Patent Description:
A drive test (DT) or drive tests (DTs) may reflect a status of a network, play a direct role in measuring and evaluating a performance index of the network, and point out a network problem. In a related art, conventional network optimization is based on DT data. A level, quality, and other network data may be acquired through a DT instrument, the network data is analyzed to find the network problem, and network optimization is further performed for a problem region. However, conventional network optimization usually requires heavy human resource, material resource and fund investments, and also has a very high requirement on an experience of a network optimization worker.

Related technologies are known from <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>. <CIT> discloses that an ENB selects a UE which has agreed about MDT performance in consideration of remaining battery power, GPS enablement and WLAN enablement, and that the ENB sends MDT measurement configuration to the selected UE.

For solving the problems in the related art, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an MDT configuration method, apparatus and system.

The features of the MDT configuration method and apparatus according to the present disclosure are defined in the independent claims, and the preferable features according to the present invention are defined in the dependent claims.

The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure may have the following beneficial effects.

In the present disclosure, the core network device may set the MDT configuration information about the MDT measurement performed on the specified network device, add the MDT configuration information to the specified signaling and send the specified signaling to the base station. The base station, after determining the terminal to be configured consistent with the specified MDT measurement condition according to the MDT configuration information, may send the MDT configuration information to the terminal to be configured to cause the terminal to be configured to perform the MDT measurement on the specified network device according to the MDT configuration information, such that configuration of specified network device-based MDT measurement for the terminal by the core network device is implemented, and the reliability of MDT measurement is improved.

In the present disclosure, the base station receives the specified signaling sent by the core network device, the specified signaling including the MDT configuration information about the MDT measurement performed on the specified network device which is set by the core network device, determines the terminal to be configured consistent with the specified MDT measurement condition according to the MDT configuration information and sends the MDT configuration information to the terminal to be configured, such that configuration of specified network device-based MDT measurement for the terminal by the core network device is implemented, and the reliability of MDT measurement is improved.

In the present disclosure, the terminal may receive the MDT configuration information sent by the base station, the MDT configuration information being the MDT configuration information about the MDT measurement performed on the specified network device which is set by the core network device, and perform the MDT measurement on the specified network device according to the MDT configuration information, such that MDT measurement is implemented according to a configuration of the core network device, and the efficiency of MDT measurement is improved.

Terms used in the present disclosure are only adopted for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and not intended to limit the present disclosure. "A/an", "said" and "the" in a singular form in the present disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include a plural form, unless other meanings are clearly denoted throughout the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that term "and/or" used in the present disclosure refers to and includes one or any or all possible combinations of multiple associated items that are listed.

It is to be understood that, although terms first, second, third and the like may be adopted to describe various information in the present disclosure, the information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only adopted to distinguish the information of the same type. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, indication information may also be called second information and, similarly, the second information may also be called indication information. For example, term "if" used here may be explained as "while" or "when" or "responsive to determining", which depends on the context.

A DT or DTs may reflect a status of a network, play a direct role in measuring and evaluating a performance index of the network, and point out a network problem. In a related art, conventional network optimization is based on DT data. A level, quality, and other network data may be acquired through a DT instrument, the network data is analyzed to find the network problem, and network optimization is further performed for a problem region. However, conventional network optimization usually requires heavy human resource, material resource and fund investments, and also has a very high requirement on an experience of a network optimization worker.

An MDT technology mainly acquires a related parameter required by the network optimization through a measurement report reported by a mobile phone.

For making MDT more effective, present application scenarios thereof mainly include coverage optimization, capacity optimization, mobility optimization, quality of service (QoS) guaranteeing, and the like.

At present, the MDT technology is mainly applied to/in an outdoor scenario. In the outdoor scenario, a terminal may perform accurate positioning and measurement configuration based on a global positioning system (GPS). However, along with the development of mobile communication technologies, more and more mobile communications and traffic have been generated indoors. In addition, more and more BT devices and WLAN devices have been deployed indoors. A conventional MDT technology is confronted with some challenges.

However, in an existing MDT mechanism, a core network device cannot configure BT/WLAN-based MDT measurement for a terminal, and if the terminal is expected to perform the BT/WLAN-based MDT measurement, the core network device is required to perform related configuration.

