MDT Configuration Signaling for Bluetooth Device Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing minimization of drive tests (MDT) technology faces challenges in indoor scenarios due to the lack of solutions for configuring user equipment (UE) to record and report information of surrounding Bluetooth devices, which is essential for network optimization.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that configure a UE to perform measurements for Bluetooth devices during the MDT process by sending MDT configuration signaling, including bits to indicate whether to measure the MAC address or received signal strength of the Bluetooth device, using S1AP or X2AP protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing MDT technology is applied to indoor scenarios, then outdoor network optimization can be maintained, but indoor network optimization fails due to lack of Bluetooth device measurement capability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMDT technology applicabilityVSAvoidindoor network optimization effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic measurement configuration by enabling the network to flexibly configure UE to perform Bluetooth device measurements indoors through MDT configuration signaling, while maintaining traditional outdoor GPS-based MDT operations. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to switch measurement methodologies based on scenario requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the MDT measurement process into scenario-specific components: outdoor scenarios continue to use GPS-based positioning and traditional measurements, while indoor scenarios utilize Bluetooth device measurements. This segmentation allows each scenario to use the most appropriate measurement technology without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If MDT configuration signaling is extended to include Bluetooth measurement events, then UE can report Bluetooth device information, but signaling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveBluetooth device measurement informationVSAvoidMDT configuration signaling structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by extending the existing MDT configuration signaling framework to handle both traditional measurements and new Bluetooth device measurements through a unified configuration structure. The measurement configuration signaling serves multiple functions: configuring GPS-based outdoor measurements and Bluetooth-based indoor measurements within the same protocol framework, reducing the need for separate signaling mechanisms.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies existing MDT configuration parameters to include Bluetooth measurement capabilities. By changing the measurement event parameters to include Bluetooth-specific measurement types (such as Bluetooth device identification and signal strength measurements), the system can convey additional information without creating entirely new signaling structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If UE performs Bluetooth device measurements indoors, then indoor positioning accuracy improves, but measurement precision challenges arise due to Bluetooth signal characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindoor positioning accuracyVSAvoidBluetooth device measurement difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the UE as an intermediary device that collects Bluetooth measurement data in challenging indoor environments and relays this information to the network. The UE's measurement capabilities serve as a bridge between Bluetooth devices and the network, enabling indirect measurement and reporting of Bluetooth signal characteristics that would be difficult to obtain directly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network configures UE to perform Bluetooth measurements and receives measurement reports containing Bluetooth device information and signal strength data. This feedback loop allows the network to continuously optimize indoor positioning accuracy based on actual measurement results and adjust measurement configurations accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3771249B1Method and apparatus for measuring bluetooth device
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3771249B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3771249B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3771249B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for measuring a Bluetooth device. The method for measuring a Bluetooth device comprises: determining, on the basis of a Bluetooth device measurement event that a user equipment needs to perform, a minimization of drive tests configuration signaling to be sent, the minimization of drive tests configuration signaling carrying the Bluetooth device measurement event that the user equipment needs to perform; and sending the minimization of drive tests configuration signaling to be sent to a receiving end. The technical solution of the present disclosure may implement a measurement operation for a Bluetooth device by a user equipment in a minimization of drive tests process so that the user equipment may report measurement information of the Bluetooth device and apply minimization of drive tests technology to an indoor scenario.