DTMF Signal-Based Diagnostic Collection for Voice Quality Issues

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In mobile communication systems, voice quality issues such as one-way audio, no audio, crosstalk, and noise are difficult to diagnose quickly due to the time-consuming process of sending test and maintenance commands through an Operation & Maintenance Center to collect diagnostic information after a voice quality problem occurs.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) signals generated by pressing specific key combinations on a user terminal or test device, with a preset mapping relationship between the DTMF signals and commands for collecting diagnostic information or performing tests, allowing for rapid collection of diagnostic information and fault analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If test and maintenance commands are sent through an Operation & Maintenance Center to collect diagnostic information, then diagnostic information can be collected, but the process takes a long time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic information collectionVSAvoidtime to collect diagnostic information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the diagnostic information collection function from the complex OMC command interface and implements it directly in the network element through embedded scripts. This allows the network element to autonomously execute diagnostic commands and return results without requiring OMC intervention, thereby significantly reducing the time required for diagnostic information collection while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The network element is equipped with self-service capabilities through embedded diagnostic scripts that can be automatically triggered by test devices. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-testing functions, eliminating the need for manual OMC command execution. This self-service mechanism enables rapid diagnostic information collection while preserving the accuracy and completeness of the diagnostic data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual test commands are executed through OMC, then diagnostic information can be obtained, but the maintenance process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic information accuracyVSAvoidmaintenance process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates simplified copies of diagnostic functions by embedding condensed diagnostic scripts directly in the network element. These embedded scripts replicate the essential diagnostic capabilities of the full OMC command set but in a streamlined format that can be executed locally. This copying approach maintains diagnostic accuracy while dramatically reducing maintenance process complexity by eliminating the need for complex OMC command sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The diagnostic functionality is segmented into discrete, modular embedded scripts that can be independently executed. Each script handles a specific diagnostic task, breaking down the complex maintenance process into manageable segments. This segmentation allows test devices to trigger specific diagnostic functions without needing to navigate complex OMC command structures, thereby reducing maintenance complexity while preserving diagnostic reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If diagnostic information collection is automated through embedded scripts, then collection speed increases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic information collection speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network element is enhanced with universal embedded scripting capabilities that can execute multiple diagnostic functions through a single standardized interface. This multi-functionality allows the same embedded script engine to handle various types of diagnostic tasks (performance monitoring, fault detection, configuration verification) without requiring separate complex systems for each function. The universal script execution mechanism increases diagnostic collection speed while managing system complexity through standardized, reusable code modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2288199B1Communication information collecting method, testing method and corresponding systems
Publication Date: 2019.11.13 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2288199B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2288199B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2288199B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method for collecting communication information, a test method and a network device are disclosed. The method for collecting communication information includes: presetting a command for collecting diagnostic information about voice quality, and obtaining Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) signals; and judging whether the DTMF signals match a preset command for collecting diagnostic information about voice quality, and collecting information according to the preset command if determining that the DTMF signals match the preset command. A test method is also provided, and, accordingly, a network device is provided. Through the technical solution under the present invention, diagnostic information is collected quickly after a voice quality problem occurs.