WO2023055062A1

WO2023055062A1 - Method and apparatus for implementing adaptive network companion services

Info

Publication number: WO2023055062A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/014533
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dashamalav CHAURE; Gaurav Kumar TIWARY; Amit Mittal; Deepak Srivastava; Pulkit AGARAWAL
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2021-09-28
Filing date: 2022-09-28
Publication date: 2023-04-06

Abstract

The present disclosure refers to method and apparatus for implementing adaptive network companion services in a host device. The method comprises activating a network companion mode in a host device connected to a wireless communication network. One or more network services in the host device is identified. One or more pre-authenticated companion devices connected to the wireless communication network is identified. The method comprises obtaining a network context from each of the one or more pre-authenticated companion devices. The method comprises determining one or more compatible companion devices with respect to each identified network service. The method comprises determining a companion selection probability of each of the one or more compatible companion devices using a neural network and allocating the one or more identified network services to the one or more compatible companion devices based on the companion selection probability.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPLEMENTING ADAPTIVE NETWORK COMPANION SERVICES

The present disclosure relates to method and apparatus for implementing adaptive network companion services.

5G network is introduced with higher frequency range. For a mmWave between 30 GHz and 300 GHz, a wavelength is between 1 mm and 10 mm and this uses highly directional links for transmission. These highly directional links are termed as "BEAMS". Special procedures are established to manage the direction links(beams) called beam management in order to acquire and maintain set of beam pair links, as shown in fig. 1a. Beam management consists of physical layer and Medium Access Control (MAC) layer procedures to establish and retain an optimal beam pair for good connectivity. A beam pair consists of a transmit beam and a corresponding receive beam in one link direction. The beam management procedures include beam sweeping, beam measurement, beam determination, beam reporting and beam recovery in case of beam link failure.

Beam sweeping is used during initial access by a user equipment (UE) to choose the best beam. A known process for beam sweeping is shown in fig. 1b. As shown in fig. 1b, a gNB transmits beams in all directions in a burst regularly at defined intervals. The gNB transmits　many　beams in different spatial directions. The UE scans for the beam transmissions from the gNB in　different receive spatial directions. Based on the performed beam sweeps, the UE determines a channel quality associated with the performed beam sweeps Whenever a UE is synchronizing with the network, it reads the synchronization signal block (SSB) and extracts Primary synchronization signal (PSS), Secondary synchronization signal (SSS) and Physical broadcast channel (PBCH) and demodulation reference signal (DMRS).

Further, a cellular user Equipment (UE) continuously monitors all the downlink frames broadcasted by network provider to receive Paging message sent by the network. Paging　is used to inform and notify UE about any event like SIB change or incoming voice call. To restrict Battery power consumption user equipment follow a sleep and wake cycle known as DRX (Discontinuous Reception) cycle. When DRX is enabled, UE stops listening to downlink frames. UE wakes up (Paging Occasion) after each DRX to monitor Physical Downlink common control Channel (PDCCH), to check for Paging message from the network. A known process for paging monitoring is shown in fig. 1c.

Currently in Mobile devices or user equipment (UE), battery is consumed for monitoring the network continuously for any downlink signaling (such as paging message for voice call). Paging Messages are broadcast message and all the UE's in the coverage of the same cell receive the same signal. This result in multiple UE devices consuming additional battery power for monitoring same signal, as shown in fig. 2a.

As known in the art, beam sweeping is performed by a UE, for finding best beam, to prevent beam misalignment when user moves. Many other user devices (such as on body device like watch) might have reception of same beam. However, this result in multiple devices performing same action of beam sweeping resulting in additional battery power consumption of multiple user devices, as shown in fig. 2b.

There are some techniques in the art, which try to align network services such as paging monitoring of multiple devices such as between a remote device and a relay device. However, the existing techniques have many drawbacks such as paging collision/overlap for relay devices, long paging cycle for remote devices, paging synchronization with base station, frequent transition from DRX sleep to DRX wake by relay device, frequent monitoring of paging occasion by relay device, high battery usage and high network resources utilization etc.

