(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2003/0224806A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Dec. 4, 2003
`Hebron
`
`US 20030224806A1
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NETWORK
`DATA QUALITY MEASUREMENT
`
`(76)
`
`(21)
`(22)
`
`(60)
`
`Inventor: Igal Hebron, Parkland, FL (US)
`Correspondence Address:
`PERKINS COE LLP/AWS
`P.O. BOX 1247
`SEATTLE, WA 98111-1247 (US)
`Appl. No.:
`10/334,451
`
`Filed:
`
`Dec. 31, 2002
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Provisional application No. 60/385,766, filed on Jun.
`3, 2002.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl." ....................................................... H04Q 7/20
`(52) U.S. Cl. ......................................... 455/457; 455/226.2
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A System and method for measuring Signal data quality of
`one or more areas Served by a wireleSS communication
`network is disclosed herein. A wireleSS communication
`device communicates with the wireleSS network and
`receives Signal quality measurements. A location System
`provides geographic location information corresponding to
`where each of the Signal quality measurements is obtained.
`The Signal quality measurements and geographic location
`information can be Stored at a device located at the drive test
`vehicle, and can be presented in a graphical format for easy
`Viewing and interpretation.
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`ERICSSON EXHIBIT 1014, Page 1
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Dec. 4, 2003 Sheet 2 of 7
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`ERICSSON EXHIBIT 1014, Page 3
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Dec. 4, 2003 Sheet 5 Of 7
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`ERICSSON EXHIBIT 1014, Page 7
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Dec. 4, 2003 Sheet 7 of 7
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`ERICSSON EXHIBIT 1014, Page 8
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`US 2003/0224806 A1
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`Dec. 4, 2003
`
`SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR NETWORK DATA
`QUALITY MEASUREMENT
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`0001. The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
`Provisional Application No. 60/385,766 filed Jun. 3, 2002,
`and which is incorporated herein it its entirety.
`0002 The present application is related to U.S. applica
`tion Ser. No. 10/090,265 (Attorney Docket No.
`101948041US1) entitled “Real-Time Network Analysis and
`Performance Management” by Charles S. Zappala, filed
`Mar. 4, 2002 and commonly assigned to AT&T Wireless
`Services, Inc.
`
`BACKGROUND
`Voice and/or data devices operating with a wireless
`0.003
`communication network experience variation in perfor
`mance. For example, a cellular phone user may experience
`very good call quality or less than Satisfactory call quality
`depending upon location and/or the time of day. Entities that
`design, construct, and/or maintain wireleSS communication
`networks are very motivated to provide the best service all
`of the time to as many users as possible. Unfortunately this
`can be difficult due to limited resources and the inherently
`dynamic nature of the Services being provided. For example,
`there are a finite number of physical network components,
`Such as base Stations and repeaters, in the wireleSS commu
`nication network. The locations of the physical network
`components are also fixed and constrained by factorS Such as
`geography and governmental regulations. The assignment of
`network parameters, Such as power of individual network
`components and frequencies assigned to geographical areas,
`are interrelated to each other and among the physical net
`work components. Moreover, use of the network varies over
`time as the number of users, location of the users, movement
`of the users, Services accessed by the users, and/or the users
`themselves change.
`0004 Network performance data are typically collected
`and analyzed to optimize network configurations. The data
`collection may occur periodically or on an as-needed basis,
`Such as when additional physical network components are
`added to the network. The data collection may also occur for
`the entire geographic area covered by the network or a
`portion of the geographic area covered by the network. Data
`collection methods include drive testing or Switch Statistical
`analysis.
`0005. In drive testing, a vehicle having a network per
`formance measurement tool or equipment is driven through
`an area of interest to obtain network performance data. Drive
`testing provides real-time data representative of what a
`device user's experience may be like. Unfortunately, among
`others, Such performance measurement equipment is quite
`expensive, not adaptive for testing different or future wire
`leSS networks, and may not accurately simulate actual user
`devices. Other problems may exist, which are not enumer
`ated herein.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0006 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a
`network data quality measurement System.
`
`0007 FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of one embodi
`ment of a computing device included in the system of FIG.
`1.
`0008 FIG.3 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the
`implementation of a signal quality measurement tool
`included in the device of FIG. 2.
`0009 FIG. 4 is a screen shot illustrating one embodiment
`of a graphical user interface (GUI) provided by the device in
`FG, 2.
