MDT Reporting Format and Time-Stamp Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drive tests in wireless communication systems are time-consuming and costly, and existing Minimization of Drive Test (MDT) methods lack an efficient reporting format and time stamp configuration for optimizing cell coverage.

Innovation Solution

A method for transmitting MDT measurements from user equipment (UE) to a base station, involving the reception of measurement configuration messages with absolute time information, cyclic logging of measurements, and transmission of absolute and relative time information, along with location and cell identity data, using a reporting format that determines the bit field size for relative time stamps to optimize data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If UE logs MDT measurements and defers transmission until connected mode, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidtime delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE log MDT measurements in advance during idle mode before the actual transmission opportunity. The measurement collection is performed beforehand and stored, then transmitted when the UE transitions to connected mode. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring measurement accuracy through proper logging while managing time delay through efficient transmission scheduling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If conventional drive tests are performed manually with vehicles, then measurement coverage is improved, but cost and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the UE to autonomously perform MDT measurements and log them automatically during idle mode without requiring manual intervention or vehicle-based drive tests. The UE self-manages the measurement collection, storage, and subsequent transmission to the base station, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming manual drive test operations while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If MDT measurements are transmitted immediately in connected mode, then response speed is improved, but data transmission overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoiddata transmission overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE prepare and log measurement data in advance during idle mode, then transmit it efficiently when in connected mode. This approach optimizes the balance between response speed and data overhead by pre-collecting measurements in a structured format and transmitting them in batches when transmission resources are available, rather than continuously transmitting raw measurement data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If absolute time information is stored with MDT measurements, then time stamp precision is improved, but data storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime stamp precisionVSAvoiddata storage requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by storing absolute time information only when and where it is necessary for accurate time stamping of MDT measurements. The time information is selectively captured and associated with measurement logs rather than continuously stored, maintaining time stamp precision for critical measurements while minimizing unnecessary data storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2608423B1MDT information-reporting format in a wireless communication system, and time-stamp configuring method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.12.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2608423B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2608423B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2608423B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for configuring a Minimization of Drive Test (MDT) information reporting format and a time-stamp is provided that supports MDT in a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) system. The method defines a reporting format needed in a process where UE transmits MDT measurements to a serving base station, and sets the number of bits required to log time stamp and the unit of logging time.