Hence, there is a need in the art to provide techniques which overcome the above discussed problems in the art.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

In an implementation, the present subject matter refers to a method for implementing adaptive network companion services in a host device. The method comprises activating a network companion mode in a host device connected to a wireless communication network. Then, one or more network services in the host device is identified. Thereafter, one or more pre-authenticated companion devices connected to the wireless communication network is identified. The method further comprises obtaining a network context from each of the one or more pre-authenticated companion devices. After obtaining the network context, the method comprises applying a first level of filtration on the identified one or more pre-authenticated companion devices to determine one or more compatible companion devices with respect to each identified network service, wherein the first level of filtration is applied based on the network context. Thereafter, the method comprises determining, based on a plurality of predetermined criteria, a companion selection probability of each of the one or more compatible companion devices using a neural network and allocating the one or more identified network services to the one or more compatible companion devices based on the companion selection probability.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for implementing adaptive network companion services in a host device, is disclosed. The apparatus comprising an activation unit configured to activate a network companion mode in a host device connected to a wireless communication network. The apparatus further comprises a service identifying unit configured to identify one or more network services in the host device. The apparatus further comprises a companion identifying unit configured to identify one or more pre-authenticated companion devices connected to the wireless communication network. The apparatus further comprises an obtaining unit configured to obtain a network context from each of the one or more pre-authenticated companion devices. The apparatus further comprises a filtration unit configured to apply a first level of filtration on the identified one or more pre-authenticated companion devices to determine one or more compatible companion devices with respect to each identified network service, wherein the first level of filtration is applied based on the network context. The apparatus further comprises a determination unit configured to determine, based on a plurality of predetermined criteria, a companion selection probability of each of the one or more compatible companion devices using a neural network. The apparatus also comprises a service allocation unit configured to allocate the one or more identified network services to the one or more compatible companion devices based on the companion selection probability.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawing. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

An embodiment of disclose comprises determining a companion selection probability of each of the one or more compatible companion devices using a neural network and allocating the one or more identified network services to the one or more compatible companion devices based on the companion selection probability.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1a illustrates network transmission in 5G, in accordance with existing art;

Figures 1b-1c illustrate beam sweeping and paging monitoring, in accordance with existing art;

Figures 2a-2b illustrates paging monitoring and beam sweeping performed by multiple devices connected with each other, in accordance with existing art;

Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method for implementing adaptive network companion services in a host device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 illustrates a mechanism for identification of network services in a host device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 illustrates a mechanism for identification of pre-authenticated companion devices and obtaining network context from available pre-authenticated companion devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 illustrates a mechanism for establishing a wireless network session between the host device and the companion devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 7 illustrates a mechanism for determining compatible companion devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 8 illustrates a mechanism for determining a companion selection probability of compatible companion devices using a neural network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary neural network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 10 illustrates a mechanism for allocating the network services to compatible companion devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 11 illustrates a mechanism for implementing allocated service in a companion device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 12 illustrates implementation of paging monitoring being implemented in companion device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 13 illustrates implementation of beam sweeping being implemented in companion device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 14 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for implementing adaptive network companion services in a host device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the apparatus, one or more components of the apparatus may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated below, the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

The term "some" as used herein is defined as "none, or one, or more than one, or all." Accordingly, the terms "none," "one," "more than one," "more than one, but not all" or "all" would all fall under the definition of "some." The term "some embodiments" may refer to no embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term "some embodiments" is defined as meaning "no embodiment, or one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments."

The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.

More specifically, any terms used herein such as but not limited to "includes," "comprises," "has," "consists," and grammatical variants thereof do NOT specify an exact limitation or restriction and certainly do NOT exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated, and furthermore must NOT be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated with the limiting language "MUST comprise" or "NEEDS TO include."

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, either way it may still be referred to as "one or more features" or "one or more elements" or "at least one feature" or "at least one element." Furthermore, the use of the terms "one or more" or "at least one" feature or element do NOT preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language such as "there NEEDS to be one or more . . . " or "one or more element is REQUIRED."

It can be noted that term "host device", "companion device" may refer to any wireless device such as but not limited to mobile device, laptop, smart watch, tablet, PDA etc.

It can be noted that term "user equipment (UE)", "mobile device" and "host device" have been interchangeably used.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having an ordinary skill in the art.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 3 illustrates method-steps in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an implementation as depicted in Fig. 3, the present subject matter refers to a method for implementing adaptive network companion services in a host device.

