Method and apparatus for efficient idle operation in a dual-SIM WCDMA mobile station

• US 9,125,043 B2
• Filed: 10/12/2010
• Issued: 09/01/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Chin, Tom, Shi, Guangming, Lee, Kuo-Chun
• Primary Examiner(s): Elhag, Madgi
• Application Number:
  US12/903,034
• Publication Number:
  US 20120088502A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,785 Days
• Field of Search: 455/458, 455/425, 455/426.1, 455/574, 370/311, 370/312, 370/314, 370/320, 370/335, 370/342
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0216 using a pre-established activity schedule, e.g. traffic indication frame
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 68/00 User notification, e.g. alerting and paging, for incoming communication, change of service or the like
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/26 Network addressing or numbering for mobility support
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for selecting identifying numbers associated with a mobile station (MS) having multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs) such that the paging intervals for both identifying numbers are aligned. The MS having multiple SIMs may operate in a network via a particular radio access technology (RAT), such as Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA). By having aligned paging intervals, the MS may wake up only once during the paging cycles for the various identifying numbers rather than waking up multiple times, thereby reducing power consumption of the MS during idle mode compared to a conventional MS with multiple SIMs, and thus multiple identifying numbers.

Claims

1. A method for communicating in a radio access technology (RAT) network, comprising:

providing a first identifying number associated with a user equipment device (UE);

selecting, via a processor, a second identifying number such that a first paging interval for the first identifying number is aligned with a second paging interval for the second identifying number;

wherein the first identifying number comprises a first International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and the second identifying number comprises a second IMSI;

wherein the first paging interval is based on a first paging offset and the first paging offset is a function of the first IMSI;

wherein the second paging interval is based on a second paging offset, the second paging offset is the same function of the second IMSI, and the selecting the second identifying number comprises selecting the second IMSI such that the first and second paging offsets are equal;

wherein the selecting of the second identifying number comprises selecting the second IMSI from one of a plurality of solutions for equation (X div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length=(Y div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length, wherein X is the first IMSI, wherein Y is the second IMSI, wherein the DRX_Cycle_Length is a Discontinuous Reception Cycle Length, wherein K is a number of Secondary Common Control Physical Channels (SCCPCHs) configured for a cell, wherein X div K is the quotient of X divided by K, wherein Y div K is the quotient of Y divided by K, wherein (X div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length equals the first paging offset, and wherein (Y div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length equals the second paging offset;

wherein the selecting the second IMSI further comprises selecting the second IMSI according to a relationship based on the first IMSI, the maximum value of K, a least common multiple (LCM) of all values of K, and the DRX_Cycle_Length; and

associating the second identifying number with the UE, wherein the RAT comprises Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the selecting the second identifying number is performed by the UE.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the relationship is expressed as Y=X+n*512*LCM (1, 2, . . . , K_max), wherein K_max is the maximum value of K, wherein LCM (1, 2, . . . , K_max) is the LCM of integers 1, 2, . . . K_max, wherein n is any positive or negative integer, and wherein 512 is the maximum DRX_Cycle_Length.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

monitoring for a paging message for either the first or the second identifying number during the aligned first and second paging intervals; and

entering an idle state outside the aligned first and second paging intervals, wherein the monitoring for the paging message comprises waking up from the idle state.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the selecting of the second identifying number comprises selecting the second identifying number such that the first and second paging intervals are the same.

6. An apparatus for communicating in a network via a radio access technology (RAT), comprising:

means for providing a first identifying number associated with a user equipment device (UE);

means for selecting a second identifying number such that a first paging interval for the first identifying number is aligned with a second paging interval for the second identifying number;

wherein the first paging interval is based on a first paging offset and the first paging offset is a function of the first IMSI;

wherein the second paging interval is based on a second paging offset, the second paging offset is the same function of the second IMSI, and the selecting the second identifying number comprises selecting the second IMSI such that the first and second paging offsets are equal;

wherein the means for selecting of the second identifying number is configured to select the second IMSI from one of a plurality of solutions for equation (X div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length=(Y div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length, wherein X is the first IMSI, wherein Y is the second IMSI, wherein the DRX_Cycle_Length is a Discontinuous Reception Cycle Length, wherein K is a number of Secondary Common Control Physical Channels (SCCPCHs) configured for a cell, wherein X div K is the quotient of X divided by K, wherein Y div K is the quotient of Y divided by K, wherein (X div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length equals the first paging offset, and wherein (Y div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length equals the second paging offset;

wherein the means for selecting the second IMSI is further configured to select the second IMSI according to a relationship based on the first IMSI, the maximum value of K, a least common multiple (LCM) of all values of K, and the DRX_Cycle_Length; and

means for associating the second identifying number with the UE, wherein the RAT comprises Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS).

