WO2025015490A1

WO2025015490A1 - Dual connectivity mode operation based on device form factor

Info

Publication number: WO2025015490A1
Application number: PCT/CN2023/107639
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sunwoo Park; Rashmi KULKARNI; Won-Seon CHOI; Eunsang HWANG; HeeGyum KIM; Huijun CHOI; Julee PARK; Joonhee HWANG; Rong Li
Original assignee: Qualcomm Inc
Current assignee: Qualcomm Inc
Priority date: 2023-07-17
Filing date: 2023-07-17
Publication date: 2025-01-23
Anticipated expiration: 2026-01-17
Also published as: TW202505932A

Abstract

In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may identify a form factor of the UE based at least in part on sensor information associated with the UE. The UE may selectively permit the UE to operate in a dual connectivity (DC) mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE. Numerous other aspects are described.

Description

DUAL CONNECTIVITY MODE OPERATION BASED ON DEVICE FORM FACTOR

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication and, for example, to dual connectivity mode operation based on device form factor.

BACKGROUND

In operation in a dual connectivity (DC) mode of operation, a device (e.g., a user equipment (UE) ) can be connected to two cell groups at the same time –a master cell group (MCG) and a secondary cell group (SCG) . Multi-radio-access-technology (RAT) DC (referred to as MR-DC) is sometimes used as a general term for dual connectivity. Dual connectivity configurations include, for example, evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) –New Radio (NR) DC (referred to as EN-DC) , NR-DC, next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) –E-UTRA DC (referred to as NGEN-DC) , and NR –E-UTRA DC (referred to as NE-DC) . As one example, in an EN-DC configuration, the MCG may comprise a set of Long Term Evolution (LTE) cells, and the SCG may comprise a set of NR cells. In operation, the MCG works as an anchor cell group, the device performs initial registration to the MCG, and the MCG may add one or more SCGs. As another example, in an NR-DC configuration, a UE may connect to both a sub-6 gigahertz (GHz) network node and to a millimeter wave (mmW) network node using dual connectivity.

SUMMARY

Some aspects described herein relate to a method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE) . The method may include identifying a form factor of the UE based at least in part on sensor information associated with the UE. The method may include selectively permitting the UE to operate in a dual connectivity (DC) mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE.

Some aspects described herein relate to a UE for wireless communication. The UE may include one or more memories and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories. The one or more processors may be configured to identify a form factor of the UE based at least in part on sensor information associated with the UE. The one or more processors may be configured to selectively permit the UE to operate in a DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE.

Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a set of instructions for wireless communication by a UE. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the UE to identify a form factor of the UE based at least in part on sensor information associated with the UE. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the UE to selectively permit the UE to operate in a DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE.

Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include means for identifying a form factor of the UE based at least in part on sensor information associated with the apparatus. The apparatus may include means for selectively permitting the apparatus to operate in a DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the apparatus.

Aspects generally include a method, apparatus, system, computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, user device, user equipment, wireless communication device, and/or processing system as substantially described with reference to and as illustrated by the drawings and specification.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of examples according to the disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described hereinafter. The conception and specific examples disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. Characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein, both their organization and method of operation, together with associated advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. Each of the figures is provided for the purposes of illustration and description, and not as a definition of the limits of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the above-recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to aspects, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only certain typical aspects of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the description may admit to other equally effective aspects. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example environment in which techniques described herein may be used to manage dual connectivity (DC) mode operation based on device form factor, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating example components of a device, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example associated with DC mode operation based on device form factor, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example process associated with DC mode operation based on device form factor, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an example process associated with DC mode operation based on device form factor, in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects of the disclosure are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. One skilled in the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or combined with any other aspect of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such an apparatus or method which is practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.

A device, such as a user equipment (UE) , may be designed with multiple form factors (e.g., a foldable-flip UE, a foldable-fold UE, a rollable UE, or the like) . For example, a UE may have a primary form factor in which a primary screen (e.g., a larger screen) of the UE is used, and a secondary form factor in which only a secondary screen (e.g., a smaller screen) of the UE is used. In such a case, the primary screen may consume comparatively more resources than the secondary screen, meaning that power consumption is increased while the device is in the primary form factor (as compared to power consumption while the device is in the secondary form factor) .

Further, the UE may be capable of operating in a DC mode of operation, such as a EN-DC mode, a NR-DC mode, a NGEN-DC mode, a NE-DC mode, or another type of MR-DC mode. However, while a given DC mode may enable high quality and high speed data services, the given DC mode of operation has a higher operational cost in terms of, for example, power consumption (e.g., battery power) , heat generation, and network resource consumption (e.g., as compared to non-DC mode operation) . Conventionally, whether the UE is operating in a DC mode is not impacted by the form factor of the UE. That is, the operational cost of the UE is the same regardless of the form factor of the UE.