The method 300, at step 301, comprises activating a network companion mode in a host device connected to a wireless communication network. In an embodiment, the network companion mode may be activated manually by a user. However, in an alternate embodiment, the network companion mode may be activated if a predefined condition is satisfied. In an embodiment, the predefined condition may be if a battery level of the host device is below a first threshold level and/or if network quality of the host device is below a second threshold. The first and second threshold may be defined as by the host device or by the user. An example of the second threshold may be if the battery of the host device is below 20% of its full capacity. An example of the second threshold may be if there is a signal distortion in communication. It can be noted that many other parameters may define the first and second threshold and all such parameters shall fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, predefined condition may be some other conditions other than the above discussed conditions and all such conditions shall fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Then, at step 303, the method 300 comprises identifying one or more network services in the host device. Figure 4 illustrates a mechanism for identification of network services in a host device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 4, after a network companion mode is activated in the host device, a service identifying unit determines RRC state and mobility state/context of the host device. In an exemplary embodiment, the RRC state may be obtained from a modem of the host device and the mobility state may be obtained from a global position apparatus (GPS) of the host device. Thereafter, if the RRC state is determined as connected then it is determined that no network service is available in the host device for allocation to the companion device. However, if the RRC state is determined as idle then the mobility context/state of the host device is checked. If the mobility state is static, then the network service may be paging monitoring. If the mobility state is lower mobility, then the network service may be beam sweeping. If the mobility state is high mobility, then the network service may be signal strength measurement. In fig. 4, as an example, it is shown that the mobility state of the device was static. Hence, the network service is determined as paging monitoring. It should be noted that fig. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and many other network services other than the discussed services may be identified as network services and all such services shall fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

After determining the one or more network services, the method 300 moves to step 305. At step 305, the method 300 comprises identifying one or more available pre-authenticated companion devices connected to the wireless communication network. Thereafter, at step 307, the method 300 comprises obtaining a network context from each of the one or more available pre-authenticated companion devices. Figure 5 illustrates a mechanism for identification of available pre-authenticated companion devices and obtaining network context from available pre-authenticated companion devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 5, the host device has a list of pre-authenticated companion devices, which are connected to the same wireless network as that of the host device. In an embodiment, the pre-authenticated companion devices may refer to devices which have been already authenticated by the host prior to activating the network companion mode. The host device then broadcasts a companion mode request for discovery of available companion devices. In an embodiment, the host device may broadcast the request using a short range network. Thereafter, the companion devices respond to the said request. The host device may then obtain network context from each of the available companion devices. In an embodiment, the network context may comprise of at least one of an operator of the wireless communication network, a serving cell, a RRC state, a radio access technology or a combination thereof. As shown in fig. 5, let us consider that three pre-authenticated companion devices UE A, UE B and UE C are available. Few examples of network context from companion devices UE A, UE B and UE C is shown in fig. 5. It should be noted that fig. 5 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and shall not be considered as restricting the scope of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, a wireless network session between the host device and the one or more companion devices, may be established prior to identifying the one or more available pre-authenticated companion devices, using a session manager. Figure 6 illustrates a mechanism for establishing a wireless network session between the host device and the companion devices. As shown in fig. 6, the wireless network session between the host device and the companion devices may be established using known techniques.

Thereafter, at step 309, the method 300 comprises applying a first level of filtration on the identified one or more available pre-authenticated companion devices to determine one or more compatible companion devices with respect to each identified network service, wherein the first level of filtration is applied based on the network context. In other words, the host device determines one or more compatible companion devices from the available pre-authenticated companion devices. In an embodiment, the compatible companion devices may refer to companion devices which are compatible with the host device with respect to each identified network service, based on their network context. Figure 7 illustrates a mechanism for determining compatible companion devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 7, in example, paging monitoring is identified as the network service in the host device, at block 1. This network services is provided to a filtration unit which determines a network context of the host device. Simultaneously, network context obtained from the available pre-authenticated companion devices is also provided to the filtration unit. In an embodiment, the filtration unit applies a first level of filtration on the identified one or more available pre-authenticated companion devices with respect to the identified network service i.e. paging monitoring. This filtration is applied based on the network context of the companion devices, in respect of the identified network service. As discussed with respect to fig. 5, network context was obtained from companion devices UE A, UE B and UE C. The network context of these three companion devices UE A, UE B and UE C is matched with the network context of the host device. As shown in fig. 7, network context of UE B and UE C matches with the network context of the host device, in respect of the identified network service i.e. paging monitoring. For example, let us assume that the network context of the host device required for paging monitoring is:

Network Context

Operator : ATT

Serving Cell : SC_ID1

RRC State : Idle

RAT :4G

Whereas, the network context for UE A is:

Network Context

Operator : TMO

Serving Cell : SC_ID2

RRC State : Idle

RAT :5G

the network context for UE B is:

Network Context

Operator : ATT

Serving Cell : SC_ID1

RRC State : Idle

RAT :4G

the network context for UE C is:

Network Context

Operator : ATT

Serving Cell : SC_ID1

RRC State : Idle

RAT :4G

As can be seen from the above, in respect of the network service i.e. paging monitoring, the network context of the host device matches with the network context of UE B and UE C. For example, the operator, serving cell, RRC state and RAT of the UE B and UE C matches with that of the host device. Accordingly, UE B and UE C are determined as compatible companion devices in respect of identified network service "paging monitoring". However, if the identified service is beam sweeping, then the network context to be matched could be the operator, RRC state and RAT. Hence, the network context which is to be matched varies based on the identified service. It should be noted that fig. 7 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and shall not be considered as restricting the scope of the present disclosure.

Then, at step 311, the method 300 comprises determining, based on a plurality of predetermined criteria, a companion selection probability of each of the one or more compatible companion devices using a neural network. plurality of predetermined criteria are at least one of a distance between the host device and the one or more companion devices, a battery level of the one or more companion devices, a signal strength delta, the one or more network services or a combination thereof. Figure 8 illustrates a mechanism for determining a companion selection probability of compatible companion devices using a neural network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 8, a list of compatible companion devices and the identified network service is provided to a determination unit. In an embodiment, the determination unit may use a neural network/AI base model to determine companion selection probability. In an embodiment, the determination unit may determine distance between the host device and the one or more compatible companion devices such as UE B and UE C, using known positioning services. In an embodiment, a companion manager in the companion device may determine battery level of the one or more companion devices UE B and UE C, and may provide this information to the determination unit using the session manager. The determination unit may also determine signal strength of the one or more compatible companion devices, as shown in fig. 8. In an embodiment, the determination unit may also determine signal strength of the host device and then may determine a signal strength delta. In an embodiment, the signal strength delta may be a difference between the signal strength of host device and the compatible companion device. As shown in fig.8, all these parameters are determined for each of the compatible companion device such as for both UE A and UE B. All these parameters are provided to a neural network/AI model, which provides companion selection probability of each of the compatible companion devices.

Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary neural network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Table 1 shows an example of input parameters provided to the neural network:

Input Features	Model Input Data to neural Network
Estimated Battery Life[1x3] Vector	3 Categories [Low, Mid, High] Inputted to Neural Network in One Hot encoding as below Low = [1,0,0], High = [0,0,1], Mid = [0,1,0]
Signal Strength Delta[1x3] Vector	3 Categories [Low, Mid, High] Inputted to Neural Network in One Hot encoding as below Low = [1,0,0], High = [0,0,1], Mid = [0,1,0]
Distance between host and companion Devices [1x4] Vector	4 Categories [ Very Close, Close, Far, Very Far] Inputted to Neural Network in One Hot encoding as below Very Close = [1,0,0,0], Close =[0,1,0,0], Far=[0,0,1,0], Very Far =[0,0,0,1]
Identified Network Services[1x3] Vector	3 Services planned in invention proposal (might be more in future) Services - [Beam Sweeping, PO monitoring, Signal Strength Measurement] Inputted to Neural Network in One Hot encoding as below Beam Sweeping= [1,0,0], PO Monitoring =[0,1,0], Signal Strength Measurement=[0,0,1]
Combined Input[4x4] Vector	Above vectors are combined to create a unified vector representing the selection parameter

