Method and apparatus for identifying coverage of a cellular network

Abstract

A method of identifying cellular network coverage in a user equipment (UE) device without restricting access to subscription services provided by a subscription network to the user equipment includes obtaining radio frequency (RF) measurements and cell information from the subscription network and from other non-subscription networks detectable by the UE during an idle state. Apparatuses for performing the disclosed method are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to methods and apparatus for obtaining in-depth understanding of mobile network availability. Background Technology

[0002] There is a desire to provide cell network measurement data (e.g., radio frequency (RF) measurements at a specific location) for determining the performance or geographic extent of 3GPP cellular radio access networks (RANs) and radio access technologies (RATs) (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G networks and beyond). Various methods exist within which such cell network measurement data can be provided.

[0003] The first example source is crowdsourced data aggregators (e.g., OpenSignal, Tutela, Teragence), which typically collect network measurements from user equipment (UE) devices registered to the cellular network through specific dedicated software application libraries (code) integrated into commercial mobile software applications (Apps). Apps containing this code can be installed on end-user UEs (such as mobile phones and tablets), where network measurements are collected by the App and further transmitted to the data aggregator.

[0004] A second example is the use of dedicated field measurement solutions (e.g., commercial solutions such as Rohde & Schwarz's "Mobile Network Test" equipment), which typically use UEs modified with specific dedicated software to facilitate measurement tasks from modems within the UE, and these specific dedicated UEs can be combined with radio frequency (RF) scanners to enhance additional measurement data. Similarly, dedicated RF scanners (e.g., Rohde & Schwarz's "TSME" equipment) can be used to capture measurement results from many available networks in parallel.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a desire to provide improved methods and apparatus for performing cell network measurements to provide cell network measurement data. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this disclosure is to facilitate the identification and measurement of the coverage of one or more cellular networks. Measurements captured during this process can be used to provide a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of network availability in a geographic location, without requiring additional network subscriptions beyond the UE's currently registered network, and without limiting the UE's ability to perform regular subscribed network services when needed. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Examples of the invention are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0008] Figure 1An example method for acquiring measurement results according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0009] Figure 2 It shows the result of Figure 1 Examples of logical interfaces used by the methods;

[0010] Figure 3 An example scheduling method for measurement results is shown according to the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 4 An example measurement UE configured to perform any of the disclosed methods is shown in this disclosure;

[0012] Figure 5 An example high-level system configuration based on the examples in this disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figure 6 Examples of possible triggers for measurement activities are shown according to this disclosure;

[0014] Figure 7 An example timeline view of RRC idle and UE service requests is shown according to examples of this disclosure;

[0015] Figure 8 An example of how a measurement UE in a vehicle can travel along a route, according to an example of this disclosure, is shown;

[0016] Figure 9 Examples of contributing factors for a “well-defined” radio frequency (RF) environment are shown according to the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The aforementioned known processes for measuring cell network measurement data have problems. For example, radio frequency (RF) measurements from crowdsourced data aggregators are collected from end-user devices with undefined RF transmission and reception paths (e.g., antenna orientation, operating location (e.g., in a jacket or trouser pocket, inside a motor vehicle, etc.)). Therefore, using crowdsourcing methods may only capture empirical data that expresses an example user experience, but it is subjective due to the uncontrolled and non-repeatable execution methods.

[0018] Furthermore, the availability of radio frequency (RF) measurement results and cell information from crowdsourced devices is limited to what is provided by the application programming interfaces (APIs) on the devices from their respective operating system (OS) vendor software development kits (SDKs) (e.g., the Open Handheld Devices Alliance's "Android" OS and Apple's "iOS"). For example, Apple's iOS API provides developers with reports on the current network operator and cellular technology from the target UE (where the term target UE defines the UE performing the cell information measurement process in the app); however, the iOS API does not expose data from modem-based cell RF measurement results or further cell information reports. Additionally, previous UE-based measurement solutions only performed continuous measurements from the registered network (where registration means connecting to a contracted network).

[0019] Meanwhile, dedicated field measurement solutions typically involve configurations of multiple UEs (e.g., groups of UEs with different configurations, each capable of performing its own measurements against its registered primary network) to capture measurement results from more than one network. Often, such UEs cannot be used concurrently for their regular intended purposes (e.g., for calls, text, data, etc.) because they are specifically configured for use within the field measurement solutions that provide them. Furthermore, dedicated network field measurement equipment and radio frequency (RF) scanners may be considered unattractive for large-scale deployments due to cost and setup complexity.

[0020] Furthermore, current maps of network coverage are limited in accuracy, detail, and granularity due to a lack of real-world measurements. Network operators typically provide coverage maps based on mathematical models generated by network planning tools. These tools generally consider known constants such as the location of cell towers, the orientation of their antennas, transmission power levels, and the frequencies of the deployed radio waves. However, the accuracy of mathematical modeling is challenging due to numerous undefined radio propagators, such as reflection, absorption, and scattering of radio waves from temporary or permanent objects like vehicles, trees, and buildings. That is, known modeling methods fail to account for real-world parameters that typically change over time, such as local population movement, foliage cover within the transmission path, etc. It should also be remembered here that the goal of mathematical models is to predict the received power at the theoretical receiver.

[0021] In view of the aforementioned problems identified by the inventors, the technical operation and advantages of this disclosure will now be provided by way of several examples, which are merely illustrative of novel and inventive features, and the disclosed examples are intended to be fully composable in any reasonable combination.

[0022] For example, examples of this disclosure allow for the measurement of the actual power from a broadcast channel received at any given location under measurement. It is also envisioned that the use of a measurement UE in a well-defined RF environment (i.e., a known and repeatable transmission path) according to this disclosure could be used to overcome the shortcomings of current crowdsourced data collection methods.

[0023] In the following disclosure, the term UE means a device comprising a cellular modem plus an application processor (AP) and associated RF components (antenna, cables, interconnects) that provides network connectivity when connected to a power source and with a valid subscription (via a subscription identity module (SIM) card or other means). The device may provide data from additional sensors.

[0024] Furthermore, the term "measuring UE" refers to a UE that operates the method. This measuring UE can be connected to or integrated into a vehicle and has access to location data, such as Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), which can be enhanced using additional information provided by the UE, such as "wheel pulses" and a real-time clock (RTC) for date and time.

[0025] In a typical conventional deployment, a 3GPP cellular UE will enter a state defined by the 3GPP standards body as a Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state. This state is entered when the modem within the UE has no ongoing service requests. This RRC idle state is designed to facilitate power conservation for the modem. In previous implementations, this RRC idle state was only interrupted by service requests from the UE, modem, or serving network. For example, during the RRC idle state, the UE's modem could, according to 3GPP specifications, only perform scheduling measurements for the registered network to maintain its connection with the serving cell in a power-efficient manner.

