CN113348726A

CN113348726A - Multi-subscriber identity module user equipment and operating method thereof

Info

Publication number: CN113348726A
Application number: CN201980090508.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 陈振豪; 许阳; 王淑坤; 刘建华
Original assignee: Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp Ltd
Current assignee: Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp Ltd
Priority date: 2019-07-12
Filing date: 2019-07-12
Publication date: 2021-09-03
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-12
Also published as: WO2021007696A1; CN113348726B

Abstract

A multi-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) User Equipment (UE) and a method of operating the same are provided. The multi-SIM UE includes a first SIM associated with a first network and a second SIM associated with a second network. The multi-SIM UE is to communicate with a first network using a first SIM and communicate with a second network using a second SIM. The method includes negotiating an appropriate time to allow the multi-SIM UE to switch to the second SIM to communicate with the second network.

Description

Multi-subscriber identity module user equipment and operating method thereof

Background

1. Field of the invention

The present disclosure relates to the field of communication systems, and more particularly, to a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) User Equipment (UE) and an operating method thereof.

2. Description of the related Art

The use of wireless communication systems is rapidly increasing. In addition, wireless communication technology has evolved from voice-only communication to also include the transmission of data such as the internet and multimedia content. In some cases, a wireless device may include or be able to use multiple Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs).

multi-SIM devices have been on the market for many years. Most such devices share the baseband, RF antenna, and other hardware components between the two SIMs. This type of multi-SIM UE has not been standardized by 3 GPP. Therefore, when the two SIMs operate independently in their respective networks, the performance of the network and the UE will be degraded. Some examples are as follows:

1. when both SIMs are in idle mode, both SIMs need to listen for their paging messages at their own Paging Occasion (PO). PO is calculated based on UE Identity (ID). Since the two SIMs are independent, the computed POs of the two SIMs may (in the time domain) conflict with each other. It is noted that the UE ID is fixed, so when a collision occurs, the collision will be permanent. In this case, it is apparent that one or both UEs may miss the paging message from the network.

2. When one SIM is actively communicating with its network, e.g., the SIM is in a Packet Switched (PS) call, another SIM may need to perform system information reading, cell reselection, or other UE procedures. Due to the shared hardware components, a first of the two SIMs may lose communication with its network (e.g., the first network) while a second of the two SIMs performs a process. This action is tune-away. During tune away, the first network is unaware that the UE leaves the system. This may lead to inefficient scheduling behavior and server data throughput loss.

3. When both SIMs attempt to perform their own procedures, for example, one SIM attempts to perform paging listening and the other SIM attempts to perform cell reselection. It is not clear which service can get higher priority at present. In this example, it may be easy to argue that the SIM is more important for paging listening, but the opposite argument would say that the network will repeatedly send paging messages, so cell reselection can get a higher priority. As for today, priority handling depends on the implementation of the UE, to which the network has no control.

Mobile handsets allow a user to plug in multiple Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs), with the most common being to allow two SIMs to be plugged in, also known as dual SIM handsets. In general, such handsets with multiple SIMs are referred to as multi-SIM handsets in the 3GPP circle. Some embodiments discuss the case of dual SIM. However, all that is described herein is nonetheless equally applicable to the case of multiple SIMs. With the discussion of such multi-SIM in the 3GPP circle, it is recognized that such multi-SIM devices may be single radio, i.e., single Downlink (DL), single Uplink (UL), multi-radio (e.g., dual radio), depending on the mix of single radio and dual radio of the uplink or downlink, e.g., dual DL-single Uplink (UL), e.g., single DL-dual Uplink (UL). Although such dual SIM handsets have been known for many years, there is nothing in the 3GPP specifications to standardize their work and interaction with 3GPP specified systems. All these dual-SIM handsets conform to the 3GPP standard as if they were two separate single-SIM handsets, and their "duality" and their connectivity to the network and Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) is entirely implementation dependent and is not currently standardized.

For example, consider a dual-SIM handset having SIM-1 and SIM-2, and these SIMs belong to different operators (e.g., SIM-1 is a Vodafone subscription card, and SIM-2 is a China Mobile subscription card). Therefore, what should SIM-2 do when the user wants to make a call using the SIM-1 subscription card? What happens if the Network (NW) to which SIM-2 is registered has an incoming call to SIM-2 while SIM-1 is in a call? Should the action/reaction of a dual-SIM handset depend on whether it has single-send-dual-receive functionality? And vice versa? Even when SIM-1 and SIM-2 are both in an IDLE state (IDLE), how the mobile device should "tune" to each of the two NWs to which the two SIMs are registered, e.g., to listen for pages, is implementation specific. Therefore, as such dual SIM handsets become more popular, the 3GPP is working on establishing some standardized behavior of such dual SIM handsets.

As the complexity of 5G capable UEs increases and the market demand for multi-SIM devices continues to increase, system enhancements are urgently needed to allow for more cost-effective implementations in such devices. Determining how to operate efficiently and effectively with multi-SIM capabilities can be a challenging problem. Accordingly, there is a need for improvements in this area. Accordingly, there is a need for a multi-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) User Equipment (UE) and method of operation thereof.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present disclosure to propose a multi-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) User Equipment (UE) and a method of operation thereof that can operate efficiently and effectively with multi-SIM capabilities.

In a first aspect of the disclosure, a multi-SIM UE includes a first SIM associated with a first network, a second SIM associated with a second network, a memory, a transceiver to communicate with the first network using the first SIM and to communicate with the second network using the second SIM, and a processor coupled to the memory, the transceiver, the first SIM, the second SIM. The processor is configured to negotiate an appropriate time to allow the multi-SIM UE to switch to the second SIM to communicate with the second network.

In a second aspect of the disclosure, a method for operating a multi-SIM UE is provided. The multi-SIM UE includes a first SIM associated with a first network and a second SIM associated with a second network. The multi-SIM UE is to communicate with a first network using a first SIM and communicate with a second network using a second SIM. The method includes negotiating an appropriate time to allow the multi-SIM UE to switch to the second SIM to communicate with the second network.

In a third aspect of the disclosure, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium has instructions stored thereon, which when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the above-described method.

In a fourth aspect of the disclosure, a terminal device comprises a processor and a memory for storing a computer program. The processor is used to execute a computer program stored in the memory to perform the above-described method.