Some aspects described herein provide techniques and apparatuses for DC mode operation based on device form factor. In some aspects, the UE may identify a form factor of the UE based at least in part on sensor information associated with the UE. The UE may then selectively permit the UE to operate in a DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE. As one example, the UE may permit operation in the DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE being identified as a primary form factor (e.g., a form factor in which a main screen of the UE is utilized) . As another example, the UE may prevent subsequent operation in the DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE being identified as a secondary form factor (e.g., a form factor in which only a sub-screen of the UE is utilized) . In this way, a cost associated with operation of the UE in a DC mode (e.g., in terms of power consumption, heat generation, network resource consumption, or the like) can be reduced, thereby increasing battery life and thermal performance of the UE, as well as reducing network resource consumption. Additional details are provided below.

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example environment 100 in which techniques described herein may be used to manage DC mode operation based on device form factor, in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, the environment 100 may include a UE 110, a network node 120, and a network 130. Devices of the environment 100 may interconnect via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

The UE 110 includes one or more devices capable of performing operations associated with management of DC mode operation based on device form factor. For example, as shown, the UE 110 may include one or more sensors that can provide sensor information related to identifying a form factor of the UE 110. As further shown, the UE 110 may further include a DC mode control component that can identify a form factor of the UE 110 based at least in part on the sensor information, and selectively permit the UE 110 to operate in the DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE 110. In some aspects, the UE 110 may include a wired and/or wireless communication and/or computing device, such as a UE, a mobile phone (e.g., a smart phone, a radiotelephone, and/or the like) , a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a handheld computer, a desktop computer, a gaming device, a wearable communication device (e.g., a smart wristwatch, a pair of smart eyeglasses, and/or the like) , or the like.

Similar to the UE 110, the network node 120 includes one or more devices capable of receiving, generating, storing, processing, and/or providing information related to management of DC mode operation based on device form factor. For example, the network node 120 may include a base station (a Node B, a gNB, and/or a 5G node B (NB) , among other examples) , a UE, a relay device, a network controller, an access point, a transmit receive point (TRP) , an apparatus, a device, a computing system, one or more components of any of these, and/or another processing entity configured to perform one or more aspects of the techniques described herein. For example, the network node 120 may be an aggregated base station and/or one or more components of a disaggregated base station.

The network 130 includes one or more wired and/or wireless networks. For example, the network 130 may include a cellular network (e.g., a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, a 3G network, a 4G network, a 5G network, another type of next generation network, and/or the like) , a public land mobile network (PLMN) , a local area network (LAN) , a wide area network (WAN) , a metropolitan area network (MAN) , a telephone network (e.g., the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) ) , a private network, an ad hoc network, an intranet, the Internet, a fiber optic-based network, a cloud computing network, or the like, and/or a combination of these or other types of networks.

The number and arrangement of devices and networks shown in Fig. 1 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional devices and/or networks, fewer devices and/or networks, different devices and/or networks, or differently arranged devices and/or networks than those shown in Fig. 1. Furthermore, two or more devices shown in Fig. 1 may be implemented within a single device, or a single device shown in Fig. 1 may be implemented as multiple, distributed devices. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of devices (e.g., one or more devices) of the environment 100 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices of the environment 100.

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating example components of a device 200, in accordance with the present disclosure. The device 200 may correspond to the UE 110 and/or the network node 120. In some aspects, the UE 110 and/or the network node 120 may include one or more devices 200 and/or one or more components of the device 200. As shown in Fig. 2, the device 200 may include a bus 205, a processor 210, a memory 215, an input component 220, an output component 225, a communication component 230, one or more sensors 235, and a DC mode control component 240.

The bus 205 may include one or more components that enable wired and/or wireless communication among the components of the device 200. The bus 205 may couple together two or more components of Fig. 2, such as via operative coupling, communicative coupling, electronic coupling, and/or electric coupling. For example, the bus 205 may include an electrical connection (e.g., a wire, a trace, and/or a lead) and/or a wireless bus. The processor 210 may include a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a field-programmable gate array, an application-specific integrated circuit, and/or another type of processing component. The processor 210 may be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. In some aspects, the processor 210 may include one or more processors capable of being programmed to perform one or more operations or processes described elsewhere herein.

