MDT Device Selection via Consent Filtering and Match Scoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional drive testing for wireless communication network performance data collection is expensive and lacks timely response, as it requires dedicated resources and scheduling, which can be delayed.
Innovation Solution
Minimization drive test (MDT) utilizes mobile communication devices of subscribers to collect performance data by selecting candidate devices based on predefined criteria, analyzing their match and participation history, and storing data in a blockchain for secure and transparent sharing among service providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional drive testing is conducted using instrumented vehicles, then network performance data can be collected, but the cost is high and scheduling delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mobile communication devices (smartphones, tablets) as copies or substitutes for traditional instrumented vehicles. These devices run MDT client applications that replicate the data collection functionality of professional drive testing equipment, enabling network performance measurement without requiring dedicated test vehicles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages commonly owned mobile devices that users already possess, replacing expensive instrumented vehicles. These devices are temporarily utilized for MDT purposes through user consent, returning to normal use after data collection, thus providing a cost-effective alternative to dedicated testing equipment
2Productivity
If mobile communication devices are used for MDT, then cost is reduced and scheduling delay is minimized, but device selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device selection process into distinct phases: initial filtering based on consent status, matching against selection criteria (device model, software version, location, mobility patterns), and final selection from candidate populations. This segmentation manages complexity by breaking down the daunting task of choosing appropriate test devices into manageable steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an MDT selection application as an intermediary between network operators and mobile devices. This application automatically handles the complex matching process by comparing device profiles against selection criteria, analyzing MDT participation histories, and selecting appropriate devices, thereby simplifying what would otherwise be a manually complex process
3Measurement precision
If multiple selection criteria are applied to MDT devices, then data quality is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary filtering of devices based on consent status before applying more complex selection criteria. Devices that have not consented to MDT are excluded upfront, reducing the candidate pool early in the process. This preliminary action prevents wasted processing time on ineligible devices while maintaining data quality through subsequent criteria matching
Data Source
AI summary
A minimization drive test (MDT) selection server computer. The server comprises a processor, a non-transitory memory; and an MDT selection application stored in the non-transitory memory. When executed by the processor the MDT selection application receives a mobile communication device selection criteria, where the criteria identifies a device candidate profile, determines a degree of match of a plurality of MDT candidate mobile communication devices to the device candidate profile, selects a population of mobile communication devices to perform the MDT based at least in part on the degree of match of the mobile communication devices to the device candidate profile, and causes the selected population of mobile communication devices to perform the MDT.