Drawings

In order to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure or related art, the following drawings, which will be described in the embodiments, are briefly introduced. It should be apparent that these drawings are merely some embodiments of the disclosure and that other drawings may be derived from those drawings by one of ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a multi-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) User Equipment (UE) in a communication network system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a multi-SIM UE and a network node in a communication network system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a multi-SIM UE and a network node according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating frames/slots of logical channels/signaling channels constituting a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating stealing time of logical channels/signaling channels of a PLMN according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a multi-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) User Equipment (UE) in a communication network system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a dedicated time/frame/time slot/signaling channel/associated channel/logical channel diagram for a PLMN according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating paging processing durations for a multi-SIM UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a format of a frame mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating indicating an allowed time using a start time, a period, and/or an offset according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process for operating a multi-SIM UE using a UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process for operating a multi-SIM UE using a UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process for operating a multi-SIM UE using a UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific time when a multi-SIM UE is connected to a first network and a specific time when the multi-SIM UE is connected to a second network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific time when a multi-SIM UE is connected to a first network and a specific time when the multi-SIM UE is connected to a second network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a method for operating a multi-SIM UE in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 17 is a block diagram of a system for wireless communication in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings in terms of technical problems, structural features, objects of implementation, and effects. In particular, the terminology used in the embodiments of the present disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

In some embodiments, a dual multi-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) and multi-SIM device for standardization purposes is as follows. A mechanism is provided for delivering pages destined to USIM B while a User Equipment (UE) is actively communicating with USIM a. A mechanism is provided that allows ongoing connections in the 3GPP system associated with USIM a to be suspended (or released) and resumed so that the UE can temporarily leave the 3GPP system associated with USIM B and then return to the 3GPP system in a network-controlled manner. The present disclosure determines how the network handles the occurrence of MT data or MT control plane activity on a suspended connection. A mechanism is provided for avoiding paging collision between USIM a and USIM B in a UE. Processing of calls and sessions is provided. A service priority handling is provided, i.e., the present disclosure determines whether the UE's behavior when receiving paging information is driven by USIM configuration and/or user preferences. In some embodiments, it should also be noted that the scope of the present disclosure limits the variety of multi-SIM devices to single receive (Rx) (for radio antenna characteristics)/single transmit (Tx) (for radio antenna characteristics) and dual Rx/single Tx UE implementations. It should further be appreciated that in addition to dual Rx/dual Tx (i.e., dual DL/dual UL) dual SIM handsets, a dual SIM device can only connect or communicate with one of the PLMNs to which both SIMs are registered at any one time. This is because for dual Rx/dual Tx, a dual SIM handset can effectively operate as two handsets. Of course, if a multi-SIM device holds more than two SIMs, even a dual Rx/dual Tx handset cannot connect and communicate with more than two PLMNs at the same time. Thus, for single Rx/single Tx or even for dual Rx/single Tx, a dual SIM handset can only connect or communicate with one of the two PLMNs to which the two SIMs are registered at any one time.

It should be understood that in some embodiments of the present disclosure, multiple SIMs apply even though the description and discussion may be primarily directed to dual SIMs. That is, while some embodiments of the present disclosure primarily discuss dual-SIM handsets, the problems, solutions, methods discussed and described herein also extend to the case of multi-SIM handsets.

Fig. 1 shows that in some embodiments, for single Rx/single Tx or even for dual Rx/single Tx, a dual SIM handset can only connect or communicate with one of the two PLMNs to which the two SIMs are registered at any time, as shown in fig. 1, where PLMN _ a is the Registered PLMN (RPLMN) of SIM1 and PLMN _ B is the RPLMN of SIM 2. For further discussion, with respect to fig. 1, it may be considered that SIM1 is the active SIM in a dual SIM handset, the serving PLMN is PLMN a, and SIM2 is passive (or even inactive), and even though PLMN _ B is the RPLMN of SIM2, PLMN _ B may be considered a non-serving PLMN. Thus, unless PLMN _ a and PLMN _ B belong to the same operator, or may be equivalent PLMNs, or there are some special arrangements for these PLMNs and dual card handset cooperation, it is clear that the SIM 1-PLMN _ a relationship is disregarded for the SIM 2-PLMN _ B relationship, or that PLMN _ a and PLMN _ B do not have any cooperation. Thus, if the SIM1 connects or communicates with PLMN _ a and the terminating call/service arrives at PLMN _ B, which pages the mobile device for SIM2 in a timely manner, there is currently no standardized method for the dual SIM handset to learn of this incoming page. Currently, for a dual-SIM handset, when one SIM is connected or communicating with its RPLMN, how the handset manages the other SIM and its relationship with the other RPLMN is to be implemented. Some embodiments of the present disclosure may address the above-described problems.

Fig. 1 also shows that in some embodiments, a very common and simple implementation in current dual SIM handsets, i.e. when SIM1 connects or communicates with PLMN _ a, SIM2 basically suspends the contact with its registered PLMN (PLMN _ B). This active "pause" would actually indicate to PLMN _ B that the handset with SIM2 is not in coverage and if SIM2 does not provide its periodic registration updates, PLMN _ B may actually place SIM2 in a deregistered state. Then, when the time to leave SIM1 can be found, it is re-registered by SIM2 (or a missed periodic registration is performed). Another problem is that even if during ongoing communication between SIM1 and PLMN _ a, time is found for SIM2 to check PLMN _ B, the time away from SIM1 and PLMN _ a does mean that PLMN _ a sends downstream data to SIM1, and the dual SIM handset will not be able to interact with respect to SIM 1. In particular, if the check on PLMN _ B causes SIM2 to connect or communicate with PLMN _ B, PLMN _ a will be in the opposite case and PLMN _ a will not know what happens to the mobile device with SIM 1. For example, when a dual-SIM UE is active on SIM1 for critical services (e.g., voice), the dual-SIM UE does not listen for pages to SIM2 until the end of the voice. Even if the dual-SIM UE listens to a page to SIM2, the dual-SIM UE cannot respond to check for or accept the page-perhaps an incoming page is much more important to the user than the current communication on SIM1, and the user can make his/her choice, at least if such an incoming service is presented to the user. For simplicity, for a dual-SIM handset, the communication of one SIM with its corresponding RPLMN is completely uncoordinated with the other SIM and its RPLMN, so interaction and paging from one of the other PLMNs to the intended SIM of the dual-SIM handset may be lost or at best unpredictable. The problems discussed above for dual SIM are equally applicable to multi-SIM handsets holding more than two SIMs. Some embodiments of the present disclosure may address the above-described problems.

In some embodiments, the UE may use Discontinuous Reception (DRX) in RRC _ IDLE and RRC _ INACTIVE states to reduce power consumption with respect to calculation of Paging Occasions (POs) and Discontinuous Reception (DRX) for paging. The UE monitors one Paging Occasion (PO) or some POs every DRX cycle. A PO is a set of Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) monitoring occasions, which may be composed of a plurality of slots (e.g., subframes or orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols), and in which paging Downlink Control Information (DCI) may be transmitted. A Paging Frame (PF) is a radio frame and may contain one or more POs or the start of a PO.

In the case of Long Term Evolution (LTE), the calculation time of PF and PO is as follows. The PF is given by the following equation. SFN mod T ═ T div N (UE _ ID mod N). The index i _ s pointing from the subframe pattern to PO will be derived from the following calculation. i _ s ═ floor (UE _ ID/N) mod Ns.

In the case of a New Radio (NR), the PF and PO of LTE are calculated as follows. The PF offset parameter is increased compared to LTE. This parameter is introduced because the paging message is included in the PDCCH and not every radio frame contains PDCCH information. The PF and PO for paging are determined by the following formulas. The SFN of the PF is determined by: (SFN + PF _ offset) mod T ═ T div N (UE _ ID mod N). The index (i _ s) representing the index of the PO is determined by: i _ s ═ floor (UE _ ID/N) mod Ns.