The memory 215 may include volatile and/or nonvolatile memory. For example, the memory 215 may include random access memory (RAM) , read only memory (ROM) , a hard disk drive, and/or another type of memory (e.g., a flash memory, a magnetic memory, and/or an optical memory) . The memory 215 may include internal memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, or a hard disk drive) and/or removable memory (e.g., removable via a universal serial bus connection) . The memory 215 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The memory 215 may store information, one or more instructions, and/or software (e.g., one or more software applications) related to the operation of the device 200. In some aspects, the memory 215 may include one or more memories that are coupled (e.g., communicatively coupled) to one or more processors (e.g., processor 210) , such as via the bus 205. Communicative coupling between a processor 210 and a memory 215 may enable the processor 210 to read and/or process information stored in the memory 215 and/or to store information in the memory 215.

The input component 220 may enable the device 200 to receive input, such as user input and/or sensed input. For example, the input component 220 may include a touch screen, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a microphone, a switch, a sensor, a global positioning system sensor, a global navigation satellite system sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or an actuator. The output component 225 may enable the device 200 to provide output, such as via a display, a speaker, and/or a light-emitting diode. The communication component 230 may enable the device 200 to communicate with other devices via a wired connection and/or a wireless connection. For example, the communication component 230 may include a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, a modem, a network interface card, and/or an antenna.

The one or more sensors 235 include one or more wired or wireless devices capable of receiving, generating, storing, transmitting, processing, detecting, and/or providing sensor information based at least in part on which a form factor of a UE 110 can be identified, as described elsewhere herein. For example, the one or more sensors 235 may include an angle sensor, a Hall-effect sensor, a magnetic sensor, a proximity sensor, a motion sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a light sensor, a noise sensor, a pressure sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a positioning sensor, a capacitive sensor, a timing device, an infrared sensor, an active sensor (e.g., a sensor that requires an external power signal) , a passive sensor (e.g., a sensor that does not require an external power signal) , a biological or biometric sensor, a smoke sensor, a gas sensor, a chemical sensor, an alcohol sensor, a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a humidity sensor, a radioactive sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, an analog sensor, and/or a digital sensor, among other examples. The one or more sensors 235 may sense or detect sensor information (e.g., a condition, a state, or the like) and transmit, using a wired or wireless communication interface, an indication of the sensor information to other components of the device 200 and/or other devices.

The DC mode control component 240 includes one or more devices capable of receiving, generating, storing, transmitting, processing, and/or providing information associated with identification of the form factor of the device 200, as described elsewhere herein. For example, in some aspects, the DC mode control component 240 may receive sensor information from the one or more sensors 235 and identify the form factor of the device 200 based at least in part on the sensor information. The DC mode control component 240 may in some aspects selectively permit the device 200 to operate in DC mode based at least in part on the identified form factor.

The device 200 may perform one or more operations or processes described herein. For example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 215) may store a set of instructions (e.g., one or more instructions or code) for execution by the processor 210. The processor 210 may execute the set of instructions to perform one or more operations or processes described herein. In some aspects, execution of the set of instructions, by one or more processors 210, causes the one or more processors 210 and/or the device 200 to perform one or more operations or processes described herein. In some aspects, hardwired circuitry may be used instead of or in combination with the instructions to perform one or more operations or processes described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, the processor 210 may be configured to perform one or more operations or processes described herein. Thus, aspects described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

In some aspects, the device 200 may include means for identifying a form factor of a UE 110 based at least in part on sensor information associated with the UE 110; and/or means for selectively permitting the UE 110 to operate in a DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE 110. In some aspects, the means for device 200 to perform processes and/or operations described herein may include one or more components of device 200 described in connection with Fig. 2, such as bus 205, processor 210, memory 215, input component 220, output component 225, communication component 230, one or more sensors 235, and/or DC mode control component 240.

The number and arrangement of components shown in Fig. 2 are provided as an example. The device 200 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in Fig. 2. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of the device 200 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of the device 200.

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example 300 associated with DC mode operation based on device form factor, in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 3, example 300 includes functions performed by a UE (e.g., a UE 110) . In some aspects, the UE may communicate with a network node (e.g., network node 120) in a wireless network (e.g., network 130) via a wireless access link. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE may perform one or more operations associated with control of DC mode operation based on device form factor, as described herein.

As shown in Fig. 3 at reference 305, a DC mode control component of the UE (e.g., DC mode control component 240) may receive sensor information associated with the UE. In some aspects, as shown in Fig. 3, the DC mode control component may receive the sensor information from one or more sensors of the UE (e.g., one or more sensors 235) . The one or more sensors may include, for example, an angle sensor, a Hall-effect sensor, a proximity sensor, or another type of sensor. In some aspects, the sensor information may include information indicating a characteristic or property of the UE at a given time, such as an angle or orientation of the UE (e.g., with respect to the ground) , an arrangement of the UE (e.g., whether the UE is a folded configuration or an unfolded configuration) , or a proximity of the UE (e.g., with respect to another object) , or the like, among other examples.

