WO2015013929A1

WO2015013929A1 - Method and apparatus for handling an incoming communication request while a subscriber identity module is in an active communication mode

Info

Publication number: WO2015013929A1
Application number: PCT/CN2013/080549
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yinong Liu; Guangliang WU
Original assignee: Nokia Corporation; Nokia (China) Investment Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2013-07-31
Filing date: 2013-07-31
Publication date: 2015-02-05
Also published as: CN105432099A

Abstract

A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to more effectively handle an incoming communication request that has been forwarded to a first SIM while the first SIM is an active communication mode. In the context of a method, an indication is received at a user device having first and second SIMs, such as a multiple SIM single standby mobile terminal, that an incoming communication request, such as an incoming call or an incoming message, has been forwarded to the first SIM while the first SIM is in an active communication mode. The method also includes determining whether the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests. If so, the method interprets the communication request to have been missed by the second SIM and may cause a busy signal to be provided to a communication network.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HANDLING AN INCOMING COMMUNICATION REQUEST WHILE A SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY MODULE IS IN AN ACTIVE

COMMUNICATION MODE TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0001] An example embodiment of the present invention relates generally to handling an incoming communication request, such as an incoming call or an incoming message, and, more particularly, to handling an incoming communication request that has been forwarded to a first subscriber identity module (SIM) while the first SIM is in an active communication mode.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Some communication devices, such as mobile telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), smart phones or the like, may include a plurality of SIMs, such as first and second SIMS. A communication device that includes first and second SIMs may be termed a dual SIM device. Some dual SIM devices may employ a single standby design so as to have a single radio frequency (RF) access channel. With respect to a dual SIM single standby device, both of the first and second SIMs may be active in an idle mode and each SIM can initiate or receive a communication request, such as a telephone call, a message, e.g., a short message service (SMS) message, etc. However, in an instance in which one of the SIMs, such as the first SIM, is in an active communication mode so as to have an active voice or data connection, the single RF access channel of the dual SIM single standby device will be in use and the other SIM, such as the second SIM, will be unable to synchronize with the network. Thus, an incoming

communication request to the second SIM may be missed without any notification to the user of the communication device that received the incoming communication request.

[0003] In order to provide some notification to the user, the incoming communication request to the second SIM may be forwarded to the first SIM. As a result of the forwarding of the incoming communication request to the first SIM, a notification may be provided to the user, such as via the display of the dual SIM single standby device, regarding the forwarded

communication request. In an instance in which the user rejects the incoming communication request, the dual SIM single standby device may log the missed communication request with respect to the first SIM, as opposed to the second SIM to which the incoming communication request was originally directed. By logging the missed communication request to the first SIM, the return of the missed communication request may prove to be somewhat disjointed since the return of the missed communication request, such as a return telephone call, will appear to be originating from a different telephone number from that to which the incoming communication request was originally directed. Similarly, the user of the communication device that received the incoming communication request may also be confused as a result of a log or a notification that indicates that the missed communication request related to the first SIM, as opposed to the second SIM to which the incoming communication request was originally directed. For example, the user of the communication device that received the incoming communication request may wonder how the party that initiated the incoming communication request obtained the telephone number associated with the first SIM when, in fact, the party that initiated the incoming communication request had directed the communication request to a different telephone number, namely, the telephone number associated with the second SIM. Indeed, the user may utilize the first SIM for personal calls and the second SIM for business calls.

[0004] With reference to Figure 1 by way of example, a communication device having multiple SIMs may also have multiple call logs, one of which is associated with each SIM. In a dual SIM single standby device, the communication device may maintain two call logs, one of which is associated with each SIM. In the example of Figure 1 , first and second call logs associated with the first and second SIMs, respectively, may be maintained to record the incoming communication requests intended for the respective SIMs. As noted above, confusion can result in an instance in which an incoming communication request to the second SIM is forwarded to the first SIM since the incoming communication request will be recorded in the first call log associated with the first SIM, even though the incoming communication request was actually directed to the second SIM, at least initially. Confusion or inconvenience may be particularly problematic when members of a family share a communication device, with each SIM being owned by a different member of the family. In addition, if contact details are stored on the SIMs rather than the communications device, the user may not be presented with a name associated with the missed call.