Regarding the problems mentioned above, the present disclosure discloses an MDT configuration method. In the method, a core network device may set MDT configuration information about an MDT measurement performed on a specified network device (for example, a BT device or a WLAN device), and then send the MDT configuration information to a base station through specified signaling (for example, initial context setup request signaling). The base station, after receiving the MDT configuration information, may determine a terminal to be configured which is consistent with (or which meets) a specified MDT measurement condition according to the MDT configuration information, and then send the MDT configuration information to the terminal to be configured to cause the terminal to be configured to perform the MDT measurement on the specified network device according to the MDT configuration information. Therefore, configuration of BT/WLAN-based MDT measurement for the terminal by the core network device is implemented, and accuracy of MDT measurement is improved.

The technical solutions provided in embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with specific embodiments.

<FIG> is a flow chart showing an MDT configuration method, according to an exemplary embodiment not covered by the claimed invention. <FIG> is a diagram of an application scenario of an MDT configuration method, according to an exemplary embodiment. The MDT configuration method may be applied to a core network device. For example, the core network device may be a mobility management entity (MME), and is configured for signaling management, tracking area management, gateway selection, and the like. As illustrated in <FIG>, the MDT configuration method may include steps <NUM> to <NUM> as follows.

In step <NUM>, MDT configuration information about an MDT measurement performed on a specified network device (that is, MDT configuration information for performing MDT measurement on a specified network device) is set.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the core network device sets the MDT configuration information for a purpose of notifying a base station that it supports MDT measurement over the specified network device and notifying the base station to select a proper terminal to perform the MDT measurement on the specified network device, and a measurement parameter required by MDT measurement over the specified network device is configured.

In an embodiment, the specified network device may be a BT device and/or a WLAN device. Therefore, the core network device may set MDT configuration information about the MDT measurement performed on the BT device and/or the WLAN device.

In an embodiment, the specified network device may be the BT device and/or the WLAN device, and the MDT configuration information set by a core network may include: (<NUM>) an MDT mode for BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement; and/or (<NUM>) measurement region information for BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement; and/or (<NUM>) information of BT device required to be measured; and/or (<NUM>) SSID information of the WLAN device required to be measured.

The MDT mode may be real-time MDT and may also be stored MDT.

In step <NUM>, the MDT configuration information is added to specified signaling.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the core network device may send the MDT configuration information to the base station through the specified signaling. The specified signaling may be existing signaling. For example, first signaling is initial context setup request signaling.

In step <NUM>, the specified signaling is sent to a base station to cause the base station to, after determining a terminal to be configured consistent with a specified MDT measurement condition according to the MDT configuration information, send the MDT configuration information to the terminal to be configured to cause the terminal to be configured to perform the MDT measurement on the specified network device according to the MDT configuration information.

In an exemplary scenario, as illustrated in <FIG>, a terminal, a base station and a core network device are included. The core network device may set MDT configuration information about an MDT measurement performed on a specified network device (for example, a BT device or a WLAN device), and then send the MDT configuration information to the base station through specified signaling (for example, initial context setup request signaling). The base station, after receiving the MDT configuration information, may determine a terminal to be configured consistent with a specified MDT measurement condition according to the MDT configuration information, and then send the MDT configuration information to the terminal to be configured to cause the terminal to be configured to perform the MDT measurement on the specified network device according to the MDT configuration information. Therefore, configuration of BT/WLAN-based MDT measurement for the terminal by the core network device is implemented, and accuracy of MDT measurement is improved.

It can be seen from the embodiment that the MDT configuration information about the MDT measurement performed on the specified network device is set, the MDT configuration information is added to the specified signaling, and the specified signaling is sent to the base station. The base station, after determining the terminal to be configured consistent with the specified MDT measurement condition according to the MDT configuration information, may send the MDT configuration information to the terminal to be configured to cause the terminal to be configured to perform the MDT measurement on the specified network device according to the MDT configuration information, such that configuration of specified network device-based MDT measurement for the terminal by the core network device is implemented, and reliability of MDT measurement is improved.

<FIG> is a flow chart showing another MDT configuration method, according to an exemplary embodiment not covered by the claimed invention. The MDT configuration method may be applied to a core network device and is established based on the method illustrated in <FIG>. Specified signaling is initial context setup request signaling which includes a tracking activation information element, and the tracking activation information element includes an MDT configuration signaling element. As illustrated in <FIG>, the MDT configuration method may include steps <NUM> to <NUM> as follows.

