WO2021022506A1

WO2021022506A1 - Multi subscriber identity module user equipment and method for operating same

Info

Publication number: WO2021022506A1
Application number: PCT/CN2019/099577
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yang Xu
Original assignee: Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd.
Priority date: 2019-08-07
Filing date: 2019-08-07
Publication date: 2021-02-11
Also published as: CN113796107A

Abstract

A multi subscriber identity module (SIM) user equipment (UE) and a method for operating same capable of operating effectively and efficiently with multi SIM capability are provided. The multi SIM UE includes SIMs. The method includes selecting one SIM from the SIMs to support and handle an emergency service. The SIMs are in a normal service or in a limited service.

Description

MULTI SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY MODULE USER EQUIPMENT AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SAME

BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE

1. Field of Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to the field of communication systems, and more particularly, to a multi subscriber identity module (SIM) user equipment (UE) and a method for operating same.

2. Description of Related Art

Wireless communication systems are rapidly growing in usage. Further, wireless communication technologies have evolved from voice-only communications to also include transmission of data, such as internet and multimedia content. In certain scenarios, a wireless device may include or be capable of utilizing multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs) .

Multi SIM user equipments have been in market for several years. Take for example two-SIM user equipments, most such user equipments have shared baseband, RF antennas, and other hardware components between two SIMs. 3GPP has not standardized this type of multi SIM UEs. Therefore, both networks and UEs suffered performance degradation when both SIMs independently operate in their own networks. A few examples are as follows:

1. When both SIMs are in idle mode, the both SIMs need to monitor their paging message on its own paging occasion (PO) . PO is calculated based on a UE identity (ID) . Since two SIMs are independent, it’s possible their calculated POs will collide to each other (on time domain) . It is note that UE IDs are fixed, therefore when the collision happens, it will be permanent. In this case, clearly one or both UEs may miss 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 shared hardware components, when a second SIM of the two SIMs performs one procedure, a first SIM of the two SIMs may lose communication to its network (e.g., a first network) . This type of behavior is tune-away. During a period of tune-away, the first network is not aware of the UE leaving the system. This may cause in-efficient scheduling behavior and server data throughput loss.

3. When both SIMs attempts to perform their own procedures, e.g. one SIM attempts to perform paging monitor and another SIM attempts to perform cell reselection. It’s not clear which service can get higher priority. In this example, one may easily argue that the SIM to do paging monitor is more important, but a counter argument would say paging message will be repeatedly sent by the network, therefore, cell reselection can get higher priority. As for today, priority handling is UE implementation dependent and the network does not have any control of it.

Mobile phones allow human users to insert more than one subscriber identity module (SIM) , most common of which allows two SIMs, also known as dual SIM user equipments. Collectively, in 3GPP circles such phones with more than one SIM are mentioned as multi SIM user equipments. Some embodiments discuss dual SIM cases. But while this is so, all that is described herein applies equally to multi SIM cases. Along with such multi SIM discussions in 3GPP circles, there is recognition that such multi SIM user equipments can be single radio, i.e. single downlink (DL) , single uplink (UL) , more than one radio, e.g. dual radio, a mix of single and dual radio depending on uplink or downlink, e.g. dual DL –single uplink (UL) , e.g. single DL –dual uplink (UL) . While such dual SIM mobile phones have been around for many years, there is nothing in 3GPP specifications that standardize their workings and interactions with 3GPP specified systems. All these dual SIM user equipments work to 3GPP standards as if they are two separate single SIM phones and its "dual-ness" and their connections to the networks and public land mobile networks (PLMNs) are entirely up to implementation and not standardized up to now.

For instance, consider that a dual SIM phone has SIM-1 and SIM-2 and these SIMs belong to different operators (e.g. SIM-1 is a subscription with Vodafone and SIM-2 is a subscription with China Mobile) . Therefore, what is to be done for SIM-2 when user wants to make an outgoing call using SIM-1 subscription? And when SIM-1 is in a call, what would happen if the network (NW) SIM-2 is registered to has an incoming call for SIM-2? Should actions/reactions of the dual SIM phone depend on whether it is has single transmit but dual receiver functions? and vice-versa? Even when both SIM-1 and SIM-2 are in IDLE, how should the mobile "tune" to each of the two NWs the two SIMs are registered to, to e.g. listen for paging, is implementation specific. Hence as such dual SIM phones become more and more popular, there is a keenness on 3GPP's part to establish some standardized behaviors of such dual SIM phones.

With increased complexity of 5G-capable UEs and with growing demand for multi SIM user equipments in the market, it becomes urgent to consider system enhancements that would allow for more cost-efficient implementations in such devices. Determining how to operate effectively and efficiently with multi SIM capability may be a challenging problem. Thus, improvements in the field are desired. Therefore, there is a need for a multi subscriber identity module (SIM) user equipment (UE) and a method for operating same.

SUMMARY

An object of the present disclosure is to propose a multi subscriber identity module (SIM) user equipment (UE) and a method for operating same capable of operating effectively and efficiently with multi SIM capability.

In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a multi SIM UE includes SIMs, a memory, a transceiver, and a processor coupled to the memory, the transceiver, and the SIMs. The processor is configured to select one SIM from the SIMs to support and handle an emergency service.