In some aspects, the DC mode control component may receive the sensor information automatically (e.g., on a configured periodic basis) . Additionally, or alternatively, the DC mode control component may receive the sensor information in response to a request (e.g., when the DC mode control component is capable of requesting sensor information from the one or more sensors) .

As shown at reference 310, the DC mode control component of the UE may identify a form factor of the UE based at least in part on the sensor information. For example, the DC mode control component may be configured with a form factor identification algorithm that receives sensor information as input, and provides an indication of the form factor of the UE as an output.

In some aspects, the DC mode control component may identify the form factor of the UE automatically (e.g., each time the DC mode control component receives sensor information on a configured periodic basis) . That is, the DC mode control component may, in some aspects, identify the form factor of the UE upon receiving sensor information from the one or more sensors (e.g., the DC mode control component may identify a current form factor the UE upon receipt of sensor information from the one or more sensors) . Additionally, or alternatively, the DC mode control component may identify the form factor in response to a request or another type of input (e.g., user input) received by the DC mode control component.

In some aspects, identification of the form factor of the UE may be triggered based at least in part on sensor information indicating that the form factor of the UE has changed. For example, the DC mode control component may receive first sensor information and may identify the form factor as a first form factor. Next, at a later time, the UE may receive second (e.g., updated) sensor information. Here, the DC mode control component may determine whether the second sensor information matches the first information. For example, the DC mode control component may determine that the second sensor information does not match the first sensor information (e.g., that one or more characteristics or properties of the UE as indicated in the second sensor information are different from the same one or more characteristics or properties as indicated in the first sensor information) . In such a scenario, the DC mode control component may proceed to identify the form factor of the UE based at least in part on the second sensor information. As another example, the DC mode control component may determine that the second sensor information matches the first sensor information (e.g., that one or more characteristics or properties of the UE as indicated in the second sensor information do not differ from the same one or more characteristics or properties as indicated in the first sensor information) . In such a scenario, the DC mode control component may refrain from identifying the form factor and may await receipt of additional sensor information.

As shown at reference 315, the DC mode control component of the UE may selectively permit the UE to operate in a DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE.

In some aspects, when selectively permitting the UE to operate in the DC mode, the DC mode control component may prevent the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode. For example, the DC mode control component may identify the form factor of the UE as a secondary form factor (e.g., a form factor in which only a sub-screen of the UE is used) , and may prevent the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE being the secondary form factor.

In some aspects, preventing the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode includes deactivating an SCG connection. For example, after determining that the UE is in the secondary form factor, the DC mode control component may determine whether the UE is operating in the DC mode (e.g., whether the UE is currently connected to an SCG) . Here, if the DC mode control component determines that the UE is operating in the DC mode, then the DC mode control component may deactivate an SCG associated with the DC mode operation. Here, the UE may move to an MCG connection-only state. In some aspects, by deactivating the SCG connection, the DC mode control component causes the UE to declare a radio link failure (RLF) on the SCG and notify the network (e.g., via an SCG failure message) . In some aspects, the DC mode control component may block a further SCG addition after deactivating the SCG connection (e.g., such that addition of another SCG is prevented) . In this way, the DC mode control component may deactivate an SCG when the UE is already operating in DC mode, and may prevent further SCG addition, thereby reducing power consumption, heat generation, and network resource consumption of the UE while the UE is in the secondary form factor. In some aspects, in association with blocking SCG addition, the DC mode control component causes the UE to ignore or refrain from performing a process associated with performing an SCG addition (e.g., B1 event measurement or reporting, SCG failure reporting, or the like) .

In some aspects, preventing the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode includes blocking an SCG addition. For example, after determining that the UE is in the secondary form factor, the DC mode control component may determine whether the UE is operating in the DC mode. Here, if the DC mode control component determines that the UE is not operating the DC mode, then the DC mode control component may block SCG addition of the UE (e.g., such that addition of an SCG is prevented) . In this way, the DC mode control component may block SCG addition when the UE is not already operating in DC mode, thereby reducing power consumption, heat generation, and network resource consumption of the UE while the UE is in the secondary form factor. In some aspects, in association with blocking SCG addition, the DC mode control component causes the UE to ignore or refrain from performing a process associated with performing an SCG addition (e.g., B1 event measurement or reporting, SCG failure reporting, or the like) .