In step <NUM>, MDT configuration information about an MDT measurement performed on a specified network device is set. The step is identical with step <NUM>, and will not be elaborated herein.

In step <NUM>, the MDT configuration information is added to the MDT configuration signaling element in the initial context setup request signaling.

In step <NUM>, the initial context setup request signaling is sent to a base station to cause the base station to acquire the MDT configuration information from the initial context setup request signaling.

It can be seen from the embodiment that the MDT configuration information is added to the MDT configuration signaling element in the initial context setup request signaling, and then the initial context setup request signaling is sent to the base station to cause the base station to acquire the MDT configuration information from the initial context setup request signaling, such that transmission efficiency of the MDT configuration information is improved.

<FIG> is a flow chart showing an MDT configuration method, according to an exemplary embodiment. The MDT configuration method may be applied to a base station. As illustrated in <FIG>, the MDT configuration method may include steps <NUM> to <NUM> as follows.

In step <NUM>, specified signaling sent by a core network device is received, and the specified signaling includes MDT configuration information about an MDT measurement performed on a specified network device which is set by the core network device.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station may acquire the MDT configuration information set by the core network from the specified signaling. The specified signaling may be existing signaling. For example, first signaling is initial context setup request signaling.

In an embodiment, the specified signaling is initial context setup request signaling, and the initial context setup request signaling includes a tracking activation information element. The tracking activation information element includes an MDT configuration signaling element, and the MDT configuration signaling element includes the MDT configuration information.

In this manner, the base station may acquire the MDT configuration information set by the core network from the MDT configuration signaling element in the initial context setup request signaling.

In addition, the base station, after acquiring the MDT configuration information set by the core network, may learn according to the MDT configuration information that the core network device supports MDT measurement over the specified network device and the core network device requires a proper terminal to be selected to perform the MDT measurement on the specified network device, and may obtain a measurement parameter configured by the core network device and required by MDT measurement over the specified network device.

In an embodiment, the specified network device may be a BT device and/or a WLAN device, and the MDT configuration information set by the core network may include: (<NUM>) an MDT mode for BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement; and/or, (<NUM>) measurement region information for BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement; and/or, (<NUM>) information of BT device required to be measured; and/or, (<NUM>) SSID information of the WLAN device required to be measured. The MDT mode may be real-time MDT and may also be stored MDT.

In step <NUM>, a terminal to be configured consistent with a specified MDT measurement condition is determined according to the MDT configuration information.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station may select the terminal to be configured consistent with the specified MDT measurement condition from terminals in its coverage.

The specified MDT measurement condition may include: having a capability of supporting MDT measurement over the specified network device, and may further include: being in a measurement region for MDT measurement over the specified network device.

For example, the specified network device may be the BT device and/or the WLAN device, and the specified MDT measurement condition may include: having a capability of supporting BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement (that is, a capability of supporting measurement over the BT device and/or the WLAN device) and may further include being in a measurement region for BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement.

In step <NUM>, the MDT configuration information is sent to the terminal to be configured to cause the terminal to be configured to perform the MDT measurement on the specified network device according to the MDT configuration information.

In an embodiment, when the MDT configuration information is sent to the terminal to be configured, the MDT configuration information may be added to RRC signaling, and then the RRC signaling is sent to the terminal to be configured; and in such a manner, the terminal to be configured may acquire the MDT configuration information from the RRC signaling, such that transmission reliability of the MDT configuration information is improved.

It can be seen from the embodiment that the specified signaling sent by the core network device is received, the specified signaling including the MDT configuration information about the MDT measurement performed on the specified network device which is set by the core network device, the terminal to be configured consistent with the specified MDT measurement condition is determined according to the MDT configuration information, and the MDT configuration information is sent to the terminal to be configured to cause the terminal to be configured to perform the MDT measurement on the specified network device according to the MDT configuration information, such that configuration of specified network device-based MDT measurement for the terminal by the core network device is implemented, and the reliability of MDT measurement is improved.

<FIG> is a flow chart showing another MDT configuration method, according to an exemplary embodiment. The MDT configuration method may be applied to a base station and is established based on the method illustrated in <FIG>. The specified network device includes the BT device and/or the WLAN device. The specified MDT measurement condition includes having the capability of supporting BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement. When step <NUM> is executed, as illustrated in <FIG>, steps <NUM> to <NUM> may be included as follows.