In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating a multi SIM UE is provided. The multi SIM UE includes SIMs. The method includes selecting one SIM from the SIMs to support and handle an emergency service.

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

In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal device includes a processor and a memory configured to store a computer program. The processor is configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory to perform the above method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure or related art, the following figures will be described in the embodiments are briefly introduced. It is obvious that the drawings are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure, a person having ordinary skill in this field can obtain other figures according to these figures without paying the premise.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multi SIM UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating SIM selection of a multi SIM UE for emergency service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating SIM selection of a multi SIM UE for emergency service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating SIM selection of a multi SIM UE for emergency service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating SIM selection of a multi SIM UE for emergency service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating SIM selection of a multi SIM UE for emergency service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a multi SIM UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a multi SIM UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a system for wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with the technical matters, structural features, achieved objects, and effects with reference to the accompanying drawings as follows. Specifically, the terminologies in the embodiments of the present disclosure are merely for describing the purpose of the certain embodiment and does not limit the disclosure.

In some embodiments, dual subscriber identity module (SIM) and multi SIM user equipments with an objective to standardize are as follows. A mechanism for delivering paging destined to a universal mobile telecommunications system SIM B (USIM B) while a user equipment (UE) is actively communicating with a USIM A is provided. A mechanism allowing for suspension (or release) and resumption of an ongoing connection in a 3GPP system associated with the USIM A, so that the UE can temporarily leave to the 3GPP system associated with USIM B, and then return to the 3GPP system in a network-controlled manner is provided. The disclosure determines how a network handles mobile terminated (MT) data or MT control-plane activity occurrence on a suspended connection. A mechanism for avoidance of paging collisions occurring in the UE between the USIM A and the USIM B is provided. Handling of calls and sessions are provided. Handling of service prioritization i.e. the disclosure determines whether the UE behavior upon reception of paging information is driven by a USIM configuration or user preferences or both is provided. In some embodiments, it should be also noted that the scope of this disclosure limits the kind of multi SIM user equipments to single receive (Rx) (respect to radio antenna characteristics) /single transmit (Tx) (respect to radio antenna characteristics) and dual Rx /single Tx UE implementations. It should be further understood that other than a dual SIM user equipment that is dual Rx /dual Tx (i.e. dual DL /dual UL) , a dual SIM user equipment at any one time can be in connection or in communication with only one of the PLMNs the two SIMs are registered to. The reason being with dual Rx /Dual Tx, the dual SIM user equipment can effectively be working as two user equipments. Naturally, if a multi SIM user equipment host more than two SIMs, even a dual Rx /Dual Tx user equipment could not simultaneously be in connection and communication to more than two PLMNs. Therefore, with single Rx /single Tx or even with dual Rx /single Tx, a dual SIM user equipment can only at any one time be in connection or in communication with one of the two public land mobile networks (PLMNs) that the two SIMs are registered to.

It is understood that, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, multi SIM applies even though descriptions and discussions might in main be on dual SIM. That is, whilst some embodiments of the present disclosure in main discusses dual SIM user equipments, the issues, and solutions and methods herein discussed and described extends also to the cases of multi SIM user equipments.

In some embodiments, the term SIM, USIM, SIM/UISM are used interchangeably and their meaning and applicability are the same. In some embodiments, the term, handset, mobile, phone, UE are used interchangeably and their meaning and applicability are the same. In some embodiments, what written about dual SIM applies to multi SIM (MUSIM) and vice versa.

In some embodiments, study on system enablers for multi USIM user equipments has stated objective and stated requirement of handling of emergency calls and sessions. In some embodiments, a MUSIM UE is able to select a USIM to originate an emergency call in the following priority. 1. USIM in normal service. 2. USIM in limited service state. It is clear then that in a multi SIM or dual SIM user equipment, if the user wishes an emergency service then regardless of any settings or pre-configured preference of the user as to which SIM/USIM is to be used for emergency services, 3GPP compliant multi SIM user equipments will choose to handle the emergency service with the USIM/SIM that can provide normal service over the USIM/SIM that is in limited service state. But what has not been covered are as follows. 1. What if both USIM/SIM of a dual SIM user equipment, or all USIM/SIMs of a multi USIM user equipment, or more than one (i.e. some) of the USIM/SIMs of a MUSIM user equipment are in normal service? 2. What if both USIM/SIM of a dual SIM user equipment (or all USIM/SIMs of a multi USIM user equipment) are in limited service state? 3. What is a domain selection behavior of UE if one USIM/SIM has received an emergency service support indication while another USIM/SIM has not?

Again, if some standardized behaviors are lacking, what is left to implementation will produce varying behaviors from different dual SIM/multi SIM UEs. For the case of emergency services one ought to mitigate as much as possible the risks in service establishment failures or maintaining the emergency services once established. There is also a regulatory requirement in many countries that for emergency services initiated by a user, upon completion of that emergency service, the system allows a possible call-back by the emergency centers or authorities. This is what is commonly termed as a public safety answering point (PSAP) callback or an emergency callback. A choice of a PSAP callback to one SIM over another SIM could cause confusion and panic to the receiver, particularly if one of (or both or all) the SIMs (of a dual SIM user equipment or multi SIM user equipment) is in a roaming scenario and the local language is not what the human user is familiar with.

