Patent Description:
With advent of technology, user equipment (UE), for example, a smartphone, with multiple or plurality of subscriber identity modules (SIMs) have become widely available and have gained wide popularity. The multiple SIMs can operate either in an active mode or in a standby mode on more than one network. In a UE with a multi-SIM-multi-active (MSMA) mode, for example, a UE with a dual-SIM-dual-active (DSDA) mode, all SIMs may be active at the same time. Such UE also contain multiple radios and supports multiple radio access technologies. Thus, the UE operating in the MSMA mode may actively transmit or receive on different networks at same time. Also, all the SIMs have data connectivity or network service available and therefore can connect via network operator packet data network (PDN), for example, Internet, Intranet, internet protocol (IP) multimedia subsystem (IMS). In a UE with a multi-SIM-multi-standby (MSMS) mode, for example, a UE with the dual-SIM-dual-standby (DSDS) mode, if any one SIM is active, then the rest of the SIM(s) are in a standby mode. Such UE contains single radio supporting multiple radio access technologies and is shared among the SIMs. Thus, the UE operating in the MSMS mode may actively transmit or receive on one network at a time. Also, one SIM has data connectivity or network service available and can connect with via network operator PDN, while other SIMs' are in the standby mode. The availability of the data connectivity or network service on any SIM from among the multiple SIMs is based on selection of the SIM. Such selection can be a default settings in the UE or a user may select the SIM to provide the network services.

Further, text messaging service, also known as short messaging service (SMS), provided by mobile network operators has not evolved much in terms of service features, since its inception. The text messaging service is limited in that it supports limited character length, lacks support for exchanging multimedia, does not provide for read receipts, and various other features that are being provided by contemporary data based applications of today. To address the aforementioned deficiencies of the text messaging service, smartphone manufacturers and mobile network operators collaborated with cellular networks' governing bodies to develop a new standard to replace the conventional text messaging service. As a result, rich communication services (RCS) was developed. The RCS is a part of a new advanced messaging standard. Besides supporting regular text messages, the RCS supports sharing of picture messages, group chats, location sharing, video calling, and other features like read receipts and typing indicators. Thus, the RCS aims to provide service features, more or less, at par with the contemporary data based applications. For availing the RCS, the UE establishes a connection with a RCS network of a communication network. The connection is established through the PDN.

However, the existing protocols are such that simultaneous availing of the RCS on all the SIMs or more than one SIM is not feasible when UE is operating in the MSMS mode. For instance, a PDN is connected using network services of a SIM <NUM> of a multiple SIM UE. In such case, the RCS can be availed using the SIM <NUM>. Now, if the network service of SIM <NUM> is used to avail the RCS using a SIM <NUM> of the UE, the RCS traffic would be dropped by network associated with the SIM <NUM> as a RCS network of a network associated with the SIM <NUM> may not be reachable. Even if the RCS traffic reaches the RCS network of the network associated with the SIM <NUM> via the PDN, the network associated with SIM <NUM> will drop the traffic because the traffic would not have followed the non-trusted RCS signaling and Media flows. To support the aforementioned flow, new protocols and/or updating of existing protocols including network node updates would have to be performed. In addition, the networks need to have an extra agreement to allow different packets to be forwarded from different networks. Accordingly, this would be a cumbersome task and include lot of changes in networks that are time, resources, and cost intensive.

Referring to <FIG>, an example network environment <NUM> comprising of user equipment <NUM> having a first SIM <NUM>-<NUM> and a second SIM <NUM>-<NUM> is illustrated. The fist SIM <NUM>-<NUM> and the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM> operate in MSMS mode. The first SIM <NUM>-<NUM> may connect or associate with a first network <NUM>-<NUM>. The second SIM <NUM>-<NUM> may connect or associate with a second network <NUM>-<NUM>. A connection with a packet data network (PDN) can be established using network service or data connectivity provided by the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM> in default. The first network <NUM>-<NUM> and the second network <NUM>-<NUM> may connect with respective RCS networks through the PDN. The second SIM <NUM>-<NUM> is capable of transferring a RCS data through the second network <NUM>-<NUM> and the PDN using the network service provided by the second network <NUM>-<NUM>. The second SIM <NUM>-<NUM> searches for network service for transferring of a RCS data through the first network <NUM>-<NUM> and the PDN. However, in absence of the network service, when the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM> sends the RCS data through the network service available on the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM>, the second network <NUM>-<NUM> drops the RCS data (represented by cross sign) since the RCS data is not intended for the second network <NUM>-<NUM> or due to the incapability of connecting to the first network <NUM>-<NUM>. Even if the RCS data reaches the second network <NUM>-<NUM> and the second network <NUM>-<NUM> sends the RCS data to the first network <NUM>-<NUM>, the first network <NUM>-<NUM> drops the RCS data (represented by cross sign) since the same was not followed the non-trusted RCS signaling and Media flows.

