based on RF parameters. In this scenario, the electronic device 201 may send a request, via the first communication module, to turn on the CP modems of the detected and connected external devices 202 and collect the information on signal strength of each external device via short-range wireless connections. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 201 may also send another request to return the CP modems of the external devices 202 to their original state after obtaining the information on signal strength of the external devices 202 and completing the selection of a supporting device. According to another embodiment, after obtaining the information on signal strength of the external devices 202 and completing the selection of a supporting device, the electronic device 201 may send a further request to turn off the CP modems of the external devices which are not selected to be a supporting device for the electronic device 201, except for the CP modem of the selected supporting device.

[0082] The information on equipment capability of an external device, according to the disclosure, may include, but are not limited to, capability on supporting a variety of radio access technologies (RAT) such as 5G SA / 5G NSA / LTE / 3G / 2G, capability on supporting different frequency bands and combinations, capability on whether supporting enhanced voice services (EVS) voice or not.

[0083] In operation S404, the electronic device 201 may select one of the detected and connected external devices to be the supporting device to receive an incoming call to the second SIM from the second cellular wireless network instead of the electronic device based on the obtained information on the capability of the external devices 202 from operation S403.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the selection may comprise determining priority orders of the external devices 202 according to a predetermined priority criterion based on the obtained information on capability of each external device; and selecting an external device having the highest priority order among the external devices 202 to be the supporting device.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the pre-determined priority criterion is determined by at least one among a group consisting of signal strength, battery level, CP modem state, owner, equipment capability of an external device, and distance of an external device relative to the electronic device, wherein an external device having better signal strength being assigned higher priority order, an external device having better battery level being assigned higher priority order, an external device having closer distance relative to the electronic device being assigned higher priority order, an external device being in idle state or disconnected state being assigned higher priority order, an external device capable of supporting more radio access technologies (RAT), more bands and combinations, enhanced voice services (EVS) voice being assigned higher priority order, an external device belonging to the same owner as the electronic device being assigned higher priority order.

[0086] According to an embodiment, each of the priority criteria is assigned a pre-determined priority order depending on a set up of the electronic device 201, and an external device with the highest priority order will be selected as a supporting device for the electronic device 201.

[0087] A selected supporting device may be replaced depending on its availability to the electronic device 201. In case when the selected supporting device is not available for a certain reason, the electronic device 201 may repeat the operations in operations S402, S403, and S404 to re-select another supporting device that is available to the electronic device 201.

[0088] In operation S405, the electronic device 201 may send, via the first communication module, a request to the selected supporting device to obtain SIM information, wherein the SIM information may comprise information about a phone number stored in a SIM of the selected supporting device. For example, the phone number may be got from a file that is stored in the folder named EF_MSISDN of the SIM card of the supporting device. According another embodiment, the electronic device 201 may also obtain SIM information of the external devices 202 along with the information on capability of the external devices 202 right after detecting and connecting with the external devices 202 via the first communication module and short-range wireless connections.

[0089] In operation S406, after obtaining the SIM information comprising the phone number stored in the SIM of the selected supporting device, the electronic device 201 may determine whether the selected supporting device shares the same phone number as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device 201 based on the obtained SIM information of the selected supporting device.

[0090] In operation S407, after determining that the phone number of the selected supporting device is not the same as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device, the electronic device 201 may generate a temporarily call-forwarding message including the obtained phone number of the selected supporting device to prepare for re-directing the incoming call to the supporting device.

[0091] According to an exemplary embodiment, the generated temporarily call-forwarding message may be a session initiation protocol (SIP) 302 message (moved temporarily) which includes the phone number of the supporting device. The SIP 302 message is a re-direction response in the SIP to inform the second cellular wireless network that the destination of the incoming call has changed temporarily to the supporting device.

[0092] In case the phone number of the selected support device is determined to be the same as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device, the process continues to operation S707 in FIG. 7 or operation 807 in FIG. 8.

[0093] In operation S408, the electronic device 201 may also determine whether the CP modem of the selected supporting device is being off or not based on the obtained information on CP modem state of the external devices in operation S403. In case the CP modem of the selected supporting device is determined to be being off, the process continues to operation S409. On the contrary, the process continues to operation S410.