In step <NUM>, one or more candidate terminals are selected. The candidate terminal may be a terminal selected by the base station from terminals in its coverage.

In step <NUM>, terminal capability request information is sent to each of the candidate terminals, and the terminal capability request information is configured to query whether the candidate terminal has the capability of supporting BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement.

In step <NUM>, terminal capability reporting information sent by the candidate terminal is received, and the terminal capability reporting information is configured to indicate whether the candidate terminal has the capability of supporting BT or WLAN MDT measurement.

In step <NUM>, whether the terminal capability reporting information indicates that the candidate terminal has the capability of supporting BT or WLAN MDT measurement is judged; if YES, step <NUM> is executed; otherwise, step <NUM> is executed.

In step <NUM>, the candidate terminal is determined as the terminal to be configured.

In step <NUM>, it is determined that the candidate terminal is not the terminal to be configured.

It can be seen from the embodiment that the terminal capability request information is sent to the candidate terminals, the terminal capability reporting information sent by the candidate terminals is received, and whether a candidate terminal has the capability of supporting BT or WLAN MDT measurement is determined according to the terminal capability reporting information, such that reliability of determining the terminal to be configured is improved.

<FIG> is a flow chart showing another MDT configuration method, according to an exemplary embodiment. The MDT configuration method may be applied to a base station and is established based on the method illustrated in <FIG>. The specified MDT measurement condition further includes being in the measurement region for BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement. When step <NUM> is executed, as illustrated in <FIG>, steps <NUM> to <NUM> may be included as follows.

In step <NUM>, terminal position reporting information of the candidate terminal is acquired, and the terminal position reporting information is configured to indicate whether the candidate terminal is in the measurement region for BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement.

In step <NUM>, whether the terminal position reporting information indicates that the candidate terminal is in the measurement region for BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement is judged; if YES, step <NUM> is executed; otherwise, step <NUM> is executed.

It can be seen from the embodiment that the terminal position reporting information of the candidate terminal is acquired, and whether the candidate terminal is in the measurement region for BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement is determined according to the terminal position reporting information, such that accuracy of determining the terminal to be configured is improved.

<FIG> is a flow chart showing an MDT configuration method, according to an exemplary embodiment not covered by the claimed invention. The MDT configuration method may be applied to a terminal to be configured. The terminal to be configured may be a terminal which is determined by a base station according to MDT configuration information about an MDT measurement performed on a specified network device set by a core network device and is consistent with a specified MDT measurement condition. As illustrated in <FIG>, the MDT configuration method may include steps <NUM> to <NUM> as follows.

In step <NUM>, MDT configuration information sent by the base station is received, and the MDT configuration information is the MDT configuration information about the MDT measurement performed on the specified network device which is set by the core network device.

In step <NUM>, the MDT measurement is performed on the specified network device according to the MDT configuration information.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the terminal may perform the MDT measurement on the specified network device according to the MDT configuration information set by the core network.

In an embodiment, the specified network device may be a BT device and/or a WLAN device. The MDT configuration information set by the core network may include: (<NUM>) an MDT mode for BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement; and/or, (<NUM>) measurement region information for BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement; and/or, (<NUM>) information of BT device required to be measured; and/or, (<NUM>) SSID information of the WLAN device required to be measured. The MDT mode may be real-time MDT and may also be stored MDT.

For example, the MDT mode configured by the core network is real-time MDT, and in such case, the terminal may perform MDT measurement on the BT device and/or the WLAN device according to the real-time MDT mode.

For another example, the core network configures a measurement region, and in such case, the terminal may perform MDT measurement on a BT device and/or WLAN device in the measurement region.

For another example, the core network configures the information of BT device, and in such case, the terminal may perform MDT measurement on a BT device in the information of BT device.

It can be seen from the embodiment that the MDT configuration information sent by the base station is received, the MDT configuration information being the MDT configuration information about the MDT measurement performed on the specified network device which is set by the core network device, and the MDT measurement is performed on the specified network device according to the MDT configuration information, such that the MDT measurement is implemented according to a configuration of the core network device, and the efficiency of MDT measurement is improved.