[0005] Additionally, the party that initiated the incoming communication request may receive a "no answer" message in an instance in which the first SIM is in an active

communications mode upon receipt of the incoming communication request even though the user of the dual SIM single standby device may be more appropriately characterized as busy. However, if the user of the dual SIM single standby device accepts the incoming communication request in response to the notification of the incoming communication request, the user of the dual SIM single standby device may disadvantageously incur a call-forwarding fee.

[0006] Dual SIM dual standby devices have been developed to permit both the first and second SIMs to be concurrently in an active communication mode, thereby providing two RF access channels, one for each SIM. However, a dual SIM dual standby device generally requires additional radio circuitry in order to establish and maintain multiple RF access channels, thereby adding to the cost of the device. Further, a dual SIM dual standby device may consume additional power in relation to the establishment and maintenance of multiple RF access channels for the first and second SIMs.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0007] A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in accordance with an example embodiment in order to more effectively handle an incoming communication request that has been forwarded to a first SIM while the first SIM is an active communication mode. In this regard, the method, apparatus and computer program product of an example embodiment permit an incoming communication request to be handled by a multiple SIM single standby device in a manner that is more comparable to the manner in which an incoming communication request is handled by dual SIM dual standby device without the increased cost and power consumption incurred for the additional circuitry required to support multiple RF access channels. For example, the method, apparatus and computer program product of an example embodiment may interpret an incoming communication request that has been forwarded to the first SIM while the first SIM is in an active communication mode as a communication request that has been missed by the second SIM, thereby facilitating subsequent efforts to return the missed

communication request. The method, apparatus and computer program product of an example embodiment may also cause a busy signal to be provided to the communication network and, in turn, to the party that placed the incoming communication request in an instance in which the first SIM is in the active communication mode so as to better reflect the status of the user of the multiple SIM single standby device. [0008] In an example embodiment, a method is provided that includes receiving at a user device having first and second SIMs, such as a multiple SIM single standby mobile terminal, an indication that an incoming communication request, such as an incoming call or an incoming message, has been forwarded to the first SIM while the first SIM is in an active communication mode. The method also includes determining whether the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests. In an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, the method interprets the communication request to have been missed by the second SIM and, in an example embodiment, may cause a busy signal to be provided to a communication network.

[0009] In an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, the method may also cause the communication request to be logged as having been missed by the second SIM. Additionally or alternatively, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, the method may cause a notification to be generated identifying the communication request as having been missed by the second SIM. The method of an example embodiment may also include causing an indication that the incoming communication request has been forwarded to the first SIM to be displayed, thereby permitting the user an opportunity to accept or reject the incoming communication request.

[0010] In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a processor and a memory including computer program code with the memory and computer program code configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to receive at a user device having first and second SIMs, such as a dual SIM single standby mobile terminal, an indication that an incoming communication request, such as an incoming call or an incoming message, has been forwarded to the first SIM while the first SIM is in an active communication mode. The memory and the computer program code are also configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus of this embodiment to determine whether the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests. In an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, the memory and the computer program code are also configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus of this embodiment to interpret the communication request to have been missed by the second SIM and, in an example embodiment, to cause a busy signal to be provided to a communication network. [0011] The memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, to cause a communication request to be logged as having been missed by the second SIM. Additionally or alternatively, the memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, to cause a notification to be generated identifying the communication request as having been missed by the second SIM. The memory and the computer program code may also be configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus of an example embodiment to cause an indication of the incoming communication request that has been forwarded to the first SIM to be displayed. The apparatus of an example embodiment may also include a communication interface configured to receive the indication that the incoming communication request has been forwarded to the first SIM and to cause the busy signal to be provided to the communication network.

[0012] In a further embodiment, a computer program product is provided that includes a non- transitory computer-readable medium having program code portions stored therein with the program code portions configured, upon execution, to receive at a user device having first and second SIMs, such as a multiple SIM single standby mobile terminal, an indication that an incoming communication request, such as an incoming call or an incoming message, has been forwarded to the first SIM while the first SIM is in an active communication mode. The program code portions of this example embodiment are also configured to determine whether the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests. The program code portion of this example embodiment are also configured to, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, interpret the communication request to have been missed by the second SIM and, in an example embodiment, to cause a busy signal to be provided to a communication network.