`0010 FIG. 5 is a screen shot illustrating another embodi
`ment of a GUI provided by the device in FIG. 2.
`0011 FIG. 6 is a screen shot illustrating information
`provided on the GUI of FIG. 4.
`0012 FIG. 7 is an illustration of a graphical representa
`tion of the data collected in a drive test using the System of
`FIG. 1.
`0013 In the drawings, identical reference numbers iden
`tify identical or Substantially similar elements or acts. To
`easily identify the discussion of any particular element or
`act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number
`refer to the figure number in which that element is first
`introduced (e.g., element 604 is first introduced and dis
`cussed with respect to FIG. 6).
`0014. The headings provided herein are for convenience
`only and do not necessarily affect the Scope or meaning of
`the claimed invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`0015 Described in detail below is a system and method
`for obtaining performance data relating to a wireleSS com
`munication network. In one embodiment, drive testing of an
`area of interest Served by the wireleSS communication net
`work is performed with a network data quality measurement
`tool. The measurement tool can be implemented with a
`general-purpose computer (Such as a laptop computer), a
`wireless modem, and a location identifier (such as a GPS
`receiver). The measurement tool is inexpensive, adaptive to
`different wireleSS devices and wireleSS communication net
`Works, provides user interface features for collecting the
`performance data, and provides real-time and graphical
`representation of the performance data. These are other
`benefits are provided by embodiments of the present inven
`tion.
`0016. The following description provides details for a
`thorough understanding of, and enabling description for,
`embodiments of the invention. However, one skilled in the
`art will understand that the invention may be practiced
`without these details. In other instances, well-known Struc
`tures and functions are not shown or described in detail to
`avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of embodi
`ments of the invention.
`0017 Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a network
`data quality measurement system 100 is shown. The system
`includes a wireleSS Service provider equipment 102, a
`vehicle 101 with a computing device 106, and a plurality of
`global positioning system (GPS) satellites 108.
`0018. The provider equipment 102 includes equipment
`and applications typically provided and maintained by a
`wireless service provider. The provider equipment 102 is
`
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`one example of an arrangement of elements, but other are
`possible. The provider equipment 102 includes a plurality of
`base stations 110 (also referred to as cell sites) coupled to a
`mobile Switch center (MSC) 112 (also referred to as a
`switch). The MSC 112 is coupled to each of a public switch
`telephone network (PSTN) 114 and a server 116. The server
`116 is coupled to a workstation 118.
`0019. The base stations 110 are located at different loca
`tions within a wireleSS network and can be in wireleSS
`communication with wireless communication devices (not
`shown) or the computer device 106. The MSC 112 and the
`Server 116 are configured to provide data or Signal proceSS
`ing, routing and Storage. Although a single MSC and a single
`server are shown, more them one MSC and/or server are
`possible depending on geographic distribution, processing
`capacity, and/or Storage capacity. The MSC 112 and the
`Server 116 are configured to include billing/account infor
`mation associated with wireleSS communication devices,
`mobile identification numbers (MINs), electronic serial
`numbers (ESNs), information relating to control channels
`and traffic channels, etc.
`0020. The workstation 118 is configured to access infor
`mation available on the provider equipment 102. AS an
`example, data being acquired on the computing device 106
`may also be available in real-time on the workstation 118.
`Alternatively, the server 116 may be coupled to the Internet
`and the workstation 118 couples to the serve 116 via the
`Internet. The PSTN 114 is configured to process calls to a
`land line telephone network System.
`0021. The GPS satellites 108 are configured to send
`timing and distance Signals (collectively, the GPS signals) to
`a GPS receiver included in a receiving device. In FIG. 1,
`three GPS satellites are shown, but more than these GPS
`Satellites, Such as eight Satellites, may be implemented. The
`GPS Signals are used to calculate the location of the receiv
`ing device (e.g., longitude and latitude coordinates).
`0022. The vehicle 104 may be a variety of vehicles
`Suitable for conducting a drive test. The computing device
`106 is transported by the vehicle 104 during the drive test.
`To be discussed in detail below, the computing device 106
`communicates with the GPS satellites 108 and one or more
`of the base stations 110. The computing device 106 receives
`GPS signals from the GPS satellites 108, and detects and/or
`handles signals from one or more of the base stations 110.