In some aspects, when selectively permitting the UE to operate in the DC mode, the DC mode control component may permit the UE from to operate in the DC mode. For example, the DC mode control component may identify the form factor of the UE as a primary form factor (e.g., a form factor in which a main screen of the UE is used) , and may permit the UE to operate in the DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE being the primary form factor.

In some aspects, the DC mode control component may selectively permit the UE to operate in the DC mode based at least in part on a determination associated with a client override. For example, the UE may be configured with a voting table that stores override information associated with one or more clients (e.g., one or more applications of the UE) . Override information associated with a given client may an include an indication of whether the client (e.g., if active or running on the UE at a given time) , votes that the UE should operate in the DC mode regardless of the form factor of the UE (e.g., such that the client can vote to override a decision of the DC mode control component to prevent DC mode operation) .

As one example, the DC mode control component may determine that the UE is in the secondary form factor. Here, the DC mode control component may consult the voting table to determine whether a threshold quantity of clients (e.g., at least one active client) vote to permit the UE to operate in the DC mode regardless of the form factor of the UE. In this example, if the DC mode control component determines that the threshold is not satisfied (e.g., that no active clients vote to permit the UE to operate in the DC mode regardless of the form factor) , then the DC mode control component may determine that there is no client override and, therefore, may prevent the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode. Conversely, if the DC mode control component determines that the threshold is satisfied (e.g., that at least one active client votes to permit the UE to operate in the DC mode regardless of the form factor) , then the DC mode control component may determine that there is a client override and, therefore, may permit the UE to operate in the DC mode (even though the UE is in the second form factor) . In some aspects, the DC mode control component may repeat such a determination of whether to permit DC mode operation when the UE receives additional override information (e.g., override information associated with a new client) or updated override information (e.g., updated override information associated with an existing client) .

In this way, operation of the UE in a DC mode can be controlled based at least in part on a form factor of the UE, which enables a cost associated with operation of the UE in the DC mode (e.g., in terms of power consumption, heat generation, network resource consumption, or the like) to be reduced. As a result, battery life of the UE and thermal performance of the UE can be increased, and network resource consumption can be reduced.

Notably, while the aspects and examples described herein are described in the context of a primary form factor and a secondary form factor, the UE may in some aspects may have more than two form factors. For example, the UE may have a primary form factor and multiple secondary form factors (e.g., a first secondary form factor and a second secondary form factor) . As another example, the UE may have multiple primary form factors (e.g., a first primary form factor and a second primary form factor) and a secondary form factor. As another example, the UE may have multiple primary form factors and multiple secondary form factors. Similarly, the UE may have one or more tertiary form factors. The DC mode control component may be configured in a manner similar to that described with respect to example 300 to selectively permit the UE to operate in the DC mode in such an aspect. For example, for a scenario in which the UE has a primary form factor, a first secondary form factor, and a second secondary form factor, the DC mode control component may permit the UE to operate in the DC mode based at least in part on identifying the form factor of the UE as the primary form factor, and may prevent the UE from operating in the DC mode based at least in part on identifying the form factor of the UE as the first or second secondary form factors.

As indicated above, Fig. 3 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with respect to Fig. 3.

Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example process 400 associated with DC mode operation based on device form factor, in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig

In example 400, operation of the DC mode control component starts at block 402. As shown at block 404, the DC mode control component receives sensor information associated with the UE.

As shown at block 406 identifies the form factor of the UE based at least in part on the sensor information.

As shown at block 408, if the DC mode control component identifies the form factor of the UE as a primary form factor, then the DC mode control component permits the UE to operate in the DC mode. For example, the DC mode control component may permit an SCG addition (e.g., using a legacy technique) in support of DC mode operation.

Conversely, as shown at block 410, if the DC mode control component identifies the form factor of the UE as a secondary form factor, then the DC mode control component determines whether there is a client override. For example, as shown at block 412, the DC mode control component may receive override information associated with one or more clients and, as shown at block 414, the DC mode control component may store the override information in a voting table. The DC mode control component may determine whether there is a client override based at least in part on the override information stored in the voting table.

As shown, if the DC mode control component determines that there is a client override (block 410 –YES) , then the DC mode control component permits the UE to operate in the DC mode (e.g., as described above with respect to block 408) . Conversely, if the DC mode control component determines that there is no client override (block 410 –NO) , then the DC mode control component determines whether the UE is currently operating in the DC mode, as shown at block 416.

At block 416, if the DC mode control component determines that the UE is currently operating in the DC mode (block 416 –YES) , then the DC mode control component deactivates an SCG connection associated with the DC mode, as shown by block 418, and the DC mode control component blocks further addition of an SCG, as shown at block 420. Conversely, if the DC mode control component determines that the UE is not currently operating in the DC mode (block 416 –NO) , then the DC mode control component blocks addition of an SCG, as shown at block 420.