[0013] The program code portions of an example embodiment may be further configured, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, to cause a communication request to be logged as having been missed by the second SIM. Additionally or alternatively, the program code portions may be further configured, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, to cause a notification to be generated identifying the communication request as having been missed by the second SIM. The program code portions of an example embodiment may also be configured to cause an indication of the incoming communication request that has been forwarded to the first SIM to be displayed.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes means for receiving at a user device having first and second SIMS, such as a multiple SIM single standby mobile terminal, an indication that an incoming communication request, such as an incoming call or an incoming message, has been forwarded to the first SIM while the first SIM is in an active communication mode. The apparatus of this example embodiment also includes means for determining whether the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests. In this example embodiment, the apparatus also includes means, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, for interpreting the communication requests to have been missed by the second SIM and, in an example embodiment, may further include means for causing a busy signal to be provided to a communication network.

[0015] The apparatus of an example embodiment may also include means, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, for causing the communication request to be logged as having been missed by the second SIM. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus may include means, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, for causing a notification to be generated identifying the communication request as having been missed by the second SIM. The apparatus of an example embodiment may also include means for causing an indication of the incoming communication request that has been forwarded to the first SIM to be displayed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Having thus described certain example embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of first and second call logs associated with in coming communication requests for first and second SIMs, respectively; [0018] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a dual SIM single standby device in which a first SIM is in an active communication mode at the time that an incoming communication request is received;

[0019] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an apparatus that may be specifically configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; and

[0020] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating operations performed, such as by the apparatus of Figure 3 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the terms "data," "content," "information," and similar terms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of being transmitted, received and/or stored in accordance with

embodiments of the present invention. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Additionally, as used herein, the term 'circuitry' refers to (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analog circuitry and/or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of circuits and computer program product(s) comprising software and/or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that work together to cause an apparatus to perform one or more functions described herein; and (c) circuits, such as, for example, a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of 'circuitry' applies to all uses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term 'circuitry' also includes an implementation comprising one or more processors and/or portion(s) thereof and accompanying software and/or firmware. As another example, the term 'circuitry' as used herein also includes, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, other network device, and/or other computing device.

[0023] As defined herein, a "computer-readable storage medium," which refers to a non- transitory physical storage medium (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory device), can be differentiated from a "computer-readable transmission medium," which refers to an

electromagnetic signal.

[0024] A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in accordance with an example embodiment in order to facilitate the handling of an incoming communication request that has been forwarded to a first SIM while the first SIM is in an active communication mode. As shown in Figure 2, for example, the apparatus 10 of an example embodiment may be embodied by or otherwise associated with a user device having a plurality of SIMs, such as a first SIM 12 and a second SIM 14. The user device may be embodied in various manners including a mobile terminal such as, for example, a portable digital assistant (PDA), mobile telephone, smart phone, pager, mobile television, gaming device, laptop computer, camera, tablet computer, touch surface, video recorder, audio/video player, radio, electronic book, positioning device (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) device), or any combination of the aforementioned, and other types of voice or data communications systems.

[0025] Each SIM may contain the subscriber information for a respective subscription of the user and, as such, may identify the user to a communication network. A SIM may also include one or more applications and/or personal data, such as one or more telephone numbers, associated with a respective subscription. In an instance in which the user device is a multiple SIM single standby device, the apparatus 10 may be configured to only support a single RF access channel, such as illustrated by the single chain of RF circuitry 16 and

modulation/demodulation circuitry, such as the digital base band (DBB) circuitry 18, that communicably connects the plurality of SIMs to the antenna 20. Thus, each SIM of a multiple SIM single standby device must communicate via the same RF access channel.

[0026] By way of example, a user device that embodies or otherwise is associated with the apparatus 10 may be in an active communication mode with another communication device 22. In this regard, the first SIM 12 of the apparatus may be in an active communication mode, such as by having established an active voice or data connection via the RF access channel with the other communication device, such as to support voice communications, e.g., a telephone call, data communications, e.g., the exchange of SMS or other messages, or the like. As shown in the example of Figure 2, the user device and the other communication device may communicate with a communication network 24 via respective base stations 26, access points, or the like. Various types of communication networks may support communications with the user device including, for example, an IS- 136 (Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)) network, a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) network, an IS-95 (Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)) network, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, an Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE) network, a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, a Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000) network, a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) network, a Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA) network, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network or Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) and/or the like.