`0023. One embodiment of a detailed block diagram of the
`computing device 106 is shown in FIG. 2. Each of a
`memory 200, a GPS receiver 202, a wireless modem 204, an
`input device 208, a display 210, and an output device 212 is
`coupled to a processor 214. The memory 200, also referred
`to as a data Storage, is configured to be any type of
`computer-readable media that can Store data, Such as a
`magnetic hand and floppy disk drives, optical disk drives,
`magnetic cassettes, tap drives, flash memory cards, digital
`video disks (DVD), Bernoulli cartridges, RAMs, ROMs,
`Smart cards, etc. Indeed, any medium for Storing or trans
`mitting computer-readable instructions and data may be
`employed.
`0024. The GPS receiver 202 is configured to receive GPS
`signals from the GPS satellites 108. The GPS receiver 202
`may include hardware, firmware, and/or Software to derive
`an absolute location of the computer device 106. The GPS
`
`receiver 202 receives the GPS signals or coordinates as a
`National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) string
`and then converts the GPS coordinates into latitude, longi
`tude, and Velocity numbers. Alternatively, the conversion of
`the received GPS coordinates may be performed at the
`processor 214, the GPS receiver 202 may be removable from
`the computing device 106, or the GPS receiver 202 and the
`wireleSS modem 204 may be one device. As an example, the
`GPS receiver 202 may be a GARMIN GPS 35 TracPak,
`which is a removable GPS device with a USB connector.
`0025 The wireless modem 204 is configured to transmit
`and receive wireless signals with the base stations 110. The
`wireless modem 204 can be a modem compatible with GSM,
`CDMA, TDMA, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or other future
`networks. Examples of the wireless modem 204 include the
`Motorola Time Port, Novatel PCMCIA G100, the PCMCIA
`AirCard 710 from Sierra Wireless, and the AirLink modem
`with built-in GPS receiver. The wireless modem 204 is
`removable from the computing device 106 Such that signal
`quality measurements with different wireleSS modems can
`be obtained.
`0026. The input device 208 is configured to permit a user
`to interface with the computing device 106. One or more of
`the input device 208 may be provided, and can include a
`keyboard and a pointing device Such as a mouse. The display
`210 is configured to present information for view by the
`user. The display 210 may be a variety of display devices
`Such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), cathode ray tube
`(CRT) display, flat panel display, etc. One or more of the
`output device 212 may be included in the computing device
`106.
`0027. The output device 212 can be a display, printer,
`plotter, Speakers, Storage, a connection to a network, etc. The
`output device 212 may be removable and/or optional. The
`processor 214 may be a microprocessor, microcontroller, or
`other processing device.
`0028. The computer device 106 may be a general purpose
`computer that is GPS enabled and capable of communicat
`ing with the provider equipment 102. In one embodiment,
`the computing device 106 is a portable computer Such as a
`laptop computer. Aspects of the invention can be imple
`mented in any Suitable computing environment. Although
`not required, aspects and embodiments of the invention will
`be described in general context of computer-executable
`instructions, Such as routines executed by a general purpose
`computer (e.g., a server or personal computer). Those skilled
`in the art will appreciate that aspects of the invention can be
`practiced with other computer System configurations,
`including Internet appliances, hand-held devices, wearable
`computers, cellular or mobile phones, multi-processor Sys
`tems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer
`electronics, get-top boxes, network PCs, mini-computers,
`mainframe computers and the like. Aspects of the invention
`can be embodied in a special purpose computer or data
`processor that is specifically programmed, configured or
`constructed to perform one or more of the computer-execut
`able instructions explained herein. Indeed, the term “com
`puter,” as used generally herein, refers to any of the above
`devices as well as to any data processor.
`0029 Aspects of the invention can also be practiced in
`distributed computing environments where tasks or modules
`are performed by remote processing devices and which are
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`linked through a communications network, Such as a local
`area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or the
`Internet. In a distributed computing environment, program
`modules or Sub-routines may be located in both local and
`remote memory Storage devices. Aspects of the invention
`described below may be stored or distributed on computer
`readable media, including magnetic and optically readable
`and removable computer disks Stored as firmware in chips
`(e.g., EEPROM chips), as well as distributed electronically
`over the Internet or other networks (including wireless
`networks). Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize
`that portion of the invention may reside on a Server com
`puter, while corresponding portions reside on a client com
`puter. Data Structures and transmission of data particular to
`aspects of the invention are also encompassed within the
`Scope of the invention.