[0094] For proceeding with re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device based on the prepared procedure in previous operations, the electronic device 201 may perform an operation, which may include operations S409 and S410 as described below.

[0095] In operation S409, after determining that the phone number of the selected supporting device is not the same as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device and the CP modem of the selected supporting device is being off, the electronic device 201 may send, via the first communication module, a request to turn on the CP modem of the selected supporting device to be ready to receive an incoming call.

[0096] Finally, in operation S410, upon revceiving a paging message with an indication of voice service from the second cellular wireless network to the second SIM, the electronic device 201 may respond by sending the generated temporarily call-forwarding message in operation S407 to the second cellular wireless network via the second communication module to request re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device.

[0097] FIG. 5 is an illustration of an interaction process between an electronic device based on a first SIM and a second SIM in DSDS mode and a cellular wireless network or a server to re-direct an incoming call to a supporting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4a, FIG. 4b, and FIG. 5, a process implemented sequentially by the electronic device 201 based on the first SIM and the second SIM in DSDS mode will be given of a case when there is a paging message for an incoming call to the second SIM of the electronic device 201 sent from the network 299 or an IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) server while the first SIM is being in high priority service and the second SIM is being idle according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0099] The process starts when the first SIM of the electronic device 201 enters a high priority service and the second SIM is still in the idle state. At that time, the first SIM is still in RRC connected state, and the second SIM is being in RRC suspended state.

[0100] Referring to the operations S402 to S404 in FIG. 4a, right after determining that the first SIM enters the high priority service, the electronic device 201 may perform a series of operations for selecting one external device to be a supporting device to receive an incoming call to the second SIM instead of the electronic device based on the information on capacity of the external devices.

[0101] Referring to the operations S405 to S406 in FIG. 4b, the electronic device 201 continues performing the operations for obtaining SIM information comprising a phone number of the selected supporting device and generating a temporarily call-forwarding message for re-directing the incoming call to the supporting device after determining that the phone number of the selected supporting device is not the same as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device. Since the temporarily call-forwarding message is generated in advance and ready to be sent to the network 299 at this stage, the sending of this message will be implemented immediately after the electronic device 201 receives the paging message for an incoming call to the second SIM from the network 299. The generating of the temporarily call-forwarding message in advance and the immediate response by sending the generated message to the network 299 helps the interruption time of the high priority service on the first SIM to be almost negligible (milliseconds - ms) without affecting user experience.

[0102] Right after receiving a paging message for an incoming call to the second SIM of the electronic device 201, meaning right after a paging message with an indication of voice service based on the second SIM is sent from the network 299 to the electronic device 201, the first SIM enters the RRC suspended state to leave the RF resource to the second SIM. While the first SIM enters the RRC suspended state, the second SIM enters the RRC connected state to be ready to communicate with the network 299.

[0103] According to operation S410 of the embodiment as described in FIG. 4b, upon receiving a paging message with an indication of a voice service from the second cellular wireless network to the second SIM, the electronic device 201 may respond immediately by sending the generated temporarily call-forwarding message to the network 299 via the second communication module to request re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device. At this time, the second SIM is still in the connected state.

[0104] According to an exemplary embodiment, the generated temporarily call-forwarding message may be a SIP message 302 including the phone number of the supporting device. After sending the generated temporarily call-forwarding SIP message 302 to the network 299 according to an exemplary embodiment, the second SIM releases the RRC connected state to return the RF resource to the first SIM, the first SIM resumes the RRC connected state.

[0105] There is a short duration (ms) that the high priority service on the first SIM is paused as the RF resource is occupied by the second SIM to send the generated temporarily call-forwarding SIP message 302 to the network 299. The duration may include: (i) duration for the first SIM to enter RRC suspended state, (ii) duration for the second SIM to enter RRC connected state, (iii) duration for the second SIM to send a SIP message 302, (iv) duration for the second SIM to release RRC connected state, and (v) duration for the first SIM to resume RRC connected state. Wherein, procedures implemented in (i), (iv), and (v) are internal procedures executed solely on the electronic device side without requiring any communication or set up with the network side, and the duration for these procedures is less than 1ms. The duration for setting up RRC connection in (ii) is about 2ms, and the duration for sending a SIP 302 message and waiting for a response from the network is about 154ms.