[0027] In the example described above in which the first SIM 12 is in an active

communication mode and is consequently utilizing the single RF access channel, a second communication device 28 may attempt to communicate with the second SIM 14 of the apparatus 10. In this regard, the second communication device may provide an incoming communication request, such as an incoming call, an incoming message or the like, directed to the second SIM. In accordance with an example embodiment, the method, apparatus and computer program product may permit the incoming communication request to be effectively handled as described below, even though the first SIM is in an active communication mode and is thereby utilizing the single RF access channel of the multiple SIM single standby device.

[0028] The apparatus 10 embodied by or associated with the user device, such as a multiple SIM single standby device, may be embodied in various manners. In an example embodiment, however, the apparatus may be embodied as shown in Figure 3 and may be specifically configured to handle an incoming communication request that has been forwarded to a first SIM 12 while the first SIM is in an active communication mode. In addition to the first and second SIMs discussed above, the apparatus may include or otherwise be in communication with a processor 30, a memory device 32, a communication interface 34 and a user interface 36. In some embodiments, the processor (and/or co-processors or any other processing circuitry assisting or otherwise associated with the processor) may be in communication with the memory device and/or the SIMs via a bus for passing information among components of the apparatus. The memory device and the SIMs may be non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatile and/or non-volatile memories. In other words, for example, the memory device and the SIMs may each be an electronic storage device (e.g., a computer readable storage medium) comprising gates configured to store data (e.g., bits) that may be retrievable by a machine (e.g., a computing device like the processor). The memory device may be configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, or the like for enabling the apparatus to carry out various functions in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. For example, the memory device could be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processor. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device could be configured to store instructions for execution by the processor.

[0029] As noted above, the apparatus 10 may be embodied by a user device. However, in some embodiments, the apparatus may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the apparatus may comprise one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) including materials, components and/or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The apparatus may therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an embodiment of the present invention on a single chip or as a single "system on a chip." As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein.

[0030] The processor 30 may be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, the processor may be embodied as one or more of various hardware processing means such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing element with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing circuitry including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. As such, in some embodiments, the processor may include one or more processing cores configured to perform independently. A multi-core processor may enable multiprocessing within a single physical package. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may include one or more processors configured in tandem via the bus to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining and/or multithreading. [0031] In an example embodiment, the processor 30 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory device 32 or otherwise accessible to the processor.

Alternatively or additionally, the processor may be configured to execute hard coded

functionality. As such, whether configured by hardware or software methods, or by a

combination thereof, the processor may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry) capable of performing operations according to an embodiment of the present invention while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processor is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, the processor may be specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processor is embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor to perform the algorithms and/or operations described herein when the instructions are executed. However, in some cases, the processor may be a processor of a specific device (e.g., a user device) configured to employ an embodiment of the present invention by further configuration of the processor by instructions for performing the algorithms and/or operations described herein. The processor may include, among other things, a clock, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and logic gates configured to support operation of the processor.

[0032] The apparatus 10 of an example embodiment may also include a communication interface 34 that may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit data from to a communications device in communication with the apparatus, such as to facilitate communications therebetween. In this regard, the communication interface may include, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supporting hardware and/or software for enabling communications with a wireless communication network. Additionally or alternatively, the communication interface may include the circuitry for interacting with the antenna(s) to cause transmission of signals via the antenna(s) or to handle receipt of signals received via the antenna(s). In regard to the example embodiment of Figure 2, the communication interface may include the antenna 20, the RF circuitry 16 and the digital base band circuitry 18 that defines the single RF access channel.

[0033] The apparatus 10 of an example embodiment may also include a user interface 36 that may, in turn, be in communication with the processor 30 to provide output to the user and, in some embodiments, to receive an indication of a user input. As such, the user interface may include a display and, in some embodiments, may also include a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen, touch areas, soft keys, one or more microphones, a plurality of speakers, or other input/output mechanisms. In an example embodiment, the processor may comprise user interface circuitry configured to control at least some functions of one or more user interface elements such as a display and, in some embodiments, a plurality of speakers, a ringer, one or more microphones and/or the like. The processor and/or user interface circuitry comprising the processor may be configured to control one or more functions of one or more user interface elements through computer program instructions (e.g., software and/or firmware) stored on a memory accessible to the processor (e.g., memory device 32, and/or the like).