Thus, as described above, although multiple SIMs may support the RCS, owing to hardware restraints, implementation restraints, and cost restraints in the UE operating in MSMS mode, the RCS may be availed using a single SIM only, at any time instant. In a similar manner, any other type of data such as network application data, voice over long term evolution (VoLTE) data, etc., cannot be sent by other SIMs using the network service available only on one SIM, for e.g., in the UE operating in MSMS mode. Thus, the UE and network resources may not be utilized optimally. Therefore, there exists a need to overcome at least one of the aforementioned problems. <CIT> discloses methods to support access to services of multiple wireless networks by a single-radio SIM. Therein, when an active voice connection for a first SIM uses wireless circuitry to connect to a first cellular wireless network via a first radio access network, a single-radio multi-SIM wireless device uses alternative data transports such as tunneling through the first radio access network of the first cellular wireless network to connect to services of additional cellular wireless networks associated with the multiple SIMs. <CIT> discloses systems, apparatuses, and methods for Internet resource sharing between multiple subscribers, for example, a first subscriber and a second subscriber, each of which may be in active communications with a cellular network or in a standby mode. <CIT> discloses a wireless device which forms packets for a subscriber specified by a first SIM, and transmits the packets using a second SIM.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the present disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. In accordance with the purposes of the disclosure, the present disclosure as embodied and broadly described herein, describes method and system for managing communications in user equipment with a plurality of subscriber identity modules.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for managing communications in a user equipment is provided as defined in the appended claims.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a user equipment is provided as defined in the appended claims.

The advantages provided by the inventive disclosure, include, enabling sending of data by any SIM in a UE with multiple SIMs using in-device hotspot. This enables managing communication in the user equipment comprising of plurality of SIMs. This further enables availability of data for all SIMs irrespective of data settings and reduces power consumption. This leads to enhanced user-experience.

These aspects and advantages will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been 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 disclosure. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device 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 disclosure 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.

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the method and system, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the system as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

Reference throughout this specification to "an aspect", "another aspect" or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The terms "comprises," "comprising", "includes," "including," or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises. a" or "includes. a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the relevant art. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit "<NUM>" are shown at least in <FIG>. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit "<NUM>" are shown at least in <FIG>.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> illustrates an example network environment <NUM> for managing communications in user equipment <NUM> having a multiple or plurality of SIMs or user identities. The plurality of SIMs are capable of supporting various types of services such as RCS, VoLTE, etc. For the sake of brevity, only two SIMs, a first SIM <NUM>-<NUM> and a second SIM <NUM>-<NUM> are illustrated. The SIMs in the user equipment <NUM> operates in MSMS mode. Examples of the user equipment <NUM> include, but not limited to, mobile devices such as smartphones, personal digital assistants, smart watches, or any electronic device capable of supporting plurality of SIMs.

Further, each of the plurality of SIMs are capable of communicating with respective networks for transferring data through any of the wireless communication standards such as <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, Wi-Fi or the like. In the example, the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM> is communicating with first network <NUM>-<NUM> and the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM> is communicating with second network <NUM>-<NUM>. In an example, the first network <NUM>-<NUM> and the second network <NUM>-<NUM> are different. In an example, the networks <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> can operate as claimed in the LTE standards as provided by the third generation partnership project (3GPP). The LTE standards are also referred to as the evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) standards. In other examples, the networks <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may employ other types of cellular networks, such as second generation (<NUM>) or third generation (<NUM>) cellular networks, e.g., a global system for mobile (GSM) cellular network, an enhanced data rates for GSM evolution <NUM> (EDGE) cellular network, a universal terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN), a code division multiple access (CDMA) <NUM> cellular network, and so forth. In further examples, cellular networks can be new generation radio (NR), a fifth generation (<NUM>) or beyond cellular networks. Furthermore, in an example, the networks <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be a combination of one or more networks of the aforementioned type. Besides providing other capabilities to the user equipment <NUM>, the networks <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> facilitate the UE <NUM> to connect to a packet data network (PDN) for e.g., Internet, Intranet, and IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). A connection with the PDN can be established using network service or data connectivity provided by any of the SIMS. In the embodiment of <FIG>, a connection with the PDN can be established using network service or data connectivity provided by the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM> as default settings. In an example, the first network <NUM>-<NUM> may be implemented by a first mobile operator and the second network <NUM>-<NUM> may be implemented by a second network operator. In an example, the first network <NUM>-<NUM> and the second network <NUM>-<NUM> may connect with other networks such as RCS network providing and/or supporting RCS services, VoLTE network providing and/or supporting VoLTE services, etc..

In accordance with some example embodiments, the user equipment <NUM> includes managing system <NUM> for managing communications in the user equipment <NUM> having the plurality of SIMs. In some example embodiments, the managing system <NUM> detects that a network service is unavailable to a first SIM from a plurality of SIMs and is available to a second SIM from the plurality of SIMs. The managing system <NUM> detects availability of an in-device hotspot and provides to the first SIM an access to the in-device hotspot for using the network service available to the second SIM for sending data to a network.