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the apparatus is the UE.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the relationship is expressed as Y=X+n*512*LCM (1, 2, . . . , K_max), wherein K_max is the maximum value of K, wherein LCM (1, 2, . . . , K_max) is the LCM of integers 1, 2, . . . K_max, wherein n is any positive or negative integer, and wherein 512 is the maximum DRX_Cycle_Length.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:

means for monitoring for a paging message for either the first or the second identifying number during the aligned first and second paging intervals; and

.

means for entering an idle state outside the aligned first and second paging intervals, wherein the monitoring for the paging message comprises waking up from the idle state.

10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the means for selecting the second identifying number is configured to select the second identifying number such that the first and second paging intervals are the same.

11. An apparatus for communicating in a network via a radio access technology (RAT), comprising:

at least one processor adapted to;

provide a first identifying number associated with a user equipment device (UE);

select a second identifying number such that a first paging interval for the first identifying number is aligned with a second paging interval for the second identifying number;

wherein the first paging interval is based on a first paging offset and the first paging offset is a function of the first IMSI;

wherein the second paging interval is based on a second paging offset, the second paging offset is the same function of the second IMSI, and the selecting the second identifying number comprises selecting the second IMSI such that the first and second paging offsets are equal;

wherein the at least one processor is further configured to select the second identifying number by selecting the second IMSI from one of a plurality of solutions for equation (X div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length=(Y div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length, wherein X is the first IMSI, wherein Y is the second IMSI, wherein the DRX_Cycle_Length is a Discontinuous Reception Cycle Length, wherein K is a number of Secondary Common Control Physical Channels (SCCPCHs) configured for a cell, wherein X div K is the quotient of X divided by K, wherein Y div K is the quotient of Y divided by K, wherein (X div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length equals the first paging offset, and wherein (Y div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length equals the second paging offset;

wherein the at least one processor is further configured to select the second IMSI by selecting the second IMSI according to a relationship based on the first IMSI, the maximum value of K, a least common multiple (LCM) of all values of K, and the DRX_Cycle_Length; and

associate the second identifying number with the UE, wherein the RAT comprises Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS); and

a memory coupled to the at least one processor.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus is the UE.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the relationship is expressed as Y=X+n*512*LCM (1, 2, . . . , K_max), wherein K_max is the maximum value of K, wherein LCM (1, 2, . . . , K_max) is the LCM of integers 1, 2, . . . K_max, wherein n is any positive or negative integer, and wherein 512 is the maximum DRX_Cycle_Length.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:

monitor for a paging message for either the first or the second identifying number during the aligned first and second paging intervals; and

enter an idle state outside the aligned first and second paging intervals, wherein the monitoring for the paging message comprises waking up from the idle state.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is configured to select the second identifying number such that the first and second paging intervals are the same.

16. A computer-program product for communicating in a network via a radio access technology (RAT), the computer-program product comprising:

a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising code for;

providing a first identifying number associated with a user equipment device (UE);

selecting a second identifying number such that a first paging interval for the first identifying number is aligned with a second paging interval for the second identifying number;

wherein the first identifying number comprises a first International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and the second identifying number comprises a second IMSI;

wherein the first paging interval is based on a first paging offset and the first paging offset is a function of the first IMSI;

wherein the second paging interval is based on a second paging offset, the second paging offset is the same function of the second IMSI, and the selecting the second identifying number comprises selecting the second IMSI such that the first and second paging offsets are equal;

wherein the selecting of the second identifying number comprises selecting the second IMSI from one of a plurality of solutions for equation (X div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length=(Y div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length, wherein X is the first IMSI, wherein Y is the second IMSI, wherein the DRX_Cycle_Length is a Discontinuous Reception Cycle Length, wherein K is a number of Secondary Common Control Physical Channels (SCCPCHs) configured for a cell, wherein X div K is the quotient of X divided by K, wherein Y div K is the quotient of Y divided by K, wherein (X div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length equals the first paging offset, and wherein (Y div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length equals the second paging offset;

wherein the selecting the second IMSI further comprises selecting the second IMSI according to a relationship based on the first IMSI, the maximum value of K, a least common multiple (LCM) of all values of K, and the DRX_Cycle_Length; and

associating the second identifying number with the UE, wherein the RAT comprises Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS).