[0034] Referring now to Figure 4, the operations performed, such as by the apparatus 10 of Figure 3 , in order to handle an incoming communication request that has been forwarded to a first SIM 12 while the first SIM is in an active communication mode in accordance with an example embodiment are illustrated. As shown in block 40, the apparatus may include means, such as the processor 30, the communication interface 34 or the like, for receiving an indication that an incoming communication request has been forwarded to the first SIM while the first SIM is in an active communication mode. In this regard, the first SIM may be in an active communication mode as a result of the maintenance of an active voice connection, such as to support an ongoing telephone call, an active data connection such as to support the exchange of one or more messages, such as SMS messages, or the like.

[0035] With respect to the forwarding of the incoming communication request to the first SIM 12, at least second SIM 14 and, in some embodiments, each SIM, may be configured to selectively activate a service for forwarding communication requests. For example, the processor 30 of an example embodiment may be configured to cause the service for forwarding communication requests directed to a respective SIM to be activated in an instance in which the single RF access channel is being utilized by another SIM and may correspondingly advise the communication network of the activation of the service for forwarding communication requests directed to the respective SIM. Upon activation, the service for forwarding communication requests may direct the communication network such that a communication request intended for the respective SIM be forwarded to another SIM, such as the first SIM, in an instance in which the respective SIM cannot synchronize with the network, such as in an instance in which the single RF access channel is already in use at the time of the communication request for the respective SIM. In response to an incoming communication request intended for the second SIM, the communication network may therefore recognize that the service for forwarding

communication requests directed to the second SIM has been activated, such as in response to the use of the first RF access channel by the first SIM, and may then forward the incoming communication request to the first SIM in accordance with the instructions provided by the service for forwarding communication requests. Once the first SIM is no longer in an active communication mode, the service for forwarding communication requests directed to other SIM(s) may be deactivated, such as by the processor.

[0036] The indication that an incoming communication request has been forwarded to the first SIM 12 may be provided by the communication network 24 in various manners. In an example embodiment, however, the indication that an incoming communication request has been forwarded to the first SIM may be provided by the facility information element of the mobile terminated call setup message as defined by the 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Technical Specification (TS) 24.008, section 9.3.23.1.

[0037] In an example embodiment, the apparatus 10 may include means, such as the processor 30, the user interface 36 or the like, for causing an indication of the incoming communication request that has been forwarded to the first SIM 12 to be displayed. See block 42 of Figure 4. As such, a user of the user device that embodies or is otherwise associated with the apparatus may be notified of the incoming communication request. The user will then have the option of terminating the active connection such that the RF access channel becomes available and the incoming communication request that has been forwarded to the first SIM may be accepted. Alternatively, the incoming communication request may be rejected, either explicitly by user input or implicitly by inaction.

[0038] In an instance in which the incoming communication request has been rejected by the user, the apparatus 10 may include means, such as the processor 30 or the like, for determining whether the second SIM 14 is present. See block 44 of Figure 4. For example, the apparatus, such as the processor, may be configured to determine whether one or more pins of the second SIM remain in the respective sockets defined by the user device in order to determine the presence of the second SIM. In an instance in which the second SIM is present, the apparatus may also include means, such as the processor or the like, for determining whether a service for forwarding communication requests, such as described above, has been activated by the second SIM. See block 46 of Figure 4.

[0039] As shown in block 48 of Figure 4, in an instance in which the second SIM 14 is present and has activated the service for forwarding communication requests, the apparatus 10 may also include means, such as the processor 30 or the like, for interpreting the communication request to have been missed by the second SIM. In this situation, the apparatus, such as the processor, may be configured to determine that the communication request that was forwarded to the first SIM 12 was likely originally directed to the second SIM since the second SIM is both present and has activated the service for forwarding communication requests. As such, the apparatus, such as the processor, may be configured to more appropriately recognize that the communication request to have been missed by the second SIM.

[0040] In an instance in which the second SIM 14 is present and has activated the service for forwarding communication requests, the apparatus 10 may also include means, such as the processor 30, the communication interface 34 or the like, for causing a busy signal to be provided to the communication network 24 for provision to the communication device 28 that placed the communication request. See block 50 of Figure 4. By providing a busy signal, the user of the communication device that placed the communication request may be more appropriately notified of the status of the user device such that the user of the communication device will not believe that the user device simply ignored the communication request and may, instead, subsequently attempt to contact the second SIM of the user device at a later time when the user device is potentially no longer busy.

