Mobile Endpoint Device Spatial Orientation Reporting for Beamformed Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cellular network drive tests are costly and labor-intensive, and existing Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT) features are not optimized for beamformed cellular wireless communications systems, which limits the ability to adjust network aspects based on precise location and orientation data from mobile endpoint devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable mobile endpoint devices to measure and report performance indicators, such as signal strength, along with spatial orientation information and locations, to the cellular network, allowing for adjustments to network configurations, including beam management and antenna deployments, to optimize coverage and reduce the need for extensive drive testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional drive tests are used to optimize cellular network coverage, then measurement accuracy and network optimization quality are improved, but operational costs and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables user equipment to automatically perform measurements and report performance indicators to the network without requiring technician intervention. The UE self-configures measurement parameters, collects data during normal operation, and autonomously reports findings, transforming the network optimization process from a manual service into a self-executing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical drive test system (technicians driving vehicles with measurement equipment) with an electronic/software-based solution where UEs perform measurements using their existing capabilities. The physical measurement campaign is substituted with automated electronic data collection and processing through the network interface.
2Productivity
If MDT features are implemented in traditional cellular systems, then drive test requirements are reduced, but the system lacks optimization for beamformed communications and spatial orientation data
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts measurement configurations based on the detected beamforming scenario. When beamformed communications are detected, the system activates spatial orientation measurement capabilities and adjusts reporting parameters accordingly, allowing the measurement system to flexibly respond to different network configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the MDT functionality to work with both traditional omnidirectional communications and modern beamformed systems. By incorporating spatial orientation information and beam-specific measurements, the system becomes universally applicable across different network architectures and communication modes.
3Manufacturing precision
If spatial orientation information is collected from mobile endpoint devices, then network adjustment precision is improved, but measurement and reporting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network pre-configures measurement parameters and spatial orientation collection requirements before the UE begins measurements. By establishing the measurement framework in advance, the system avoids complex real-time decision-making at the UE, reducing measurement system complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate processing layer that standardizes spatial orientation data from various UE sources and formats it for network consumption. This intermediary processing simplifies the interface between the complex UE measurement capabilities and the network adjustment functions, managing complexity through abstraction.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method may include a processing system of a cellular network having a processor receiving, from a mobile endpoint device, a measurement of a performance indicator, a location, and spatial orientation information, the measurement of the performance indicator based upon at least one wireless signal from a base station of the cellular network, and adjusting at least one aspect of the cellular network in response to the measurement of the performance indicator, the location, and the spatial orientation information. Another example method may include a processing system of a mobile endpoint device having a processor receiving a wireless signal from a base station of a cellular network, capturing a measurement of a performance indicator based upon the wireless signal, recording a location and spatial orientation information, and transmitting to the cellular network the measurement of the performance indicator, the location, and the spatial orientation information.