[0026] Examples of this disclosure provide a UE specifically configured to perform acquisition and measurement processes over its usual intended purpose (i.e., to provide communication according to respective wireless communication standards). In this disclosure, such a specially configured UE is referred to as a measurement UE (i.e., a measurement UE means a UE operating one or more of the disclosed methods). The measurement UE according to this disclosure can be connected to or integrated into a vehicle and can access location data (e.g., location data derived from location detection hardware within the vehicle or actually within itself).

[0027] A typical application of measuring a UE according to this disclosure is to collect "measurement results" and then present a map of network coverage based on these measurement results. However, the examples in this disclosure are not limited to this single application.

[0028] According to this disclosure, a measurement result refers to the data reported by the method. This measurement result data may include one or more of the following:

[0029] 1) Predefined RF measurements based on the 3GPP radio standards in use, such as (in 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE)) Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), (in 5G New Radio (NR)) Synchronization Signal Reference Signal Received Power (SS-RSRP), (in NR) Synchronization Signal Reference Signal Received Quality (SS-RSRQ), and Signal-to-Interference-Noise Ratio (SINR) in LTE and NR.

[0030] 2) Information elements received from the Network Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH): Master Information Block (MIB) and System Information Block (SIB), identifying its Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), Mobile Country Code (MCC), Mobile Network Code (MNC), its area code (Location Area Code (LAC) in 2G, Routing Area Code (RAC) in 3G, or Tracking Area Code (TAC) in 4G), and its Cell Identifier (CI). Different RATs identify the area code in different ways. Additionally, there is the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) and carrier bandwidth.

[0031] 3) Geographic location data (e.g., from location detection hardware such as GPS / GLONASS, or from network location services such as triangulation).

[0032] 4) Date and time from RTC

[0033] 5) Additional data that can be obtained from other sensors within the UE.

[0034] Based on some examples, the different possible types of measurement result data illustrated above can be combined to provide rich datasets. For example, radio frequency (RF) measurements, or information elements rich in geographic location data. Measurement results can also be limited to data points having multiple values ​​or different types of information elements from the examples listed above.

[0035] Mobile devices containing 3GPP-compliant modems (such as phones or tablets) are typically power-constrained due to limited battery capacity. To support the goal of increasing device autonomy, 3GPP specifications propose mechanisms to reduce power consumption. One such mechanism within the 3GPP standard is enabling the receiver only for scheduled RF measurements during RRC idle periods.

[0036] When these scheduled RF measurement tasks are inactive (e.g., during scheduled inactive periods) and no requests for UE network services are in progress, the relevant 3GPP standard defines the RRC idle state, which is the UE cellular modem power state that provides the UE with the opportunity to save power.

[0037] However, in the measurement UE according to this disclosure, the measurement UE intentionally forgoes the ability to conserve power during RRC idle states in order to gain the utility of capturing measurement results and cell information during RRC idle periods. Accordingly, to most advantageously utilize the inventive concept, the measurement UE will be a UE device with a wide and unrestricted power source. For example, the measurement UE can be connected to or integrated into a vehicle with its own virtually unrestricted power source (because it either has a great deal of available battery power, which is not limiting to the examples of this disclosure, or it can generate power precisely from its internal combustion engine (ICE) or the like with an alternator setup), or the UE can be coupled to alternative and / or additional power sources—for example, integrated with an additional battery (e.g., a vehicle traction battery or a universal system battery), an alternator, a generator, or the like, and / or can be powered by some renewable power source device (such as solar, wind, tidal, or others).

[0038] Examples of the methods and apparatus according to this disclosure can be applied to any type of vehicle. In a more typical use case scenario, examples may be vehicles with an integrated UE cellular modem (e.g., vehicle gateway devices), such as passenger cars or commercial vehicles, where the vehicle's additional power supply (e.g., ICE, traction battery, etc.) is able to provide the aforementioned broad and unrestricted power relative to the power budget used to operate the measurement UE modem (especially compared to the overall power budget of the vehicle).

[0039] Furthermore, vehicle-based examples are particularly advantageous because they provide a well-defined / characterized RF environment that is highly repeatable in use and naturally operates in areas where network cell information measurements are most useful (i.e., where "people go" or "devices requiring RF communication / coverage go"). Additionally, the typical installation height of automotive antennas (e.g., approximately 1m-5m for vehicles, and more specifically, 1.5m above the ground for passenger cars) is also within the range considered typical for mobile phone UE operation. Therefore, using vehicle-based measurement UEs is a good proxy / alternative for a broader / more general UE mobile terminal user experience.

[0040] Furthermore, the vehicle-based example embodiments of this disclosure can be integrated and made available within a vehicle with minimal additional cost and effort, thereby creating opportunities for the widespread distribution of measurement nodes (i.e., at a numerically / statistically effective scale).

[0041] The examples disclosed herein utilize a suitably programmed UE (also referred to herein as a measurement UE) to capture the above-defined measurements of various network entities that the UE can detect or otherwise communicate with during use as the UE moves around a geographic area. The UE can be transported in any manner, such as being placed on any type of vehicle.

[0042] The examples disclosed herein allow a UE cellular modem, which is part of the measurement UE, to perform the disclosed methods and, when the UE needs them, to perform contracted network tasks without limiting its ability to do so.

[0043] The examples disclosed herein enable the capture of radio cell measurements from the registered network and other networks visible to the UE (i.e. detectable by the UE) from a logical instance of a cellular modem.

[0044] As will now be understood, existing solutions designed to capture measurement results and cell information from network radio cells require specialized equipment for data acquisition, such as: a) dedicated radio frequency (RF) scanners; b) dedicated field measurement equipment deployed with significantly software-modified UEs to facilitate measurement tasks on the registered network (such modified UEs are often configured in multiples to facilitate the capture of measurement results from several different networks, but most importantly, such modified UEs cannot be used concurrently for their regular intended purpose, i.e., to provide standard / lay users with typical UE-derived communication capabilities); c) non-dedicated test equipment, such as commercial UEs running software applications containing code from crowdsourced data aggregators, which are limited in scope and therefore only able to capture a reduced set of measurement results from the registered network, and thus limit the use of the generated measurement data to provide detailed and more general measurement metrics in the absence of any explicitly defined radio performance available.

[0045] Examples of this disclosure can utilize geographic location data to enrich captured measurement results and cell information, and present a map of network coverage based on the geographic location-rich captured measurement results and cell information data.

[0046] The examples in this disclosure utilize specified modem functions, particularly the network search performed by the standards body 3GPP according to specifications, to enable subscribers to search for all available networks. During this measurement process, cell RF measurements and decoding of cell information from radio cells of the registered network and other networks are performed by the UE configured as follows.

[0047] Network availability provided by the examples in this disclosure may include any aggregated form of collected data.

[0048] Figure 1 An example method for performing measurement results according to an example of this disclosure is shown, which consists of RF measurements performed by the UE and decoding of the MIB and SIB.

[0049] The method begins at step 110, where a measurement task is received from the scheduler by the cellular modem in the UE (hereinafter referred to as the UE modem), which initiates the network search. This can take the form of the AT+COPS=? command as defined by 3GPP standard 27.007.