<FIG> is an information interaction diagram of an MDT configuration method, according to an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, a terminal to be configured, a base station and a core network device are included. The terminal to be configured is a terminal determined by the base station according to MDT configuration information about an MDT measurement performed on a specified network device which is set by the core network device and consistent with a specified MDT measurement condition. Moreover, an information interaction process of the terminal to be configured, the base station and the core network device is specifically as follows.

In (<NUM>-<NUM>), the core network device sets the MDT configuration information about the MDT measurement performed on the specified network device.

In (<NUM>-<NUM>), the core network device adds the MDT configuration information to specified signaling, and the specified signaling includes the MDT configuration information.

In (<NUM>-<NUM>), the core network device sends the specified signaling to the base station.

In (<NUM>-<NUM>), the base station determines the terminal to be configured consistent with the specified MDT measurement condition according to the MDT configuration information.

In (<NUM>-<NUM>), the base station sends the MDT configuration information to the terminal to be configured.

In (<NUM>-<NUM>), the terminal to be configured performs the MDT measurement on the specified network device according to the MDT configuration information.

<FIG> is an information interaction diagram of another MDT configuration method, according to an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, a terminal to be configured, a base station and a core network device are included. The terminal to be configured is a terminal determined by the base station according to MDT configuration information about an MDT measurement performed on a BT device and/or a WLAN device which is set by the core network device and consistent with a specified MDT measurement condition. Moreover, an information interaction process of the terminal to be configured, the base station and the core network device is specifically as follows.

In (<NUM>-<NUM>), the core network device sets the MDT configuration information about the MDT measurement performed on the BT device and/or the WLAN device.

In (<NUM>-<NUM>), the core network device adds the MDT configuration information to an MDT configuration signaling element in initial context setup request signaling.

In (<NUM>-<NUM>), the core network device sends the initial context setup request signaling to the base station, and the initial context setup request signaling includes the MDT configuration information.

In (<NUM>-<NUM>), the terminal to be configured performs the MDT measurement on the BT device and/or the WLAN device according to the MDT configuration information.

Corresponding to the embodiments of the MDT configuration methods, the present disclosure also provides embodiments of MDT configuration apparatuses.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an MDT configuration apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment not covered by the claimed invention. The device is applied to a core network device, and is configured to execute the MDT configuration method illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the MDT configuration apparatus may include: a setting module <NUM>, an addition module <NUM>, and a signaling sending module <NUM>.

The setting module <NUM> is configured to set MDT configuration information about an MDT measurement performed on a specified network device.

The addition module <NUM> is configured to add the MDT configuration information to specified signaling.

The signaling sending module <NUM> is configured to send the specified signaling to a base station to cause the base station to, after determining a terminal to be configured consistent with a specified MDT measurement condition according to the MDT configuration information, send the MDT configuration information to the terminal to be configured to cause the terminal to be configured to perform the MDT measurement on the specified network device according to the MDT configuration information.

It can be seen from the embodiment that the MDT configuration information about the MDT measurement performed on the specified network device is set, the MDT configuration information is added to the specified signaling, and the specified signaling is sent to the base station. The base station, after determining the terminal to be configured consistent with the specified MDT measurement condition according to the MDT configuration information, may send the MDT configuration information to the terminal to be configured to cause the terminal to be configured to perform the MDT measurement on the specified network device according to the MDT configuration information, such that configuration of specified network device-based MDT measurement for the terminal by the core network device is implemented, and the reliability of MDT measurement is improved.

In an embodiment, based on the device illustrated in <FIG>, the specified network device includes a BT device and/or a WLAN device.

In an embodiment, based on the device illustrated in <FIG>, the MDT configuration information for the specified network device includes: an MDT mode for BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement; and/or measurement region information for BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement; and/or information of BT device required to be measured; and/or SSID information of the WLAN device required to be measured.

In an embodiment, the MDT mode includes real-time MDT or stored MDT.

In an embodiment, based on the device illustrated in <FIG>, the specified signaling is initial context setup request signaling which includes a tracking activation information element, and the tracking activation information element includes an MDT configuration signaling element. As illustrated in <FIG>, the addition module <NUM> includes: an addition submodule <NUM>, configured to add the MDT configuration information to the MDT configuration signaling element.

