Dual-Connectivity MDT Reporting to Reduce Cell Measurement Drive Tests

The patent leverages existing user equipment (smartphones, tablets) that users already possess as cheap, readily available measurement platforms. Instead of investing in expensive dedicated drive test vehicles and equipment, the system uses ordinary consumer devices that are already deployed throughout the network. This approach dramatically reduces implementation costs while maintaining measurement capabilities.

The patent enables user equipment to autonomously perform measurement collections without requiring specialized drive test personnel or equipment. The UE self-configures measurement parameters, autonomously collects cell measurement information, and automatically reports data to the network. This self-service capability eliminates the need for expensive human operators and specialized test infrastructure.

The patent merges MDT configuration and coordination functions between master base station and secondary base station in a dual connectivity architecture. By combining their measurement collection efforts and sharing configuration information, the system achieves enhanced service provision capabilities without requiring completely separate measurement systems. The merged approach leverages existing dual connectivity infrastructure to reduce overall complexity.

The patent makes the MDT configuration information structure universal and adaptable to work across both master and secondary base stations in dual connectivity scenarios. The same configuration framework serves multiple functions: it configures measurements for both base stations, coordinates reporting between them, and maintains compatibility with existing MDT operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate coordination mechanisms and simplifies the overall system.