MDT Configuration Discarding in Wireless User Equipment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in 3GPP LTE, the need arises to efficiently discard logged measurements without affecting memory usage or service quality, as these measurements are considered unnecessary and can persist indefinitely, leading to battery consumption and memory issues in user equipment.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that involve receiving an MDT configuration from a base station, starting a validity timer for logging measurements, discarding the configuration when expired, and then starting a conservation timer for the logged measurements, which are eventually discarded after a set period, allowing for controlled memory management and reduced battery consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If logged measurements are kept indefinitely in user equipment, then measurement data availability is improved, but memory usage increases and battery consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement data availabilityVSAvoidmemory usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temporal parameter of measurement data retention by introducing a validity timer that expires after a predetermined period. This transforms the storage state from indefinite to time-limited, automatically discarding old measurements while maintaining recent ones, thus resolving the contradiction between data availability and memory consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary discarding of measurements by setting up a validity timer in advance. Before measurements become problematic in terms of memory usage, they are automatically invalidated and discarded based on the predetermined time criterion, preventing memory overflow while maintaining necessary measurement data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If logged measurements are kept indefinitely in user equipment, then measurement data availability is improved, but battery consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement data availabilityVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter change by introducing a time-based validity criterion (validity timer) that transforms measurement data from permanent to temporary. This automatic expiration mechanism reduces the need for continuous measurement logging and processing, thereby decreasing battery consumption while preserving measurement availability within the valid period

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

By preliminarily setting the validity timer and automatic discarding mechanism, the system prevents excessive accumulation of measurement data that would require continuous energy for storage and management. The predetermined time limit proactively manages energy usage by eliminating the need to indefinitely maintain measurement data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If measurements are continuously logged, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidmeasurement management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies measurement management by changing the retention parameter from manual/indefinite to automatic/time-based. The validity timer automatically manages which measurements are kept and which are discarded, reducing the complexity of measurement data management while maintaining comprehensive coverage during the valid period

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement logging system becomes self-managing through the validity timer mechanism. The system automatically determines which measurements to retain and which to discard based on the predetermined time criterion, eliminating the need for complex external management protocols and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3177062B1Apparatus and method of discarding logged measurement in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2018.05.02 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3177062B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3177062B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3177062B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method of discarding logged measurements in a wireless communication system is provided. A user equipment in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected mode receives a Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT) configuration from a base station and starts a validity timer upon receiving the MDT configuration. The user equipment in an RRC idle mode logs measurements based on the MDT configuration to collect logged measurements while the validity timer is running. When the validity timer is expired, the user equipment discards the MDT configuration and starts a conservation timer. When the conservation timer is expired, the logged measurements are discarded.