It can be seen from the embodiment that the MDT configuration information is added to the MDT configuration signaling element in the initial context setup request signaling, and then the initial context setup request signaling is sent to the base station to cause the base station to acquire the MDT configuration information from the initial context setup request signaling, such that the transmission efficiency of the MDT configuration information is improved.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an MDT configuration apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment. The device is applied to a base station, and is configured to execute the MDT configuration method illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the MDT configuration apparatus may include: a signaling receiving module <NUM>, a determination module <NUM>, and an information sending module <NUM>.

The signaling receiving module <NUM> is configured to receive specified signaling sent by a core network device, and the specified signaling includes MDT configuration information about an MDT measurement performed on a specified network device which is set by the core network device.

The determination module <NUM> is configured to determine a terminal to be configured consistent with a specified MDT measurement condition according to the MDT configuration information.

The information sending module <NUM> is configured to send the MDT configuration information to the terminal to be configured to cause the terminal to be configured to perform the MDT measurement on the specified network device according to the MDT configuration information.

In an embodiment, based on the device illustrated in <FIG>, the specified signaling is initial context setup request signaling which includes a tracking activation information element, the tracking activation information element includes an MDT configuration signaling element, and the MDT configuration signaling element includes the MDT configuration information.

In an embodiment, based on the device illustrated in <FIG>, the specified MDT measurement condition includes having a capability of supporting BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement.

In an embodiment, based on the device illustrated in <FIG>, the determination module <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> may include: a selection submodule <NUM>, a sending submodule <NUM>, a receiving submodule <NUM>, and a first determination submodule <NUM>.

The selection submodule <NUM> is configured to select one or more candidate terminals.

The sending submodule <NUM> is configured to send terminal capability request information to each of the candidate terminals, and the terminal capability request information is configured to query whether the candidate terminal has the capability of supporting BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement.

The receiving submodule <NUM> is configured to receive terminal capability reporting information sent by the candidate terminal, and the terminal capability reporting information is configured to indicate whether the candidate terminal has the capability of supporting BT or WLAN MDT measurement.

The first determination submodule <NUM> is configured to, if the terminal capability reporting information indicates that the candidate terminal has the capability of supporting BT or WLAN MDT measurement, determine the candidate terminal as the terminal to be configured.

It can be seen from the embodiment that the terminal capability request information is sent to the candidate terminals, the terminal capability reporting information sent by the candidate terminals is received, and whether a candidate terminal has the capability of supporting BT or WLAN MDT measurement is determined according to the terminal capability reporting information, such that the reliability of determining the terminal to be configured is improved.

In an embodiment, based on the device illustrated in <FIG>, the specified MDT measurement condition further includes being in a measurement region for BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement; and as illustrated in <FIG>, the first determination submodule <NUM> may include: an acquisition submodule <NUM>, and a second determination submodule <NUM>.

The acquisition submodule <NUM> is configured to acquire terminal position reporting information of the candidate terminal, and the terminal position reporting information is configured to indicate whether the candidate terminal is in the measurement region for BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement.

The second determination submodule <NUM> is configured to, if the terminal position reporting information indicates that the candidate terminal is in the measurement region for BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement, determine the candidate terminal as the terminal to be configured.

It can be seen from the embodiment that the terminal position reporting information of the candidate terminal is acquired, and whether the candidate terminal is in the measurement region for BT and/or WLAN MDT measurement is determined according to the terminal position reporting information, such that the accuracy of determining the terminal to be configured is improved.

In an embodiment, based on the device illustrated in <FIG>, the information sending module <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> may include: an addition submodule <NUM> configured to add the MDT configuration information to RRC signaling; and a sending submodule <NUM> configured to send the RRC signaling to the terminal to be configured to cause the terminal to be configured to acquire the MDT configuration information from the RRC signaling.

It can be seen from the embodiment that the MDT configuration information is added to the RRC signaling, and then the RRC signaling is sent to the terminal to be configured; and in such a manner, the terminal to be configured may acquire the MDT configuration information from the RRC signaling, such that the transmission reliability of the MDT configuration information is improved.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an MDT configuration apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment not covered by the claimed invention. The MDT configuration apparatus is applied to a terminal to be configured, the terminal to be configured being a terminal determined by a base station according to MDT configuration information about an MDT measurement performed on a specified network device which is set by a core network device and consistent with a specified MDT measurement condition, and is configured to execute the MDT configuration method illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the MDT configuration apparatus may include: an information receiving module <NUM> and a measurement module <NUM>.