FIG. 1 illustrates that, in some embodiments, a multi subscriber identity module (SIM) user equipment (UE) 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The multi SIM UE 10 may include SIMs such as a first SIM 11 and a second SIM 12, a memory 13, a transceiver 14, and a processor 15 coupled to the memory 13, the transceiver 14, the first SIM 11, and the second SIM 12. The processor 15 may be configured to implement proposed functions, procedures and/or methods described in this description. Layers of radio interface protocol may be implemented in the processor 15. The memory 13 is operatively coupled with the processor 15 and stores a variety of information to operate the processor 15. The transceiver 14 is operatively coupled with the processor 15, and the transceiver 14 transmits and/or receives a radio signal.

The processor 15 may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) , other chipsets, logic circuit and/or data processing devices. The memory 13 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 may include baseband circuitry to process radio frequency signals. When the embodiments are implemented in software, the techniques described herein can be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. The modules can be stored in the memory 13 and executed by the processor 15. The memory 13 can be implemented within the processor 15 or external to the processor 15, in which those can be communicatively coupled to the processor 15 via various means are known in the art.

In some embodiments, the processor 15 is configured to select one SIM from the SIMs to support and handle an emergency service. In some embodiments, if one of the SIMs is registered to a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) , the one SIM registered to the HPLMN is selected to handle the emergency service. In some embodiments, if more than one SIM of the SIMs is registered to a HPLMN, one SIM of the more than one SIM registered to the HPLMN having the best radio signal level or coverage is selected to handle the emergency service. In some embodiments, if none of the SIMs is registered to a HPLMN, and if a mobile country code (MCC) of one of the SIMs is same as a MCC of a corresponding registered PLMN (RPLMN) that the one SIM is registered to, the one SIM having the same MCC with the corresponding RPLMN is selected to handle the emergency service. In some embodiments, if none of the SIMs is registered to a HPLMN, and if a MCC of more than one of the SIMs is same as a MCC of a corresponding RPLMN that the more than one SIM is registered to, one SIM of the more than one SIM having the same MCC with the corresponding RPLMN and having the best radio signal level or coverage is selected to handle the emergency service.

In some embodiments, if none of the SIMs is registered to a HPLMN, and if a MCC of none of the SIMs is same as a MCC of a corresponding RPLMN that the SIM is registered to, one SIM of the SIMs having the best radio signal level or coverage is selected to handle the emergency service. In some embodiments, regardless of whether one of the SIMs is registered to a HPLMN or a visited (VPLMN) , one SIM of the SIMs having the best radio signal level or coverage is selected to handle the emergency service. In some embodiments, the SIMs are in a normal service or in a unnormal service. In some embodiments, the SIMs are in a limited service state.

In some embodiments, if the SIMs are registered to a same network or different networks, respectively and one of the SIMs receives an indication that a corresponding registered network supports the emergency service while another one SIM receives an indication that the currently registered network does not support the emergency service but supports an emergency fallback for the emergency service , the one SIM is selected to handle the emergency service even if an emergency call is dialed using the another one SIM. In some embodiments, wherein one of the SIMs receives the indication in a registration accept or subsequent registration updates response.

In some embodiments, if one of the SIMs receives an indication that a network supports the emergency service while another one of the SIMs receives an indication that the network or another network supports the emergency service, the another one SIM is selected to perform the emergency service even if an emergency call is dialed using the one SIM. In some embodiments, a man-machine interface (MMI) is configured to notify a user the another one SIM is selected to perform the emergency service even if the emergency call is dialed using the one SIM.

In some embodiments, if one of the SIMs receives an indication that a network does not support the emergency service nor supports the emergency service using fallback while another one of the SIMs receives an indication that the network or another network supports the emergency service or supports the emergency service using fallback, the another one SIM is selected to perform the emergency service even if an emergency call is dialed using the one SIM. In some embodiments, a man-machine interface (MMI) is configured to notify a user the another one SIM is selected to perform the emergency service even if an emergency call is dialed using the one SIM.

In some embodiments, when the one SIM from the SIMs is selected to support and handle the emergency service, the same one SIM is selected to be keep active for a public safety answering point (PSAP) callback.

In some embodiments, SIM selection of a multi SIM UE for emergency service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. It is clear that if a local configuration in a MUSIM user equipment or user preferences have preset a certain SIM of the MUSIM user equipment as SIM of choice for emergency services, then emergency services when triggered will be handled by that preset/preselected SIM/USIM. This kind of local configuration and user preferences on SIM of choice are mentioned in TR 22.834. In such circumstances it is prudent to abide by what the human user has chosen to do, if anything, legal obligations means users wishes prevails. However, for when both, or all, or more than one (i.e. some) of the USIMs are in normal service, then in the absence of local configuration in the MUSIM user equipment and/or no indicated user preferences, the embodiment proposes that instead of making a random choice of which USIM to use to initiate the emergency services, the following methods would serve better.