[0106] Although the high priority service on the first SIM is paused during the duration from the first SIM enters the RRC suspended state until the first SIM resumes the RRC connected state, the total duration is almost negligible (less than 160ms). Therefore, this does not affect user experience using the high priority service on the first SIM.

[0107] After receiving the generated call-forwarding SIP message 302 - Moved temporarily from the electronic device 201, the network 299 may execute communication deflection (CD) logic and, send a SIP invite message to the selected supporting device so as the selected supporting device handles the incoming call instead of the electronic device 201.

[0108] FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b are a flowchart showing the operating method of an electronic device for re-directing an incoming call to a supporting device according to another embodiment the disclosure.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 6a, and FIG. 6b, a description will be given of a case when there is an incoming call coming to the second SIM of the electronic device 201 and the electronic device 201 registers in advance with the second cellular wireless network to automatically re-direct the incoming call to another nearby device so as not to interrupt the high priority service being used on the first SIM of the electronic device 201 according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0110] In operation S601, similar to operation S301 in FIG.3 and operation S401 in FIG.4a, the electronic device 201 may determine whether the first SIM is being in a high priority service, meaning whether the first SIM is being connected with the first cellular wireless network for using a specified priority service or using an application in high priority mode.

[0111] While the electronic device 201 is using a high priority service on the first SIM, receiving of an incoming call to the second SIM will cause the first SIM to enter the RRC suspended state, resulting in service interruption on the first SIM.

[0112] In order not to interrupt the high priority service based on the first SIM, the electronic device 201 may perform an operation to select one of the external devices 202 capable of receiving the incoming call instead of the electronic device 201. The operation may include some operations S602, S603, and S604 that are the same as operations S402, S403, and S404 as described in FIG. 4a.

[0113] A selected supporting device may be replaced depending on its availability to the electronic device 201. In case when the selected supporting device is not available for a certain reason, the electronic device 201 may repeat the operation in operations S602, S603, and S604 to re-select another supporting device that is available to the electronic device 201.

[0114] For preparing a pre-defined procedure for re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device in previous operations, the electronic device 201 may perform an operation, which may include some operations S605, S606, and S607 that are similar to the operations S405, S406, and S408 as described in FIG. 4b.

[0115] In operation S605, similar to operation S405 in FIG. 4b, the electronic device 201 may send, via the first communication module, a request to the selected supporting device to obtain SIM information which comprises a phone number stored in a SIM of the selected supporting device.

[0116] In operation S606, similar to operation S406 in FIG. 4b, after obtaining the SIM information comprising the phone number stored in the SIM of the selected supporting device, the electronic device 201 may determine whether the selected supporting device shares the same phone number as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device 201 based on the obtained SIM information of the selected supporting device. In case the phone number of the selected support device is determined to be the same as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device, the process continues to operation S707 in FIG. 7b or operation 807 in FIG. 8b.

[0117] In operation S607, similar to operation S408 in FIG. 4b, the electronic device 201 may also determine whether the CP modem of the selected supporting device is being off based on the obtained information on CP modem state of the external devices in operation S603. In case the CP modem of the selected supporting device is determined to be being off, the process continues to operation S608. On the contrary, the process continues to implement operation S609.

[0118] In operation S608, similar to operation S409 in FIG. 4b, after determining that the phone number of the selected supporting device is not the same as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device and the CP modem of the selected supporting device is being off, the electronic device 201 may send, via the first communication module, a request to turn on the CP modem of the selected supporting device to be ready to receive an incoming call.

[0119] In operation S609, the electronic device 201 may register the obtained phone number of the selected supporting device with the second cellular wireless network so that the second cellular wireless network re-directs the incoming call intended to the electronic device 201 to the selected supporting device.

[0120] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, registering with the second cellular wireless network for re-directing the incoming call intended to the electronic device 201 to the supporting device may comprise sending and receiving SMS messages between the electronic device 201 and the second cellular wireless network, or sending unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) code from the electronic device 201 to the second cellular wireless network via the second communication module, or sending commands from the electronic device 201 to the second cellular wireless network via an application installed on the electronic device 201, or sending commands from the electronic device 201 to the second cellular wireless network via a web browser.