`0.030. In one embodiment, a signal or data quality mea
`surement (DQM) tool is included in the computing device
`106. The DQM tool is configured to facilitate wireless signal
`quality measurements regarding a wireleSS network, Such as
`the network associated with the provider equipment 102.
`The DQM tool may be, for example, included in the memory
`200 and is software or code in Visual Basic language. The
`DQM tool is implemented in a drive test within at least a
`portion of the area Served by the wireleSS network using the
`vehicle 104.
`0031 Referring to FIG. 3, one embodiment of a flow
`diagram illustrating the implementation of the DQM tool is
`shown. In order to investigate a customer complaint or issue
`about the wireleSS network, maintain Sufficient Signal quality
`within the wireleSS network, or to demonstrate to a potential
`customer (e.g., corporate client) the signal quality provided
`by the wireless network, a drive test using the DQM tool
`may occur. One perSon may operate the vehicle 104 and also
`implement the DQM tool to collect the signal quality data.
`0032. At a block 300, a security check is performed to
`confirm that the drive test that will commence is authorized.
`The Security check looks to see whether an authorized
`perSon or device is accessing the provider equipment 102
`and/or the DQM tool. Accordingly, the computing device
`106 may require a user login or password information to
`access the DQM tool or to communicate with the provider
`equipment 102. The computing device 106 may alterna
`tively have a device identifier such that the DQM tool
`confirm that it is being implemented on an authorized device
`(e.g., a computer owned by the wireless Service provider).
`The computing device 106, and in particular the wireless
`modem 204, may alternatively include a unique identifier
`number that is recognized by the provider equipment 102. In
`any case, if the proper authorization does not exist, the DOM
`tool is configured to terminate and cannot be Subsequently
`accessed. Such security feature insures that the DQM tool is
`not copied and/or being used by a computing wireleSS
`Service provider or persons (e.g., Systems or RF engineers
`employed by the wireleSS Service provider associated with
`the provider equipment 102) other than those with the need
`to do So.
`0033) Once authorization has been confirmed, the drive
`test parameters are configured at a block 302. A variety of
`drive test parameters exist, as shown in FIG. 4, Such as the
`test path to be driven (e.g., the route that the vehicle 104 will
`travel in the drive test), Selecting and connecting the wireless
`
`device to be tested against the wireless network (e.g., the
`wireless modem 204), a data file name 400 that the collected
`data is to be saved under, a port number 402 of the GPS
`receiver 202, a port number 404 of the wireless modem 204,
`and a time interval 406 between Successive data collection
`points. A graphical user interface (GUI) 408 is provided by
`the DQM tool and is displayed, for example, on the display
`210 for the authorized user to specify the parameters or
`fields 400-406. The computing device 106 may automati
`cally provide parameters 402, 404 when the wireless modem
`204 and the GPS receiver 202 are connected therein. Simi
`larly, parameters 400 or 406 may also be automatically
`provided.
`0034). In FIG. 5, an alternate GUI is shown. In a GUI 500,
`fields for a data file name 502, a port number of the GPS
`receiver 504, a port number of the wireless modem 506, a
`time interval between successive date collection points 508,
`a second indication 510, and a format of the stored data 512
`are included. (Similarly, the GUI 408 also includes fields for
`a sound indication 408 and a data format 410.)
`0035) Activation of checking of the sound indication
`fields 408, 510 provides one or more audio sounds during
`the drive test. These Sounds are indicative of conditions or
`events relating to the Signal quality or interaction with the
`provider equipment 102. Such sounds notify the person
`inside the vehicle 104 of conditions or change in condition
`in real-time without viewing the display 210. This feature is
`especially useful when one perSon is driving and collecting
`the Signal data, Since he can keep his eyes on the road and
`Still be kept informed of at least Some of the data being
`collected.
`0036) As an example, four different audio sounds (e.g.,
`beeps) can be provided. A first sound can be a “healthy” beep
`that beeps every 5 Seconds (or collection cycle) during the
`drive test as long as the Signal Strength received by the
`wireless modem 204 is above -95 dbm. A second Sound can
`be an “unhealthy” beep that beeps every 5 seconds when the
`signal strength is below -95 dbm. A third sound can be a
`different beep whenever a handoff to a difficult base station
`occurs. A fourth sound can be still another different beep
`whenever the wireless modem 204 loses connection with the
`wireleSS network and data collection cannot continue.
