5G mmWave Drive Test Apparatus Using Beamforming and Map Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drive test methods are inadequate for measuring communication environments in 5G communication systems using super-high frequency (mmWave) bands, as they are designed for lower frequency ranges and do not accurately account for the unique characteristics of mmWave signals.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that consider the characteristics of mmWave signals during drive tests, including beamforming information, to measure signal reception quality and determine signal propagation paths, allowing for more accurate prediction of signal quality at actual reception points by incorporating topographic, building, and plant information from maps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a typical drive test method designed for lower frequency ranges is used, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient for mmWave communication environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception quality measurement accuracyVSAvoiddrive test system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive test system is segmented into multiple functional modules: signal reception quality measurement unit, propagation path determination unit, and prediction unit. Each module performs a specific function to collectively achieve accurate mmWave environment measurement while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by determining signal propagation paths using beamforming information before predicting signal quality at actual reception points. This preliminary path determination enables more accurate predictions by pre-accounting for mmWave characteristics in the measurement process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If beamforming information and map data are incorporated to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but the complexity of data processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal quality prediction accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Map data serving as an intermediary is introduced to bridge the relationship between measured signal propagation paths and predicted signal quality at actual reception points. This intermediary enables accurate prediction by providing environmental context without requiring direct complex interactions between all system components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces traditional mechanical measurement approaches with information-based processing by using beamforming information and map data to determine propagation paths and predict signal quality, substituting physical measurement complexity with computational analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3553975B1Method and apparatus for performing drive test in mobile communication system
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3553975B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3553975B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3553975B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a communication technique for converging IoT technology with a 5G communication system for supporting a higher data transfer rate beyond a 4G system, and a system therefor. The present disclosure can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart or connected cars, health care, digital education, retail business, and services associated with security and safety) on the basis of 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology. A method for determining signal reception quality in a mobile communication system according to another embodiment of the present specification comprises the steps of: acquiring measurement information related to a received signal; acquiring map information corresponding to a region where the signal is received; and determining signal reception quality at a predicted reception point on the basis of the measurement information and the map information.