[0050] Starting at 120, a network search is performed for all configured frequency bands and (enhanced) absolute radio frequency channel numbers ((E)-ARFCN).

[0051] At 130, the method tests whether the UE modem is currently in RRC idle state. If it is not in RRC idle state, the method waits at 140 for any ongoing UE-initiated, modem-initiated, or other network-initiated tasks to complete (see [link to documentation] for more details). Figure 7 Optionally, the method can return to 130 for a second check. However, if the UE modem is in RRC idle state, the method is performed by the UE modem at 150 performing RF measurements and decoding the information received from the base station during the scan. For example, the method may include decoding the information received from the BCCH of the identified cell.

[0052] At step 160, the UE modem presents the results of the RF measurement and the information decoded from the identified cell to the scheduler 200.

[0053] At step 170, the method checks that the overall network search is complete, for example, checking that all explicitly defined cells, (E)ARFCN, etc., have been measured and processed.

[0054] Once the one or more individual network searches (e.g., once per frequency band of each configuration) are completed, the overall results can be presented to scheduler 200 at 180. A typical report for step 180 could be the results of a manual PLMN (network) search, presenting all identified networks and their associated RATs.

[0055] Figure 2 It shows the result of Figure 1 This is an example of the logical interface used by the method. Figure 1 A UE modem 101 is shown, illustrating how an example of this disclosure utilizes at least a portion of the UE modem infrastructure to perform the disclosed measurement tasks. The UE modem is operatively coupled to a scheduler 200 via an output signal 204 and an input signal 202 (e.g., the AT+COPS=? command, described in more detail below). The output signal includes one or more of the following: detailed information from the identified cell; further information about the identified cell; a list of available networks; a modem task completion flag; and other signals described below. The UE modem 101 may or may not have inputs from one or more additional sensors 230 via connection 232.

[0056] The scheduler 200 performs the configuration and start / stop of measurement tasks, and forwards results to another entity for further processing or display. It has options for some lightweight post-processing and is operatively coupled to a location function 210 that provides location data 211 and a date and time function 220 that provides date and time data 221. The additional sensor 230 may provide data via bidirectional connection 232, or may not provide data, in addition to providing additional sensor data to the scheduler 200 via bidirectional connection 231. The scheduler 200 is also operatively coupled to a back-end processing system 240 (which provides control and data processing, data storage, and presentation functions), which can be located locally or remotely at the measurement UE. The back-end 240 can provide the scheduler 200 with measurement task requests 206 (i.e., measurement task triggers), including, for example, one or more of the following: continuous requests; time-based requests; location-based requests; or other forms of requests. The back-end 240 can also receive output measurement results 208.

[0057] Figure 3 An example scheduling method for measurement results, according to an example of this disclosure, is shown. This scheduling method can be used for, for example... Figure 1 The general method shown is performed by the UE modem 101.

[0058] As can be seen from the diagram, scheduler 200 is responsible for at least:

[0059] 1. Initiate a UE modem task to perform RF measurements;

[0060] 2. Process the UE modem response with the results of the performed measurements (RF measurements and information decoded from the MIB / SIB);

[0061] 3. Enrich the measurement results with further data, such as geographic location, date and time data, and potential additional sensor data (this can take the form of correlating the measurement results with the said geographic location and / or date and time data);

[0062] 4. The forwarded measurement results are used for data logging and ultimately for mapping network availability.

[0063] More specifically, depending on the explicitly defined trigger conditions set by backend 240, local control function 310 is responsible for invoking receiver 320 for task triggering, which may include configuring output condition 355 via connection 357. The trigger conditions set by backend 240 may reference data available to scheduler 200 (e.g., local control function 310, etc.) from entities outside scheduler 200 (e.g., location data 211, date and time data 221, and other optional additional sensor data 231). Local control 310 is also responsible for forwarding enriched responses created by 370 to the backend via response 208. When the triggered task 380 completes (i.e., ends), it notifies local control 310.

[0064] The receiver 320 for task triggering (e.g., via connection 202) issues commands to the UE modem 101 to configure a measurement task at the UE modem 101, and potentially (e.g., via connection 321) to any additional sensor 230 (e.g., configuration commands).

[0065] Receiver 340, used for partial task responses, is responsible for collecting responses from UE modem 101 (e.g., via connection 204) and any additional sensors 230 (e.g., via connection 341). If modem response 204 does not indicate the completion of the task, a decision can be made at task completion 350: whether to end the loop at end 380 and return to local control 310, or to enrich the partial response at 360 (e.g., via date and time data 221 and location data 211, if it has not yet been performed by UE modem 101 and included in modem response 204). A check is then performed to determine if the value satisfies the output condition at 355. Depending on the decision at 355, the loop returns to receiver 340 for partial task responses. Otherwise, the loop returns instead via repeater 370 for the enriched response. The completed response 371 is forwarded to local control 310 for further processing. The repeater 370 returns to the receiver 340 for partial task response to process the next received response from the modem response 204 or the sensor data value 341.

[0066] In addition to commands (e.g., via connection 202) for configuring the UE modem 101 as specified by the 3GPP standards body and providing limited measurement result information to the method, proprietary commands are often available from cellular modem vendors, providing specific commands that can be utilized by the examples of this disclosure to provide more detailed RF measurements or cell information. According to some examples, custom functions can be added to the firmware of the UE modem 101. By adding such functions to the firmware of the UE modem, it becomes possible to provide further opportunities to enhance the execution of the disclosed method and to further detail the measured results performed (and the data / analysis provided therefrom). Deeper integration of the disclosed method within the UE modem 101 also provides opportunities to reduce the power consumption of the method. In some examples, detailed cell information can be provided by the UE modem, but it can be modified in use to capture the most detailed view of the network visible to the UE during the measurement phase of the disclosed method.

[0067] Figure 4An example measurement UE 400 is shown that can be used to explore deployment options for methods according to the examples of this disclosure. As shown in the figure, the example of the disclosed test method can reside in the measurement UE 400 and can be controlled / executed by any one or more processing resources available in the measurement UE 400, including: an application processor (AP) 410 operatively coupled to the UE modem CPU 420, and / or a Layer 1 CPU 440. Therefore, the method can be executed by any one or more processing resources available in the UE modem 101, as will be described in further detail below. In this figure, layers are defined as follows: Layer 1 (490) is a programmable, logical interface to the physical layer (PHY), which may also be referred to as the radio layer in wireless communication standards; Layer 2 (450) is an abstraction for control of radio resource control (RRC); Layer 3 (430) is a control plane containing mobility and session management to maintain the logical connection of the measurement UE 400 to the network.

[0068] AP 410 control:

[0069] In the simplest data acquisition approach, AP 410 operates a scheduler 200 that can be implemented within any measurement UE 400 and is limited only to specific measurement result options provided by a given UE modem 101 (e.g., a basic PLMN search (e.g., AT+COPS=?)). The UE modem 101 can be configured to listen to diagnostic channels and / or operate by proprietary commands to acquire further information from SIBs or other RF-derived data, including RF measurements. These commands can be issued by AP 410 to the UE modem 101.

