KR101014905B1 - System determination emulator for analysis and testing - Google Patents

Abstract

The roaming emulator provides a tool for emulating a system decision to monitor the operation of a wireless communication device (WCD) during system decision. A signal monitoring program and service selection protocol are stored, and the signal emulation module provides a signal emulation output according to a predetermined set of data. The processing module performs simulation of the service selection procedure based on the service selection protocol and performed according to the signal monitoring program and the signal emulation output. The service selection result is provided by the output module. The emulator can provide emulated system scanning based on geographic or market location and can emulate scenarios when channeling from neighboring systems or markets "bleed" into the WCD's RF environment.

Description

SYSTEM DETERMINATION EMULATOR FOR ANALYSIS AND TESTING}

The present invention relates to simulation tools, and more particularly, to a tool for simulating a wireless environment for a multiuser subscriber communication system.

Wireless communication devices (WCDs) are becoming increasingly common. For example, hundreds (or thousands) of individuals own and / or use one or more WCDs, such as, but not limited to, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless gaming devices, and computers with wireless capabilities. . In order to support an increasing number of WCDs, there are a number of service providers. The user contracts with one of these service providers to receive the service.

Each carrier forms a network providing wireless services to subscribers in various geographical regions of the world. For example, some service providers may provide services covering the east coast of the United States, while others may provide services covering various parts of the United States. In order to provide a wider geographic service to subscribers, two or more service providers (hereafter roaming partners) may enter into a contract that allows subscribers of one network to access other networks.

Thus, although the subscriber is not directly covered by the carrier, when entering the area covered by the contract, the subscriber's WCD is said to be "roaming". WCD in roaming mode scans and selects a network to service WCD. If present, each service provider has a roaming list to assist in capturing the services of the WCD in accordance with the contract and / or policy. The roaming list is an indexed list of systems or networks stored in each WCD and may be proprietary. In addition, the set of algorithms and data structures for service selection identify the best network for which a given WCD is suitable to operate in a given environment.

The roaming list can be any list that is compatible with the communication standard used by the WCD. Examples of roaming lists include a public land mobile network list (PLMN list) and a preferred roaming list (PRL). The set of algorithms and data structures may be called system determination (SD) and may be used in conjunction with a roaming list to provide identification of the best network suitable for the operation of a given WCD. Although the terms "PRL" and "system determination" are used herein, it is to be understood that such concepts are applicable to various standards and techniques used in connection with wireless networks and wireless subscriber networks.

A technical data sheet (TDS) is a document that is exchanged by roaming partners as a list of services available to convey changes and additions to network elements when applied to roaming. This may include information such as, but not limited to, home location resource (HLR), switches, SIDs, channel information, and contact information. TDS is used to help generate PRLs, but is not standardized and exists in different formats.

The system decision procedure uses the WCD's PRL to select a system to serve the WCD. This selection process is not standardized. System decisions also depend on the OEM's implementation and may be proprietary. Thus, service providers may not have specific insight into how they were chosen in a particular system. Thus, service providers may find it difficult to coordinate PRL problems. On the other hand, due to the proprietary nature of the PRLs, it may be difficult for the OEM to help coordinate the PRL problem. For example, an OEM agent may manually inspect the steps through the PRL and its contents, but may assume how the PRL is running in the service provider's environment. Thus, there is a need to provide useful information to service providers without compromising proprietary information.

An apparatus for use in monitoring wireless communication device operation during system determination includes a memory store for storing a signal monitoring program module and storing a service selection protocol module. The signal emulation software module provides the signal emulation output according to a predetermined set of data, and the processing module uses the data from the memory store to perform the simulation of the service selection procedure. The service selection procedure is based on the service selection protocol and is performed according to the signal monitoring program and the signal emulation output, and the output module provides the result of the service selection.

In one configuration, the memory store is configured to store a signal monitoring program module and to store a service selection protocol module. The memory store may be provided as separate memory stores and may take the form of a connected storage device.

The signal emulation module can provide simulated signal inputs that are set according to the position selection provided to the signal emulation module. The signal monitoring program may include a station search protocol provided for the simulation of service decisions. Another feature allows the device to perform emulations in accordance with a list of available network services or data from a technical data sheet. In addition, external signal inputs may provide data for the processing module for use as a signal emulation output instead of the outputs of the signal emulation module.