The parameters in the above LTE and NR calculations are specified as follows. There are three types of DRX ("T" in the formula) parameters. Cell level DRX (base station pre-configured DRX is sent to all UEs within a cell via broadcast messages). UE level DRX (for PF and PO calculation of the UE in RRC _ IDLE state, DRX is sent by the core network MME/AMF to the base station, which sends DRX to the UE). RAN level DRX (for PF and PO calculation of the UE in RRC _ INACTIVE state, DRX is also sent by the core network to the base station, which then sends DRX further to the UE). For the UE-ID parameter, in 4G, the UE-ID is IMSI mod 1024. In 5G, the UE-ID is 5G-S-TMSI mod 1024. The remaining parameters including "N", "Ns", and "PF _ offset" are system broadcast parameters, that is, the UE obtains the remaining parameters through cell broadcast, and the parameter values of different UEs are generally the same.

The two formulas are respectively calculation methods of PF and PO of LTE and NR. Taking the second set of NR calculation formulas as an example here, in the first formula (SFN + PF _ offset) mod T ═ T div N (UE _ ID mod N), PF _ offset and N are both obtained in the cell broadcast information, and T is the DRX cycle transmitted by the core network or the cycle preconfigured on the base station side (if there are two or three possible DRX values, the minimum value of DRX is used). The UE _ ID is 5G-S-TMSI (part of 5G-GUTI). Thus, it can be seen that only SFN is unknown in this equation, and a specific value of SFN can be obtained. SFN determines the PF value.

Looking at the second formula i _ s, floor (UE _ ID/N) mod Ns, i _ s can be calculated. The parameter is used to indicate the index value of the PO. After the UE calculates the i _ s number of its USIM, it broadcasts through the system. This message may obtain listening time information (e.g., subframes or OFDM symbols) in the detailed radio frame corresponding to the i _ s number so that the UE may listen for paging messages according to a specified time after entering RRC _ IDLE and RRC _ INACTIVE states and need not listen at other times.

In multi-beam operation, the length of one PO is one period of beam scanning, and the UE can assume that the same paging message is repeated in all beams of the scanning pattern, so the selection of the beam for receiving the paging message depends on the implementation of the UE. The paging message is the same for both RAN-initiated pages and Core Network (CN) -initiated pages. The UE initiates an RRC connection recovery procedure upon receiving the RAN page. If the UE receives a CN-initiated page in the RRC _ INACTIVE state, the UE becomes RRC _ IDLE and notifies the NAS. PF and PO are determined by the following formulas, as shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1

In LTE, PO is calculated in a similar manner. As shown in table 2 below.

TABLE 2

See the description in TS 38.304 (shown in table 3 below).

TABLE 3

Fig. 2 illustrates a multi-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) User Equipment (UE)10 and network nodes (e.g., first network 20 and second network 30) in a communication network system 1 in some embodiments provided in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The communication network system 1 includes a multi-SIM UE 10, a first network 20, and a second network 30. The multi-SIM UE 10 may include a first SIM11 associated with the first network 20, a second SIM 12 associated with the second network 30, a memory 13, a transceiver 14 for communicating with the first network 20 using the first SIM11 and with the second network 30 using the second SIM 12, and a processor 15 coupled to the memory 13, the transceiver 14, the first SIM11, the second SIM 12.

Fig. 3 illustrates a multi-SIM UE 10 and a network node 40 in some embodiments according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The network node 40 may comprise a processor 41, a memory 42, a transceiver 43. The

processor

15 or 41 may be used to implement the proposed functions, processes, and/or methods described in this specification. The radio interface protocol layers may be implemented in the

processor

15 or 41. The

memory

13 or 42 is operatively coupled with the

processor

15 or 41 and stores various information to operate the

processor

15 or 41. The

transceiver

14 or 43 is operatively coupled with the

processor

15 or 41, and the

transceiver

14 or 43 transmits and/or receives radio signals.

The

processor

15 or 41 may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), other chipset, logic circuit, and/or data processing device. The

memory

13 or 42 may include a read-only memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a flash memory, a memory card, a storage medium, and/or other storage devices. The

transceiver

14 or 43 may include baseband circuitry for processing radio frequency signals. When an embodiment is implemented in software, the techniques described herein may be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. The modules may be stored in

memory

13 or 42 and executed by

processor

15 or 41. The

memory

13 or 42 may be implemented within the

processor

15 or 41 or external to the

processor

15 or 41, wherein the

memory

13 or 42 may be communicatively coupled to the

processor

15 or 41 via various means as is known in the art.

In some embodiments, the processor 15 is used to negotiate an appropriate time to allow the multi-SIM UE 10 to switch to the second SIM 12 to communicate with the second network 30.

In some embodiments, the communication with the second network 30 is for listening for pages from the second network 30, and the processor 15 is for tuning to the paging channel of the second network 30 to check for pages to the second SIM 12 at the appropriate time. In some embodiments, the appropriate time is negotiated in order to maintain connection to the first network 20 and the second network 30 by switching to different networks according to the appropriate time negotiated. In some embodiments, the processor 15 is configured to generate the stealing time based on a parameter for communication scheduling from at least one of the first network 20 and the second network 30 when the processor 15 switches to communicate with the second network 30 according to the first information. In some embodiments, it is understood that a connection may be that the UE and the network side have an activation context at a non-access-stratum (NAS) layer and/or an Access Stratum (AS) layer. In some embodiments, it is understood that it may also be explicit that the connection may be that the UE sends data to the network side when a certain AS or NAS layer timer expires. In other words, it is understood that maintaining the connection may also be the UE sending data before the timer of the AS or NAS layer expires.

In some embodiments, the processor 15 is configured to negotiate an appropriate time to allow the multi-SIM UE 10 to listen for pages from the second network 30 using the second SIM 12 when the multi-SIM UE 10 has a connection (e.g., a dedicated channel) with the first network 20, the negotiation being performed at any time during the connection of the first SIM11 with the first network 20. The processor 15 is also operable to tune to the paging channel of the second network 30 to check for pages to the second SIM 12 at the appropriate time.

In some embodiments, the processor 15 is operable to register with the second network 30 using the second SIM 12 and to retrieve parameters and information from the second network 30. In some embodiments, the processor 15 is configured to calculate a Paging Occasion (PO) for the second SIM 12 to listen for pages from the second network 30, based on the parameters and information from the second network 30. In some embodiments, the processor 15 is configured to generate first information associated with a stealing time based on the calculated PO, wherein the first information indicates the stealing time to inform the first network 20 when the processor 15 switches to listen for pages from the second network 30. In some embodiments, the stealing times are defined by the times at which the processor 15 steals time from a plurality of dedicated channels of the first network 20. In some embodiments, the appropriate time is determined from the stolen time, and the processor 15 is operable to tune to a paging channel of the second network 30 to check for pages to the second SIM 12 at the stolen time.