As can be noted from fig. 9, that the above discussed input vectors are provided to the neural network, which in turn provides companion selection probability of each of the companion devices. In an embodiment, the neural network may provide the companion selection probability in three categories such as probability of good class, probability of average Class, probability of poor class. It should be noted that fig. 9 only depicts an example of a neural network. Any other known neural network may be used, and any such network shall fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, it shall be noted that the table 1 depicts an example of the input data and shall be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The input data may be provided in any other format and such format shall fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

After determining the companion selection probability, the method 300 moves to step 313. At step 313, the method 300 may comprise allocating the one or more identified network services to the one or more compatible companion devices based on the companion selection probability. Figure 10 illustrates a mechanism for allocating the network services to compatible companion devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 10, the service allocation unit takes the companion selection probability, session ID of the compatible companion devices (used in establishing wireless network session) and network service identified in the host device, as input. In an embodiment, the service allocation unit may remove one or more compatible companion device with companion selection probability less than a threshold, before allocating the network service to the compatible companion device. For example, the service allocation unit may apply a second level of filtration on the compatible companion devices based on the companion selection probability to determine if the companion selection probability of a companion device is more or less than a threshold. If the companion selection probability is more than a threshold then the service allocation unit may allocate the network service to that companion device. However, if the companion selection probability is less than a threshold, then the service allocation unit remove companion device and may not allocate the network service to that companion device. In an embodiment, the threshold may be defined by the host device or by the user.

Further, the service allocation unit may determine a ratio of the companion selection probability for the one or more compatible companion devices in respect of one of the one or more network services, as shown at block 2 in fig. 10. Then, the service allocation unit may allocate the one of the one or more network services to the one or more companion devices based on the determined ratio, as shown at block 3 in fig. 10. Thereafter, the service allocation unit may provide the allocated services to the compatible companion devices (for example UE B and UE C) using the network session established between the host device and the compatible companion devices. In an embodiment, the host device may also transmit allocation/distribution request along with a session ID. In an embodiment, the host device may also transmit network service parameters related to the identified network service to the compatible companion device while allocating the network service to the compatible companion device. For example, if the network service to be allocated is 'paging monitoring', then the host device may also transmit parameters related to the paging monitoring such as S-TMSI value, paging cycle, next paging frame etc. to the compatible companion device. Also, a network service such as paging monitoring is allocated to more than one companion device, then the host device may also transmit skip count, monitoring count to the companion device. Accordingly, the companion devices may implement the allocated network service based on the skip count and monitoring count. In an embodiment, skip count is a number of paging occasions to be skipped by the companion device, whereas monitoring count is a number of paging occasions to be monitored by the companion device. It should be noted that if the network service is other than paging monitoring then skip count and monitoring count may not be transmitted by the host device. Instead, other parameters related to the network service may be transmitted. Such other parameters may be known to a person skilled in the art.

In an embodiment, the service allocation unit may also stop the allocated services in the host device.

Figure 11 illustrates a mechanism for implementing allocated service in a companion device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 11, in an example where the allocated network service is paging monitoring, said service is implemented in compatible companion devices i.e. UE B and UE C according to the allocation by the service allocation unit (see block 1). As shown at block 2, the host device may receive information from the one or more compatible companion devices upon successful implementation of the allocated one or more network services, wherein the information relates to the allocated one or more network services. For example, the host device may receive paging message intended for the host device from the companion devices UE B and UE C upon successful implementation of the paging monitoring.

Further, as shown at block 3, the host device may receive the information from the compatible companion devices i.e. UE B and UE C at an application layer and may convert the information into a modem readable format by a modem unit. After receiving the information, the host device may take action as per the received information.

