Multi-USIM UE Paging Coordination via AMF Registration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-USIM UEs with a single transmitter and receiver configuration face challenges in receiving MT paging for the second UICC and transmitting signalling or data for other UICC, leading to service impacts and network resource mismanagement.

Innovation Solution

A method where a network apparatus receives a Registration Request for a second SUPI from a UE, determines a target AMF, and sends a Registration Request message to the target AMF, enabling registration and data transmission for multiple SUPIs, including paging coordination and UE-initiated procedures to manage multiple USIM contexts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a multi-USIM UE supports single transmitter and single receiver configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the UE cannot receive MT paging for the second UICC when connected to the first UICC

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransceiver configurationVSAvoidMT service delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network performs preliminary actions by registering both SUPIs with the AMF before the UE actually needs to access services. The AMF prepares the UE context for both USIM cards in advance, so when MT paging is needed for the second UICC, the signaling connection is already established and ready for immediate use, eliminating the need for complex real-time transceiver switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The AMF acts as an intermediary that manages both USIM subscriptions and their corresponding signaling connections. By introducing the AMF as a central coordinator, the system enables MT service delivery for the second UICC without requiring the UE to physically switch transceivers, as the AMF intermediates the signaling connection establishment and maintenance for both SUPIs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the UE is in connected mode for the first UICC, then the service connection is established, but the UE cannot transmit signalling or data messages to the network for the second UICC

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice connection efficiencyVSAvoidmulti-USIM service access

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The network establishes preliminary signaling connections for both USIM cards by registering both SUPIs with the AMF before the UE needs to access services. This preliminary setup allows the UE to maintain connected mode for the first UICC while having the second UICC's signaling connection pre-established and ready, enabling immediate service access without interrupting the current connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The AMF is designed with multi-functionality to handle both USIM subscriptions simultaneously. It can receive, process, and forward signaling messages for either SUPI through the same signaling connection, making the system universal and adaptable to multiple USIM configurations without requiring separate dedicated connections for each card.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of time

If the UE cannot periodically update its presence to the network for the second UICC, then the UE context is not maintained, but network resources may be reserved or paging sent when MT services are triggered

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE context maintenanceVSAvoidnetwork resource reservation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The network performs preliminary registration of both SUPIs with the AMF, which establishes the UE context for both USIM cards in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the UE context is maintained without requiring continuous periodic updates from the UE, as the context is pre-established and can be activated when needed without triggering unnecessary network resource reservations or paging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If the UE uses a single transceiver for one USIM, then the device complexity is minimized, but high priority MT services for the second USIM are missed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransceiver configurationVSAvoidhigh priority service delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network establishes preliminary signaling connections for both USIM cards by registering both SUPIs with the AMF before the UE actually needs to access services. This preliminary setup allows the UE to maintain a simple single transceiver configuration while ensuring that high-priority MT services for either UICC can be delivered immediately when triggered, as the signaling infrastructure is already in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The AMF serves as an intermediary that manages the signaling connections for both USIM subscriptions. By introducing the AMF as a central coordinator, the system enables reliable MT service delivery for the second UICC without requiring the UE to physically switch transceivers, as the AMF intermediates the signaling connection establishment and maintenance for both SUPIs through the single transceiver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20220078742A1Procedure to handle services provided by a UE supporting multiple USIM card

Publication Date: 2022.03.10 NEC CORP

AI summary

This disclosure is related to the procedure to handle the services provided by a UE (100) supporting multiple USIM card (105). More specifically it provides a method for paging co-ordination when a UE (100) is registered to a PLMN for more than two USIM cards (105) separately.