UE Idle Mode Coverage Hole Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mapping LTE coverage are inefficient and time-consuming, particularly in identifying coverage holes, as they rely on manual vehicle-based signal measurements.
Innovation Solution
User Equipment (UE) in idle mode is configured to detect and report LTE coverage holes by measuring signal strength and logging data, which is then analyzed to generate efficient LTE coverage maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual vehicle-based signal measurements are used for LTE coverage mapping, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables User Equipment (UE) devices to autonomously perform coverage measurements and self-report their findings to the network. Ordinary mobile devices use their own reception capabilities to detect coverage holes and automatically log measurements with location data, eliminating the need for specialized test equipment in vehicles while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms ordinary mobile devices into multi-functional tools that not only provide communication services but also perform network coverage measurement and reporting functions. By utilizing the built-in reception capabilities of standard UEs for dual purposes (communication and measurement), the system achieves both accuracy and efficiency without requiring dedicated measurement equipment.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If UE idle mode measurements are utilized for coverage hole detection, then measurement continuity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures UEs with pre-defined measurement parameters and thresholds before idle mode operation. The network provides configuration information including coverage hole detection criteria, reporting thresholds, and measurement objectives in advance, enabling UEs to autonomously perform measurements without real-time network control while maintaining measurement continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where UEs automatically report measurements to the network when specific conditions are met (e.g., signal quality below threshold). The network uses this feedback to identify coverage holes and can send updated configuration parameters, creating a closed-loop system that maintains measurement continuity without requiring complex real-time control.
Data Source
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AI summary
Generally, this disclosure provides devices, systems and methods for improved coverage estimation of wireless cellular networks through User Equipment (UE) idle mode measurement and reporting. A UE may include a signal measurement module to measure a reference signal received power (RSRP) of a serving cell of the UE, the UE in an idle mode, and to determine if the RSRP is below a threshold value. The UE may also include a cell search and selection module to search for a neighbor cell in response to determining that the RSRP is below the threshold value, and to camp on the neighbor cell if the search succeeds. The UE may further include a data logging module to log information associated with the neighbor cell, if the neighbor cell search succeeds and to log information associated with the serving cell, if the neighbor cell search fails.