17. The computer-program product of claim 16, wherein the selecting the second identifying number is performed by the UE.

18. The computer-program product of claim 16, wherein the relationship is expressed as Y=X+n*512*LCM (1, 2, . . . , K_max), wherein K_max is the maximum value of K, wherein LCM (1, 2, . . . , K_max) is the LCM of integers 1, 2, . . . K_max, wherein n is any positive or negative integer, and wherein 512 is the maximum DRX_Cycle_Length.

19. The computer-program product of claim 16, further comprising code for:

monitoring for a paging message for either the first or the second identifying number during the aligned first and second paging intervals; and

entering an idle state outside the aligned first and second paging intervals, wherein the monitoring for the paging message comprises waking up from the idle state.

20. The computer-program product of claim 16, wherein the selecting of the second identifying number comprises selecting the second identifying number such that the first and second paging intervals are the same.

21. A method, comprising:

performing by a processor, selecting identifying numbers associated with a user equipment device (UE) in a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, the selecting comprising;

providing a first identifying number comprising a first International Mobile Subscriber Number (IMSI) associated with the UE;

selecting a second identifying number comprising a second IMSI for the UE such that a first paging interval for the first identifying number is at least partially overlapping the first paging interval with a second paging interval for the second identifying number, wherein;

the first paging interval is based on a first paging offset that is a function of the first IMSI;

the second paging interval is based on a second paging offset that is a function of the second IMSI; and

the first paging offset and the second paging offset are determined based on a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle length;

wherein, the selecting of the second identifying number comprises, selecting by the processor, the second IMSI such that the first and second paging offsets are equal;

wherein the selecting of the second identifying number comprises selecting, by the processor, the second IMSI from one of a plurality of solutions for equation (X div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length=(Y div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length, where X is the first IMSI, Y is the second IMSI, DRX_Cycle_Length is the DRX Cycle Length, K is a number of Secondary Common Control Physical Channels (SCCPCHs) configured for a cell, wherein X div K is the quotient of X divided by K, wherein Y div K is the quotient of Y divided by K, wherein (X div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length equals the first paging offset, and wherein (Y div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length equals the second paging offset;

wherein the selecting the second IMSI further comprises selecting the second IMSI according to a relationship based on the first IMSI, the maximum value of K, a least common multiple (LCM) of all values of K, and the DRX_Cycle_Length; and

associating the second identifying number with the UE.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, for circuit-switched service, the DRX cycle length is determined by the UMTS network.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein, for packet switched service, the DRX cycle length is determined based on negotiation between the UMTS network and the UE.

24. The method according to claim 21, wherein, a greater number of possible IMSIs are selectable utilizing the at least partial overlapping with the second paging interval as compared with complete overlapping of the first paging interval with the second paging interval.

25. The method of claim 21, comprising monitoring, by the processor, for paging messages for either the first identifying number or the second identifying number during the at least partial overlapping of the first paging interval and the second paging interval.

26. The method of claim 25, comprising entering, by the processor, an idle state outside the aligned first and second paging intervals, wherein the monitoring for the paging messages comprises waking up from the idle state.

27. The method of claim 21, wherein the relationship is expressed as Y=X+n*512*LCM (1, 2, . . . , K_max), wherein K_max is the maximum value of K, wherein LCM 1, 2, . . . , K_max) is the LCM of integers 1, 2, . . . K_max , wherein n is any positive or negative integer, and wherein 512 is the maximum DRX_Cycle_Length.

28. An apparatus, comprising:

means for selecting identifying numbers associated with a user equipment device (UE) in a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, the means for selecting is operable to;

provide a first identifying number comprising a first International Mobile Subscriber Number (IMSI) associated with the UE;

select a second identifying number comprising a second IMSI for the UE such that a first paging interval for the first identifying number is at least partially overlapping the first paging interval with a second paging interval for the second identifying number, wherein;

the first paging interval is based on a first paging offset that is a function of the first IMSI;

the second paging interval is based on a second paging offset that is a function of the second IMSI; and

the first paging offset and the second paging offset are determined based on a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle length;

wherein the means for selecting is operable to monitor for paging messages for either the first identifying number or the second identifying number during the at least partial overlapping of the first paging interval and the second paging interval;