[0070] Modem CPU 420 control:

[0071] In this alternative, the disclosed measurement method can be controlled by the UE modem CPU 420. In this scenario, the code for executing the described measurement method can be provided in the firmware of the UE modem, for example, in Layer 4 application 428. In some cases, the UE modem may be able to execute code provided by an integrator (e.g., a Java application or the like). In other cases, the UE modem may provide the ability to add tasks and has limited access to modem functionality via API 435 provided by the UE modem CPU 420. Any measurement task scheduled to run can share resources with existing modem firmware tasks.

[0072] When executed within Layer 4 application 428, the measurement scheduler 200 is not notified to enter the RRC idle state (which is covered by Layer 3 (Non-Access Layer (NAS)) 430 and lower layers) except for the information provided by API 435. In this case, the measurement scheduler 200 can simply trigger the measurement task and receive the measurement results.

[0073] Layer 1 CPU 440 control:

[0074] In this alternative, the disclosed measurement method can be run on Layer 1 CPU 440. In this case, when Layer 2 (RRC) 450 enters the RRC idle state, there is no explicit measurement request. The UE modem 101 according to this disclosure can autonomously (i.e., without a separate scheduler 200) begin scanning. Parameters (such as frequency bands and (E)ARFCN) can be configured from higher layers for the measurement task in Layer 1 CPU 440. The RRC entity 450 can maintain a database of identified cells and measurements. Depending on the parameterization, the RRC entity 450 can pass measurement results up (in the network stack—i.e., to Layer 4 application 428) so that it can be reported as an asynchronous event by CMD handler 425, or it can be polled by commands from AP 410. Typically, the RRC idle state implies no further active tasks, and the modem CPU 420 can enter the CPU idle state. The Layer 1 CPU 440 remains active.

[0075] This technology offers advantages in terms of power consumption due to reduced CPU usage.

[0076] It is explicitly stated that the first two deployment options (AP 410 control and modem CPU 420 control) will result in higher power consumption than a battery-powered mobile phone would typically achieve, because the UE modem 101 and Layer 1 CPU 440 are unlikely to enter the power-saving state expected by the mobile phone's power autonomy. Layer 1 CPU 440 control may be a good choice for optimizing power saving in the measurement UE 400, as only the Layer 1 CPU 440 needs to be active for the described measurement task.

[0077] Figure 5 An example high-level system configuration according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 5The overall system 500 is presented. System 500 includes a backend 240 connected to the measurement UE 400 via a transmission 520. The transmission 520 can be implemented by any suitable means, such as internet connectivity for online use, a removable medium for physical transport, or access via a local (wireless) network. Endpoints 510 and 530 are also shown at the intersections between the measurement UE 400 and the transmission 520, and between the transmission 520 and the backend 240, respectively. Endpoints 510 and 530 represent respective activities occurring across the interface between their respective entities.

[0078] Backend 240 may include a database 552 for continuously storing measurement results recorded or otherwise provided by the measurement UE 400, and command and control entities 554 for configuring the measurement UE 400, including triggering conditions (e.g., see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2 Summary of Request 206 Figure 6 (Items 601-607 in the text).

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown elsewhere, the measurement UE 400 includes a scheduler 200 responsible for configuring tasks toward the UE modem 101 and receiving data from the location function 210, the date and time function 220 and / or additional sensors 230 (and sending data to them, for example, for configuration purposes).

[0080] Figure 6 Examples of possible triggers for measurement activities issued by backend 230 to configure scheduler 200, according to examples of this disclosure, are shown. These include: continuous measurement 601; 3GPP location (LAC, TAC, CI, etc.) 602; 3GPP network MCC / MNC, or RAT availability 603; physical location / area 604; time and / or date, repeated scheduling, etc. 605; UE movement or stillness 606; RF thresholds (e.g., frequency, power, modulation, etc.) 607. This disclosure is also intended to cover the use of any other suitable triggering data available now or in the future. Scheduler 200 can also construct measurement results from RF measurements and information element 540, and may include information from additional sensor 230. Scheduler 200 can enrich this data with location from 210 and date and time from 220.

[0081] Figure 7An example timeline 700 view is shown, illustrating an example of a 3GPP RRC idle state according to this disclosure, and UE service requests occurring during the period of that state. This disclosure utilizes the period of the RRC idle state of modem 750 to capture measurements and cell information from both the serving cell and other cells, from the registered network, and from additional networks detectable by modem 101 within UE 400.

[0082] When no service request is active, the UE modem enters the RRC idle state 750. When a service request exists (e.g., data 707 needs to be transmitted), the start of data transmission is used as a trigger 705 to change the UE modem 101 into the RRC active state 760, thereby enabling the modem transmitter. At the end of data transmission 707, the UE modem 101 detects this condition and changes to the RRC inactive state 770, which additionally starts a protection timer 740 as specified by the relevant 3GPP standard. During the active period of the protection timer 740, if a new service request is received, the UE modem 101 is ready to restart the RRC active state 760. If the UE modem 101 does not receive a new service request before the protection timer 740 expires, the UE modem 101 returns to the RRC idle state 750.

[0083] As will be understood, the methods and apparatus according to this disclosure utilize the modem RRC idle state 750 period to perform measurements, although at the cost of the opportunity to save power for the UE during the RRC idle state in accordance with conventional 3GPP UE operation.

[0084] Figure 7 An example timeline 700 view is shown, illustrating an example of a 3GPP RRC idle state according to this disclosure, and UE service requests occurring during the period of that state. This disclosure utilizes the period of the RRC idle state of modem 750 to capture measurements and cell information from both the serving cell and other cells, from the registered network, and from additional networks detectable by modem 101 within UE 400.

[0085] When no service request is active, the UE modem enters the RRC idle state 750. When a service request exists (e.g., data 707 needs to be transmitted), the start of data transmission is used as a trigger 705 to change the UE modem 101 into the RRC active state 760, thereby enabling the modem transmitter. At the end of data transmission 707, the UE modem 101 detects this condition and changes to the RRC inactive state 770, which additionally starts a protection timer 740 as specified by the relevant 3GPP standard. During the active period of the protection timer 740, if a new service request is received, the UE modem 101 is ready to restart the RRC active state 760. If the UE modem 101 does not receive a new service request before the protection timer 740 expires, the UE modem 101 returns to the RRC idle state 750.

[0086] As will be understood, the methods and apparatus according to this disclosure utilize the modem RRC idle state 750 period to perform measurements, although at the cost of the opportunity to save power for the UE during the RRC idle state in accordance with conventional 3GPP UE operation.

[0087] Figure 8 An example of a method applied to a "vehicles on a route" scenario, according to an example of this disclosure, is shown.

