Radio Coverage Determination Using Predefined Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring radio coverage, especially in indoor or dense urban areas, are inadequate as they rely on GNSS which is not always available, making it difficult to verify small cell deployments effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method using a wireless device to perform radio condition measurements along predefined paths, determining position estimates, and reporting these measurements to a network node for coverage determination, allowing for graphical representation and suitable cell deployment planning without relying on GNSS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS-based localization is used for coverage monitoring, then positioning accuracy is improved in outdoor areas, but the method becomes inapplicable indoors or in dense urban regions where GNSS signals are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces predefined paths as an intermediary framework that mediates between the wireless device and the coverage monitoring system. These paths serve as reference structures that enable position estimation through measurement data comparison, allowing the system to function without direct GNSS signals in indoor or dense urban environments where traditional GNSS-based localization fails
2Ease of manufacture
If network-based positioning is used for coverage monitoring, then the method works without additional hardware, but the positioning accuracy and coverage determination reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining paths and pre-configuring measurement parameters before actual coverage monitoring begins. These predefined paths serve as prepared reference frameworks that enable accurate position estimation when measurements are taken, allowing the system to achieve high positioning accuracy without complex real-time processing or additional hardware deployment
3Reliability
If technicians manually move through the cellular system measuring signal strength, then coverage holes can be detected, but the time consumption and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling wireless devices to autonomously perform coverage monitoring along predefined paths. The devices automatically collect measurement data, estimate their positions, and report results without requiring technician intervention. This transforms coverage monitoring from a manual labor-intensive process into an automated system that leverages existing wireless devices in the network
4Productivity
If a large number of wireless devices participate in macro cell coverage monitoring via Minimization of Drive Tests, then coverage can be monitored, but it takes significant time to collect sufficient data and requires user consent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining paths and measurement configurations before monitoring begins. This allows wireless devices to immediately start collecting relevant data along predetermined routes without requiring extensive data collection periods. The predefined paths ensure that measurements are taken at optimal locations for coverage assessment, significantly reducing the time needed to gather sufficient monitoring data
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to coverage monitoring and in particular it relates to determining radio coverage, e.g. for small cell deployment in a building. The disclosure relates to methods for coverage determination as well as to corresponding devices and computer programs. According to one aspect, the disclosure proposes a method, performed in a wireless device 10, of determining radio coverage. The method comprises obtaining S1 at least one path along which radio condition measurements are to be performed and performing S2 radio condition measurements along the at least one path. The method further comprises determining S3 position estimates, wherein at least some of the position estimates correspond to the radio condition measurements. The method further comprises determining S4a radio coverage using the radio condition measurements and corresponding position estimates and/or reporting S4b the radio condition measurements and the corresponding position estimates to a radio network node for determination of radio coverage in the radio network node.