wherein the means for selecting is operable to enter an idle state outside the aligned first and second paging intervals, wherein the monitoring for the paging messages comprises waking up from the idle state;

wherein, the means for selecting the second identifying number is operable to select the second IMSI such that the first and second paging offsets are equal;

wherein the means for selecting of the second identifying number is operable to select the second IMSI from one of a plurality of solutions for equation (X div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length=(Y div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length, where X is the first IMSI, Y is the second IMSI, DRX_Cycle_Length is the DRX Cycle Length, K is a number of Secondary Common Control Physical Channels (SCCPCHs) configured for a cell, wherein X div K is the quotient of X divided by K, wherein Y div K is the quotient of Y divided by K, wherein (X div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length equals the first paging offset, and wherein (Y div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length equals the second paging offset;

wherein the means for selecting the second IMSI further is operable to select the second IMSI according to a relationship based on the first IMSI, the maximum value of K, a least common multiple (LCM) of all values of K, and the DRX_Cycle_Length; and

associate the second identifying number with the UE.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein, for circuit-switched service, the DRX cycle length is determined by the UMTS network.

30. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein, for packet switched service, the DRX cycle length is determined based on negotiation between the UMTS network and the UE.

31. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein, a greater number of possible IMSIs are selectable utilizing the at least partial overlapping with the second paging interval as compared with complete overlapping of the first paging interval with the second paging interval.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein the relationship is expressed as Y=X+n*512*LCM (1, 2,. . . , K_max), wherein K_max is the maximum value of K, wherein LCM (1, 2, . . . , K_max) is the LCM of integers 1, 2, . . . K_max , wherein n is any positive or negative integer, and wherein 512 is the maximum DRX_Cycle_Length.

33. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one processor operable to perform selecting identifying numbers associated with a user equipment device (UE) in a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network; and

a memory coupled to the at least one processor; and

wherein the at least one processor is operable to;

provide a first identifying number comprising a first International Mobile Subscriber Number (IMSI) associated with the UE;

select a second identifying number comprising a second IMSI for the UE such that a first paging interval for the first identifying number is at least partially overlapping the first paging interval with a second paging interval for the second identifying number, wherein;

the first paging interval is based on a first paging offset that is a function of the first IMSI;

the second paging interval is based on a second paging offset that is a function of the second IMSI; and

the first paging offset and the second paging offset are determined based on a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle length;

wherein, for the selecting of the second identifying number, the at least one processor is operable to select the second IMSI such that the first and second paging offsets are equal;

wherein, for the selecting of the second identifying number, the at least one processor is operable to select the second IMSI from one of a plurality of solutions for equation (X div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length=(Y div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length, where X is the first IMSI, Y is the second IMSI, DRX_Cycle_Length is the DRX Cycle Length, K is a number of Secondary Common Control Physical Channels (SCCPCHs) configured for a cell, wherein X div K is the quotient of X divided by K, wherein Y div K is the quotient of Y divided by K, wherein (X div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length equals the first paging offset, and wherein (Y div K) mod DRX_Cycle_Length equals the second paging offset;

wherein, for the selecting of the second identifying number, the at least one processor is operable to select the second IMSI according to a relationship based on the first IMSI, the maximum value of K, a least common multiple (LCM) of all values of K, and the DRX_Cycle_Length; and

associate the second identifying number with the UE.

34. The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein, for circuit-switched service, the DRX cycle length is determined by the UMTS network.

35. The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein, for packet switched service, the DRX cycle length is determined based on negotiation between the UMTS network and the UE.

36. The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein, a greater number of possible IMSIs are selectable utilizing the at least partial overlapping with the second paging interval as compared with complete overlapping of the first paging interval with the second paging interval.

37. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the at least one processor is operable to monitor for paging messages for either the first identifying number or the second identifying number during the at least partial overlapping of the first paging interval and the second paging interval.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the at least one processor is operable to enter an idle state outside the aligned first and second paging intervals, wherein the monitoring for the paging messages comprises waking up from the idle state.

39. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the relationship is expressed as Y=X+n*512*LCM (1, 2, . . . , K_min), wherein K_max is the maximum value of K, wherein LCM (1, 2, . . . , K_max) is the LCM of integers 1, 2,. . . K_max, wherein n is any positive or negative integer, and wherein 512 is the maximum DRX_Cycle_Length.