FIG. 2 illustrates that, in some embodiments, if one of the SIM/USIM of a MUSIM UE is registered to its HPLMN, then use that SIM for emergency services. HPLMN is that a PLMN to which a terminal user belongs. That is to say, mobile country code (MCC) and mobile network code (MNC) included in an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) number on a USIM are identical to MCC and MNC on the HPLMN, and there is only one PLMN to which a terminal user belongs. In details, IMSI of SIM 1 shows MCC = A and MNC = 123, and IMSI of SIM 2 shows MCC = B and MNC = 234. In PLMN X, MCC = A and MNC = 123. In PLMN Y, MCC = A and MNC = 565. MCC and MNC of the SIM 1 are same as MCC and MNC of the PLMN X. The PLMN X is a HPLMN of the SIM 1. SIM 1 is registered to the PLMN X (HPLMN of SIM 1) , and SIM 2 is registered to the PLMN X (not HPLMN of SIM 2) . The SIM 1 is selected to support and handle the emergency service. By this method, the logic also follows that in such emergency situations, a person making an emergency in his/her home network feels more reassured –even linguistically and/or culturally. Additionally, home subscribers might feel they are better served.

FIG. 3 illustrates that, in some embodiments, SIM selection of a multi SIM UE for emergency service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. As an additional embodiment of this method, there are more than one SIM of a MUSIM UE registered to its own HPLMN, then select the SIM that has the best radio signal level or coverage. The measurement or criteria of such radio signal levels can be for instance (but not excluding others) the radio measurements and criteria detailed in 3GPP TSG RAN specifications like 3GPP TS 38.331. In details, IMSI of SIM 1 shows MCC = A and MNC = 123, IMSI of SIM 2 shows MCC = A and MNC = 234, and IMSI of SIM 3 shows MCC = A and MNC = 234. In PLMN X, MCC = A and MNC = 123. In PLMN Y, MCC = A and MNC = 234. MCC and MNC of the SIM 1 are same as MCC and MNC of the PLMN X. The PLMN X is a HPLMN of the SIM 1. MCC and MNC of the SIM 2 are same as MCC and MNC of the PLMN Y. The PLMN Y is a HPLMN of the SIM 2. MCC and MNC of the SIM 3 are same as MCC and MNC of the PLMN Y. The PLMN Y is a HPLMN of the SIM 3. SIM 1 is registered to the PLMN X (HPLMN of SIM 1) , SIM 2 is registered to the PLMN Y (HPLMN of SIM 2) , and SIM 3 is registered to the PLMN Y (HPLMN of SIM 3) . The SIM 3 has the best radio signal level or coverage. The SIM 3 is selected to support and handle the emergency service. By this method of choosing the SIM indicating best radio reception, the leverage of radio conditions is used to enhance better call establishment, call completion, call continuation, and mitigating chances of call drop or call failure.

FIG. 4 illustrates that, in some embodiments, SIM selection of a multi SIM UE for emergency service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. In some embodiments, if none of the SIM/USIMs are registered to their respective HPLMNs, but there is at least one of the SIMs whose MCC and MCC of the RPLMN indicates that SIM and PLMN are of same country, then select that SIM which is in same country, to handle the emergency service. In details, IMSI of SIM 1 shows MCC = A and MNC = 123, and IMSI of SIM 2 shows MCC = B and MNC = 234. In PLMN Y, MCC = A and MNC = 565. MCC of the SIM 1 is same as MCC of the PLMN Y. MNC of the SIM 1 is not the same as MNC of the PLMN Y. The PLMN Y is not a HPLMN of the SIM 1. MCC of the SIM 2 is not the same as MCC of the PLMN Y. MNC of the SIM 2 is not the same as MNC of the PLMN Y. The PLMN Y is not a HPLMN of the SIM 2. SIM 1 is registered to the PLMN Y, and the SIM 2 is registered to the PLMN Y. The SIM 1 is selected to support and handle the emergency service. By this method, the logic also follows that the human user who is requesting emergency services feels more reassured –even linguistically and/or culturally –being handled by the emergency services of own country. It is understood that, 3GPP TS 23.122 has the following definition of RPLMN. Registered PLMN (RPLMN) : This is the PLMN on which certain LR outcomes have occurred. In a shared network the RPLMN is the PLMN defined by the PLMN identity of the core network (CN) operator that has accepted the location registration (LR) . It is understood that, the meaning of "country" used here is that defined in 3GPP TS 23.122, where it is indicated that certain countries can have more than one MCC. For instance, as indicated in 3GPP TS 23.122, MCC values 310 through 316 identify a single country (USA) and MCC values 404 through 406 identify a single country (India) .

FIG. 5 illustrates that, in some embodiments, SIM selection of a multi SIM UE for emergency service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. As an additional embodiment of this other method, if none of the SIMs are registered to their respective HPLMNs, but more than one SIM of a MUSIM user equipment is registered to a PLMN (or PLMNs) of the same country as that of the SIMs, then select amongst those SIMs the SIM that has the best radio signal level or coverage to handle emergency services. The meaning of "country" used here is that defined in 3GPP TS 23.122. This additional embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 5. In details, IMSI of SIM 1 shows MCC = C and MNC = 123, IMSI of SIM 2 shows MCC = C and MNC = 234, and IMSI of SIM 3 shows MCC = C and MNC = 569. In PLMN W, MCC = C and MNC = 777. In PLMN Z, MCC = C and MNC = 989. MCC of the SIM 1 is same as MCC of the PLMN W, and MNC of the SIM 1 is not the same as MNC of the PLMN W. The PLMN W is not a HPLMN of the SIM 1. MCC of the SIM 2 is same as MCC of the PLMN Z, and MNC of the SIM 2 is not the same as MNC of the PLMN Z. The PLMN Z is not a HPLMN of the SIM 2. MCC of the SIM 3 is same as MCC of the PLMN Z, and MNC of the SIM 3 is not the same as MNC of the PLMN Z. The PLMN Z is not a HPLMN of the SIM 3. SIM 1 is registered to the PLMN W (not HPLMN of SIM 1) , SIM 2 is registered to the PLMN Z (not HPLMN of SIM 2) , and SIM 3 is registered to the PLMN Z (not HPLMN of SIM 3) . The SIM 2 has the best radio signal level or coverage. The SIM 2 is selected to support and handle the emergency service. By this method, the choice of reported radio conditions is leveraged to enhance chances of successfully obtaining and maintaining the emergency service.