[0088] This figure illustrates a simplified example of a measurement UE 400 according to this disclosure, deployed as a vehicle 810, traveling along a route passing numerous different cell towers 820-890 belonging to various operators indicated by their respective Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) identifiers provided by their respective MCCs and MNCs. According to this example, the vehicle-based measurement UE has a valid subscription to PLMN1 and is assumed to be registered (i.e., active) in that PLMN. In this simplified example, signal strength is assumed only as a function of distance to the respective cell towers, and the cell towers are simplified to operate with circular antenna configurations instead of sector antenna configurations.

[0089] Cell towers are either specified by their Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) or, in the case of LTE networks, by a tuple of MCC, MNC, TAC, and CI (similar identification data or sets of data can be used for other types of radio networks).

[0090] PCI is primarily used as a short, fast identifier to identify a cell within the area of ​​other cells. When used at the physical layer (where messages are typically very short and may be sent / received in bursts), PCI can be thought of as a "color code" for easily re-identifying messages from a specific cell. The use of PCI is a simplified form of this approach and is used as a unique identifier at the hyperlocal level. Although the PCI code is frequently repeated at a wider area level, it is not reused in neighboring cells. Therefore, the UE modem should receive the PCI uniquely identifying the cell only once per location. This concept is similar to the "Four Color Theorem." In mathematics, the Four Color Theorem (or Four Color Map Theorem) states that it is not necessary to color any area of ​​a map with more than four colors such that no two adjacent areas have the same color.

[0091] Under normal 3GPP usage, a mobile UE will only follow its subscribed network, as only that network can be used to establish a service request. In this simplified view, the TAC is a paging-shared area, so a mobile termination call / service will begin when the mobile device is paged in all cells of the TAC. Therefore, when heading to a cell with a stronger signal, belonging to a different TAC but still within the same PLMN, the mobile device must invoke the Tracking Area Update procedure for 4G / 5G (the Location Area Update procedure for 2G / 3G).

[0092] In the following examples, for simplicity, the quality information during the measurement will be referred to simply as "signal strength" or just "intensity" (however, in reality, this is a much more complex measurement, as previously stated). Furthermore, it is assumed that vehicle 810 has a usable geolocation receiver (optionally with features such as "wheel pulses" or dead reckoning) to provide accurate location data, according to item 210 in the aforementioned figures, that can be used to enrich the acquired measurement results. A satellite-based positioning system 805 (e.g., GNSS) cannot provide location data to the vehicle's positioning receiver under poor reception conditions (e.g., tunnels 806-807). In this case, a technique called dead reckoning can be used to provide the location. This can be achieved using additional vehicle sensor data such as "wheel pulses," steering angle, etc.

[0093] In light of the above, we will now discuss: what would happen in a typical current implementation based on UE behavior in the UE cellular modem, Figure 8 How does the UE modem in vehicle 810 report the measurements obtained at each of locations 1 through 6 based on the newly defined novel UE behavior?

[0094] The following sections will also describe how the identification functionality is deployed in systems developed by [the relevant entity / organization]. Figure 4 Where within UE 400 is depicted?

[0095] Current UE operation (status):

[0096] This section describes the default functions deployed within the UE modem CPU 420, such as the results being presented by the application processor 410 without any implementation of any disclosed methods.

[0097] The vehicle starts at location (1) and is served by LTE base station 820 (CI101). The UE modem reports the strength of 820 (CI101). As the vehicle moves further along the path, it reaches location (2), and the UE reports the strength from base station 840 (CI102) based on the vehicle, since this is now the strongest cell available to the UE. The process continues in the same way for location (3) and at location (4), but where base station 860 (CI103) becomes the closest and is therefore (in this simplified scenario) the strongest cell from the registered PLMN, and is thus reported accordingly. At location (5), base station 870 (CI111) is the strongest, and it is the base station with the new TAC (TAC11), which indicates a new area of ​​the same serving PLMN. Therefore, the UE modem in this UE performs a tracking area update and now reports the RF strength from base station 1070 (CI111). At location (6), after completing the tracking area update process again, the UE is reporting using base station 890 from the first TAC (TAC10), and the UE is now reporting from base station 860 (CI103).

[0098] Crowdsourced measurement data collection enriches the network strength information reported through time and location. However, it will be noted above that information is provided only for PLMN1, and only during normal 3GPP-defined operations to maintain connectivity with the serving PLMN (PLMN1). Therefore, no reports are provided for any cells from PLMN2 or PLMN3.

[0099] First variant:

[0100] This section describes the functionality of a first variant of the method that can be deployed solely within the application processor 410 and utilize the 3GPP-specified capabilities of the UE modem CPU 420.

[0101] This first variant can exclusively use the manual PLMN search (AT+COPS=?) command and is the simplest example use case of this disclosure. The scheduler 200, executing on application processor 410, can, as... Figure 8 The respective first (i.e., starting) positions on the routes shown (e.g., <n>a, (where) <n>The command AT+COPS=? is issued to the CMD processor 425 on the UE modem CPU 420 at a value of 1 to 6, and at their respective second (i.e., end) positions (e.g., <n>b) Report the results. The AT+COPS=? command initiates a manual PLMN search for all 3GPP-compliant cellular modems available to perform the disclosed methods.

[0102] As a result, a so-called "geo-window" is provided. That is, according to this disclosure, when it is from ( <n>a) drive to ( <n>In step b), this method can report which PLMNs the UE 400 has traversed. Because the PLMN search command (AT+COPS=?) does not report CI, but only PLMN (MCC, MNC) and RAT, it is possible to know which networks are visible to the vehicle-based UE in that geographic area.

[0103] Therefore, for a given route, in Figure 8 Around position (1), information about PLMN1 is provided, but information about PLMN2 (as another PLMN with sufficient strength to allow the measurement UE to register) is also provided (but strength information for PLMN2 may not be given). At position (2), the information provided will be similar, since the same two PLMNs are detectable by the measurement UE. When passing through position (3), information about PLMN1, PLMN2, and now also PLMN3 can be provided—that is, information about all three networks serving the area, even if the vehicle-based measurement UE performing the disclosed method is only subscribed to the network of PLMN1.

[0104] At location (4), similarly only PLMN1 and PLMN3 are visible to the UE being measured, so information can be provided only about those two networks. At location (5), it is possible that only PLMN1 is strong enough to serve the UE being measured here, so information can be provided only about that one network. At location (6), similarly, information can be provided for PLMN1 and PLMN3.

[0105] Therefore, the first variant provides information about (from) <n>a) drive to ( <n>b) Information on the geographic windows identified during the period (i.e., specific areas served by multiple PLMNs), which in this case are locations (1) to (6). These are called geographic windows because it is unknown exactly where the UE is located when the measurement is performed, but the general geographic area involved is known by the PLMN and RAT information.

[0106] Second variant:

[0107] This section describes a second variant of the method that can be deployed solely within the application processor 410 and utilizes the 3GPP-specified capabilities of the modem CPU 420, along with vendor-specific commands.