`0037. Once the data collection parameters are set, data
`collection can commence by clicking on a start collection
`icon, Such as a start collection icon 410 or 514 included in
`the GUI 408 or 500, respectively, in a block 304. In
`response, the DQM tool accesses the wireless modem 204
`and Sends AT commands for the wireleSS modem to com
`municate with the provider equipment 102 (e.g., one of the
`base stations 110) and retrieve information regarding signal
`quality. Information regarding Signal quality may include
`Signal Strength, channel number, received signal Strength
`indication (RSSI), block error rate, bit error rate (BER), cell
`ID, location area code (LAC), Velocity, round tripping, etc.
`0038. The DQM tool also opens a second communication
`port to the GPS receiver 202. The GPS coordinates received
`as a NMEA String are converted (using formulas or algo
`rithms) into latitude, longitude, and Velocity numbers (block
`306). Signal quality information received from the wireless
`modem 204 may also be processed (e.g., normalized, fil
`tered, etc.) at the block 306.
`0039. A data set comprising signal quality information
`and latitude, longitude, and Velocity numbers for each
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`Specified time interval or cycle are thus obtained by the
`DQM tool. The data sets can be provided to the user in
`real-time as the drive test is in progress. In FIG. 6, a GUI
`600 (similar to the GUI 408) is provided at the display 210
`during the data collection phase. The GUI 600 includes a
`title 602 indicating that a drive test is in progreSS and
`identifies the wireless modem 204 being tested (e.g., infor
`mation Such as the brand, model, and/or type of device). The
`GUI 600 also includes a signal strength field 604 to display
`the current received RSSI level, and location fields 606 to
`display the current location at which the RSSI level of the
`field 604 was obtained (e.g., a latitude, longitude, and
`number of GPS satellites used to obtain the GPS coordi
`nates). Alternatively, a GUI such as that shown in FIG. 5
`may be provided during the data collection phase, and
`provide location fields 516 (e.g., latitude, longitude, number
`of GPS satellites in use, and velocity) and wireless network
`information fields 518 (e.g., RSSI level, cell or base station
`identification, MNC mobile network identification, location
`area code, and channel BER).
`0040. At a block 308, each data set collected during the
`drive test is stored in the memory 200. In one embodiment,
`the data Sets are formatted into a comma-separated value
`(CSV) file format and stored as a CSV file in a hard drive
`included in the memory 200. Each data set can include
`Several fields of data Such as latitude, longitude, Velocity,
`time, date, cell or base Station name, call identification
`number, sector identification number, channel, RSSI level,
`BER, and other Signal quality values, location information,
`or wireless network information. It should be understood
`that a variety of data file formats are possible, as long as Such
`formats are compatible with a graphical display of the data
`Sets as discussed below. When enough data has been col
`lected, clicking on an end collection icon 608 Stops the data
`collection process.
`0041 At a block 312, the data sets associated with a drive
`test can be graphically represented at a display, Such as the
`display 210 or the workstation 118, or provided on paper.
`The CSV file saved at the memory 200 is processed by (e.g.,
`imported into) a graphics or mapping application or Sub
`routine (e.g., MapInfo manufactured by MapInfo Corpora
`tion of Troy, N.Y.) to show the signal quality at every
`collection cycle overlaid on the route traveled during the
`drive test. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a signal quality
`map 700 generated using MapInfo. The map 700 includes
`streets 702 and signal quality indications 704 corresponding
`to points along the Streets where signal data was collected.
`The graphical representation permits perSons to easily
`review and analyze the collected data. The graphical repre
`Sentation can be invoked in real-time as the data collection
`is in progreSS or after data collection has been completed.
`The graphical representation can be viewed on the comput
`ing device 106 or on a different device.
`0.042
`Various alternate embodiments are possible. For
`example, the collected data may also be transmitted (either
`using the wireless network or via a different network) to a
`remote location so that the drive test can be viewed by a
`person remote from the vehicle 104 in real-time. The remote
`location may be a remote Server or a WorkStation Such as the
`workstation 118. This remote transmission feature permits
`real-time changes to the drive test to obtain the most relevant
`Signal data. For example, if during a drive test, the originally
`planned route is not providing the desired signal data, then
`
`the person at the vehicle 104 can contact an RF engineer to
`review the data obtained in the drive test in real time. In
`response, the RF engineer can provide a different route or
`make changes to the provider equipment 102 on the fly (e.g.,
`power management for cell coverage, handoffs etc.). These
`changes can then be tested in real-time. Such interactivity
`would Save time, money, and effort, rather than returning to
`the office with the collected data, determining the problem,
`and then conducting another drive test to try out the “Solu
`tion” to the problem.