FIG. 6 illustrates that, in some embodiments, SIM selection of a multi SIM UE for emergency service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. A further method of selecting the SIM of a MUSIM user equipment to handle emergency services is that if none of the SIM/USIMs are registered to their HPLMNs and none of the SIM/USIMs are registered to a PLMN in a country same as their HPMNs, then select the SIM that has the best radio signal level or coverage. The measurement or criteria of such radio signal levels can be for instance (but not excluding others) the radio measurements and criteria detailed in 3GPP TSG RAN specifications like 3GPP TS 38.331. See FIG. 6 for an illustration. In details, IMSI of SIM 1 shows MCC = A and MNC = 123, IMSI of SIM 2 shows MCC = B and MNC = 234, and IMSI of SIM 3 shows MCC = A and MNC = 565. In PLMN W, MCC = C and MNC = 777. In PLMN Z, MCC = C and MNC = 989. MCC of the SIM 1 is not the same as MCC of the PLMN W, and MNC of the SIM 1 is not the same as MNC of the PLMN W. The PLMN W is not a HPLMN of the SIM 1. MCC of the SIM 2 is not the same as MCC of the PLMN Z, and MNC of the SIM 2 is not the same as MNC of the PLMN Z. The PLMN Z is not a HPLMN of the SIM 2. MCC of the SIM 3 is not the same as MCC of the PLMN Z, and MNC of the SIM 3 is not the same as MNC of the PLMN Z. The PLMN Z is not a HPLMN of the SIM 3. SIM 1 is registered to the PLMN W (not HPLMN of SIM 1) , SIM 2 is registered to the PLMN Z (not HPLMN of SIM 2) , and SIM 3 is registered to the PLMN Z (not HPLMN of SIM 3) . The SIM 3 has the best radio signal level or coverage. The SIM 3 is selected to support and handle the emergency service.

In some embodiments, as an alternative to above method and embodiments, a different method is that regardless of whether a SIM/USIM is registered to its HPLMN or to a VPLMN, choose the SIM with the best radio signal level as the SIM to handle emergency services.

In some embodiments, whilst the above considers more than one SIM registered for normal service, those methods above can be applied for the situation that either there is no SIM registered for normal services, i.e. when the two SIMs of a dual SIM user equipment or all the SIMs of a MUSIM user equipment/UE are all in limited service state. In such a scenario of limited service state, each of the methods above one checking if a SIM's MCC matches with the MCC of the PLMN the user equipment is camped on limited service state and/or checking the SIM with the best (or better) radio signal levels, can be applied to decide on which SIM to select to handle emergency services.

In some embodiments, as mentioned above, there are regulatory requirements in many countries that upon completion of an emergency service, the user equipment supports a call back from the emergency center (s) . This is termed as PSAP callback. In some embodiments, one method to fulfil this PSAP call back requirement is that when in a MUSIM UE, a SIM/USIM is selected for handling the emergency service, that same selected SIM will be the chosen SIM to be keep active for possible PSAP callback.

In some embodiments, in domain selection enhancement for MUSIM UE. Another method of solution for the MUSIM UE in case of emergency service is that when UE has two (or more) USIMs and registered to same or individual network respectively, the UE uses the USIM which received the indication from network that it is supporting the emergency service. Specifically, assuming there are two USIMs, each one performs the registration to network and will receive the indication for the support of emergency service in registration accept or subsequent registration updates.

In some embodiments, If USIM-1 receives from a network that it is not supporting emergency service while USIM-2 receives it is supporting emergency service, then the UE will use USIM-2 to perform the emergency service even if the user dials the emergency call using USIM-1. In some embodiments, a further embodiment of this is the user is notified through for instance man-machine interface (MMI) , of such a choice of using a SIM different from user's choice for such requested emergency service.

In some embodiments, If USIM-1 receives from the network that it is not supporting emergency service nor supporting Emergency service using “fallback” while USIM-2 receives it is supporting emergency service or supporting emergency service using “fallback” , then the UE will use USIM-2 to perform the emergency service even the user dials the emergency call using USIM-1. In some embodiments, a further embodiment of this is the user is notified through for instance MMI, of such a choice of using a SIM different from user's choice for such requested emergency service.