In some example embodiments, the managing system <NUM> receives from a first SIM among the plurality of SIMs, a request for an available network service for transferring data of the first SIM when a network service of the first SIM is unavailable. The managing system <NUM> detects availability of an in-device hotspot in response to the request. The in-device hotspot is activated through a second SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is visible to the plurality of SIMs. The in-device hotspot provides a communication channel to transfer the data to the various networks. The first SIM and/or the second SIM among the plurality of SIMs can be configured/installed in the user equipment <NUM> in any order as selected by a user of the user equipment <NUM>. The managing system <NUM> then provides the first SIM an access to the in-device hotspot for transferring the data to a network through a network service established by the second SIM. According to the embodiment of <FIG>, the managing system <NUM> receives the request from the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM>. The managing system <NUM> detects the in-device hotspot is available as provided by the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM>. The managing system <NUM> then provides the access to the in-device hotspot to the first SIM <NUM>-1to transmit the data to the first network <NUM>-<NUM>. As such, the second network <NUM>-<NUM> does not drop the data and transmits the data to the first network <NUM>-<NUM>. Also, the first network <NUM>-<NUM> does not reject the data as received from the second network <NUM>-<NUM>.

Constructional and operational details of the managing system <NUM> and the user equipment <NUM> are explained in detail in the description of <FIG>. <FIG> shows a schematic block diagram of the managing system <NUM> for managing communications in the user equipment <NUM> according to an embodiment. In one example embodiment, the managing system <NUM> can be a chip incorporated in the user equipment <NUM>. In another example embodiment, the managing system <NUM> may be implemented software. The managing system <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, module(s) <NUM>, and data storage <NUM>. The processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, and the module(s) <NUM> are communicatively coupled to one another. The data storage <NUM> may serve, among other things, as a repository for storing data processed, received, and/or generated by the module(s) <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may be a single processing unit or a number of units, all of which could include multiple computing units. The processor <NUM> may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, processor cores, multi-core processors, multiprocessors, state machines, logic circuitries, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor <NUM> may be configured to fetch and/or execute computer-readable instructions and/or data stored in the memory <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> 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/or dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), flash memory, hard disks, optical disks, and/or magnetic tapes. The memory <NUM> may include a hotspot database <NUM>. The hotspot database <NUM> can include configuration parameters of networks associated with the plurality of SIMs <NUM> and data related to in-device hotspot being created such as header parameters, request template, session protocols, transaction protocols, and internet protocol details. For example, the hotspot database <NUM> can include configuration parameters of the first network <NUM>-<NUM> associated with the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM> and the second network <NUM>-<NUM> associated with the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM>.

The module(s) <NUM>, among other things, may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement data types. The module(s) <NUM> may also be implemented as, signal processor(s), state machine(s), logic circuitries, and/or any other device or component that manipulate signals based on operational instructions.

Further, the module(s) <NUM> may be implemented in hardware, instructions executed by at least one processing unit, for e.g., processor <NUM>, or by a combination thereof. The processing unit may be a general-purpose processor which executes instructions to cause the general-purpose processor to perform operations or, the processing unit may be dedicated to performing the required functions. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the module(s) <NUM> may be machine-readable instructions (software) which, when executed by a processor/processing unit, may perform any of the described functionalities.

In some example embodiments, the module(s) <NUM> may be machine-readable instructions (software) which, when executed by a processor/processing unit, perform any of the described functionalities. The module(s) <NUM> includes a receiver <NUM> and a detector <NUM>. The receiver <NUM> and the detector <NUM> are in communication with each other in one example embodiment.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic block diagram of the user equipment <NUM> having the plurality of SIMs <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>,. <NUM>-N (hereinafter referred to as "SIMs <NUM>" in plurality). Examples of the user equipment <NUM> include, but not limited to, mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets. The user equipment <NUM> may include a plurality of applications that enable a user of the user equipment <NUM> to avail various services. Examples of the applications include, but not limited to, browsing application, chat application, media sharing application, streaming media application, social network application, video calling applications, voice calling application, email application, billing application etc..

The user equipment <NUM> may include at least one processor <NUM> (also referred to herein as "the processor <NUM>"), a memory <NUM>, module(s) <NUM>, a communication interface <NUM>, a display <NUM>, resource(s) <NUM>, data storage <NUM>, and/or the managing system <NUM>. The processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, the module(s) <NUM>, the communication interface <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the resource(s) <NUM>, and/or the managing system <NUM> may be communicatively coupled with each other via a bus (illustrated using directional arrows). The user equipment <NUM> may also include one or more input devices such as a microphone, a stylus, a number pad and/or any other device operative to interact with the user equipment <NUM>. The user equipment <NUM> may also include one or more output devices such as speakers, etc. The data <NUM> may serve, among other things, as a repository for storing data processed, received, and/or generated by the module(s) <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> 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/or dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), flash memory, hard disks, optical disks, and/or magnetic tapes.