In some embodiments, the transceiver 14 is configured to transmit the first information to the first network 20 in a signaling message, such as, but not limited to, a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message. In some embodiments, the first information directly includes PO information or some variation information from PO information. In some embodiments, the first information may also include a paging duration. In some embodiments, the stealing time is a paging processing duration, including a PO for listening to pages from the second network 30 and a switchover time when the processor 15 is ready to listen to pages from the second network 30 and/or the processor 15 is invoked to listen to pages from the second network 30. In some embodiments, the transceiver 14 is configured to receive a frame pattern (frame pattern) from the first network 20 in a signaling message (e.g., without limitation, an RRC message), the frame pattern being generated based on the first information. In some embodiments, the frame mode is used to inform the processor 15 when it is allowed to leave the first network 20. In some embodiments, when the processor 15 leaves the first network 20, the processor 15 switches to the second SIM 12 to listen for pages from the second network 30. In some embodiments, the signaling message is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling message. In some embodiments, the signaling message is a non-access stratum (NAS) level signaling message. In some embodiments, the signaling message is data in a signaled message. Specifically, the data is data provided through a control plane or a data plane. Specifically, the data is provided using a data providing method of the third generation partnership project (3 GPP).

In some embodiments, the format of the frame mode is an index indicating: which sub-frame, slot, and/or symbol is the allowed time for the processor 15 to leave the first network 20. In some embodiments, the processor 15 is configured to determine a start time, period, and/or offset that indicates an allowed time for the processor 15 to leave the first network 20. In some embodiments, the processor 15 is configured to generate second information from the frame pattern, the second information indicating an available time for the processor 15 to leave the first network 20. In some embodiments, the transceiver 14 is configured to send the second information to the second network 30 in a signaling message (such as, but not limited to, an RRC message). In some embodiments, the transceiver 14 is configured to receive the adjusted parameters from the second network 30 and recalculate the PO that satisfies the available time for the processor 15 to leave the first network 20. In some embodiments, the adjusted parameter is adjusted according to a frame mode. In some embodiments, the signaling message is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling message. In some embodiments, the signaling message is a non-access stratum (NAS) level signaling message. In some embodiments, the signaling message is data in a signaled message. Specifically, the data is data provided through a control plane or a data plane. Specifically, the data is provided using a data providing method of the third generation partnership project (3 GPP).

In some embodiments, the multi-SIM UE is a Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA) UE. In some embodiments, the processor 15 is configured to register with the first network 20 and the second network 30 via the first SIM11 and the second SIM 12, respectively, and to obtain parameters for a communication schedule. In some embodiments, the processor 15 is configured to generate first information associated with a stolen time during which the processor 15 is to be moved away from the first SIM11 to the second SIM 12. In some embodiments, the transceiver 14 is configured to send the first information to the first network 20 in a signaling message (e.g., without limitation, an RRC message). In some embodiments, the transceiver 14 is configured to receive the frame pattern associated with the first information from the first network 11 in a signaling message (e.g., without limitation, an RRC message). In some embodiments, the processor 15 is configured to switch from the current network to a different network while remaining active for the first network 20 and the second network 30 by switching according to the negotiated frame mode. In some embodiments, the processor 15 is configured to send the first information to negotiate a frame mode that allows the processor 15 to connect to the first network at a specific time and the processor 15 to connect to the second network at a specific time. In some embodiments, the particular time that the processor 15 is connected to the first network 20 is different than the particular time that the processor 15 is connected to the second network 30. In some embodiments, the signaling message is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling message. In some embodiments, the signaling message is a non-access stratum (NAS) level signaling message. In some embodiments, the signaling message is data in a signaled message. Specifically, the data is data provided through a control plane or a data plane. Specifically, the data is provided using a data providing method of the third generation partnership project (3 GPP). In some embodiments, the first network 20 may be a RAN or a core network. In some embodiments, "keep-alives" may be that the AS and/or NAS context on the UE and NW side is not deleted.

Fig. 4 shows that at the highest level, in some embodiments, the proposed solution is the standardization/specification of logical radio channels (or associated channels), given that those radio channels are standardized, so that the network and the dual-SIM UE know when the dual-SIM UE can steal time to check other PLMNs (e.g. PLMN _ B) of other SIMs (e.g. SIM 2) or even communicate with other PLMNs (e.g. PLMN _ B) of other SIMs (e.g. SIM 2) when connecting/communicating with a PLMN (e.g. PLMN _ a) through one SIM (e.g. SIM 1). The following figures show the highest level description of the solution. Consider that PLMN _ a has allocated a dedicated channel (i.e., frame or time slot) for SIM1 to communicate with PLMN _ a.

Figure 5 illustrates that in some embodiments, given that for the assigned time frame, both the network and the dual-SIM UE know that there is a certain predictable time that the UE can steal to do other things but will not lose connection and communication with the PLMN _ a.

Fig. 6 shows that in some embodiments, one solution is that a dual-SIM handset can tune to the paging channel of PLMN _ B using "stolen time" (or stolen time) in SIM 1-PLMN _ a to check for pages to SIM 2. And since the time of stealing (or the time of stealing) is specific and predictable, PLMN _ B will know when dual-SIM UE is likely to listen to the paging channel, while there is utility on the UE side that paging for SIM2 may occur without being lost.

Fig. 7 shows that in some embodiments, another solution is that with a certain predictable time in the SIM 1-PLMN _ a, the PLMN _ B can allocate a dedicated time/frame/time slot/signalling channel/associated channel/logical channel in the PLMN _ B for the UE, whereby the UE can exchange signalling with the PLMN _ B of SIM2, as shown in fig. 7.

In some embodiments, these methods provide solutions, either alone or in combination, that allow for predetermination/preassignment of short time bursts within a Dedicated Channel (DCH) of one network, where in those time bursts a UE can switch radio connections from one network to tune to a radio of another network. In addition, these solutions also provide for the use of standardized logical channels (which may be fast short burst channels) of other networks to send signaling messages to other networks. In terms of terminology, these methods allow a standardized way of stealing time from dedicated channels allocated to UEs. In terms of terminology, a logical channel (of another network) is a standardized association channel, since it is used for short fast bursts of signaling payload, which may even be referred to as a fast association channel or a fast association control channel.

Fig. 8 illustrates that in some embodiments, new things need to be introduced in order to achieve the "stolen time" (or stolen time) mentioned in the previous embodiments. "first information" the UE is used to indicate an available or suggested time to tell the network when the USIM should be switched to listen for pages from another network. Specifically, the "first information" is generated based on a Paging Occasion (PO) that can be calculated using the above-described method. In fact, the first information may contain the paging occasion information directly or contain some variation information based on the paging occasion (e.g., the paging processing duration shown in fig. 8). The paging process duration (i.e., the stealing time) includes not only the paging occasion to listen for network pages, but also the switching time for the UE to prepare to listen and/or for the device to be invoked to listen.