`0043. As another example, wireless communication
`devices other than wireleSS modems may also be checked
`against the wireleSS network. Cellular phones may be
`coupled to the computing device via a connector or adapter
`and its performance or reception with the provider equip
`ment 102 can be checked. In another example, the DQM tool
`may be configured to perform a roundtripping test, in which
`a check is performed to See whether a response is returned
`from the Server. In Some instances, there may be good Signal
`quality but nevertheless a user device may be unable to
`communicate within the network due to problems associated
`with the landline connecting to the Substation, to the back
`bone of the network, or other reasons.
`0044) In another embodiment, a revised or scaled-down
`version of the DQM tool may be provided to a customer
`(e.g., a business or company) So that he may perform a drive
`test. The data collected from this drive test may be accessed
`by the Service provider (e.g., a System engineer employed by
`the Service provider) for analysis. Providing the customer
`with the ability to perform a drive test may be beneficial
`when, for example, the customer may be complaining of
`poor coverage or performance, or the Service provider is
`unable to confirm the poor performance noted by the cus
`tomer.
`0045. In this manner, a system and method for measuring
`Signal data quality of areas Served by a wireleSS communi
`cation network is disclosed herein. The DOM tool is inex
`pensive, flexible, and can be implemented without a spe
`cialized or dedicated hardware/firmware device. The DOM
`tool may be configured for use with more than one type of
`wireleSS communication network and for future networkS.
`The DQM tool may also be configured to study the perfor
`mance of a variety of wireleSS communication devices. The
`DQM tool permits a variety of data collection parameters to
`be selected and provides indications of data quality in
`real-time.
`0046) Thus, not only does the DQM tool check a given
`wireleSS network, it can also check a variety of wireleSS
`devices against the network. This flexibility allows an RF
`engineer to conduct the drive test with the same type or
`model of wireleSS modem as used by actual customers,
`rather than a fixed high quality wireleSS modem that may not
`be affordable or available to actual customers. Since wireless
`network technology also changes quickly, it is beneficial to
`have a measurement tool that is updateable as the technol
`ogy changes.
`0047 Although not required, aspects of the invention
`have been described in the general context of computer
`executable instructions, Such as routines executed by a
`general purpose computer, e.g., a Server, WireleSS device or
`personal computer. Those skilled in the relevant art will
`appreciate that the invention can be practiced with other
`
`ERICSSON EXHIBIT 1014, Page 12
`
`

`

`US 2003/0224806 A1
`
`Dec. 4, 2003
`
`communications, data processing or computer System con
`figurations, including Internet appliances, hand-held devices
`(including personal digital assistants (PDAS)), wearable
`computers, all manner of cellular or mobile phones, multi
`processor Systems, microprocessor-based or programmable
`consumer electronics, Set-top boxes, network PCs, mini
`computers, mainframe computers and the like. Indeed, the
`term “computer', as used generally herein, refers to any of
`the above devices and Systems, as well as any data processor.
`Aspects of the invention can be embodied in a special
`purpose computer or data processor that is specifically
`programmed, configured or constructed to perform one or
`more of the computer-executable instructions explained in
`detail herein. Aspects of the invention can also be practiced
`in distributed computing environments where tasks or mod
`ules are performed by remote processing devices, which are
`linked through a communications network. In a distributed
`computing environment, program modules may be located
`in both local and remote memory Storage devices.
`0.048 Aspects of the invention described herein may be
`Stored or distributed on computer-readable media, including
`magnetic and optically readable and removable computer
`discS, as well as distributed electronically over the Internet
`or over other networks (including wireless networks). Those
`skilled in the relevant art will recognize that portions of the
`invention reside on a Server computer, while corresponding
`portions reside on a client computer Such as a mobile device.
`Data structures and transmission of data particular to aspects
`of the invention are also encompassed within the Scope of
`the invention.
`0049. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise,
`throughout the description and the claims, the words “com
`prise,”“comprising” and the like are to be construed in an
`inclusive Sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive
`Sense; that is tot Say, in a Sense of “inclu