The module(s) <NUM>, among other things, may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement data types. The module(s) <NUM> may also be implemented as, signal processor(s), state machine(s), logic circuitries, and/or any other device or component that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. The modules(s) <NUM> may include a Wi-Fi interface.

In some example embodiments, the module(s) <NUM> may be machine-readable instructions (software) which, when executed by a processor/processing unit, perform any of the described functionalities.

The communication interface <NUM> may enable (e.g., facilitate) communication by the user equipment <NUM>. The display <NUM> may display various types of information (for example, media contents, multimedia data, text data, etc.) to a user of the user equipment <NUM>. The display <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a plasma cell display, an electronic ink array display, an electronic paper display, a flexible LCD, a flexible electrochromic display, and/or a flexible electrowetting display.

The resource(s) <NUM> may be physical and/or virtual components of the user equipment <NUM> that provide inherent capabilities and/or contribute towards the performance of the user equipment <NUM>. Examples of the resource(s) <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, a memory (e.g., the memory <NUM>), a power source (e.g. a battery), a display (e.g., the display <NUM>), etc. The resource(s) <NUM> may include a power sources/batteries, a network interface (e.g., the communication interface <NUM>), etc., in addition to the processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, and the display <NUM>.

The managing system <NUM> may be incorporated in the user equipment <NUM>. In one example embodiment, the managing system <NUM> can be a chip incorporated in the user equipment <NUM>. In one example embodiment, the managing system <NUM> may be part of the processor <NUM>. In another example embodiment, the managing system <NUM> can be software such as part of the module(s) <NUM>. According to some example embodiments, operations described herein as being performed by any or all of the managing system <NUM>, the receiver <NUM>, the detector <NUM>, the module(s) may be performed by at least one processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>) executing program code that includes instructions (e.g., the module(s) <NUM> and/or the module(s) <NUM>) corresponding to the operations. The instructions may be stored in a memory (e.g., the memory <NUM> and/or the memory <NUM>).

Typically, a first SIM from the plurality of SIMs searches for a network service to transmit data when a network service of the first SIM is unavailable. The data includes one or more of RCS data, VoLTE service data, and network application data. To this end, the first SIM sends a request to any of an operating system, the processor <NUM>, etc., as known in the art. In accordance with some of the embodiments, the receiver <NUM> receives the request from the first SIM. Referring to <FIG>, the receiver <NUM> receives the request for network service from the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM>. The receiver <NUM> may employ techniques as known in the art to receive the request. In accordance with some of the embodiments, the detector <NUM> detects a network service is unavailable to a first SIM from a plurality of SIMs and is available to a second SIM from the plurality of SIMs. Referring to <FIG>, the detector <NUM> detects the network service is unavailable to the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM> and the network service is available to the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM> using techniques as known in the art.

In response to the received request, the detector <NUM> detects an availability of an in-device hotspot. The in-device hotspot is a local hotspot established or configured to provide data connectivity from one SIM to the other SIMs and is only visible to the SIMs <NUM> in the user equipment <NUM>. Thus, usage of the local hotspot by other applications, such as email application, browsing application, streaming media application, etc., in the user equipment <NUM> or other devices connected with the user equipment <NUM> is averted. As such, the in-device hotspot can be a hidden network, which doesn't broadcast network details such as service set identifier (SSID), MAC address, IP address, etc. The in-device hotspot provides the SIMs <NUM> a communication channel to transfer the data to corresponding networks when the network service is not available for themselves. The in-device hotspot may be a local hotspot established using network service of the second SIM. According to an embodiment, the in-device hotspot is a local hotspot established using network service of the second SIM using techniques as known in the art. Referring to <FIG>, in an example, the in-device hotspot is configured by the network service of the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM>. A plurality of header parameters, a request template, session protocols, transaction protocols, and internet protocol (IP) details such as IP table, port details, etc., are stored in the hotspot database <NUM> when the in-device hotspot is configured. In an example, the detector <NUM> may detect the availability of the in-device hotspot by checking the details of the in-device hotspot from the hotspot database <NUM>. In another example, the detector <NUM> may detect the availability of the in-device hotspot by intercepting data packets sent through the in-device hotspot using techniques as known in the art.

Upon detecting the availability of the in-device hotspot, the detector <NUM> provides access of the in-device hotspot to the first SIM and establishes a non-radio flow/connection (e.g., Wi-Fi flow) in relation thereto. Referring to <FIG>, the detector <NUM> provides access of the in-device hotspot to the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM>. According to an embodiment, the detector <NUM> provides the access by connecting the first SIM <NUM>-1with the in-device hotspot through the non-radio flow using techniques as known in the art.