In some embodiments, by doing the behavior above, it may reduce the work of USIM-1’s domain selection for emergency service and just perform an easier and faster way to perform emergency service, i.e. using the USIM-2 which received the indication from network that it supports emergency service. Emergency service using “fallback” refers to the procedure where UE triggers a service request to core network to make core network handover or redirect the UE from 5G system (5GS) to evolved packet system (EPS) to acquire emergency service.

In some embodiments, the above different methods and embodiments provide a way to decisively choose a SIM/USIM to handle emergency services. Naturally upon triggering an emergency services, there are many aspects of choosing the domain (packet-switched (PS) domain or circuit-switched (CS) domain) to initiate the emergency service and if that initiation does not succeed, then the retries or re-attempts have to be made. All these are not what this embodiment is aimed at. These choosing of domains, re-attempting when an initiation fails are in 3GPP TS 23.167, but not excluding new methods of these in other embodiments. This embodiment is aimed at selecting the SIM/USIM –where more than one SIM/USIM is hosted and available in a user equipment -for handling emergency services.

In some embodiments, some methods are provided as follows. 1. Methods whereby a SIM/USIM is selected out of two or more SIM/USIMs of a dual SIM user equipment or a MUSIM user equipment to support and handle emergency service. 2. Methods to make such selection of SIM/USIM, two or more of such SIM/USIM of a dual SIM or MUSIM user equipment are registered for normal service or in normal service. 3. Methods to make such selection of SIM/USIM, both SIM of a dual SIM user equipment or all SIMs of a MUSIM user equipment are in limited service state. 4. Methods whereby once chosen to handle the emergency services, the emergency service is completed, and the selected SIM/USIM remains the SIM/USIM to take a PSAP callback. In some embodiments, these methods, in whole or in parts or in combination, resolves the gaps in requirements on selecting the USIM/SIM to use for emergency service.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method 200 for operating a multi SIM UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The multi SIM UE includes SIMs. The method 200 includes: a block 202, selecting one SIM from the SIMs to support and handle an emergency service.

In some embodiments, if one of the SIMs is registered to a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) , the one SIM registered to the HPLMN is selected to handle the emergency service. In some embodiments, if more than one SIM of the SIMs is registered to a HPLMN, one SIM of the more than one SIM registered to the HPLMN having the best radio signal level or coverage is selected to\handle the emergency service. In some embodiments, if none of the SIMs is registered to a HPLMN, and if a mobile country code (MCC) of one of the SIMs is same as a MCC of a corresponding registered PLMN (RPLMN) that the one SIM is registered to, the one SIM having the same MCC with the corresponding RPLMN is selected to handle the emergency service. In some embodiments, if none of the SIMs is registered to a HPLMN, and if a MCC of more than one of the SIMs is same as a MCC of a corresponding RPLMN that the more than one SIM is registered to, one SIM of the more than one SIM having the same MCC with the corresponding RPLMN and having the best radio signal level or coverage is selected to handle the emergency service.

In some embodiments, if one of the SIMs receives an indication that a network does not support the emergency service nor supports the emergency service using fallback while another one of the SIMs receives an indication that the network or another network supports the emergency service or supports the emergency service using fallback, the another one SIM is selected to perform the emergency service even if an emergency call is dialed using the one SIM. In some embodiments, a man-machine interface (MMI) is configured to notify a user the another one SIM is selected to perform the emergency service even if an emergency call is dialed using the one SIM. In some embodiments, when the one SIM from the SIMs is selected to support and handle the emergency service, the same one SIM is selected to be keep active for a public safety answering point (PSAP) callback.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a multi SIM UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, FIG. 8 illustrates that the multi SIM UE includes a USIM and a mobile equipment (ME) , and an action or operation of the USIM in the present specification and the claims (such as USIM registration, UE reception, and USIM transmission) may be that a module in the UE (such as ME) is completed for the USIM. The USIM can provide the ME with a necessary profile (such as one of an IMSI number and a security key) . Further, the action or the operation performed by the ME for the USIM is corresponding to the USIM, for example, the ME stores, updates, or processes signaling or data corresponding to the USIM.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example system 700 for wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Embodiments described herein may be implemented into the system using any suitably configured hardware and/or software. FIG. 9 illustrates the system 700 including a radio frequency (RF) circuitry 710, a baseband circuitry 720, an application circuitry 730, a memory/storage 740, a display 750, a camera 760, a sensor 770, and an input/output (I/O) interface 780, coupled with each other at least as illustrated.

The application circuitry 730 may include a circuitry, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processors may include any combinations of general-purpose processors and dedicated processors, such as graphics processors and application processors. The processors 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.

The baseband circuitry 720 may include a circuitry, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processors may include a baseband processor. The baseband circuitry may handle various radio control functions that enable communication with one or more radio networks via the RF circuitry. The radio control functions may include, but are not limited to, signal modulation, encoding, decoding, radio frequency shifting, etc. In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry may provide for communication 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 (WMAN) , a wireless local area network (WLAN) , a wireless personal area network (WPAN) . Embodiments in which the baseband circuitry is configured to support radio communications of more than one wireless protocol may be referred to as multi-mode baseband circuitry.

In various embodiments, the baseband circuitry 720 may include circuitry to operate with signals that are not strictly considered as being in a baseband frequency. For example, in some embodiments, baseband circuitry may include circuitry to operate with signals having an intermediate frequency, which is between a baseband frequency and a radio frequency.