[0041] In an instance in which the communication request is interpreted to have been missed by the second SIM 14 as a result of the second SIM being present and having activated a service for forwarding communication requests, the apparatus 10 may also include means, such as the processor 30, the memory 32 or the like, for causing the communication request to be logged as having been missed by the second SIM. See block 52 of Figure 4. Additionally or alternatively, in an instance in which the communication request is interpreted to have been missed by the second SIM as a result of the second SIM being present and having activated a service for forwarding communication requests, the apparatus may include means, such as the processor, the communication interface 34, the user interface 36 or the like, for causing a notification to be generated identifying the communication request as having been missed by the second SIM. See block 54 of Figure 4. In this regard, the notification that is generated identifying the communication request as having been missed by the second SIM may be directed to the user of the user device, such as by causing a message, such as an SMS message, to be provided that indicates a missed communication request that was intended for the second SIM at a particular time. To facilitate user comprehension, the second SIM may, for example, be identified in the notification by the associated phone number. In an example embodiment, the notification may, in turn, be presented upon the display of the user device.

[0042] By identifying the communication request to have been missed by the second SIM 14, such as based upon the manner in which the communication request is logged or the notification that is generated in response to the communication request, the user device may return or otherwise respond to the communication request in a more appropriate manner, such as by responding to the communication device 28 that placed the communication request with a communication request, such as a telephone call, a message or the like, from the second SIM, as opposed to the first SIM 12 to which the incoming communication request had been forwarded. Thus, the user of the communication device that placed the communication request and that may receive a communication request in return may more likely recognize the second SIM of the user device so as to facilitate subsequent communications therewith.

[0043] In an instance in which the apparatus 10, such as the processor 30, determines that the second SIM 14 is not present and/or that the second SIM has not activated a service for forwarding communication requests, the apparatus, such as the processor, may be configured to no longer interpret the communication request as having been missed by the second SIM.

However, the apparatus may include means, such as the processor, the communication interface 34 or the like, for causing a busy signal to be provided to the communication network 24 and, in turn, to the communication device 28 that initiated the incoming communication request with the busy signal being indicative of the status of the user device to which the communication request was placed. See block 56 of Figure 4.

[0044] Since the apparatus 10, such as the processor 30, of this embodiment is unable to interpret the communication request to have been missed by the second SIM 14, the apparatus, such as the processor, may be configured to treat the incoming request as having been directed to the first SIM 12. As shown in block 58 of Figure 4, the apparatus of this example embodiment may therefore include means, such as the processor, the memory 32 or the like, for causing the communication request to be logged as having been missed by the first SIM, such as by logging a missed forwarded call to the first SIM. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus of this embodiment may include means, such as the processor, the communication interface 34 or the like, for causing a notification to be generated identifying the communication request as having been missed by the first SIM. See block 60 of Figure 4. For example, the notification may indicate that a forwarded call to the first SIM has been missed.

[0045] By identifying the incoming communication request as having been missed by the second SIM 14 in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, the method, apparatus 10 and computer program product of an example embodiment may more effectively handle the incoming communication request. In this regard, the method, apparatus and computer program product of an example embodiment permit an incoming communication request to be handled by a multiple SIM single standby device in a manner that is more comparable to the manner in which an incoming communication request is handled by dual SIM dual standby device without the increased cost and power consumption incurred for the additional circuitry required to support multiple RF access channels. In this regard, the user of the communication device 28 that placed the incoming communication request can be more appropriately advised of the status of the user device, such as by receiving a busy signal, and the user of the user device may more readily return the communication request that was missed by recognizing that the communication request was initially directed to the second SIM.

[0046] As described above, Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of an apparatus 10, method, and computer program product according to example embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart, may be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry, and/or other communication devices associated with execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the procedures described above may be embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions which embody the procedures described above may be stored by a memory device 32 of an apparatus employing an embodiment of the present invention and executed by a processor 30 of the apparatus. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus (e.g., hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer- readable memory that may direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture the execution of which implements the function specified in the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks.