Fig. 9 illustrates a "frame mode" used in some embodiments to inform the UE when it is allowed to leave the current network. And by leaving the current network, the UE can switch USIMs to listen for pages from another network. The "frame pattern" is generated based on the "first information". For example, the time suggested in the "first information" is set to a time when the UE is allowed to leave the current network. The format of the "frame pattern" may be an index indicating which subframe, slot, symbol is an allowed time. For example, since there are 10 subframes in one radio frame, the network may set the index 0001000000 as a frame pattern to indicate that the UE is allowed to leave the network in the fourth subframe on the left, as shown in fig. 9.

Fig. 10 shows that in some embodiments, another example is to use a start time, a period, and an offset to indicate the allowed time. The start time is optional and may be calculated by the UE so that no network transmission is required.

Fig. 11 illustrates that in some embodiments, a UE may negotiate an appropriate time to leave from a network node (e.g., RAN node a, also referred to as NW-a) to another network node (e.g., RAN node B, also referred to as NW-B) to listen for a page using both of the above parameters. The procedure is as follows. In operation, the UE registers to the NW-B through USIM-2 and acquires parameters and information for paging listening. In operation, in step 1, based on the information and parameters from the NW-B, the UE calculates a PO for listening to pages from the NW-B. In operation, in step 2, the UE may generate "first information" of "stolen time" (or stolen time) based on the PO calculated in step 1. In operation, in step 3, the UE sends "first information" to the NW-a in a signaling message (e.g., without limitation, an RRC message). In operation, RAN node a generates a "frame pattern" based on the first information in step 4. In operation, the NW-a sends a "frame pattern" to the UE in a signaling message (e.g., without limitation, an RRC message). The negotiation may be done at any time during the connection of the UE (i.e. USIM-1) to the NW-a. In some embodiments, the signaling message is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling message. In some embodiments, the signaling message is a non-access stratum (NAS) level signaling message. In some embodiments, the signaling message is data in a signaled message. Specifically, the data is data provided through a control plane or a data plane. Specifically, the data is provided using a data providing method of the third generation partnership project (3 GPP).

Fig. 12 shows that in some embodiments, there may alternatively be a reverse way to implement such negotiation. Assuming that the UE remains connected to NW-a and acquires a frame pattern that allows the UE to leave the network for a given period of time, the UE may inform the available time for listening to the paging of NW-B (referred to as "second information"). The NW-B may change parameters (e.g., DRX, S-TMSI) related to the derivation of the paging occasion based on the second information to satisfy the available time for the paging occasion for the UE. In operation, in step 1, the NW-a sends the frame pattern to the UE in a signaling message (e.g., without limitation, an RRC message), for example, during RRC connection setup. In operation, in step 2, the UE may generate "second information" indicating the available time for the UE to leave the NW-a based on the "frame pattern". In operation, in step 3, the UE sends "second information" to the NW-B in a signaling message (e.g., without limitation, an RRC message). In operation, in step 4, the NW-B may adjust the parameters for the PO calculation based on the second information and send the parameters to the UE. In operation, in step 5, the UE receives the adjusted parameters and recalculates the PO that satisfies the available time for the UE to leave the NW-a. This alternative approach may be more difficult to implement "stealing time" (or stealing time) than the first solution. In some embodiments, the signaling message is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling message. In some embodiments, the signaling message is a non-access stratum (NAS) level signaling message. In some embodiments, the signaling message is data in a signaled message. Specifically, the data is data provided through a control plane or a data plane. Specifically, the data is provided using a data providing method of the third generation partnership project (3 GPP).

Fig. 13 illustrates that the mechanisms of some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA) scenarios. In some embodiments, in operation, the UE registers with NW-a and NW-B via USIM-1 and USIM-2, respectively, and obtains parameters for communication scheduling, which is optional. NW-a and NW-B are for example RAN node a and RAN node B. In operation, in step 1, the UE may generate first information of the stealing time during which the UE may switch to another USIM (e.g., USIM-2). In operation, in step 2, the UE sends the first information to the NW-a in a signaling message (e.g., without limitation, an RRC message). In operation, in step 3, the RAN node a generates a frame pattern based on the first information. In operation, in step 4, the NW-a sends the frame pattern to the UE in a signaling message (e.g., without limitation, an RRC message). In operation, the UE may switch from the current network to a different Network (NW) while remaining active for NW-a and NW-B by depending on the negotiated frame mode. In some embodiments, the signaling message is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling message. In some embodiments, the signaling message is a non-access stratum (NAS) level signaling message. In some embodiments, the signaling message is data in a signaled message. Specifically, the data is data provided through a control plane or a data plane. Specifically, the data is provided using a data providing method of the third generation partnership project (3 GPP). In some embodiments, "keep-alives" may be that the AS and/or NAS context on the UE and NW side is not deleted.

Fig. 14 and 15 show that in some embodiments, according to the call flow shown in fig. 13, the UE may send "first information" to negotiate a frame mode that causes the UE to connect to NW-a for a certain time and the UE to connect to NW-B for a certain time, as shown in fig. 14 and 15. The above two specific times may be different.

Fig. 16 shows a method 200 for operating a multi-SIM UE in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The multi-SIM UE includes a first SIM and a second SIM. The method 200 comprises the following steps: at block 202, an appropriate time is negotiated that allows the multi-SIM UE to switch to the second SIM to communicate with the second network.

In some embodiments, the communication with the second network is to listen for pages from the second network, and the multi-SIM UE is to tune to a paging channel of the second network to check for pages to the second SIM at an appropriate time. In some embodiments, the appropriate time is negotiated in order to maintain connection to the first network and the second network by switching to different networks according to the appropriate time negotiated. In some embodiments, the multi-SIM UE is to generate the stealing time based on parameters for communication scheduling from at least one of the first network and the second network when the multi-SIM UE switches to communicate with the second network according to the first information. In some embodiments, it may be appreciated that the connection may be such that the UE and the network side have an activation context at the non-access stratum (NAS) layer and/or the Access Stratum (AS) layer. In some embodiments, it is understood that it may also be explicit that the connection may be that the UE sends data to the network side when a certain AS or NAS layer timer expires. In other words, it is understood that maintaining the connection may also be the UE sending data before the timer of the AS or NAS layer expires.

In some embodiments, the method includes negotiating an appropriate time to allow the multi-SIM UE 10 to listen for pages from the second network using the second SIM when the multi-SIM UE has a connection (e.g., a dedicated channel) to the first network, the negotiation being performed at any time during the connection of the first SIM with the first network, the method including tuning to a paging channel of the second network to check for pages to the second SIM at the appropriate time.