[0121] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, since the re-directing an incoming call to the selected supporting device is registered with the network during a period that the first SIM of the electronic device 201 is being in a high priority service, right after the first SIM is no longer using the high priority service, the electronic device 201 may cancel the register of re-directing the incoming call to the supporting device implemented in operation S606 so that the electronic device 201 may resume receiving incoming calls to the second SIM on the electronic device 201 normally. Cancelling the register of re-directing the incoming call to the supporting device may be done in the same way as registering, meaning that the cancelling may include sending and receiving SMS messages between the electronic device 201 and the second cellular wireless network, or sending USSD code from the electronic device 201 to the second cellular wireless network via the second communication module, or sending commands from the electronic device 201 to the second cellular wireless network via an application installed on the electronic device 201, or sending commands from the electronic device 201 to the second cellular wireless network via a web browser.

[0122] FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b are a flowchart showing the operating method of an electronic device for re-directing an incoming call to a supporting device according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 7a, and FIG. 7b, a description will be given of a case when there is an incoming call coming to the second SIM of the electronic device 201, and the electronic device 201 re-directs the call to another nearby device operating under multi-SIM mode, which shares the same phone number as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device 201, so as not to interrupt the high priority service being used on the first SIM of the electronic device 201 according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0124] In operation S701, similar to operation S301 in FIG. 3, operation S401 in FIG. 4a, and operation S601 in FIG. 6, the electronic device 201 may determine whether the first SIM is being in a high priority service, meaning whether the first SIM is being connected with the first cellular wireless network for using a specified priority service or using an application in high priority mode.

[0125] While the electronic device 201 is using a high priority service on the first SIM, receiving of an incoming call to the second SIM will cause the first SIM to enter the RRC suspended state, resulting in service interruption on the first SIM.

[0126] In order not to miss an incoming call to the second SIM from the second cellular wireless network while maintaining the high priority service on the first SIM, the electronic device 201 may perform an operation to select one of the external devices 202 capable of receiving the incoming call instead of the electronic device 201. The operation may comprise operations S702, S703, and S704 that are the same as the operations S402, S403, and S404 described in FIG. 4a, or the operations S602, S603, and S604 described in FIG. 6a.

[0127] In an embodiment, the external devices 202 may be short-range communication devices (e.g., laptop 202a, wearable device 202c, tablet 202d, and smart-phone 202e in FIG. 2) connected to the electronic device 201 via short-range wireless connections, and may comprise a communication processor (CP) modem.

[0128] According to an embodiment, the information on the capability of external devices may comprise information on signal strength, battery level, CP modem state, owner, equipment capability of each external device, and distance of each external device relative to the electronic device 201.

[0129] A selected supporting device may be replaced depending on its availability to the electronic device 201. In case when the selected supporting device is not available for a certain reason, the electronic device 201 may repeat the operation in operations S702, S703 and S704 to re-select another supporting device that is available to the electronic device 201.

[0130] For preparing a pre-defined procedure for re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device in previous operations, the electronic device 201 may perform an operation which may include some operations S705, S706, and S707 that are similar to the operations S405, S406, and S408 in FIG. 4b, or the operations S605, S606 and S607 in FIG. 6b.

[0131] In operation S705, similar to operation S405 in FIG. 4b or operation S605 in FIG. 6b, the electronic device 201 may send, via the first communication module, a request to the selected supporting device to obtain SIM information which comprises a phone number stored in a SIM of the selected supporting device.

[0132] In operation S706, similar to operation S406 in FIG. 4b or operation S606 in FIG. 6b, after obtaining the SIM information comprising the phone number stored in the SIM of the selected supporting device, the electronic device 201 may determine whether the selected supporting device shares the same phone number as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device 201 based on the obtained SIM information of the selected supporting device. In case the phone number of the selected support device is determined not to be the same as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device, the process continues to operation S407 in FIG. 4b or operation 607 in FIG. 6b.

[0133] In operation 707, similar to operation S408 in FIG. 4b or operation S607 in FIG. 6b, the electronic device 201 may also determine whether the CP modem of the selected supporting device is being off based on the obtained information on CP modem state of the external devices in operation S703. In case the CP modem of the selected supporting device is determined to be being off, the process continues to operation S708. On the contrary, the process continues to implement operation S709.

