Minimising Drive Test Logging for Inter-Radio Access Technology Frequencies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently performing Minimising Drive Tests (MDT) by user equipment (UE) in 5G networks, particularly in logging and reporting measurement results for frequencies not indicated in System Information blocks 4 and 5, and managing Quality of Experience (QoE) reporting across different modes and connectivity states.

Innovation Solution

The method involves configuring UE to log measurement results for inter-radio access technology (IRAT) frequencies not indicated in SIB4 or SIB5, introducing fields for logging and reporting these results, and implementing delta signalling for QoE configuration management across various connectivity modes and network architectures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If UE logs measurement results for IRAT frequencies not indicated in SIB4 or SIB5, then measurement coverage is improved, but logging complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidlogging complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency measurement logging into two distinct parts: frequencies indicated in SIB4/SIB5 (cell reselection frequencies) and frequencies not indicated in these blocks (additional IRAT frequencies). This segmentation allows the UE to handle different frequency sets with different logging requirements, improving measurement coverage while managing complexity through structured organization of measurement objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The network configures the UE in advance with a list of IRAT frequencies to measure and log, including those not indicated in SIB4/SIB5. This preliminary configuration enables the UE to perform measurements on these additional frequencies without real-time complexity, as the measurement objects and logging parameters are pre-established by the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If QoE reporting is implemented across multiple connectivity modes, then reporting versatility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereporting versatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal QoE reporting framework that operates across multiple connectivity modes (5G NR, 4G LTE, NCT, non-3GPP access). The same QoE measurement and reporting mechanisms are adapted to work in different access types and connectivity scenarios, allowing versatile multi-mode reporting while avoiding the need for separate complex systems for each mode.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The QoE reporting system dynamically adapts to the current connectivity mode and network conditions. The UE can switch between different reporting behaviors based on whether it is connected via 5G, 4G, or other access types, and can adjust reporting based on network congestion status. This dynamic adaptation enables versatile multi-mode operation while managing complexity through context-aware behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If data transfer is limited during network congestion, then network performance is improved, but information loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoidinformation loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The network provides feedback to the UE about congestion status and data transfer limitations. Based on this feedback, the UE adjusts its QoE reporting behavior, prioritizing critical information and deferring or compressing non-essential data. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain network performance during congestion while minimizing information loss through adaptive reporting strategies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes reporting parameters dynamically based on network conditions. During congestion, the UE can alter parameters such as reporting frequency, data granularity, and prioritization levels. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain essential QoE monitoring while reducing overall data transfer volume, thereby protecting network performance while minimizing information loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240196286A1Method and apparatus for a minimisation of drive test in a wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2024.06.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20240196286A1 patent drawing
  • US20240196286A1 patent drawing
  • US20240196286A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. In an embodiment, a method of performing Minimising Drive Test (MDT) of a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system is provided. The method comprises: receiving, from a base station, a configuration including inter radio access technology (IRAT) frequencies; performing measurement on available IRAT frequencies based on the configuration; and logging the measurement results.