In some embodiments, the method further includes registering with the second network using the second SIM and obtaining parameters and information from the second network. In some embodiments, the method further comprises calculating a Paging Occasion (PO) for the second SIM to listen for pages from the second network based on the parameters and information from the second network. In some embodiments, the method further includes generating first information associated with the stealing time based on the calculated PO, wherein the first information indicates the stealing time to inform the first network when the multi-SIM UE switches to listen for pages from the second network. In some embodiments, the stealing time is defined by a time when the multi-SIM UE steals time from a plurality of dedicated channels of the first network. In some embodiments, the appropriate time is determined from the stolen time, and the method further comprises tuning to a paging channel of the second network to check for pages to the second SIM at the stolen time.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises sending the first information to the first network in a signaling message, such as, but not limited to, a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message. In some embodiments, the first information directly includes PO information or some variation information from PO information. In some embodiments, the first information may also include a paging duration. In some embodiments, the paging processing duration (i.e., the stealing time) includes a PO for listening to pages from the second network and a switch time when the multi-SIM UE is ready to listen to pages from the second network and/or when the multi-SIM UE is invoked to listen to pages from the second network. In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a frame pattern from the first network in a signaling message (e.g., without limitation, an RRC message), the frame pattern being generated from the first information. In some embodiments, the signaling message is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling message. In some embodiments, the signaling message is a non-access stratum (NAS) level signaling message. In some embodiments, the signaling message is data in a signaled message. Specifically, the data is data provided through a control plane or a data plane. Specifically, the data is provided using a data providing method of the third generation partnership project (3 GPP).

In some embodiments, the frame mode is used to inform the multi-SIM UE when it is allowed to leave the first network. In some embodiments, when the multi-SIM UE leaves the first network, the multi-SIM UE switches to the second SIM to listen for pages from the second network. In some embodiments, the format of the frame mode is an index indicating: which subframe, slot, and/or symbol is the allowed time for the multi-SIM UE to leave the first network. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining a start time, period, and/or offset indicating an allowed time for the multi-SIM UE to leave the first network.

In some embodiments, the method further includes generating second information indicating an available time for the multi-SIM UE to leave the first network according to the frame pattern. In some embodiments, the method further comprises sending the second information to the second network in a signaling message (such as, but not limited to, an RRC message). In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving the adjusted parameter from the second network and recalculating the PO that satisfies the available time for the multi-SIM UE to leave the first network. In some embodiments, the adjusted parameter is adjusted according to a frame mode. In some embodiments, the signaling message is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling message. In some embodiments, the signaling message is a non-access stratum (NAS) level signaling message. In some embodiments, the signaling message is data in a signaled message. Specifically, the data is data provided through a control plane or a data plane. Specifically, the data is provided using a data providing method of the third generation partnership project (3 GPP).

In some embodiments, the multi-SIM UE is a Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA) UE. In some embodiments, the method further includes registering with the first network and the second network via the first SIM and the second SIM, respectively, and obtaining parameters for the communication schedule. In some embodiments, the method further includes generating first information associated with a stolen time within which the multi-SIM UE departs from the first SIM to the second SIM. In some embodiments, the method further comprises sending the first information to the first network in a signaling message (e.g., without limitation, an RRC message). In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a frame pattern associated with the first information from the first network in a signaling message (e.g., without limitation, an RRC message). In some embodiments, the method further comprises simultaneously maintaining the connection to the first network and the second network by switching from the current network to a different network according to the negotiated frame mode. In some embodiments, the method further includes sending the first information to negotiate a frame mode that enables the multi-SIM UE to connect to the first network at a specific time and the multi-SIM UE to connect to the second network at a specific time. In some embodiments, the particular time that the multi-SIM UE is connected to the first network is different from the particular time that the multi-SIM UE is connected to the second network. In some embodiments, the signaling message is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling message. In some embodiments, the signaling message is a non-access stratum (NAS) level signaling message. In some embodiments, the signaling message is data in a signaled message. Specifically, the data is data provided through a control plane or a data plane. Specifically, the data is provided using a data providing method of the third generation partnership project (3 GPP). In some embodiments, the first network may be a RAN or a core network.

In the following, any content attributed to multi-SIM handset/mobile device/UE applies equally to dual-SIM handset/mobile device/UE and vice versa. In summary, some embodiments of the present invention include the following technical features and technical solutions.

A method comprises the following steps: current serving networks allow multi-SIM UEs to have predictable occurrences and times to check for pages in other non-serving networks. A method comprises the following steps: multi-SIM handsets are known to have or assign or allow predictable occurrences and times to other (non-serving) networks that are remote from the serving network, being able to provide paging to provide terminating services for the SIM that matches the remote time in the other SIM or multi-SIM handset. A solution is as follows: different ways are provided for the UE to signal to the second NW or other NWs providing the terminating service. This is to indicate rejection or acceptance of the offered terminating service. A method comprises the following steps: the non-service network allocates logical channels, signaling channels, and associated channels for the multi-SIM handset to signal or exchange signaling with the non-service PLMN associated with the non-active SIM. A method comprises the following steps: different ways are provided for the UE to signal the UE (or user) reaction/response to the provided service (e.g. user rejection of the terminating service) to the second NW or other NW that is providing the terminating service to the UE.

In some or all or a combination of the above methods, some embodiments of the present disclosure allow a standardized way in which a multi-SIM mobile device can predictably draw time from its current communications/connections with a current serving PLMN. The methods described above further allow, in part or in whole, predictable behavior of multi-SIM handsets for other non-serving PLMNs of other SIMs held by the multi-SIM mobile device. Further, the methods provide for non-serving PLMNs to allocate logical channels/signaling channels/associated channels for interacting with the non-serving PLMNs to support other passive or inactive SIMs. This method allows the paged SIM to inform the PLMN providing terminating service of the response of the paged SIM to the providing terminating service. Knowing this would allow saving radio resources and internal network resources of the network providing the terminating service in case the paged SIM rejects the provided terminating service. This will further allow the network providing the terminating service to inform the calling party, i.e. the calling party, the calling application, the originating party. This awareness of the originator will further save resources by not repeating the call.

In some embodiments, as used herein, the term "stolen time" is equivalent to the term "stolen time" and may be a "paging processing duration.

Fig. 17 is a block diagram of an example system 700 for wireless communication in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein may be implemented into a system using any suitably configured hardware and/or software. Fig. 17 shows a system 700, the system 700 comprising a Radio Frequency (RF) circuit 710, a baseband circuit 720, an application circuit 730, a memory/storage 740, a display 750, a camera 760, a sensor 770, and an input/output (I/O) interface 780, coupled to each other at least as shown.

The application circuitry 730 may include circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processor may include any combination of general-purpose processors and special-purpose processors (e.g., a graphics processor and an application processor). The processor may be coupled with the memory/storage and configured to execute instructions stored in the memory/storage to enable various applications and/or operating systems running on the system.

Baseband circuitry 720 may include circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processor may comprise a baseband processor. The baseband circuitry may handle various radio control functions that enable communication with one or more radio networks through the RF circuitry. The radio control functions may include, but are not limited to, signal modulation, encoding, decoding, radio frequency shifting, and the like. In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry may provide communications compatible with one or more radio technologies. For example, in some embodiments, the baseband circuitry may support communication with an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (EUTRAN) and/or other Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMANs), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs). Embodiments of baseband circuitry for radio communications supporting multiple wireless protocols may be referred to as multi-mode baseband circuitry.