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

In various embodiments, the RF circuitry 710 may include circuitry to operate with signals that are not strictly considered as being in a radio frequency. For example, in some embodiments, RF circuitry may include circuitry to operate with signals having an intermediate frequency, which is 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 embodied in whole or in part in one or more of the RF circuitry, the baseband circuitry, and/or the 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 a 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 the circuitry may be implemented by, one or more software or firmware modules.

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

The memory/storage 740 may be used to load and store data and/or instructions, for example, for system. The memory/storage for one embodiment may include any combination of suitable volatile memory, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) ) , and/or non-volatile memory, such as flash memory.

In various embodiments, the I/O interface 780 may include one or more user interfaces designed to enable user interaction with the system and/or peripheral component interfaces designed to enable peripheral component interaction with the system. User interfaces may include, but are not limited to a physical keyboard or keypad, a touchpad, a speaker, a microphone, etc. 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 supply interface.

In various embodiments, the sensor 770 may include one or more sensing devices to determine environmental conditions and/or location information related to the system. In some embodiments, the sensors may include, but are not limited to, a gyro 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, the baseband circuitry and/or RF circuitry to communicate with components of a positioning network, e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) satellite.

In various embodiments, the display 750 may include a display, such as a liquid crystal display and a touch screen display. In various embodiments, the 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, etc. In various embodiments, system may have more or less components, and/or different architectures. Where appropriate, methods described herein may be implemented as a computer program. The computer program may be stored on a storage medium, such as a non-transitory storage medium.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi subscriber identity module (SIM) user equipment (UE) , and a method for operating same capable of operating effectively and efficiently with multi SIM capability are provided. The embodiment of the present disclosure is a combination of techniques/processes that can be adopted in 3GPP specification to create an end product.

A person having ordinary skill in the art understands that each of the units, algorithm, and steps described and disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure are realized using electronic hardware or combinations of software for computers and electronic hardware. Whether the functions run in hardware or software depends on the condition of application and design requirement for a technical plan. A person having ordinary skill in the art can use different ways to realize the function for each specific application while such realizations should not go beyond the scope of the present disclosure. It is understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art that he/she can refer to the working processes of the system, device, and unit in the above-mentioned embodiment since the working processes of the above-mentioned system, device, and unit are basically the same. For easy description and simplicity, these working processes will not be detailed.

It is understood that the disclosed system, device, and method in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be realized with other ways. The above-mentioned embodiments are exemplary only. The division of the units is merely based on logical functions while other divisions exist in realization. It is possible that a plurality of units or components are combined or integrated in another system. It is also possible that some characteristics are omitted or skipped. On the other hand, the displayed or discussed mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communicative coupling operate through some ports, devices, or units whether indirectly or communicatively by ways of electrical, mechanical, or other kinds of forms.

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

The units as separating components for explanation are or are not physically separated. The units for display are or are not physical units, that is, located in one place or distributed on a plurality of network units. Some or all of the units are used according to the purposes of the embodiments. Moreover, each of the functional units in each of the embodiments can be integrated in one processing unit, physically independent, or integrated in one processing unit with two or more than two units. If the software function unit is realized and used and sold as a product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium in a computer. Based on this understanding, the technical plan proposed by the present disclosure can be essentially or partially realized as the form of a software product. Or, one part of the technical plan beneficial to the conventional technology can be realized as the form of a software product. The software product in the computer is stored in a storage medium, including a plurality of commands for a computational device (such as a personal computer, a server, or a network device) to run all or some of the steps disclosed by the embodiments of the present disclosure. The storage medium includes a USB disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM) , a random access memory (RAM) , a floppy disk, or other kinds of media capable of storing program codes.

Claims

A multi subscriber identity module (SIM) user equipment (UE) , comprising:

SIMs;

a memory;

a transceiver; and

a processor coupled to the memory, the transceiver, and the SIMs;

wherein the processor is configured to:

select one SIM from the SIMs to support and handle an emergency service.
The multi SIM UE of claim 1, wherein if one of the SIMs is registered to a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) , the one SIM registered to the HPLMN is selected to handle the emergency service.
The multi SIM UE of claim 1 or 2, wherein if more than one SIM of the SIMs is registered to a HPLMN, one SIM of the more than one SIM registered to the HPLMN having the best radio signal level or coverage is selected to handle the emergency service.
The multi SIM UE of claim 1, wherein if none of the SIMs is registered to a HPLMN, and if a mobile country code (MCC) of one of the SIMs is same as a MCC of a corresponding registered PLMN (RPLMN) that the one SIM is registered to, the one SIM having the same MCC with the corresponding RPLMN is selected to handle the emergency service.
The multi SIM UE of claim 1, wherein if none of the SIMs is registered to a HPLMN, and if a MCC of more than one of the SIMs is same as a MCC of a corresponding RPLMN that the more than one SIM is registered to, one SIM of the more than one SIM having the same MCC with the corresponding RPLMN and having the best radio signal level or coverage is selected to handle the emergency service.
The multi SIM UE of claim 1, wherein if none of the SIMs is registered to a HPLMN, and if a MCC of none of the SIMs is same as a MCC of a corresponding RPLMN that the SIM is registered to, one SIM of the SIMs having the best radio signal level or coverage is selected to handle the emergency service.
The multi SIM UE of claim 1, wherein regardless of whether one of the SIMs is registered to a HPLMN or a visited (VPLMN) , one SIM of the SIMs having the best radio signal level or coverage is selected to handle the emergency service.
The multi SIM UE of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the SIMs are in a normal service or in a limited service.
The multi SIM UE of claim 1, wherein if the SIMs are registered to a same network or different networks, respectively and one of the SIMs receives an indication that a corresponding registered network supports the emergency service while another one SIM receives an indication that the currently registered network does not support the emergency service but supports an emergency fallback for the emergency service , the one SIM is selected to handle the emergency service even if an emergency call is dialed using the another one SIM.
The multi SIM UE of claim 9, wherein one of the SIMs receives the indication in a registration accept or subsequent registration updates response.
The multi SIM UE of claim 1, wherein if one of the SIMs receives an indication that a network supports the emergency service while another one of the SIMs receives an indication that the network or another network supports the emergency service, the another one SIM is selected to perform the emergency service even if an emergency call is dialed using the one SIM.
The multi SIM UE of claim 9, wherein a man-machine interface (MMI) is configured to notify a user the another one SIM is selected to perform the emergency service even if the emergency call is dialed using the one SIM.
The multi SIM UE of claim 1, wherein if one of the SIMs receives an indication that a network does not support the emergency service nor supports the emergency service using fallback while another one of the SIMs receives an indication that the network or another network supports the emergency service or supports the emergency service using fallback, the another one SIM is selected to perform the emergency service even if an emergency call is dialed using the one SIM.
The multi SIM UE of claim 12, wherein a man-machine interface (MMI) is configured to notify a user the another one SIM is selected to perform the emergency service even if an emergency call is dialed using the one SIM.
The multi SIM UE of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein when the one SIM from the SIMs is selected to support and handle the emergency service, the same one SIM is selected to be keep active for a public safety answering point (PSAP) callback.
A method for operating a multi subscriber identity module (SIM) user equipment (UE) comprising SIMs, the method comprising:

selecting one SIM from the SIMs to support and handle an emergency service.
The method of claim 16, wherein if one of the SIMs is registered to a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) , the one SIM registered to the HPLMN is selected to handle the emergency service.
The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein if more than one SIM of the SIMs is registered to a HPLMN, one SIM of the more than one SIM registered to the HPLMN having the best radio signal level or coverage is selected to handle the emergency service.
The method of claim 16, wherein if none of the SIMs is registered to a HPLMN, and if a mobile country code (MCC) of one of the SIMs is same as a MCC of a corresponding registered PLMN (RPLMN) that the one SIM is registered to, the one SIM having the same MCC with the corresponding RPLMN is selected to handle the emergency service.
The method of claim 16, wherein if none of the SIMs is registered to a HPLMN, and if a MCC of more than one of the SIMs is same as a MCC of a corresponding RPLMN that the more than one SIM is registered to, one SIM of the more than one SIM having the same MCC with the corresponding RPLMN and having the best radio signal level or coverage is selected to handle the emergency service.
The method of claim 16, wherein if none of the SIMs is registered to a HPLMN, and if a MCC of none of the SIMs is same as a MCC of a corresponding RPLMN that the SIM is registered to, one SIM of the SIMs having the best radio signal level or coverage is selected to handle the emergency service.
The method of claim 16, wherein regardless of whether one of the SIMs is registered to a HPLMN or a visited (VPLMN) , one SIM of the SIMs having the best radio signal level or coverage is selected to handle the emergency service.
The method of any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the SIMs are in a normal service or in a limited service.
The method of claim 16, wherein if the SIMs are registered to a same network or different networks, respectively and one of the SIMs receives an indication that a corresponding registered network supports the emergency service while another one SIM receives an indication that the currently registered network does not support the emergency service but supports an emergency fallback for the emergency service , the one SIM is selected to handle the emergency service even if an emergency call is dialed using the another one SIM.
The method of claim 24, wherein one of the SIMs receives the indication in a registration accept or subsequent registration updates response.
The method of claim 16, wherein if one of the SIMs receives an indication that a network supports the emergency service while another one of the SIMs receives an indication that the network or another network supports the emergency service, the another one SIM is selected to perform the emergency service even if an emergency call is dialed using the one SIM.
The method of claim 24, wherein a man-machine interface (MMI) is configured to notify a user the another one SIM is selected to perform the emergency service even if the emergency call is dialed using the one SIM.
The method of claim 16, wherein if one of the SIMs receives an indication that a network does not support the emergency service nor supports the emergency service using fallback while another one of the SIMs receives an indication that the network or another network supports the emergency service or supports the emergency service using fallback, the another one SIM is selected to perform the emergency service even if an emergency call is dialed using the one SIM.
The method of claim 28, wherein a man-machine interface (MMI) is configured to notify a user the another one SIM is selected to perform the emergency service even if an emergency call is dialed using the one SIM.
The method of any one of claims 13 to 29, wherein when the one SIM from the SIMs is selected to support and handle the emergency service, the same one SIM is selected to be keep active for a public safety answering point (PSAP) callback.
A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 16 to 30.
A terminal device, comprising: a processor and a memory configured to store a computer program, the processor configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory to perform the method of any one of claims 16 to 30.