[0108] This variant can use the AT+COPS=? and cell information digest commands, as well as vendor-specific commands.

[0109] Some UE modems provide proprietary reports resulting from the use of vendor-specific commands, which, along with a list of found PLMNs, can be used to report identified CI and strength information when returning the results of a manual PLMN search. As described in the first variant, there is a limitation: it is not known precisely whether the corresponding base station cell was measured by the UE in ( <n>a) and ( <n>b) Where are the measurements taken? Furthermore, the location, and therefore the measured RF strength of the signal from any given base station, may deviate from one trip to another because the measured channel (e.g., BCCH) can be received at some point in time within the framing structure of a wireless communication (e.g., LTE) signal, so it is impossible to have the same exact timing and location when repeating the journey along the same route.

[0110] Third variant:

[0111] This describes a third variant of the method that is deployed only within the application processor 410 and utilizes the 3GPP-specified features of the modem CPU 420, plus a more detailed vendor-proprietary interface and vendor-proprietary commands.

[0112] This variant can use the AT+COPS=? command, along with immediate System Information Block (SIB) and proprietary reports.

[0113] Some UE modems provide more detailed proprietary reports that can immediately display the received SIBs. Those received SIBs may contain, for example, CI and other relevant information. The BCCH channel used to transmit these SIBs may be a signal used to provide measurements of RF strength. In some examples of this disclosure, after the information contained within those received SIBs is extracted, this extracted information can be further enriched using location information available to the UE at the exact presentation time (e.g., from location function 210), and thus can provide accurate RF measurements for precisely specified locations. Of course, the exact location of the acquired data will change from one journey to another, and similarly, the received RF strength will change at least slightly. However, if the disclosed RF measurement method is applied in conjunction with dense collection of measurements from multiple journeys (i.e., measuring the UE vehicle's movement within a given area to provide higher measurement density), measurements can be provided across locations ( <n>a) and location ( <n>b) The statistically significant distribution of RF intensity measurements at all locations between these points. This can be presented as a heat map of the cell area, or even a heat map of all cells along a geographic window.

[0114] Return to Figure 8 In the example route shown, at location (3), proceeding from (3a) to (3b), a decrease in intensity for base stations 840 (CI102) and 830 (CI201) and an increase in intensity for base station 850 (CI301) will be observed. The intensity reported from base station 860 (CI103) may not show a significant change because the measuring UE vehicle 810 travels tangentially to the cell tower. Of significant importance in this scenario is that at this location, cell information and measurement data can be collected from three PLMNs across four cells, which significantly increases the amount of measurement data collected beyond what would already be available under the first variant, which would only provide reports from three available PLMNs and none of them with detailed cell information. This third variant is also an improvement over the second variant, which only provides information about a set of cells without detailed distribution in the geographic window. Similarly, at location (5), instead of receiving reports only for one PLMN, the intensity distribution of all cells along the route can be collected.

[0115] Fourth variant: (Second or third variant integrated within UE modem 101)

[0116] This section describes the functionality of a fourth variant of the method that can be deployed within the UE modem 101 itself (more specifically, within the UE modem CPU 420 as a layer 4 application 428). In this example, the application processor 410 can be used solely for 1) forwarding measurement results, 2) adding location information 211 (if applicable), and 3) attaching sensor data 231 (if applicable).

[0117] From, as in other variations, and as Figure 8 In the similar journey shown, the captured measurements are similar to the third variant; however, it is advantageous to control and acquire the measurements within the UE modem 101 itself (i.e., it is not necessary to...). <n>The command "AT+COPS=?" is issued at point a) and the result is awaited at (a). <n>(as shown in b) The UE modem can continuously perform some scans for relevant channels (e.g., BCCH). Depending on the location 210 provided by the UE modem chipset, location information 211 can be added. Alternatively, if no location information is available from the UE modem chipset, a summary report can be sent to the AP 410 at frequent intervals, and then the AP 410 can add location data 211.

[0118] The advantage of performing these measurement tasks within the UE modem software stack is that it addresses power consumption—as described in further detail below—because it does not require all entities of the UE 400 being measured to be active at the same time.

[0119] Fifth variant: (Measurement task inside CPU 440 in Layer 1)

[0120] This section describes the functionality of a fifth variant of this method that can be deployed within the Layer 1 CPU 440. Layer 4 application 428 can be used for local control 310 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 3 The application processor 410 may be used only for 1) forwarding measurement results, 2) adding location information 211 (if applicable), and 3) attaching sensor data 231 (if applicable).

[0121] In this fifth variant, the measurement tasks are performed within the Layer 1 CPU 440 of the UE modem 101. A higher layer on the modem CPU 420 controls the measurement tasks and forwards measurement result data, and has the option to temporarily store the measurement result data. The technique of moving tasks to the Layer 1 CPU 440 is typically used to allow paging 480, 3GPP cell measurement tasks 470, and corresponding SIB decoding 460. This is done for power efficiency reasons, bringing these frequently invoked Layer 2 450 activities closer to Layer 1 (PHY) 490, i.e., waking up the Layer 1 CPU 440 only for frequent tasks.

[0122] This fifth variant offers the highest level of power saving due to the reduction in overall CPU activity during the execution of this method.

[0123] Assuming that the implementation of this method runs autonomously within the UE modem, the AP 410 is only required for forwarding the results.

[0124] Furthermore, according to this variant, all RRC idle times are available for performing measurement results. As a result, dense reports along the entire route with detailed location and intensity information for cells (1) to (6) will be available.

[0125] Data processing:

[0126] Assuming that the measurement UE 400 vehicle 810 (according to this disclosure) can frequently travel along a given route, or that a fleet of different UE measurement vehicles can drive along the same route, then it will be possible to collect a dense dataset of network coverage over a relatively short period of time, regardless of the contract of any particular measurement UE vehicle. On routes where this method is performed continuously (e.g., by measurement UE 400 located on a bus traveling on a known bus route), examples of this disclosure can quickly notify users of changes in network coverage and availability. This can be useful to both network operators (e.g., for detecting loss of connectivity or coverage due to factors external to the network) and third parties (both for the same external connectivity factors, but also as proxies for internal factors since they lack access to control / management information provided by the network itself).

[0127] Wherever measurement UEs are deployed across a geographic area, it is anticipated that one or more measurement UEs collecting and reporting measurement results may become corrupted (and therefore no longer report correctly). Therefore, statistical processing can be used to detect these problems in measurement UEs, or at least prevent them from causing any data integrity issues. It should also be remembered that the characteristics of the vehicle carrying the measurement UE (e.g., antenna pattern, direction, and speed) or meteorological data (fog, rain, clear skies, or summer or winter in a forest) can be used to further inform reviewers about the data presented.

[0128] This disclosure can be applied to any type of vehicle—such as cars, trains, trucks, buses, ships, flying vehicles, etc. The next section describes the elements of this disclosure in which the measurement UE is integrated within the vehicle.