Figure 12 illustrates implementation of paging monitoring being implemented in companion device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 13 illustrates implementation of beam sweeping being implemented in companion device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 14 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for implementing adaptive network companion services in a host device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 14, the apparatus 1400 may comprise a memory 1401 and a processor 1403 coupled to the memory 1401. The apparatus may also comprise an activation unit 1405 configured to activate a network companion mode in a host device connected to a wireless communication network. The apparatus (1400) may also comprise a service identifying unit 1407 configured to identify one or more network services in the host device. In an embodiment, the service identifying unit 1407 may work in accordance with embodiments defined in respect of fig. 4. The apparatus (1400) may also comprise a companion identifying unit 1409 configured to identify one or more available pre-authenticated companion devices connected to the wireless communication network. In an embodiment, the companion identifying unit configured 1409 may work in accordance with embodiments defined in respect of fig. 5. The apparatus (1400) may further comprise an obtaining unit 1411 configured to obtain a network context from each of the one or more available pre-authenticated companion devices. The apparatus 1400 may also comprise a filtration unit 1413 configured to apply a first level of filtration on the identified one or more available pre-authenticated companion devices to determine one or more compatible companion devices with respect to each identified network service, wherein the first level of filtration is applied based on the network context. In an embodiment, the obtaining unit 1411 may work in accordance with embodiments defined in respect of fig. 5 and the filtration unit 1413 may work in accordance with embodiments defined in respect of fig. 7. The apparatus (1400) may also comprise a determination unit 1415 configured to determine, based on a plurality of predetermined criteria, a companion selection probability of each of the one or more compatible companion devices using a neural network. In an embodiment, the determination unit 1415 may work in accordance with embodiments defined in respect of fig. 8. The apparatus (1400) may also comprise a service allocation unit 1417 configured to allocate the one or more identified network services to the one or more compatible companion devices based on the companion selection probability. In an embodiment, the service allocation unit 1417 may work in accordance with embodiments defined in respect of fig. 10. The apparatus (1400) may also comprise a receiving unit 1419 configured to receive information from the one or more compatible companion devices upon successful implementation of the allocated one or more network services, wherein the information relates to the allocated one or more network services. The apparatus (1400) may also comprise a session manager 1421 configured to establish a wireless network session between the host device and one or more companion devices, prior to identifying the one or more available pre-authenticated companion devices. In an embodiment, the session manager 1421 may work in accordance with embodiments defined in respect of fig. 6. The apparatus (1400) may also comprise a modem unit 1423 configured to receive the information from the one or more compatible companion devices at an application layer and convert the information into a modem readable format. Further, it shall be noted that the apparatus (1400) may be configured to perform the embodiments defined above in respect of fig. 3-13. It can be noted that all the unit discussed above may be connected to each other, the memory 1201 and the processor 1203. The term "unit", as used herein refers to any known or later developed hardware, software, firmware, artificial intelligence, fuzzy logic, or combination of hardware and software that is capable of performing the functionality associated with that element. Also, while the invention is described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated that individual aspects of the invention can be separately claimed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 1203 may be a single processing unit or a number of units, all of which could include multiple computing units. The processor 1203 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 1203 may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory. The processor 1203 may include one or a plurality of processors. At this time, one or a plurality of processors may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or the like, a graphics-only processing unit such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a visual processing unit (VPU), and/or an AI-dedicated processor such as a neural processing unit (NPU). One or a plurality of processors control the processing of the input data in accordance with a predefined operating rule or artificial intelligence (AI) model stored in the non-volatile memory and the volatile memory 1201. The predefined operating rule or artificial intelligence model is provided through training or learning.

In an embodiment, the memory 1201 may include any non-transitory computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random-access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.

In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosed techniques may be used in optimizing handover processes in companion mode, cell measurement for reselection scenario and adaptive role reversal as per device context.

As discussed above, the present techniques may provide the technical advantage of reducing power consumption i.e. battery saving in a wireless device and optimizing resource utilization.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. 　

The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein.

Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all the claims.

Claims

A method (300) for implementing adaptive network companion services in a host device, comprising:

activating (301) a network companion mode in a host device connected to a wireless communication network;

identifying (303) one or more network services in the host device;

identifying (305) one or more available pre-authenticated companion devices connected to the wireless communication network;

obtaining (307) a network context from each of the one or more available pre-authenticated companion devices;

applying (309) a first level of filtration on the identified one or more available pre-authenticated companion devices to determine one or more compatible companion devices with respect to each identified network service, wherein the first level of filtration is applied based on the network context;

determining (311), based on a plurality of predetermined criteria, a companion selection probability of each of the one or more compatible companion devices using a neural network; and

allocating (313) the one or more identified network services to the one or more compatible companion devices based on the companion selection probability.
The method (300) of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving information from the one or more compatible companion devices upon successful implementation of the allocated one or more network services, wherein the information relates to the allocated one or more network services.
The method (300) of claim 1, comprising:

establishing a wireless network session between the host device and one or more companion devices, prior to identifying the one or more available pre-authenticated companion devices.
The method (300) of claim 1, wherein the activating the network companion mode in the host device comprises:

activating the network companion mode in the host device by a user;

automatically activating the network companion mode in the host device if a predefined condition is satisfied, wherein the predefined condition is at least one of:

if a battery level of the host device is below a first threshold; and

if network quality of the host device is below a second threshold.
The method (300) of claim 1, wherein the network context comprises at least one of an operator of the wireless communication network, a serving cell, a RRC state, a radio access technology or a combination thereof, and

wherein the plurality of predetermined criteria are at least one of a distance between the host device and the one or more compatible companion devices, a battery level of the one or more compatible companion devices, a signal strength signal strength delta, the one or more network services or a combination thereof.
The method (300) of claim 1, wherein the allocating the one or more network services comprising:

applying a second level of filtration on the one or more compatible companion devices based on the companion selection probability to remove the one or more compatible companion device with companion selection probability less than a threshold;

determining a ratio of the companion selection probability for the one or more compatible companion devices in respect of one of the one or more network services; and

allocating the one of the one or more network services to the one or more companion devices based on the determined ratio.
The method (300) of claim 1, wherein the receiving information from the one or more compatible companion devices comprises:

receiving the information from the one or more compatible companion devices at an application layer; and

converting the information into a modem readable format.
An apparatus (1400) for implementing adaptive network companion services in a host device, comprising:

an activation unit (1405) configured to activate a network companion mode in a host device connected to a wireless communication network;

a service identifying unit (1407) configured to identify one or more network services in the host device;

a companion identifying unit (1409) configured to identify one or more available pre-authenticated companion devices connected to the wireless communication network;

an obtaining unit (1411) configured to obtain a network context from each of the one or more available pre-authenticated companion devices;

a filtration unit (1413) configured to apply a first level of filtration on the identified one or more available pre-authenticated companion devices to determine one or more compatible companion devices with respect to each identified network service, wherein the first level of filtration is applied based on the network context;

a determination unit (1415) configured to determine, based on a plurality of predetermined criteria, a companion selection probability of each of the one or more compatible companion devices using a neural network; and

a service allocation unit (1417) configured to allocate the one or more identified network services to the one or more compatible companion devices based on the companion selection probability.
The apparatus (1400) of claim 8, further comprising:

a receiving unit (1419) configured to receive information from the one or more compatible companion devices upon successful implementation of the allocated one or more network services, wherein the information relates to the allocated one or more network services.
The apparatus (1400) of claim 8, further comprising a session manager (1421) configured to:

establish a wireless network session between the host device and one or more companion devices, prior to identifying the one or more available pre-authenticated companion devices.
The apparatus (1400) of claim 8, wherein activation unit (1405) activates the network companion mode in the host device upon receiving an input from a user.
The apparatus (1400) of claim 8, wherein the activation unit (1405) automatically activates the network companion mode in the host device if a predefined condition is satisfied, wherein the predefined condition is at least one of:

if a battery level of the host device is below a first threshold; and

if network quality of the host device is below a second threshold.
The apparatus (1400) of claim 8, wherein the network context comprises at least one of an operator of the wireless communication network, a serving cell, a RRC state, a radio access technology or a combination thereof, and

wherein the plurality of predetermined criteria are at least one of a distance between the host device and the one or more compatible companion devices, a battery level of the one or more compatible companion devices, a signal strength signal strength delta, the one or more network services or a combination thereof.
The apparatus (1400) of claim 11, wherein the service allocation unit (1417) allocates the one or more network services by:

applying a second level of filtration on the one or more compatible companion devices based on the companion selection probability to remove the one or more compatible companion device with companion selection probability less than a threshold;

determining a ratio of the companion selection probability for the one or more compatible companion devices in respect of one of the one or more network services; and

allocating the one of the one or more network services to the one or more companion devices based on the determined ratio.
The apparatus (1400) of claim 8, further comprises a modem unit (1423) configured to:

receive the information from the one or more compatible companion devices at an application layer; and

convert the information into a modem readable format.