According to an embodiment to provide access to the in-device hotspot, the detector <NUM> fetches a plurality of header parameters, a request template, session protocols, transaction protocols, and internet protocol (IP) details corresponding to the in-device hotspot from the database <NUM>. The plurality of headers, the request template, the session protocols, the transaction protocols, and the IP details are capable of providing security to the data when the data is transferred from the SIM using the in-device hotspot. The plurality of header parameters includes details of network for whom request is going, i.e., details of recipient network, and details of network on which request is going, i.e., details of sender network. When the data is transferred, the headers are processed to confirm the address of the recipient. When the data is received, the headers are processed to confirm the address of the sender. The network details include SSID of the first network <NUM>-<NUM>, SSID of the second network <NUM>-<NUM>, MAC address of the UE, IP address of first network <NUM>-<NUM>, IP address of second network <NUM>-<NUM>, SIM details of the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM>, SIM details of the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM>, etc. The session protocols can use secure protocols such as HTTP to HTTPs, MSRP to MSRPS, TCP to TLS, and SIP to SIPS. The transaction protocols can use secure protocols such as HTTP to HTTPs, MSRP to MSRPS, TCP to TLS, and SIP to SIPS. The request template can indicate request is sent over non-3GPP access, use of IPSec tunnel for SIP Digest Authentication and TLS, and use of signal security method. The IP details can include IP Table and Port details for masking.

According to an embodiment, the detector <NUM> then modifies transport functionality based on the plurality of header parameters, the request template, the session protocols, and the transaction protocols, for transferring the data of the SIM through the in-device hotspot. As would be understood, the transport functionality is implemented by TCP/IP stack in a user equipment (UE) to enable transport or transmission of packets over the networks. The detector <NUM> may also mask network address based on the IP details. The masking of the network address can be performed using techniques as known in the art. Referring to <FIG>, the detector <NUM> may modify the transport functionality based on the plurality of header parameters, the request template, the session protocols, the transaction protocols, and the IP details. As such, the detector <NUM> may modify the transport functionality based on the plurality of headers, the request template, the session protocols, and the transaction protocols so as to enable transfer of data through the in-device hotspot, the first network <NUM>-<NUM>, and the PDN to the second network <NUM>-<NUM>. To this end, the detector <NUM> adds new header fields to header information for packets containing the data. The new header fields include a home header field and tunnel header field. The home header field identifies the network associated with the first SIM requesting the network service, i.e., recipient network details. The tunnel header field identifies the network associated with the second SIM providing the network service through the in-device hotspot, i.e., sender network details. Thus, the packets or data is not dropped due to the addition of the new header fields. In addition, the new header fields help operators of the sender network and the recipient network to reconfirm the arriving packets and to plan for any billing updates.

According to an embodiment, the detector <NUM> determines the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM> may use the SIP protocol and updates header information for packets containing the data with new header fields. A home header field indicating recipient network details as network details of the first network <NUM>-<NUM> and the SIM details of first SIM <NUM>-<NUM> is added to the header information. A tunnel header field indicating sender network details as network details of the second network <NUM>-<NUM> and the SIM details of second SIM <NUM>-<NUM> is added to the header information. After the first SIM <NUM>-1connects to the in-device hotspot, the data is transmitted using the flow established and modified transport functionality. To this end, upon modifying the functionality, the detector <NUM> sends a configuration request, for e.g., Auto Configuration Service (ACS) request to the first network <NUM>-<NUM>. The first network <NUM>-<NUM> is able to successfully identify/verify the identity of the requester, i.e., the SIM <NUM>-<NUM> based on the new header fields, i.e., the home header field and the tunnel header field, added in the header information. The first network <NUM>-<NUM> validates the SIM <NUM>-<NUM> based on the SIM details such as IMSI or MSISDN provided by the user of the UE <NUM> and an one-time password (OTP) as known in the art. Upon successful validation, the first network <NUM>-<NUM> provisions the user and sends a valid configuration to the UE <NUM> as known in the art. After configuration, SIP registration is performed as known in the art. The SIP request will be sent on IPSEC tunnel using Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA) flow for mutual AKA based authentication using the details of the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM>. Thereafter, secure protocols shall be used for sending the data. In one example, data will be sent on MSRPS protocol instead of MSRP protocol. In another example, data will be sent on HTTPS protocol instead of HTTP protocol.