In another aspect, an apparatus for use in the operational monitoring of a WCD during system acquisition may include a system determination procedure based on a means for loading a signal monitoring program, a means for loading a service selection protocol, a service selection protocol and a signal monitoring program. Means for performing, and means for outputting system decision results.

In a further aspect, a method for use in monitoring the operation of a wireless communication device (WCD) during a cell search procedure, the method comprising: storing a service selection protocol in a memory store, providing a signal monitoring emulation, an output of the signal monitoring emulation Performing a simulation of service selection based on the service selection protocol according to the present invention, and outputting service selection results.

1 illustrates an example wireless environment in a local geographic area.

2 illustrates one embodiment used to monitor the operation of the WCD during system acquisition.

3 illustrates a description showing one embodiment of a user display.

4 illustrates an example method for performing system determination.

5 illustrates an example system determination operation in an emulation mode.

6 illustrates one embodiment of a system operation.

7 illustrates an example display interface that provides a graphical representation of the simulation output.

8 illustrates an example location selection display.

9 shows an example display provided for manual entry of data.

10 shows an example “debug mode” display.

11 illustrates another example device used to monitor the operation of the WCD during system acquisition.

The techniques disclosed herein address at least the needs disclosed above by providing tangible results of system determination procedures and / or results. For example, a trace map of the systems under consideration by the system decision procedure of the selection process and / or their sequence may be output. This may be done without indicating the internal workings of the system decision algorithm and / or code.

In the following description, specific descriptions are given to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits may be shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other embodiments, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques may be shown in detail in order not to obscure the embodiments.

Also, note that embodiments may be disclosed as a process shown as a flow diagram, structural diagram, or block diagram. Although a flowchart may illustrate the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. The process ends when the operations of the process are complete. Processes may correspond to methods, functions, procedures, subroutines, subprograms, and the like. When a process corresponds to a function, it corresponds to a call back or return to the main function.

As disclosed herein, a storage medium or module may include read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, and / or other storage media for storing information. It may represent one or more devices for storing data including. The term storage medium refers to portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, wireless channels and indication (s) and / or various other media capable of storing, containing, or carrying data, typically for computing It may include a large capacity memory, but is not limited thereto. This may be read / write memory, such as a computer hard drive or other mass storage device, and constitutes a memory store. In some cases, memory storage may be in the form of permanent memory, such as memory stored on read-only optical disks.

Memory may also be external to the device and / or data may be provided via wireless channels and instructions and / or various other media capable of storing, containing or carrying data.

Operating environment

1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless environment in a local geographic area. Multiple base stations 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 121, 122 are shown in different physical locations. A wireless communication device (WCD) shown as 131, 132, 133, 134 may communicate via base stations 110-122 if the WCD is within an appropriate signal range of one or more of the base stations 110-122. The base stations 110-122 may be part of the system of the primary carrier of the local market, and may belong to some of the other carriers. Often base stations 110-122 are used by multiple carriers, and in some cases, multiple carriers may be co-located with their respective base stations, as shown in 113A, 113B, 113C and 116A and 116B. Can be. In addition to different carriers, base stations can be assigned to different geographic markets of different carriers. A further difference is that it can provide other types of communication services such as CDMA, WCDMA, OFDM, GSM-based communication systems or AMPS services.

If the WCD is programmed to allow roaming from the network, the WCD may select various base stations according to the service decision procedure. In one configuration, the service decision procedure is implemented by preferential roaming list (PRL). The PRL includes system tables and acquisition tables. The system table includes records that identify the system by, for example, a system identification number (SID) and a network identification number (NID). For each record, there is an indicator indicating the class of the system's preferences, such as positive or negative. The system table further includes the roaming state, relative priority of the system, and geographical area that should be indicated by the WCD. The acquisition table provides the bands and frequencies that the WCD will use in an attempt to acquire the system.

The approach is intended to provide the WCD with instructions for communicating with the base stations 110-122 according to roaming priorities set by the carrier. Ideally, the WCD should communicate with its home network prior to roaming and roam according to the priority set by the PRL.