In various embodiments, baseband circuitry 720 may include circuitry to operate on signals that are not strictly considered to be at baseband frequencies. For example, in some embodiments, the baseband circuitry may include circuitry for operating on signals having an intermediate frequency between a baseband frequency and a radio frequency.

RF circuitry 710 may enable communication with a wireless network using modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. In various embodiments, the RF circuitry may include switches, filters, amplifiers, and the like to facilitate communication with the wireless network.

In various embodiments, RF circuitry 710 may include circuitry for operating on signals that are not strictly considered to be at radio frequencies. For example, in some embodiments, the RF circuitry may include circuitry for operating on signals having an intermediate frequency between a baseband frequency and a radio frequency.

In various embodiments, the transmitter circuitry, control circuitry, or receiver circuitry discussed above with respect to the user equipment, eNB, or gNB may be implemented in whole or in part in one or more of RF circuitry, baseband circuitry, and/or application circuitry. As used herein, "circuitry" may refer to, be part of, or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and/or memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality. In some embodiments, the electronic device circuitry may be implemented in, or functions associated with, one or more software or firmware modules.

In some embodiments, some or all of the components of the baseband circuitry, application circuitry, and/or memory/storage devices may be implemented together on a system on a chip (SOC).

Memory/storage 740 may be used to load and store data and/or instructions, for example, for a system. The memory/storage of one embodiment may comprise any combination of suitable volatile memory (e.g., Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)) and/or non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory).

In various embodiments, I/O interface 780 may include one or more user interfaces to allow a user to interact with the system and/or peripheral component interfaces to allow peripheral components to interact with the system. The user interface may include, but is not limited to, a physical keyboard or keypad, a touchpad, a speaker, a microphone, and the like. The peripheral component interfaces may include, but are not limited to, a non-volatile memory port, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, an audio jack, and a power interface.

In various embodiments, the sensor 770 may include one or more sensing devices for determining environmental conditions and/or location information associated with the system. In some embodiments, the sensors may include, but are not limited to, a gyroscope sensor, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, and a positioning unit. The positioning unit may also be part of or interact with baseband circuitry and/or RF circuitry to communicate with components of a positioning network, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite.

In various embodiments, display 750 may include a display, such as a liquid crystal display and a touch screen display. In various embodiments, system 700 may be a mobile computing device, such as, but not limited to, a laptop computing device, a tablet computing device, a netbook, an ultrabook, a smartphone, and the like. In various embodiments, the system may have more or fewer components and/or different architectures. The methods described herein may be implemented as a computer program, where appropriate. The computer program may be stored on a storage medium, such as a non-transitory storage medium.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, a multi-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) User Equipment (UE) and method of operation thereof are provided that can operate efficiently and effectively with multi-SIM capabilities. Embodiments of the present disclosure are a combination of techniques/processes that may be employed in 3GPP specifications to create an end product.

Those of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the various elements, algorithms, steps described and disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention are implemented using electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the application conditions and the design requirements of the solution. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, and such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, since the operation processes of the above systems, devices and units are basically the same, reference may be made to the operation processes of the systems, devices and units in the above embodiments. For ease of description and simplicity, these operations will not be described in detail.

It is understood that the systems, devices and methods disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in other ways. The above embodiments are merely exemplary. The partitioning of cells is based on logical functions only, while other partitions exist in the implementation. Multiple units or components may be combined or integrated in another system. Certain features may also be omitted or skipped. In another aspect, the shown or discussed mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communicative coupling operates indirectly or communicatively through some port, device, or element, electrically, mechanically, or otherwise.

While the disclosure has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but is intended to cover various arrangements made without departing from the scope of the broadest interpretation of the appended claims.

The elements are physically separate or not physically separate as discrete components for illustration. The display unit is a physical unit or not, i.e. located at one place or distributed over a plurality of network units. Some or all of the cells are used for purposes of the embodiments. Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments may be integrated into one processing unit (physically independent), or may be integrated into one processing unit having two or more units. If the software functional unit is implemented, used, sold as a product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium in a computer. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions proposed by the present disclosure can be implemented substantially or partially in the form of software products. Alternatively, some of the technical solutions advantageous to the prior art may be implemented in the form of software products. A software product in a computer is stored in a storage medium and includes a plurality of commands for a computing device (e.g., a personal computer, a server, or a network device) to execute all or part of the steps disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The storage medium includes a usb disk, a removable hard disk, a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a floppy disk, or other medium capable of storing program code.

Claims

1. A multi-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) User Equipment (UE), comprising:

a first SIM associated with a first network;

a second SIM associated with a second network;

a memory;

a transceiver to communicate with the first network using the first SIM and to communicate with the second network using the second SIM; and

a processor coupled to the memory, the transceiver, the first SIM, and the second SIM;

wherein the processor is configured to:

negotiating an appropriate time to allow the multi-SIM UE to switch to the second SIM to communicate with the second network.

2. The multi-SIM UE of claim 1, wherein communicating with the second network is to listen for pages from the second network, and the processor is to tune to a paging channel of the second network to check for the pages to the second SIM at the appropriate time.

3. The multi-SIM UE of claim 1 or 2, wherein negotiating the appropriate time is to maintain connection to the first network and the second network by switching to different networks according to the negotiated appropriate time.

4. The multi-SIM UE of claim 1 or 2, wherein the negotiating is performed at any time during the connection of the first SIM with the first network.

5. The multi-SIM UE of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processor is to register with the second network using the second SIM and to obtain parameters and information from the second network.

6. The multi-SIM UE of claim 5, wherein the processor is to calculate a Paging Occasion (PO) for the second SIM to listen for the page from the second network based on the parameters and information from the second network.

7. The multi-SIM UE of claim 6, wherein the processor is to generate first information associated with a stolen time based on the calculated PO and inform the first network when the processor switches to listen for the page from the second network based on the first information. Or the processor is configured to generate a stealing time based on the parameter for communication scheduling from at least one of the first network and the second network when the processor switches to communicate with the second network according to the first information.

8. The multi-SIM UE of claim 7, wherein the stealing time is defined by a time at which the processor steals time from a dedicated channel of the first network.

9. The multi-SIM UE of claim 8, wherein the appropriate time is determined in accordance with the stealing time, and the processor is to tune to a paging channel of the second network to check for the page to the second SIM at the stealing time.

10. The multi-SIM UE of any one of claims 7-9, wherein the transceiver is to transmit the first information to the first network in a signaling message.

11. The multi-SIM UE according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the first information directly includes PO information or some variation information according to the PO information.

12. The multi-SIM UE of any one of claims 7-11, wherein the stealing time comprises a switching time for listening to the PO from the second network and the processor preparing to listen to the page from the second network and/or the processor being invoked to listen to the page from the second network.