[0134] For proceeding with re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device based on the prepared procedure in operations S705, S706, and S707, the electronic device 201 may perform an operation which may include operations S708 and S709 as described below.

[0135] In operation S708, after determining that the selected supporting device shares the same phone number as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device and the CP modem of the selected supporting device is being off, the electronic device 201 may send, via the first communication module, a request to turn on the CP modem of the selected supporting device to be ready to receive an incoming call.

[0136] According to the embodiment, since the SIM of the selected supporting device and the second SIM of the electronic device 201 operating under multi-SIM mode, in which each device sharing the same phone number with the other, and the CP modem of the selected supporting device has been turned on in operation S708, both the electronic device 201 and the selected supporting device are now able to receive a same paging message for an incoming call coming to the second SIM of the electronic device 201. Therefore, in operation S709, the electronic device 201 may just ignore the paging message so that the selected supporting device handles the incoming call instead of the electronic device 201.

[0137] FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b are a flowchart showing the operating method of an electronic device for re-directing an incoming call to a supporting device according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 8a, and FIG. 8b are, a description will be given of a case when there is an incoming call coming to the second SIM of the electronic device 201 and the electronic device 201 re-directs the incoming call to another nearby device operating under multi-SIM mode, which shares the same phone number as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device 201 so as not to interrupt the high priority service being used on the first SIM of the electronic device 201 according to yet another embodiment.

[0139] In operation S801, similar to operation S301 in FIG. 3, operation S401 in FIG. 4a, operation S601 in FIG. 6a, or operation S701 in FIG. 7a, the electronic device 201 may determine whether the first SIM is being in a high priority service, meaning whether the first SIM is being connected with the first cellular wireless network for using a specified priority service or using an application in high priority mode.

[0140] While the electronic device 201 is using a high priority service on the first SIM, receiving of an incoming call to the second SIM will cause the first SIM to enter the RRC suspended state, resulting in service interruption on the first SIM.

[0141] In order not to interrupt the high priority service based the first SIM, the electronic device 201 may perform an operation to select one of the external devices 202 capable of receiving the incoming call instead of the electronic device 201. The operation may include some operations S802, S803, and S804 that are the same as operations S402, S403 and S404 in FIG. 4a, or the operations S602, S603 and S604 in FIG. 6a, or operations S702, S703, and S704 in FIG. 7a.

[0142] A selected supporting device may be replaced depending on its availability to the electronic device 201. In case when the selected supporting device is not available for a certain reason, the electronic device 201 may repeat the operations in operations S802, S803, and S804 to re-select another supporting device that is available to the electronic device 201.

[0143] According to this embodiment, to prepare a pre-defined procedure for re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device, the electronic device 201 may proceed with operations S805, S806 and S807 that are the similar to operations S705, S706 and S707 in FIG. 7b.

[0144] In operation S805, similar to operation S705 in FIG. 7b, the electronic device 201 may send, via the first communication module, a request to the selected supporting device to obtain SIM information which comprises a phone number stored in a SIM of the selected supporting device.

[0145] In operation S806, similar to operation S706 in FIG. 7b, after obtaining the SIM information comprising the phone number stored in the SIM of the selected supporting device, the electronic device 201 may determine whether the selected supporting device shares the same phone number as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device 201 based on the obtained SIM information of the selected supporting device. In case when the phone number of the selected support device is determined not to be the same as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device, the process continues to operation S407 in FIG. 4b or operation 607 in FIG. 6b.

[0146] In operation S807, similar to operation S707 in FIG. 7b, the electronic device 201 may also determine whether the CP modem of the selected supporting device is being off based on the obtained information on CP modem state of the external devices in operation S803. In case the CP modem of the selected supporting device is determined to be being off, the process continues to operation S808. On the contrary, the process continues to implement operation S811.

[0147] For proceeding with re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device based on the prepared procedure in operations S805, S806, and S807, the electronic device 201 may perform an operation which may include some operations from S808 to S811 as described below.

[0148] In operation S808, after determining that the selected supporting device shares the same phone number as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device and the CP modem of the selected supporting device is being off, after receiving a first paging message via the second communication module for an incoming call coming to the second SIM of the electronic device, the electronic device 201 may send, via the first communication module, a request to turn on the CP modem of the selected supporting device to be ready to receive an incoming call.