As indicated in example 400, this process can be repeated in order to provide further and updated control of DC mode operation based on the form factor of the UE.

As indicated above, Fig. 4 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with respect to Fig. 4.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an example process 500 associated with DC mode operation based on device form factor, in accordance with the present disclosure. In some aspects, one or more process blocks of Fig. 5 are performed by a UE (e.g., UE 110) . Additionally, or alternatively, one or more process blocks of Fig. 5 may be performed by one or more components of device 200, such as processor 210, memory 215, input component 220, output component 225, communication component 230, one or more sensors 235, and/or a DC mode control component 240.

As shown in Fig. 5, process 500 may include identifying a form factor of the UE based at least in part on sensor information associated with the UE (block 510) . For example, the UE may identify a form factor of the UE based at least in part on sensor information associated with the UE, as described above.

As further shown in Fig. 5, process 500 may include selectively permitting the UE to operate in a DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE (block 520) . For example, the UE may selectively permit the UE to operate in a DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE, as described above.

Process 500 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and/or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

In a first aspect, selectively permitting the UE to operate in the DC mode comprises preventing the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode.

In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, the UE is prevented from subsequent operation in the DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE being a secondary form factor.

In a third aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second aspects, preventing the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode comprises deactivating a secondary cell group connection based at least in part on a determination that the UE is operating in the DC mode.

In a fourth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through third aspects, preventing the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode comprises blocking a secondary cell group addition based at least in part on a determination that the UE is not currently operating in the DC mode.

In a fifth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fourth aspects, the form factor is a secondary form factor, and the UE is prevented from subsequent operation in the DC mode based at least in part on no client override associated with the secondary form factor.

In a sixth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fifth aspects, selectively permitting the UE to operate in the DC mode comprises permitting the UE to operate in the DC mode.

In a seventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through sixth aspects, the UE is permitted to operate in the DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE being a primary form factor.

In an eighth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through seventh aspects, the form factor is a secondary form factor, and the UE is permitted to operate in the DC mode based at least in part on a client override associated with the secondary form factor.

In a ninth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through eighth aspects, identifying the form factor of the UE is triggered based at least in part on the sensor information indicating that the form factor of the UE has changed.

Although Fig. 5 shows example blocks of process 500, in some aspects, process 500 includes additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in Fig. 5. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process 500 may be performed in parallel.

The following provides an overview of some Aspects of the present disclosure:

Aspect 1: A method of wireless communication performed by a UE, comprising: identifying a form factor of the UE based at least in part on sensor information associated with the UE; and selectively permitting the UE to operate in a DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE.

Aspect 2: The method of Aspect 1, wherein selectively permitting the UE to operate in the DC mode comprises preventing the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode.

Aspect 3: The method of Aspect 2, wherein the UE is prevented from subsequent operation in the DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE being a secondary form factor.

Aspect 4: The method of any of Aspects 2-3, wherein preventing the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode comprises deactivating a secondary cell group connection based at least in part on a determination that the UE is operating in the DC mode.

Aspect 5: The method of any of Aspects 2-4, wherein preventing the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode comprises blocking a secondary cell group addition based at least in part on a determination that the UE is not currently operating in the DC mode.

Aspect 6: The method of any of Aspects 2-5, wherein the form factor is a secondary form factor, and the UE is prevented from subsequent operation in the DC mode based at least in part on no client override associated with the secondary form factor.

Aspect 7: The method of Aspect 1, wherein selectively permitting the UE to operate in the DC mode comprises permitting the UE to operate in the DC mode.

Aspect 8: The method of Aspect 7, wherein the UE is permitted to operate in the DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE being a primary form factor.

Aspect 9: The method of Aspect 7, wherein the form factor is a secondary form factor, and the UE is permitted to operate in the DC mode based at least in part on a client override associated with the secondary form factor.

Aspect 10: The method of any of Aspects 1-9, wherein identifying the form factor of the UE is triggered based at least in part on the sensor information indicating that the form factor of the UE has changed.

Aspect 11: A UE for wireless communication, comprising: a memory; and one or more processors, coupled to the memory, configured to: identify a form factor of the UE based at least in part on sensor information associated with the UE; and selectively permit the UE to operate in a DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE.

Aspect 12: The UE of Aspect 11, wherein the one or more processors, to selectively permit the UE to operate in the DC mode, are configured to prevent the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode.