Thus, as the data of the first SIM <NUM>-1relates to the non-trusted flow, i.e., the hotspot flow, the second network <NUM>-<NUM> would not drop the data of the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM>. Upon receiving the aforementioned traffic, the second network <NUM>-<NUM> then forwards the same to the first network <NUM>-<NUM> through the PDN. Thus, in addition to the data of the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM>, the user equipment <NUM> is able to transmit the data of the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the detector <NUM> detects un-availability of the in-device hotspot. As such, the detector <NUM> detects an availability of network service provided by the second SIM from among the plurality of SIMs <NUM>. The network service provided by the second SIM can be one of a <NUM> network service and free network service. The detector <NUM> detects the availability of the network service based on SIM details of the second SIM. Referring to <FIG>, in one example, the in-device hotspot is not available. As such, the detector <NUM> detects the availability of the network service on the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM> based on SIM details of the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM>. The SIM details can be obtained from a memory of SIM, as known in the art. In one example embodiment, the detector <NUM> selects the second SIM from among the plurality of SIMs based on a predefined list. The predefined list indicates which SIM can be used for creation of the in-device hotspot. Such a list can be predefined during manufacturing of the user equipment <NUM> or can be defined by the user while using the user equipment <NUM>. Upon selecting the SIM from the predefined list, the detector <NUM> obtains SIM details stored in the SIM and detects the availability of the network service from SIM details. In one example embodiment, the detector <NUM> selects the second SIM based a user-input. In such example, the detector <NUM> provides a notification indicative of using the SIMs for in-device hotspot on the display <NUM> and receives a user-input indicative of selecting the SIM. Upon selecting the SIM, the detector <NUM> detects the availability of the network service from the SIM details. Thus, the detector <NUM> selects the second SIM capable of providing one of <NUM> network service and a free network service.

The detector <NUM> then activates the in-device hotspot through the second SIM. The in-device hotspot is a local hotspot established using network service of the second SIM. According to an embodiment, the in-device hotspot is a local hotspot established using network service of the SIM using techniques as known in the art. Referring to <FIG>, when the in-device hotspot is not available, the detector <NUM> configures the in-device hotspot by using the network service of the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM>. The detector <NUM> provides to the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM> an access to the in-device hotspot for transferring the data to the first network <NUM>-<NUM> in a manner as described above.

Further, to provide the access, the detector <NUM> obtains and adds a plurality of header parameters, a request template, session protocols, transaction protocols, and IP details corresponding to the in-device hotspot or the second SIM in the database <NUM>. As described earlier, the plurality of header parameters includes details of network for whom request is going, i.e., details of recipient network, and details of network on which request is going, i.e., details of sender network. The session protocols can use secure protocols such as HTTP to HTTP, MSRP to MSRPS, TCP to TLS, SIP to SIPS. The transaction protocols can use secure protocols such as HTTP to HTTPs, MSRP to MSRPS, TCP to TLS, SIP to SIPS. The request template can indicate request is sent over non-3GPP access, use of IPSec tunnel for SIP Digest Authentication and TLS, and use of signal security method. The IP details can include IP Table and Port details for masking. Referring to <FIG>, the detector <NUM> obtains the plurality of header parameters, the request template, the session protocols, the transaction protocols, and the IP details from the SIMs and the networks associated with the SIM. The detector <NUM> then adds the plurality of header parameters, the request template, the session protocols, the transaction protocols, and the IP details in the database <NUM> after activation of the in-device hotspot. The plurality of headers include SSID of the first network <NUM>-<NUM>, SSID of the second network <NUM>-<NUM>, MAC address of the UE, IP address of first network <NUM>-<NUM>, IP address of second network <NUM>-<NUM>, SIM details of the SIM <NUM>-<NUM>, SIM details of the SIM <NUM>-<NUM>, etc. The detector <NUM> then modifies transport functionality based on the plurality of header parameters, the request template, the session protocols, and the transaction protocols, for transferring the data of the SIM <NUM>-<NUM> through the in-device hotspot, as described earlier. To this end, the detector <NUM> adds the new header fields to the header information of the packets containing the data, as described earlier. The detector <NUM> may mask network address based on the IP details. The masking may be performed using techniques as known in the art. The detector <NUM> then enables transferring the data based on the modified transport functionality as described above.

<FIG> illustrate an example process for managing the communications in accordance with some example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM> is transmitting RCS data as the data to the first network <NUM>-<NUM> using the in-device hotspot provided by the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM>.

At step <NUM>, the receiver <NUM> receives a request from the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM> for the network service to transfer RCS data. At step <NUM>, the detector <NUM> detects if network service is available on the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM>. If at step <NUM>, the network service is available, the process flows to step <NUM>. At step <NUM>, the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM> transfer the RCS data using the network service, and thereafter the process ends. If at step <NUM>, the network service on first SIM <NUM>-<NUM> is unavailable, the process flows to step <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, the detector <NUM> detects availability of the in-device hotspot activated through the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM>. If at step <NUM>, the in-device hotspot is available, the process flows to step <NUM> as indicated in <FIG>, represented by A. Referring to <FIG>, at step <NUM>, the detector e <NUM> provides access to the in-device hotspot to the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM>. To this end, at step <NUM>, the detector <NUM> fetches the plurality of header parameters, the request template, the session protocols, the transaction protocols, and the IP details corresponding to the in-device hotspot from the database <NUM>. At step <NUM>, the detector e <NUM>, the detector <NUM> modifies the transport functionality based on the plurality of header parameters, the request template, the session protocols, the transaction protocols for transferring the data through the network service established by the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM> to the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM>. As such, the detector <NUM> adds the header field and the tunnel field to the header information of packets containing the data. The detector <NUM> may also mask the network address. At step <NUM>, the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM> transfers the RCS data through the in-device hotspot, and thereafter the process ends.

