Network Coverage Assessment Using Mobile Terminal Measurement Data

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining wireless communication coverage, such as drive tests, are costly and inconvenient, and there is a need to minimize the frequency of these tests while ensuring accurate network performance, particularly in mobile communication systems.

Innovation Solution

The use of subscriber mobile terminals to collect measurement data on air interface quality and provide it to the network management system, allowing for the selection and configuration of suitable terminals to reduce the need for traditional drive tests through trace functionality and UE capability information management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If drive tests are conducted to obtain measurement data, then coverage assessment accuracy is improved, but cost and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage assessment accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables mobile terminals to autonomously perform measurements and report coverage data without requiring dedicated drive test vehicles. The terminals self-service by collecting measurement data, determining their own location, and transmitting reports to the network management system, thereby eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming drive tests while maintaining accurate coverage assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes ordinary mobile terminals serve dual purposes: both for normal communication and for coverage measurement. By enabling terminals to perform MDT (Measurement and Reporting) functions in addition to their primary communication function, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated measurement vehicles, reducing both cost and time while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If drive tests are conducted to obtain measurement data, then coverage assessment accuracy is improved, but equipment cost and operational expense increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage assessment accuracyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables mobile terminals to autonomously perform measurements and report coverage data without requiring dedicated drive test vehicles. The terminals self-service by collecting measurement data, determining their own location, and transmitting reports to the network management system, thereby eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming drive tests while maintaining accurate coverage assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes ordinary mobile terminals serve dual purposes: both for normal communication and for coverage measurement. By enabling terminals to perform MDT (Measurement and Reporting) functions in addition to their primary communication function, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated measurement vehicles, reducing both cost and time while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If subscriber mobile terminals are used to provide measurement data, then the need for drive tests is reduced, but not all terminals have the necessary capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of network managementVSAvoidterminal capability compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary capability assessment where the network management system evaluates terminal capabilities before assigning MDT tasks. The system checks for required capabilities such as location determination ability and measurement functionality, and only assigns measurement tasks to terminals that have demonstrated compatibility, ensuring successful data collection while maximizing the use of available terminals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different measurement and reporting configurations based on individual terminal capabilities. The network manages capability information for each terminal and adjusts measurement parameters, triggers, and reporting mechanisms according to the specific terminal's capabilities, allowing efficient utilization of diverse terminal types while maintaining overall system productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2522170B1Geographical determination of coverage in communications systems

Publication Date: 2017.12.20 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

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AI summary

A method of determining geographical determination of coverage in a mobile communications system by obtaining measurement data provided by a plurality of mobile terminals the method comprising the steps of: requesting terminal capability information from the subscriber terminals in a cell; obtaining the terminal capability information from the subscriber terminals; comparing the terminal capability information with capability requirement information; selecting selected subscriber terminals on the basis of their capability information; sending a trace activation command to the selected subscriber terminals; and receiving measurement data measured by the selected subscriber terminals.