[0149] According to the embodiment, since the SIM of the selected supporting device and the second SIM of the electronic device 201 operating under multi-SIM mode, in which each device sharing the same phone number with the other, and the CP modem of the selected supporting device has been turned on in operation S808, both devices are now able to receive a same paging message for an incoming call if the second cellular wireless network sends the paging message including the phone number that the two devices are sharing. Therefore, in operation S809, the electronic device 201 may send the SIM information of the supporting device to the second cellular wireless network so that the second cellular wireless network re-sends a second paging message for the incoming call.

[0150] In operation S810, the electronic device 201 may ignore the second paging message so that the selected supporting device handles the incoming call instead of the electronic device 201.

[0151] In operation S811, similar to operation S709 in FIG. 7b, since the CP modem of the selected supporting device is already being on, the electronic device 201 may just ignore a paging message for an incoming call coming to the second SIM of the electronic device so that the selected supporting device handles the incoming call instead of the electronic device 201.

[0152] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operating method of an electronic device for automatically routing a wireless headset to a supporting device during a call according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 9, a description will be given of a case when there is an incoming call coming to the second SIM of the electronic device 201 and the electronic device 201 re-directs the incoming call to another nearby device so as not to interrupt or delay the high priority service being used on the first SIM of the electronic device 201.

[0154] The operations from S901 to S904 are the same as operations S301 to S304 as described in FIG. 3.

[0155] After the electronic device 201 performs the operations for re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device based on the prepared procedure according to various embodiments of the disclosure as described above, the electronic device 201 continues proceeding with automatically routing a wireless headset to the supporting device during the call.

[0156] In operation S905, the electronic device 201 may connect with a wireless headset 202b via the first communication module. The connection between the electronic device 201 and the wireless headset 202b may be established prior to the time when the selected supporting device accepts the re-directed incoming call, or when the electronic device 201 initiates procedures to prepare for re-directing the incoming call. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the connection between the electronic device 201 and the wireless headset 202b is established prior to the time when the selected supporting device accepts the re-directed incoming call.

[0157] In operation S906, the electronic device 201 may route the wireless headset 202b to connect to the selected supporting device when the selected supporting device handles the incoming call.

[0158] In operation S907, the electronic device 201 may re-route the wireless headset 202b to re-connect to the electronic device 201 when the call ends at the selected supporting device.

[0159] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a process implemented by an electronic device to automatically route a wireless headset to a supporting device during a call according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0160] In operation 1001, when an incoming call comes to the second SIM of the electronic device 201, the electronic device has already connected with the wireless headset 202b and with the wearable device 202c via blue-tooth pairing. The wearable device 202c may be a selected supporting device according to this embodiment.

[0161] In operation 1002, the electronic device 201 proceeds with re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device based on the prepared procedure according to various embodiments of the disclosure. In particular, the incoming call is re-directed to the wearable device 202c, and the screen of the wearable device 202c may display a notification requiring the acceptance of the incoming call. When the wearable device 202c has not yet accepted the re-directed incoming call, a connection between the electronic device 201 and the wireless headset 202b, and a connection between the electronic device 201 and the selected supporting device (e.g. the wearable device 202c, according to this embodiment) via Bluetooth paring are still maintained.

[0162] In operation 1003, when the wearable device 202c accepts the re-directed incoming call from the electronic device 201, the electronic device 201 may route the wireless headset 202b to connect to the wearable device 202c. By this way, a user may listen to the call via the wireless headset 202b.

[0163] In operation 1004, when the call ends at the wearable device 202c, the electronic device 201 may re-route the wireless headset 202b to re-connect to the electronic device 201. At this time, the connection between the electronic device 201 and the wireless headset 202b, and the connection between the electronic device 201 and the wearable device 202c via Bluetooth paring are resumed.

[0164] The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic devices may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

[0165] It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0166] As used herein, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, "logic", "logic block", "part", or "circuitry". A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0167] Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program 140) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device 101). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor 120) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device 101) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a complier or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein, the term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0168] According to an embodiment, a method according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., PlayStoreTM, or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly. If distributed online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

[0169] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0170] In addition, various effects directly or indirectly ascertained through the disclosure may be provided.