[0129] Figure 9 An example of contributing factors to a "well-defined" RF environment for a measurement UE 400, according to an example of this disclosure, is shown. In this example, a type-certified motor vehicle 810 includes a measurement UE 400 with a modem 100 contained therein. The following components describe the transition of radio power to / from the modem 100 and / or to the antenna 907. The antenna 907 is typically connected to a conductive cable 905 via mechanical interconnects 902 at both ends. The radiation pattern 909 of the antenna 907 is a result of its location on the vehicle 810. Here, type certification means a mass-produced vehicle that meets a minimum set of regulatory and technical requirements. Under the automotive manufacturer regulations of most countries, commercially available mass-produced vehicles must consistently meet specified performance standards, now including RF performance standards. Therefore, it can be assumed that the RF environment for a particular model is consistent for all vehicles with the same type certification.

[0130] As described in the previous sections of this disclosure, vehicle 810 can be used to carry measurement UE 400. In this case, there are typically further entities that can provide the aforementioned functions 210, date and time function 220, and additional sensors 230. These may include a GNSS receiver for location function 210 and a real-time clock (RTC) for date and time function 220, which may or may not be part of measurement UE 400. Since the vehicle will include an internal communication network (e.g., CANBUS), location information 211 and date and time data 221 will be available to the networked UE modem 101 component. Other vehicle components may assist in providing additional sensor data 231 in substantially the same manner, and they themselves may even utilize the RTC or GNSS receiver. These other vehicle components may also enable measurement UE 400 to use gateway functions for accessing the Internet.

[0131] The examples disclosed herein can be implemented by appropriately programmed computer hardware configured to perform UE functions, such as... Figures 2-6 and Figure 9 As shown in the image.

[0132] According to some example embodiments, the various functional components described herein can be implemented via instructions from a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium) and are operable to create circuitry for performing any one or more of the methods discussed herein, thereby providing an apparatus or system for performing the described methods for evaluating the availability (and performance) of a mobile network. Specifically, hardware resources for performing the described methods may include one or more processors (or processor cores), one or more memory / storage devices, and one or more communication resources, each of which may be communicatively coupled via a bus. Figure 4 The processors 410, 420 and 440 shown can be any of the following: a central processing unit (CPU), a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processor, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP) (such as a baseband processor), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), other processors, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0133] The memory / storage device may be provided, and it may include main memory, disk storage, or any suitable combination thereof. The memory / storage device may include, but is not limited to, any type of volatile or non-volatile memory, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, solid-state storage devices (SSD), magnetic storage-based hard disk drive (HDD) media, etc.

[0134] Communication resources (such as the UE modem described above) may include interconnect or network interface components or other suitable means for communicating with one or more peripheral devices or one or more databases via a network. For example, the communication resources may include wired communication components (e.g., for coupling via Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB) or the like), cellular communication components, NFC components, Bluetooth® components (e.g., Bluetooth® Low Energy), Wi-Fi® components, and other communication components.

[0135] Instructions may include software, programs, applications, applets, apps, or other executable code that causes at least any processor to perform one or more of the methods discussed herein. The instructions may reside wholly or partially within at least one of the processor (e.g., within the processor's cache memory), memory / storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. Furthermore, any portion of the instructions may be transferred to hardware resources from any combination of peripheral devices or databases. Accordingly, processor memory, memory / storage devices, peripheral devices, and databases are examples of computer-readable and machine-readable media.

[0136] In some embodiments, the electronic device, network, system, chip, or component, or part thereof, or implementation thereof, of any of the accompanying drawings may be configured to perform one or more processes, techniques, or methods, or part thereof, as described herein.

[0137] In the foregoing, functions are described as modules or blocks, that is, functional units operable to perform the described functions, algorithms, or the like. These terms may be interchangeable. Where modules, blocks, or functional units are described, they may be configured as processing circuitry, wherein the circuitry may be a general-purpose processor circuitry configured by program code to perform a specified processing function. The circuitry may also be configured by modifications to the processing hardware. The configuration of the circuitry for performing the specified function may be entirely in hardware, entirely in software, or a combination of hardware modifications and software execution. Program instructions may be used to configure the logic gates of the general-purpose or special-purpose processor circuitry to perform the processing function.

[0138] The circuit can be implemented, for example, as a hardware circuit that includes custom-designed very large-scale integrated (VLSI) circuitry or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. The circuit can also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, system-on-a-chip (SoCs), or the like.

[0139] Machine-readable program instructions can be provided on temporary media (such as transmission media) or non-temporary media (such as storage media). Such machine-readable instructions (computer program code) can be implemented in high-level procedural or object-oriented programming languages. However, if desired, the program can be implemented in assembly or machine language. In any case, the language can be compiled or interpreted and is integrated with the hardware implementation. Program instructions can be executed on a single processor or in a distributed manner on two or more processors.

[0140] Example list:

[0141] The examples provide apparatus and methods for identifying the coverage of cellular networks, without limiting them to contracted services directed toward user equipment.

[0142] Examples provide apparatus and methods for identifying the availability of a cellular network by utilizing the idle state of a modem RRC in a 3GPP network.

[0143] The examples provide apparatus and methods for identifying the availability of cellular networks (by reusing the modem RRC idle state in a 3GPP network), without limiting the availability of network services toward the UE.

[0144] The example provides a method for identifying cellular network coverage in a user equipment (UE) device, without limiting access to subscribed services provided to the UE device by a subscribed network, including: during an RRC (Radio Resource Control) idle state, acquiring radio frequency (RF) measurements and cell information from the subscribed network and from other non-subscribed networks detectable by the UE device, wherein the UE idle state is defined by a 3GPP RRC specification (e.g., as described in relevant specifications by the 3GPP standards bodies), and wherein the UE device is a measurement UE as defined herein.

[0145] According to some examples, this method is performed in an unrestricted power environment for the UE device.

[0146] According to some examples, the method is performed in a clearly defined radio frequency (RF) receiving environment for the UE device. In some examples, the method is performed using a clearly defined RF environment for the UE device, wherein the clearly defined RF environment includes at least partially characterized transmission paths of that RF environment. In some examples, the at least partially characterized transmission path is a transmission path from the UE modem performing the method to an antenna operable to receive mobile communications from one or more networks detectable by the UE device for use in the method. In some examples, at least partially characteristic of the transmission path includes known transmission or reception losses, a known radiation pattern, and wherein the at least partially characterized transmission path is reproducible during use of the UE device.

[0147] In some examples, the method also includes performing extended measurements using one or more additional sensors.

[0148] In some examples, the method is implemented in the application processor (AP) of the UE device by utilizing the features presented by the cellular modem (i.e., UE modem) of the UE device.

[0149] In some examples, this method is implemented by the UE modem and the AP together, where the AP is used for data post-processing and transmission / storage.

[0150] In some examples, at least a portion of the method is executed by one or more processors within the UE modem.

[0151] In some examples, at least a portion of the method is executed by a dedicated layer 1 CPU using a higher modem layer for global control and data transmission.