The information receiving module <NUM> is configured to receive MDT configuration information sent by the base station, and the MDT configuration information is the MDT configuration information about the MDT measurement performed on the specified network device which is set by the core network device.

The measurement module <NUM> is configured to perform the MDT measurement on the specified network device according to the MDT configuration information.

The device embodiments substantially correspond to the method embodiments, and thus related parts refer to part of descriptions of the method embodiments. The device embodiments described above are only schematic, units described as separate parts therein may or may not be physically separated, and parts displayed as units may or may not be physical units, and namely may be located in the same place or may also be distributed to multiple network units. Part or all of the modules therein may be selected according to a practical requirement to achieve the purpose of the solutions of the present disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art may understand and implement without creative work.

Correspondingly, the present disclosure also provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored, wherein the computer program is configured to execute any MDT configuration method illustrated in <FIG>.

Correspondingly, the present disclosure also provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored, wherein the computer program is configured to execute the MDT configuration method illustrated in <FIG>.

Correspondingly, the present disclosure also provides an MDT configuration apparatus, which is applied to a core network device and includes:.

<FIG> is a structure diagram of an MDT configuration apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> illustrates an MDT configuration apparatus <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment. The device <NUM> may be provided as a core network device, for example, an MME.

The processing component <NUM> may include one or more processors <NUM> to execute instructions to perform all or part of the steps in the above-mentioned method. Moreover, the processing component <NUM> may include one or more modules which facilitate interaction between the processing component <NUM> and other components. For instance, the processing component <NUM> may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between the multimedia component <NUM> and the processing component <NUM>.

Examples of such data include instructions for any applications or methods operated on the device <NUM>, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, video, etc. The memory <NUM> may be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile memory devices, or a combination thereof, such as a static random access memory (SRAM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a read-only memory (ROM), a magnetic memory, a flash memory, and a magnetic or optical disk.

The multimedia component <NUM> includes a screen providing an output interface between the device <NUM> and a user. If the screen includes the TP, the screen may be implemented as a touch screen to receive an input signal from the user. The TP includes one or more touch sensors to sense touches, swipes and gestures on the TP. The touch sensors may not only sense a boundary of a touch or swipe action but also detect a period of time and a pressure associated with the touch or swipe action. The front camera and/or the rear camera may receive external multimedia data when the device <NUM> is in an operation mode, such as a photographing mode or a video mode. Each of the front camera and the rear camera may be a fixed optical lens system or have focusing and optical zooming capabilities.

The audio component <NUM> is configured to output and/or input an audio signal. For example, the audio component <NUM> includes a microphone (MIC), and the MIC is configured to receive an external audio signal when the device <NUM> is in an operation mode, such as a call mode, a recording mode and a voice recognition mode. The received audio signal may further be stored in the memory <NUM> or sent through the communication component <NUM>. In some embodiments, the audio component <NUM> further includes a speaker configured to output the audio signal.

The buttons may include, but are not limited to: a home button, a volume button, a starting button and a locking button.

The sensor component <NUM> includes one or more sensors configured to provide status assessments in various aspects for the device <NUM>. The sensor component <NUM> may also include a light sensor, such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor, configured for use in an imaging application.

The communication component <NUM> is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between the device <NUM> and other devices. The device <NUM> may access a communication-standard-based wireless network, such as a wireless fidelity (WiFi) network, a 2nd-generation (<NUM>) or 3rd-generation (<NUM>) network or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component <NUM> receives a broadcast signal or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast management system through a broadcast channel. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component <NUM> further includes a near field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communications. For example, the NFC module may be implemented based on a radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, an infrared data association (IrDA) technology, an ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, a BT technology and other technologies.

In an exemplary embodiment, the device <NUM> may be implemented by one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors or other electronic components, and is configured to execute the above-mentioned method.

In an exemplary embodiment, there is also provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions, such as included in the memory <NUM>, executed by the processor <NUM> of the device <NUM> to implement the above-mentioned method. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, a random access memory (RAM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a magnetic tape, a floppy disc, an optical data storage device, and the like.

The instructions in the storage medium are executed by the processor to cause the device <NUM> to execute any MDT configuration method.

Correspondingly, the present disclosure also provides an MDT configuration apparatus, which is applied to a base station and includes:.