[0171] It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure according to the claims and description in the specification can be realized in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.

[0172] Any such software may be stored in non-transitory computer readable storage media. The non-transitory computer readable storage media store one or more computer programs (software modules), the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform a method of the disclosure.

[0173] Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage, such as, for example, a storage device like read only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory, such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium, such as, for example, a compact disk (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk or magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are various embodiments of non-transitory machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a computer program or computer programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing apparatus or a method as claimed in any one of the claims of this specification and a non-transitory machine-readable storage storing such a program.

[0174] While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

An electronic device (101) supporting multiple subscriber identity modules (SIM), the electronic device comprising:a first SIM supporting a communication with a first cellular wireless network;a second SIM supporting a communication with a second cellular wireless network, wherein the first SIM and the second SIM operating under dual SIM dual standby (DSDS) mode;memory (130) for storing instructions;at least one processor (120) operatively connected with the memory, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to:determine that the first SIM is being in a high priority service;select one of at least one external device capable of receiving an incoming call to the second SIM from the second cellular wireless network as a supporting device based on the determination that the first SIM is being in the high priority service; andre-direct the incoming call to the selected supporting device.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to select one of the at least one external device capable of receiving an incoming call to the second SIM from the second cellular wireless network as a supporting device by:scanning, via at least one short-range wireless connection, to detect and connect with the at least one external device capable of receiving the incoming call instead of the electronic device;sending, via the at least one short-range wireless connection, a request to the detected and connected external device to obtain information on capability of the detected and connected external device; andselecting one of the detected and connected external device as the supporting device to receive the incoming call to the second SIM from the second cellular wireless network instead of the electronic device based on the obtained information on capability of the external device,wherein the information on capability of the external device comprises at least one of the information on signal strength, battery level, communication processor (CP) modem state, owner, equipment capability of each external device, or distance of each external device relative to the electronic device.The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to re-direct the incoming call to the selected supporting device by:sending, via the at least one short-range wireless connection, a request to the selected supporting device to obtain SIM information of the selected supporting device, wherein the SIM information comprises information about a phone number of the selected supporting device;determining whether the selected supporting device shares the phone number of the selected supporting device as a phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device based on the obtained SIM information of the selected supporting device; anddetermining whether a CP modem of the selected supporting device is being off based on the obtained information.The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to re-direct the incoming call to the selected supporting device by:based on determination that the phone number of the selected supporting device is not the same as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device, generating a temporarily call-forwarding message including the phone number of the selected supporting device;sending, via the at least one short-range wireless connection, a request to turn on the CP modem of the selected supporting device to be ready to receive an incoming call, wherein the CP modem of the selected supporting device is being off; andsending, to the second cellular wireless network, the generated temporarily call-forwarding message to request re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device upon receiving a paging message with an indication of a voice service from the second cellular wireless network to the second SIM.The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to re-direct the incoming call to the selected supporting device by:based on determination that the phone number of the selected supporting device is not the same as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device,sending, via the at least one short-range wireless connection, a request to turn on the CP modem of the selected supporting device to be ready to receive an incoming call, wherein the CP modem of the selected supporting device is being off; andregistering the phone number of the selected supporting device with the second cellular wireless network so that the second cellular wireless network re-directs the incoming call intended to the electronic device to the selected supporting device.The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to re-direct the incoming call to the selected supporting by:based on determination that the selected supporting device shares the phone number of the selected supporting device as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device,sending, via at least one short-range wireless connection, a request to turn on the CP modem of the selected supporting device to be ready to receive an incoming call, wherein the CP modem of the selected supporting device is being off; andignoring a paging message for an incoming call coming to the second SIM of the electronic device so that the selected supporting device handles the incoming call instead of the electronic device.The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to re-direct the incoming call to the selected supporting device by:based on the determination that the selected supporting device shares the phone number of the selected supporting device as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device and receives a first paging message for an incoming call to the second SIM,sending, via at least one short-range wireless connection, a request to turn on the CP modem of the selected supporting device, wherein the CP modem of the selected