If at step <NUM>, the in-device hotspot activated through the second SIM is unavailable, the process flows to step <NUM> as indicated in <FIG>, represented by B. Referring to <FIG>, at step <NUM>, the detector <NUM> selects another SIM, for e.g., second SIM <NUM>-<NUM>, having either <NUM> network service or free network service. At step <NUM>, the detector <NUM> provides a notification indicating selection second SIM <NUM>-<NUM> or the SIMs <NUM> for indevice hotspot to the user. At step <NUM>, the detector <NUM> detects if the user confirmation for selection of the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM> is available. If at step <NUM>, the user confirmation is not available, the process ends. If at step <NUM>, the user confirmation is available, the process flows to step <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, the detector <NUM> enables the in-device hotspot through the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM>. At step <NUM>, the detector <NUM> adds the plurality of header parameters, request template, the session protocols, the transaction protocols, and the IP details to the database <NUM>. At step <NUM>, the detector <NUM> modifies transport functionality based on the plurality of header parameters, request template, the session protocols, and the transaction protocols. As such, the detector <NUM> adds the header field and the tunnel field to the header information of packets containing the data. The detector <NUM> may also mask the network address. At step <NUM>, the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM> transfers the RCS data through the in-device hotspot, and thereafter the process ends.

Thus, the present disclosure enables the RCS service for all the SIMs of a multi SIM UE, irrespective of user data setting and device hardware constraints, and still maintaining the user RCS setting request. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides the RCS services with no properties flow towards the network servers, and implements aspects at Client's side. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides for supporting the RCS services on existing and new technologies. For example, the RCS services are supported on Fastest Channel <NUM> in early stage of Voice over New Radio (VONR) for all the SIMs of the UE.

Thus, as claimed in aforementioned aspects, multiple RCS will be available on all SIMs irrespective of data setting. Furthermore, no extension is required in modem or access point to support multiple RCS over DEFAULT PDN. Furthermore, resource optimization, for example, battery saving is achieved by avoiding modem operation to keep both operator channels active. Furthermore, relative disconnection of ongoing session is reduced. Although, the above example is based on transmitting RCS data when SIMs operate in MSMS mode, the scope of disclosure is not limited to transmitting RCS data. Through the present disclosure, any type of data can be transmitted securely by other SIMs using the network service available on one SIM with additional headers and flow. This leads to optimal utilization of resources of the user equipment and the networks.

<FIG> illustrates a flow diagram for a method <NUM> for managing communication in user equipment with a plurality of subscriber identity modules (SIM), in accordance with an embodiment. The method <NUM> may be implemented by the managing system <NUM> using components thereof and/or the processor <NUM> in the user equipment <NUM>, as described above. In an embodiment, the method <NUM> may be executed by the receiver <NUM> and the detector <NUM>. Further, for the sake of brevity, details that are explained in details in the description of <FIG> are not explained in detail in the description of <FIG>.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes detecting that a network service is unavailable to a first SIM among a plurality of SIMs and is available to a second SIM among the plurality of SIMs. For example, the detector <NUM> detects the network service is unavailable to the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM> and the network service is available to the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes detecting availability of an in-device hotspot. The in-device hotspot is generated by the second SIM and is visible to the plurality of SIMs. For example, the detector <NUM> detects availability of the in-device hotspot.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes providing to the first SIM an access to the in device hotspot for using the network service available to the second SIM for sending data to a network. the detector <NUM> provides access of the in-device hotspot to the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM> for using the network service available to the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM> for sending data to the first network <NUM>-<NUM>.

Further, in some embodiment, the method <NUM> includes fetching a plurality of header parameters, a request template, session protocols, transaction protocols, and internet protocol details corresponding to the in-device hotspot from a database. The method <NUM> includes modifying a transport functionality based on the plurality of header parameters, the request template, the session protocols, and the transaction protocols, for sending the data using the network service available to the second SIM. To this end, the method <NUM> includes adding a header field and a tunnel field to a header information based on the plurality of header parameters, the header field identifying the network associated with the first SIM and the tunnel field identifying a network associated with the second SIM. The method <NUM> also includes masking a network address based on the internet protocol details.

Further, in some embodiment, the method <NUM> includes detecting unavailability of the in-device hotspot. The method <NUM> includes selecting the second SIM from among the plurality of SIMs. The method <NUM> includes activating the in-device hotspot through the network service of the second SIM. The method <NUM> includes providing to the first SIM an access to the in-device hotspot for sending the data using the network service available to the second SIM.