[0047] Accordingly, blocks of the flowchart support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of operations for performing the specified functions for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks of the flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart, can be implemented by special purpose hardware -based computer systems which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0048] In some embodiments, certain ones of the operations above may be modified or further amplified. Furthermore, in some embodiments, additional optional operations may be included, such as illustrated by the dashed outline of blocks 42, 52, 54, 58 and 60 in Figure 4. Modifications, additions, or amplifications to the operations above may be performed in any order and in any combination.

[0049] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. For example, although an apparatus 10 that includes first and second SIMs 12, 14 was described above for purposes of example, the apparatus may, instead, include three or more SIMs in other embodiments. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method comprising:

receiving, at a user device having first and second subscriber identity modules (SIMs), an indication that an incoming communication request has been forwarded to the first SIM while the first SIM is in an active communication mode;

determining whether the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests; and

in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, interpreting the communication request to have been missed by the second SIM.

2. A method according to Claim 1 further comprising, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, causing a busy signal to be provided to a communication network.

3. A method according to any one of Claims 1 or 2 further comprising, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, causing the communication request to be logged as having been missed by the second SIM.

4. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 further comprising, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, causing a notification to be generated identifying the communication request as having been missed by the second SIM.

5. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 further comprising causing an indication of the incoming communication request that has been forwarded to the first SIM to be displayed.

6. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein the incoming communication request comprises an incoming call or an incoming message.

7. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the user device comprises a multiple SIM single standby mobile terminal.

8. An apparatus comprising a processor and a memory including computer program code, the memory and the computer program code configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to:

receive, at a user device having first and second subscriber identity modules (SIMs), an indication that an incoming communication request has been forwarded to the first SIM while the first SIM is in an active communication mode;

determine whether the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests; and

in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, interpret the communication request to have been missed by the second SIM.

9. An apparatus according to Claim 8 wherein the memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, to cause a busy signal to be provided to a communication network.

10. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 8 or 9 wherein the memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, to cause the communication request to be logged as having been missed by the second SIM.

11. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 8 to 10 wherein the memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, to cause a notification to be generated identifying the communication request as having been missed by the second SIM.

12. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 8 to 1 1 wherein the memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to cause an indication of the incoming communication request that has been forwarded to the first SIM to be displayed.

13. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 8 to 12 wherein the incoming communication request comprises an incoming call or an incoming message.

14. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 8 to 13 wherein the apparatus is embodied as a multiple SIM single standby mobile terminal.

15. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 8 to 14 further comprising a communication interface configured to receive the indication that the incoming communication request has been forwarded to the first SIM and to cause the busy signal to be provided to the communication network.

16. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium having program code portions stored thereon, the program code portions configured, upon execution, to:

17. A computer program product according to Claim 16 wherein the program code portions are further configured, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, to cause a busy signal to be provided to a communication network.

18. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 16 or 17 wherein the program code portions are further configured, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, to cause the communication request to be logged as having been missed by the second SIM.

19. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 16 or 18 wherein the program code portions are further configured, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, to cause a notification to be generated identifying the communication request as having been missed by the second SIM.

20. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 16 to 19 wherein the program code portions are further configured to cause an indication of the incoming

communication request that has been forwarded to the first SIM to be displayed.

21. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 16 to 20 wherein the incoming communication request comprises an incoming call or an incoming message.

22. A computer program product according to any one of Claims 16 to 21 wherein the user device comprises a multiple SIM single standby mobile terminal.

23. An apparatus comprising:

means for receiving, at a user device having first and second subscriber identity modules (SIMs), an indication that an incoming communication request has been forwarded to the first SIM while the first SIM is in an active communication mode; means for determining whether the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests; and

means, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, for interpreting the communication request to have been missed by the second SIM and causing a busy signal to be provided to a communication network.

24. An apparatus according to Claim 23 further comprising means, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, for causing a busy signal to be provided to a communication network.

25. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 23 or 24 further comprising means, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, for causing the communication request to be logged as having been missed by the second SIM.

26. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 23 to 25 further comprising means, in an instance in which the second SIM is present and has activated a service for forwarding communication requests, for causing a notification to be generated identifying the

communication request as having been missed by the second SIM.

27. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 23 to 26 further comprising means for causing an indication of the incoming communication request that has been forwarded to the first SIM to be displayed.

28. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 23 to 27 wherein the incoming communication request comprises an incoming call or an incoming message.

29. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 23 to 28 wherein the user device comprises a multiple SIM single standby mobile terminal.