supporting device is being off;sending, to the second cellular wireless network, the SIM information of the selected supporting device so that the second cellular wireless network re-sends a second paging message; andignoring the second paging message so that the selected supporting device handles the incoming call instead of the electronic device.The electronic device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to:connect with a wireless headset via a short-range wireless connection;route the wireless headset to connect to the selected supporting device, wherein the selected supporting device handles the incoming call instead of the electronic device; andre-route the wireless headset to re-connect to the electronic device, wherein the incoming call ends at the selected supporting device.An operating method of an electronic device supporting multiple subscriber identity modules (SIM) operating under dual SIM dual standby (DSDS) mode for re-directing an incoming call to the electronic device to a supporting device, wherein the electronic device using a first SIM for communicating with a first cellular wireless network and a second SIM for communicating with a second cellular wireless network, the method comprising:determining (S301) that the first SIM is being in a high priority service;selecting (S302) one of at least one external device capable of receiving an incoming call to the second SIM from the second cellular wireless network as a supporting device based on the determination that the first SIM is being in the high priority service; andre-directing (S303, S304) the incoming call to the selected supporting device.The method of claim 9, wherein selecting one of the at least one external device capable of receiving an incoming call to the second SIM from the second cellular wireless network as a supporting device comprising:scanning, via at least one short-range wireless connection, to detect and connect with the at least one external device capable of receiving the incoming call instead of the electronic device;sending, via the at least one short-range wireless connection, a request to the detected and connected external device to obtain information on capability of the detected and connected external device; andselecting one of the detected and connected external device as the supporting device to receive the incoming call to the second SIM from the second cellular wireless network instead of the electronic device based on the obtained information on capability of the external device,wherein the information on capability of the external device comprises at least one of the information on signal strength, battery level, communication processor (CP) modem state, owner, equipment capability of each external device, or distance of each external device relative to the electronic device,wherein re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device comprising:sending, via the at least one short-range wireless connection, a request to the selected supporting device to obtain SIM information of the selected supporting device, wherein the SIM information comprises information about a phone number of the selected supporting device;determining whether the selected supporting device shares the phone number of the selected supporting device as a phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device based on the obtained SIM information of the selected supporting device; anddetermining whether a CP modem of the selected supporting device is being off based on the obtained information.The method of claim 10, wherein re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device further comprising:based on determination that the phone number of the selected supporting device is not the same as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device, generating a temporarily call-forwarding message including the phone number of the supporting device,sending, via the at least one short-range wireless connections, a request to turn on the CP modem of the selected supporting device to be ready to receive an incoming call, wherein the CP modem of the selected supporting device is being off; andsending, to the second cellular wireless network, the generated temporarily call-forwarding message to request re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device upon receiving a paging message with an indication of a voice service from the second cellular wireless network to the second SIM.The method of claim 10, wherein re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device comprising:based on determination that the phone number of the selected supporting device is not the same as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device,sending, via the at least one short-range wireless connection, a request to turn on the CP modem of the selected supporting device to be ready to receive an incoming call, wherein the CP modem of the selected supporting device is being off; andregistering the phone number of the selected supporting device with the second cellular wireless network so that the second cellular wireless network re-directs the incoming call intended to the electronic device to the selected supporting device.The method of claim 10, wherein re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device comprising:based on determination that the selected supporting device shares the phone number of the selected supporting device as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device,sending, via the at least one short-range wireless connection, a request to turn on the CP modem of the selected supporting device to be ready to receive an incoming call, wherein the CP modem of the selected supporting device is being off; andignoring a paging message for an incoming call coming to the second SIM of the electronic device so that the selected supporting device handles the incoming call instead of the electronic device.The method of claim 10, wherein re-directing the incoming call to the selected supporting device comprising:based on the determination that the selected supporting device shares the phone number of the selected supporting device as the phone number of the second SIM of the electronic device and receives a first paging message for an incoming call to the second SIM,sending, via the at least one short-range wireless connection, a request to turn on the CP modem of the selected supporting device, wherein the CP modem of the selected supporting device is being off;sending, to the second cellular wireless network, the SIM information of the selected supporting device so that the second cellular wireless network re-sends a second paging message; andignoring the second paging message so that the selected supporting device handles the incoming call instead of the electronic device.A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, comprising executable program instructions, wherein when the instructions executed by at least one processor, cause an electronic device to perform the method according to any one of claims 9 to 14.

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