Further, the method <NUM> includes obtaining and adding a plurality of header parameters, a request template, session protocols, transaction protocols, and internet protocol details corresponding to the in-device hotspot to a database. The method <NUM> includes modifying a transport functionality based on the plurality of header parameters, the request template, the session protocols, and the transaction protocols, for sending the data using the network service available to the second SIM. To this end, the method <NUM> includes adding a header field and a tunnel field to a header information based on the plurality of header parameters, the header field identifying the network associated with the first SIM and the tunnel field identifying a network associated with the second SIM. The method <NUM> also includes masking a network address based on the internet protocol details. The method <NUM> also includes selecting the second SIM from amongst the plurality of SIMs based on one or more of predefined list and a user-input.

<FIG> illustrates a flow diagram for a method <NUM> for managing communication in user equipment with a plurality of subscriber identity modules (SIM), in accordance with an embodiment. The method <NUM> may be implemented by the managing system <NUM> using components thereof and/or the processor <NUM> in the user equipment <NUM>, as described above. According to an embodiment, the method <NUM> may be executed by the receiver <NUM> and the detector <NUM>. Further, for the sake of brevity, details that are explained in details in the description of <FIG> are not explained in detail in the description of <FIG>.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes receiving, from a first SIM among the plurality of SIMs, a request for an available network service for transferring data of the first SIM when a network service of the first SIM is unavailable. The data includes one or more of rich communication data, VoLTE data, and network application data. For example, the receiver <NUM> receives the request from the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes detecting availability of an in-device hotspot in response to the request, wherein the in-device hotspot is activated through a second SIM among the plurality of SIMs and is visible to the plurality of SIMs. For example, the detector <NUM> detects the availability of the in-device hotspot activated through the second SIM <NUM>-<NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes providing to the first SIM an access to the indevice hotspot for transferring the data to a network through a network service established by the second SIM. For example, the detector <NUM> provides access of the in-device hotspot to the first SIM <NUM>-<NUM>.

Further, in the embodiment, to provide the access, the method <NUM> includes fetching a plurality of header parameters, request template, session protocols, transaction protocols, and internet protocol details corresponding to the in-device hotspot from a database. The method includes modifying transport functionality based on one or more of the plurality of header parameters, the request template, the session protocols, and the transaction protocols, for transferring the data through the network service established by the second SIM. As such, the method <NUM> includes adding a header field and a tunnel field to a header information based on the plurality of header parameters. The header field identifies the network associated with the first SIM. The tunnel field identifies a network associated with the second SIM. The method <NUM> also includes masking a network address based on the IP details.

Further, in an embodiment, the method <NUM> includes detecting unavailability of the indevice hotspot in response to the request. The method <NUM> includes detecting an availability of network service provided by the second SIM from amongst the plurality of SIMs, the network service being one of <NUM> network service and free network service. The method <NUM> includes activating the in-device hotspot through the second SIM. The method <NUM> incudes providing to the first SIM an access to the in-device hotspot for transferring the data to the network.

Further, in an embodiment, to provide the access, the method <NUM> includes adding a plurality of header parameters request template, session protocols, transaction protocols, and internet protocol details corresponding to the in-device hotspot to a database. The method <NUM> includes modifying the transport functionality based on the plurality of header parameters request template, session protocols, transaction protocols, and internet protocol details for transferring the data through the network service established by the second SIM. As such, the method <NUM> includes adding a header field and a tunnel field to a header information based on the plurality of header parameters. The header field identifies the network associated with the first SIM. The tunnel field identifies a network associated with the second SIM. The method <NUM> also includes masking a network address based on the IP details.

Further, in an embodiment, the method <NUM> includes selecting the second SIM from amongst the plurality of SIMs based on one or more of a predefined list and a user-input.

Thus, the present disclosure enables managing communication in the user equipment comprising of plurality of SIMs by enabling one SIM to access hotspot provided by another SIM for transmitting of data when a network service of the SIM is not available. This enables availability of data for all SIMs irrespective of data settings and reduces power consumption. This leads to enhanced user-experience.

Claim 1:
A method for managing communication in a user equipment (<NUM>) operated in a multi-SIM-multi-standby, MSMS, mode including a plurality of subscriber identity modules, SIMs (<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>), the method comprising:
upon detecting that a network service is unavailable to a first SIM (<NUM>-<NUM>) among the plurality of SIMs (<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) and a network service is available to a second SIM (<NUM>-<NUM>) among the plurality of SIMs (<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) or upon receiving, from the first SIM (<NUM>-<NUM>), a request for an available network service for transferring data of the first SIM (<NUM>-<NUM>) when a network service of the first SIM (<NUM>-<NUM>) is unavailable, detecting an availability of an in-device wireless hotspot based on information on the in-device wireless hotspot stored in a hotspot database (<NUM>) configured in a memory (<NUM>) of the user equipment (<NUM>), the information on the in-device wireless hotspot including at least one of a plurality of header parameters, a request template, session protocols, transaction protocols, and internet protocol, IP, details related to the in-device wireless hotspot; and
providing, to the first SIM (<NUM>-<NUM>) for sending data to a network, an access to the in-device wireless hotspot for using the network service available to the second SIM (<NUM>-<NUM>).