Aspect 13: The UE of Aspect 12, wherein the UE is prevented from subsequent operation in the DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE being a secondary form factor.

Aspect 14: The UE of any of Aspects 12-13, wherein the one or more processors, to prevent the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode, are configured to deactivate a secondary cell group connection based at least in part on a determination that the UE is operating in the DC mode.

Aspect 15: The UE of any of Aspects 12-14, wherein the one or more processors, to prevent the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode, are configured to block a secondary cell group addition based at least in part on a determination that the UE is not currently operating in the DC mode.

Aspect 16: The UE of any of Aspects 12-15, wherein the form factor is a secondary form factor, and the UE is prevented from subsequent operation in the DC mode based at least in part on no client override associated with the secondary form factor.

Aspect 17: The UE of Aspect 11, wherein the one or more processors, to selectively permit the UE to operate in the DC mode, are configured to permit the UE to operate in the DC mode.

Aspect 18: The UE of Aspect 17, wherein the UE is permitted to operate in the DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE being a primary form factor.

Aspect 19: The UE of Aspect 17, wherein the form factor is a secondary form factor, and the UE is permitted to operate in the DC mode based at least in part on a client override associated with the secondary form factor.

Aspect 20: The UE of any of Aspects 11-19, wherein identifying the form factor of the UE is triggered based at least in part on the sensor information indicating that the form factor of the UE has changed.

Aspect 21: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication, the set of instructions comprising: one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a UE, cause the UE to: identify a form factor of the UE based at least in part on sensor information associated with the UE; and selectively permit the UE to operate in a DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE.

Aspect 22: The non-transitory computer-readable medium of Aspect 21, wherein the one or more instructions, that cause the UE to selectively permit the UE to operate in the DC mode, cause the UE to prevent the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode.

Aspect 23: The non-transitory computer-readable medium of Aspect 22, wherein the UE is prevented from subsequent operation in the DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE being a secondary form factor.

Aspect 24: The non-transitory computer-readable medium of Aspect 21, wherein the one or more instructions, that cause the UE to selectively permit the UE to operate in the DC mode, cause the UE to permit the UE to operate in the DC mode.

Aspect 25: The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of Aspects 21-24, wherein identifying the form factor of the UE is triggered based at least in part on the sensor information indicating that the form factor of the UE has changed.

Aspect 26: An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: means for identifying a form factor of the apparatus based at least in part on sensor information associated with the apparatus; and means for selectively permitting the apparatus to operate in a DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the apparatus.

Aspect 27: The apparatus of Aspect 26, wherein the means for selectively permitting the apparatus to operate in the DC mode comprises means for preventing the apparatus from subsequent operation in the DC mode.

Aspect 28: The apparatus of Aspect 27, wherein the apparatus is prevented from subsequent operation in the DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the apparatus being a secondary form factor.

Aspect 29: The apparatus of Aspect 26, wherein the means for selectively permitting the apparatus to operate in the DC mode comprises means for permitting the apparatus to operate in the DC mode.

Aspect 30: The apparatus of any of Aspects 26-29, wherein identifying the form factor of the apparatus is triggered based at least in part on the sensor information indicating that the form factor of the apparatus has changed.

Aspect 31: A system configured to perform one or more operations recited in one or more of Aspects 1-30.

Aspect 32: An apparatus comprising means for performing one or more operations recited in one or more of Aspects 1-30.

Aspect 33: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions, the set of instructions comprising one or more instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform one or more operations recited in one or more of Aspects 1-30.

Aspect 34: A computer program product comprising instructions or code for executing one or more operations recited in one or more of Aspects 1-30.

The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the aspects to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the aspects.

As used herein, the term “component” is intended to be broadly construed as hardware and/or a combination of hardware and software. “Software” shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, and/or functions, among other examples, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. As used herein, a “processor” is implemented in hardware and/or a combination of hardware and software. It will be apparent that systems and/or methods described herein may be implemented in different forms of hardware and/or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and/or methods is not limiting of the aspects. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and/or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code, since those skilled in the art will understand that software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems and/or methods based, at least in part, on the description herein.

As used herein, “satisfying a threshold” may, depending on the context, refer to a value being greater than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, not equal to the threshold, or the like.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various aspects. Many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification. The disclosure of various aspects includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set. As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover a, b, c, a + b, a + c, b + c, and a + b + c, as well as any combination with multiples of the same element (e.g., a + a, a + a + a, a + a + b, a + a + c, a + b + b, a + c + c, b + b, b + b + b, b + b + c, c + c, and c + c + c, or any other ordering of a, b, and c) .

