MUSIM Gap Management in Multi-USIM User Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-USIM card devices face challenges in network performance due to unpredictable user equipment (UE) behaviors when switching between different networks, leading to potential loss of data reception.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining whether configured multi-universal subscriber identity module (MUSIM) gaps are required, and if not, including a MUSIM gap release request list in a UE assistance information message to discard unnecessary MUSIM gaps, thereby improving network performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the UE maintains MUSIM gaps for monitoring multiple networks, then the UE can receive paging and data from multiple networks, but the UE cannot receive data from the current network within the scheduling gap period

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to receive paging from multiple networksVSAvoiddata reception reliability from current network

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The UE sends a UE assistance information message to the network in advance, indicating its MUSIM capability and preferred gap configurations. This allows the network to proactively configure appropriate MUSIM gaps before the UE actually needs to monitor other networks, ensuring that data reception from the current network is not compromised while still enabling multi-network monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The MUSIM gap configuration is made dynamic rather than static. The UE can indicate preferred gap configurations in the assistance information message, and the network can adjust the gap configuration based on current network conditions and UE requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between maintaining continuous connectivity to the current network and enabling monitoring of other networks when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the UE switches between different networks frequently, then the UE can access both private and office services, but the UE may miss paging or scheduling information from the current network

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to access multiple servicesVSAvoidpaging or scheduling information loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The UE provides feedback to the network through the UE assistance information message, indicating its MUSIM capability, preferred gap configurations, and current service requirements. The network uses this feedback to configure appropriate MUSIM gaps and paging parameters, creating a closed-loop system where the network adapts its configuration based on actual UE needs and behavior patterns, thereby reducing information loss during network switching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The assistance information mechanism allows the UE to pre-notify the network of its multi-USIM requirements and preferred operating parameters before actual network switching occurs. This preliminary notification enables the network to prepare appropriate configurations that minimize service disruption and information loss during subsequent network switches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If manufacturers implement multi-USIM support using different implementation means, then device functionality is achieved, but UE behaviors are inconsistent across different manufacturers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-USIM functionalityVSAvoidbehavior consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The UE assistance information message serves as a universal interface that works across different manufacturers and network types. By standardizing the assistance information mechanism and MUSIM gap configuration procedures, the patent enables consistent UE behavior regardless of manufacturer-specific implementations, as all UEs use the same standardized message structure and configuration procedures to communicate their multi-USIM requirements to the network

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250031120A1Method performed by user equipment, and user equipment

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 SHARP KK

AI summary

Provided by the present invention are a method performed by user equipment, and user equipment. The method includes: if the UE is configured to provide MUSIM assistance information, and the UE requires a MUSIM gap or the MUSIM gap required by the UE is different from a MUSIM gap indicated in the last transmission of a UE assistance information message: initiating transmission of the UE assistance information message to provide one or more preferred MUSIM gaps, and if the UE has a preference for the one or more MUSIM gaps, including a MUSIM gap request list in the UE assistance information message; and receiving a configured RRC reconfiguration message including the MUSIM gap, and if the MUSIM gap is a periodic MUSIM gap, configuring an identity for the MUSIM gap, and if the MUSIM gap is an aperiodic MUSIM gap, skipping configuring an identity for the MUSIM gap.