13. The multi-SIM UE of any one of claims 8-12, wherein the transceiver is to receive a frame pattern from the first network in a signaling message, the frame pattern generated from the first information.

14. The multi-SIM UE of claim 13, wherein the frame pattern is to inform the processor when it is allowed to leave the first network.

15. The multi-SIM UE of claim 14, wherein the processor switches to the second SIM to listen for the page from the second network when the processor leaves the first network.

16. The multi-SIM UE of any one of claims 13-15, wherein the format of the frame pattern is an index indicating: which subframe, slot, and/or symbol is an allowed time for the processor to leave the first network.

17. The multi-SIM UE of any one of claims 13-15, wherein the processor is to determine a start time, a period, and/or an offset indicating an allowed time for the processor to leave the first network.

18. The multi-SIM UE of claim 1, wherein the processor is to generate second information from a frame pattern, the second information indicating an available time for the processor to leave the first network.

19. The multi-SIM UE of claim 18, wherein the transceiver is to send the second information to the second network in a signaling message.

20. The multi-SIM UE of claim 19, wherein the transceiver is to receive an adjusted parameter from the second network and recalculate the PO that satisfies the available time for the processor to leave the first network.

21. The multi-SIM UE of claim 20, wherein the adjusted parameter is adjusted according to the frame mode.

22. The multi-SIM UE of claim 1, wherein the multi-SIM UE is a Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA) UE.

23. The multi-SIM UE of claim 22, wherein the processor is to register with the first network and the second network via the first SIM and the second SIM, respectively, and to obtain parameters for a communication schedule.

24. The multi-SIM UE of claim 22 or 23, wherein the processor is to generate first information associated with a stealing time within which the processor departs from the first SIM to the second SIM.

25. The multi-SIM UE of claim 24, wherein the transceiver is to receive a frame pattern associated with the first information from the first network in a signaling message.

26. The multi-SIM UE of claim 25, wherein the processor is configured to keep the first network and the second network active by switching from a current network to a different network according to a negotiated frame mode.

27. The multi-SIM UE of claim 25 or 26, wherein the processor is configured to send the first information to negotiate the frame mode, the frame mode causing the processor to connect to the first network at a particular time and the processor to connect to the second network at a particular time.

28. The multi-SIM UE of claim 27, wherein the particular time at which the processor connects to the first network is different than the particular time at which the processor connects to the second network.

29. The multi-SIM UE of claim 10, 13, 19, or 25, wherein the signaling message is one of: radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling messages, non-access stratum (NAS) level signaling messages, and data in the signaled messages.

30. The multi-SIM UE of claim 29, wherein the data is data provided over a control plane or a data plane, and the data is provided using a data providing method of a third generation partnership project (3 GPP).

31. A method for operating a multi-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) User Equipment (UE) including a first SIM associated with a first network and a second SIM associated with a second network, the multi-SIM UE for communicating with the first network using the first SIM and communicating with the second network using the second SIM, the method comprising:

32. The method of claim 31, wherein communicating with the second network is for listening for pages from the second network, and further comprising tuning to a paging channel of the second network to check for the page to the second SIM at the appropriate time.

33. The method of claim 31 or 32, wherein negotiating the appropriate time is to remain connected to the first network and the second network by switching to a different network according to the negotiated appropriate time.

34. The method of claim 31 or 32, wherein the negotiating is performed at any time during the connection of the first SIM with the first network.

35. The method of any of claims 31 to 34, further comprising registering with the second network using the second SIM and obtaining parameters and information from the second network.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising calculating a Paging Occasion (PO) for the second SIM to listen for the page from the second network from the parameters and information from the second network.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising generating first information associated with a stealing time based on the calculated PO and informing the first network when the multi-SIM UE switches to listen for the page from the second network according to the first information, or comprising generating a stealing time based on the parameters for communication scheduling from at least one of the first network and the second network when the multi-SIM UE switches to communicate with the second network according to the first information.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the stealing time is defined by a time when the multi-SIM UE steals time from a dedicated channel of the first network.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the appropriate time is determined from the stealing time, and further comprising tuning to a paging channel of the second network to check for the page to the second SIM at the stealing time.

40. The method of any of claims 37 to 39, further comprising sending the first information to the first network in a signaling message.

41. The method of any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein the first information directly comprises PO information or some variation information from the PO information.

42. The method of any of claims 37 to 41, wherein the stealing time comprises a switching time for listening to the PO of the page from the second network and the multi-SIM UE preparing to listen to the page from the second network and/or the multi-SIM UE being invoked to listen to the page from the second network.

43. The method of any of claims 38 to 42, further comprising receiving a frame pattern from the first network in a signaling message, the frame pattern generated from the first information.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the frame pattern is used to inform the multi-SIM UE when it is allowed to leave the first network.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the multi-SIM UE switches to the second SIM to listen for the page from the second network when the multi-SIM UE leaves the first network.

46. The method of any of claims 43 to 45, wherein the format of the frame pattern is an index indicating: which subframe, slot, and/or symbol is an allowed time for the multi-SIM UE to leave the first network.

47. The method of any of claims 43 to 45, further comprising determining a start time, period, and/or offset indicating an allowed time for the multi-SIM UE to leave the first network.

48. The method of claim 31, further comprising generating second information from the frame pattern, the second information indicating an available time for the multi-SIM UE to leave the first network.

49. The method of claim 48, further comprising sending the second information to the second network in a signaling message.

50. The method of claim 49, further comprising receiving adjusted parameters from the second network and recalculating the PO that satisfies the available time for the multi-SIM UE to leave the first network.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the adjusted parameter is adjusted according to the frame mode.

52. The method of claim 31, wherein the multi-SIM UE is a dual-SIM-dual-active (DSDA) UE.

53. The method of claim 52, further comprising registering with the first network and the second network via the first SIM and the second SIM, respectively, and obtaining parameters for a communication schedule.

54. The method of claim 52 or 53, further comprising generating first information associated with a stealing time during which the multi-SIM UE departs from the first SIM to the second SIM.

55. The method of claim 54, further comprising receiving a frame pattern associated with the first information from the first network in a signaling message.

56. The method of claim 50, further comprising maintaining the first network and the second network active by switching from a current network to a different network according to a negotiated frame pattern.

57. The method of claim 49 or 56, further comprising sending the first information to negotiate the frame mode that causes the multi-SIM UE to connect to the first network at a particular time and the multi-SIM UE to connect to the second network at a particular time.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein the particular time at which the multi-SIM UE connects to the first network is different from the particular time at which the multi-SIM UE connects to the second network.

59. The method of claim 40, 43, 49, or 55, wherein the signaling message is one of: radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling messages, non-access stratum (NAS) level signaling messages, and data in the signaled messages.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein the data is data provided over a control plane or a data plane, and the data is provided using a third generation partnership project (3GPP) data provision method.

61. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any of claims 31-60.

62. A terminal device, comprising: a processor and a memory, the memory for storing a computer program, the processor for executing the computer program stored in the memory to perform the method of any of claims 31 to 60.