No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more. ” Further, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items referenced in connection with the article “the” and may be used interchangeably with “the one or more. ” Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “set” and “group” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more. ” Where only one item is intended, the phrase “only one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has, ” “have, ” “having, ” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms that do not limit an element that they modify (e.g., an element “having” A may also have B) . Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with “and/or, ” unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in combination with “either” or “only one of” ) .

Claims

A user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising:

a memory; and

one or more processors, coupled to the memory, configured to:

identify a form factor of the UE based at least in part on sensor information associated with the UE; and

selectively permit the UE to operate in a dual connectivity (DC) mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE.
The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors, to selectively permit the UE to operate in the DC mode, are configured to prevent the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode.
The UE of claim 2, wherein the UE is prevented from subsequent operation in the DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE being a secondary form factor.
The UE of claim 2, wherein the one or more processors, to prevent the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode, are configured to deactivate a secondary cell group connection based at least in part on a determination that the UE is operating in the DC mode.
The UE of claim 2, wherein the one or more processors, to prevent the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode, are configured to block a secondary cell group addition based at least in part on a determination that the UE is not currently operating in the DC mode.
The UE of claim 2, wherein the form factor is a secondary form factor, and the UE is prevented from subsequent operation in the DC mode based at least in part on no client override associated with the secondary form factor.
The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors, to selectively permit the UE to operate in the DC mode, are configured to permit the UE to operate in the DC mode.
The UE of claim 7, wherein the UE is permitted to operate in the DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE being a primary form factor.
The UE of claim 7, wherein the form factor is a secondary form factor, and the UE is permitted to operate in the DC mode based at least in part on a client override associated with the secondary form factor.
The UE of claim 1, wherein identifying the form factor of the UE is triggered based at least in part on the sensor information indicating that the form factor of the UE has changed.
A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE) , comprising:

identifying a form factor of the UE based at least in part on sensor information associated with the UE; and

selectively permitting the UE to operate in a dual connectivity (DC) mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE.
The method of claim 11, wherein selectively permitting the UE to operate in the DC mode comprises preventing the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode.
The method of claim 12, wherein the UE is prevented from subsequent operation in the DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE being a secondary form factor.
The method of claim 12, wherein preventing the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode comprises deactivating a secondary cell group connection based at least in part on a determination that the UE is operating in the DC mode.
The method of claim 12, wherein preventing the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode comprises blocking a secondary cell group addition based at least in part on a determination that the UE is not currently operating in the DC mode.
The method of claim 12, wherein the form factor is a secondary form factor, and the UE is prevented from subsequent operation in the DC mode based at least in part on no client override associated with the secondary form factor.
The method of claim 11, wherein selectively permitting the UE to operate in the DC mode comprises permitting the UE to operate in the DC mode.
The method of claim 17, wherein the UE is permitted to operate in the DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE being a primary form factor.
The method of claim 17, wherein the form factor is a secondary form factor, and the UE is permitted to operate in the DC mode based at least in part on a client override associated with the secondary form factor.
The method of claim 11, wherein identifying the form factor of the UE is triggered based at least in part on the sensor information indicating that the form factor of the UE has changed.
A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication, the set of instructions comprising:

one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a user equipment (UE) , cause the UE to:

identify a form factor of the UE based at least in part on sensor information associated with the UE; and

selectively permit the UE to operate in a dual connectivity (DC) mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE.
The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein the one or more instructions, that cause the UE to selectively permit the UE to operate in the DC mode, cause the UE to prevent the UE from subsequent operation in the DC mode.
The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 22, wherein the UE is prevented from subsequent operation in the DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the UE being a secondary form factor.
The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein the one or more instructions, that cause the UE to selectively permit the UE to operate in the DC mode, cause the UE to permit the UE to operate in the DC mode.
The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein identifying the form factor of the UE is triggered based at least in part on the sensor information indicating that the form factor of the UE has changed.
An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising:

means for identifying a form factor of the apparatus based at least in part on sensor information associated with the apparatus; and

means for selectively permitting the apparatus to operate in a dual connectivity (DC) mode based at least in part on the form factor of the apparatus.
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the means for selectively permitting the apparatus to operate in the DC mode comprises means for preventing the apparatus from subsequent operation in the DC mode.
The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the apparatus is prevented from subsequent operation in the DC mode based at least in part on the form factor of the apparatus being a secondary form factor.
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the means for selectively permitting the apparatus to operate in the DC mode comprises means for permitting the apparatus to operate in the DC mode.
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein identifying the form factor of the apparatus is triggered based at least in part on the sensor information indicating that the form factor of the apparatus has changed.