[0152] In some examples, the method also includes post-processing of the data obtained from the method, either locally or remotely, wherein the transfer to the post-processing facility is performed during or after the measurement operation.

[0153] In some examples, the method is executed autonomously or on demand.

[0154] In some examples, the method is configured to initiate data acquisition via a trigger set by the control entity.

[0155] In some examples, the data recorded by this method is filtered by conditions set by the controlling entity.

[0156] In some examples, the method also includes associating the acquired radio frequency (RF) measurements and cell information with location data collected by the UE device during the execution of the method.

[0157] In some examples, the method also includes deriving a network coverage map from RF measurements and cell information associated with location data.

[0158] In some examples, the network coverage map can be 2D or 3D (where 3D may additionally include elevation data). This elevation data may be provided by one or more additional sensors.

[0159] In some examples, the method also includes association with a geographic window or at least a predefined geographic location.

[0160] The example also provides an apparatus including one or more processors and memory, which is configured to perform any of the disclosed methods.

[0161] The example also provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform any of the disclosed methods.

[0162] The example also provides a distributed mobile network measurement system for performing the disclosed method, including at least one measuring UE and a back-end processing system communicating with the at least one measuring UE for performing one or more of the following: initiating the at least one measuring UE (including setting the measuring UE and / or one or more of triggers and other parameters that control the method in use), receiving measurement data, and providing at least one output based on the measurement data (wherein the output of the system is any output dataset in a generally disclosed output dataset, such as measurement results, network maps, etc.).

[0163] The example also provides a backend processing system configured to work with one or more measurement UEs, which are arranged to execute any of the exposed example methods and output any of the exposed datasets.

[0164] It is explicitly envisioned that any and all of the disclosed examples of methods, apparatus and systems may be combined in any reasonable combination to achieve various advantages and effects, provided that a particular combination does not conflict with the explicit instructions for use for any given example and does not otherwise violate the laws of physics.

[0165] In some examples, an unrestricted power environment is achieved by connecting the measurement UE (or a portion thereof performing the disclosed method) to: a public power grid service; a power source where the power consumption of the measurement UE is negligible relative to other consumers connected to the same power source (e.g., the measurement UE connected to an ICE-powered or battery-powered vehicle); or a restricted power environment where the power consumption of the measurement UE is acceptable for the purpose of acquiring measurements according to the method (e.g., a conventional user equipment or a dedicated measurement UE used in a portable setup, such as in a backpack).

[0166] In some examples, the RF receiving environment is defined by one or more of the following: the antenna radiation pattern of the measuring device (the antenna includes the influence of the surrounding surface); the electrical interface between the antenna and the modem (wiring and RF interconnects); the modem (factory calibrated); the location of the antenna and its geometry at the measuring device (height and position).

[0167] In some examples, a clearly defined RF receiving environment is used to (at least): provide absolute measurements; and / or promote repeatability (within tolerance).

[0168] In some examples, the confidence level of the RF receiving environment can be obtained from any one or more of the following: antenna matching information reported by the UE modem (e.g., identifying the radiation pattern of the interfered antenna); error vector magnitude (EVM) from baseband signal sampling (e.g., identifying deviations from the ideal signal).

[0169] In some examples, extended measurements may include any one or more of the following: geographic location data acquired from a GNSS receiver, which may be enriched using wheel pulses and dead reckoning; date and time data acquired from a real-time clock (RTC); environmental data (e.g., temperature, air pressure); UE modem health indicators (e.g., temperature of chipset components); and other sensors of the device that integrate the means of measuring the UE.

[0170] In some examples, the processing of data acquired by the method is performed on any one or more of the following: locally (e.g., during a disaster use case); remotely (e.g., in a back-end server); automatically, e.g., via a telemetry subsystem; manually (e.g., on demand, on an available network connection, during use, copying the content locally using a data carrier (e.g., an SD card or the like), or semi-remotely copying the content (e.g., when a specific WiFi network is detected)).

[0171] In some examples, the recording and presentation of data and responses can be configured using triggers and conditions that can be derived from any one or more of the following: continuous execution (continuous measurement results); location identifiers (LAC, TAC, CI, etc.) from the 3GPP network; network or RAT availability from the 3GPP network; physical location / area from geographic coordinates; time and / or date; repeated scheduling; detection of whether the UE is moving or stationary; RF thresholds (e.g., frequency, power, modulation, etc.).

[0172] In some examples, measurements are attributed to geographic windows (geographic windows) defined by start and end locations. These start and end locations can be defined by any one or more of the following: the area between the start and end of a PLMN scan; the area between two geographic points; the area within the center and radius; and any geographic shape.

[0173] In some examples, date and time data are unique references to calendar years, months, days, hours, minutes, seconds, or even more detailed time periods, and geographic windows are references to geographic paths between their start and end locations.

[0174] In some examples, location data can refer to any of the longitude, latitude, altitude, heading, and speed of the measured UE;

[0175] The disclosed methods can be performed in both constrained and unconstrained power environments.

[0176] Examples can be particularly useful when applied to agricultural, forestry, or other vehicles in an RF environment that is not typically well-defined, but where obtaining appropriate measurements of the RF environment can be particularly beneficial—for example, for improving communications for autonomous agriculture and the like.

[0177] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments have been provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, alterations, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein can be employed in any combination in the practice of this disclosure. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention, and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents are thereby covered.< / n> < / n> < / n> < / n> < / n> < / n> < / n> < / n> < / n> < / n> < / n> < / n> < / n>

Claims

1. A method for identifying cellular network coverage in a user equipment (UE) device, without restricting access to subscribed services provided to the UE device by a subscribed network, comprising: During RRC (Radio Resource Control) idle state, radio frequency (RF) measurements and cell information are obtained from the contracted network and from other non-contracted networks detectable by the UE device.

2. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The method is performed in an unrestricted power environment for the UE device.

3. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The method is performed within the defined radio frequency receiving environment of the UE device.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The method also includes performing extended measurements using one or more additional sensors.

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The method is implemented in the application processor (AP) of the UE device using features presented by the cellular modem of the UE device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The method is implemented by the UE modem and the AP together, wherein the AP is used for data post-processing and transmission / storage.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, At least a portion of the method is performed by one or more of the processors within the UE modem.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, At least a portion of the method is executed by a dedicated layer 1 CPU using a higher modem layer for global control and data transmission.

9. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The method further includes post-processing the data obtained from the method locally or remotely, wherein the transmission to the subsequent processing facility is performed during or after the measurement operation.

10. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The method is executed autonomously or on demand.

11. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The method is configured to initiate data acquisition via a trigger set by a control entity.

12. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The data recorded by the method is filtered by conditions set by the control entity.

13. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The method further includes associating the acquired radio frequency (RF) measurement results and cell information with location data collected by the UE device during the execution of the method.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The method also includes associating with a geographic window or at least a predetermined geographic location.

15. An apparatus comprising one or more processors and a memory, the apparatus being configured to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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