As illustrated in <FIG> is a structure diagram of an MDT configuration apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment. The device <NUM> may be provided as a base station. Referring to <FIG>, the device <NUM> includes a processing component <NUM>, a wireless transmission/receiving component <NUM>, an antenna component <NUM> and a wireless interface-specific signal processing part, and the processing component <NUM> may further include one or more processors.

One processor in the processing component <NUM> may be configured to execute any MDT configuration method.

Correspondingly, the present disclosure also provides an MDT configuration apparatus, which is applied to a terminal to be configured, and the terminal to be configured is a terminal determined by a base station according to MDT configuration information about an MDT measurement performed on a specified network device which is set by a core network device and consistent with a specified MDT measurement condition. The device includes:.

<FIG> is a structure diagram of an MDT configuration apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> illustrates an MDT configuration apparatus <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. The device <NUM> may be a terminal such as a computer, a mobile phone, a digital broadcast terminal, a messaging device, a gaming console, a tablet, a medical device, exercise equipment, a personal digital assistant, and the like.

Referring to <FIG>, the device <NUM> may include one or more of the following components: a processing component <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a power component <NUM>, a multimedia component <NUM>, an audio component <NUM>, an I/O interface <NUM>, a sensor component <NUM>, and a communication component <NUM>.

Examples of such data include instructions for any applications or methods operated on the device <NUM>, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, video, etc. The memory <NUM> may be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile memory devices, or a combination thereof, such as an SRAM, an EEPROM, an EPROM, a PROM, a ROM, a magnetic memory, a flash memory, and a magnetic or optical disk.

The multimedia component <NUM> includes a screen providing an output interface between the device <NUM> and a user. In some embodiments, the screen may include an LCD and a TP. If the screen includes the TP, the screen may be implemented as a touch screen to receive an input signal from the user. The TP includes one or more touch sensors to sense touches, swipes and gestures on the TP. The touch sensors may not only sense a boundary of a touch or swipe action but also detect a period of time and a pressure associated with the touch or swipe action. The front camera and/or the rear camera may receive external multimedia data when the device <NUM> is in an operation mode, such as a photographing mode or a video mode. Each of the front camera and the rear camera may be a fixed optical lens system or have focusing and optical zooming capabilities.

The audio component <NUM> is configured to output and/or input an audio signal. For example, the audio component <NUM> includes a MIC, and the MIC is configured to receive an external audio signal when the device <NUM> is in an operation mode, such as a call mode, a recording mode and a voice recognition mode. The received audio signal may further be stored in the memory <NUM> or sent through the communication component <NUM>. In some embodiments, the audio component <NUM> further includes a speaker configured to output the audio signal.

The sensor component <NUM> includes one or more sensors configured to provide status assessments in various aspects for the device <NUM>. The sensor component <NUM> may also include a light sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, configured for use in an imaging application.

The communication component <NUM> is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between the device <NUM> and other devices. The device <NUM> may access a communication-standard-based wireless network, such as a WiFi network, a <NUM> or <NUM> network or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component <NUM> receives a broadcast signal or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast management system through a broadcast channel. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component <NUM> further includes an NFC module to facilitate short-range communications. For example, the NFC module may be implemented based on an RFID technology, an IrDA technology, a UWB technology, a BT technology and other technologies.

In an exemplary embodiment, the device <NUM> may be implemented by one or more ASICs, DSPs, DSPDs, PLDs, FPGAs, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors or other electronic components, and is configured to execute the above-mentioned method.

In an exemplary embodiment, there is also provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions, such as included in the memory <NUM>, executed by the processor <NUM> of the device <NUM> to implement the above-mentioned method. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disc, an optical data storage device, and the like.

Other implementation solutions of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure following the general principles thereof and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the present disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

Claim 1:
A minimization of drive test, MDT, configuration method, performed by
a base station,
wherein the method comprises:
receiving (<NUM>) specified signaling sent by a core network device, the specified signaling comprising MDT configuration information about an MDT measurement performed on a specified network device which is set by the core network device;
determining (<NUM>) a terminal to be configured consistent with a specified MDT measurement condition according to the MDT configuration information; and
sending (<NUM>) the MDT configuration information to the terminal to be configured;
wherein the specified MDT measurement condition comprises: having a capability of supporting MDT measurement over the specified network device, and being in a measurement region for MDT measurement over the specified network device.