For example, if the WCD is at location 131, the closest base stations are 110-114. These may be on the same or different networks, and multiple networks may be co-located as shown in 113A, 113B, 113C. The WCD may move to locations 132, 133 and 134, for example, in which case the WCD establishes communication links with different ones of the base stations 110-118. In the case of the WCD at location 132, the best access is possible through base station 122 located across border 145. The user can correctly assume that location 132 is located on one side of the border, but by establishing a link with base station 122, only available communication links can cross the border 145 to roam. This roaming option may be valid for a user calling from across the border, but may be unexpected when the user establishing the wireless link on one side of the border is on the other side of the border.

Border 145 is an extreme embodiment of the border applied to wireless technology. In addition to the embodiment describing the border 145, there are also non-political borders of regions associated with various system operations of wireless service providers. These are variously referred to in other terms, such as service areas, service areas, local areas and markets, and may be as arbitrary as political boundaries. For the purpose of evaluating roaming capabilities, boundaries are more often associated with areas that are generally established by service providers.

Simulator behavior

2 is an exemplary block diagram showing a simulation device 200 that may be used to monitor the operation of the WCD during system acquisition. Device 200 may be a desktop computer, laptop computer, or various other devices having processing capabilities. The device 200 is configured to output a system determination results, a memory module 210 configured to store a monitoring program, a processing module 220 configured to perform a system determination procedure based on the monitoring program and the preferred roaming list, and And an output module 230. Memory storage 210 may take various forms, typically computer memory.

System determination procedures may involve a variety of processes and / or may produce a variety of results. The system decision may be executed to perform one or a connection of one of the other processes involved in pilot scanning, system acquisition, system selection, or system decision. Accordingly, output module 230 may output the results of pilot scanning, system acquisition, system selection, other processes, or a combination thereof.

The monitoring program may be an executable program file, and memory storage 210 may store the SD algorithm or codes as library files, so that the SD codes are not revealed. The monitoring program interfaces are executable by the processing module 220 using the library files. The monitoring program and library files may be downloaded via a network or may be delivered via other storage media.

Since a monitoring program is used for the simulation, processing can be monitored with a device 200 that is not connected to any live RF environment or to the WCD, in which case the RF environment is emulated. This is non-invasive to the operation of system decisions in a live RF environment. In particular, the processing module 220 may be configured to emulate a system decision based on a technical data sheet (TDS). Device 200 may further include a TDS input unit 240 configured to receive a TDS appropriate for use by processing module 220.

As a result of the use of the monitoring program and the SD algorithm stored in the memory store 210, the simulation is an actual system decision as performed by the WCD. Thus, if real signals are used, the simulation will be a real system decision using live signals. Such a simulation can also be performed with a signal emulator, in which case the simulation is an actual system decision such as that performed with emulated signals.

Processing module 220 may emulate system determination during various conditions and / or functions. For example, system determination may be performed when the WCD is turned on, when the system is reacquired after the system is lost, or when the WCD is turned off. Other conditions may be emulated, such as but not limited to poor overhead messages, borderline interference scenarios, and complex signal interference situations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are a number of different conditions and / or functions that can be emulated to monitor and / or analyze system decision performance. Some effects may be characterized in a manner that provides a convenient means of describing the effects. For example, boundary scenarios can be described as "add bleed" to inform the user that the transmissions are bleed over to the wireless environment in the simulation. As such, the term “bleed” is used by the system to describe the interaction of wireless services across areas defined by a service provider or by simulation. This description informs the user that interactions between regions occur in the simulation or in the real environment.

Device 200 may also include a user interface configured to receive instructions for performing various processes and / or functions associated with system determination. The user interface initiates pilot scanning, stops pilot scanning, saves the current results of pilot scanning, opens the saved results of pilot scanning, emulates WCD power-ups, emulates system losses, and recaptures the system. Emulation, and may be executed to receive instructions such as, but not limited to, instructions for emulating a WCD power down.

Output module 230 may include a display module configured to display system determination results. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a display 300 that may be displayed by a display module. Display 300 displays information such as scanning progress, serving system, location, scan list and alternative scan list. As shown, the display shows various place names.

The display 300 may further include a user interface. The user interface may include an input interface for initiating pilot scanning, stopping pilot scanning, storing the current results of pilot scanning, and opening the stored results of pilot scanning.

While display 300 shows a display of specific information, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other information may be displayed as needed. Similarly, display 300 shows a user interface with a particular input interface, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other input interfaces may be implemented to perform various processes. The display 300 can operate on a general purpose operating system such as a Microsoft Windows or Unix environment. Other applications and / or environments can be implemented.

As shown in FIG. 3, the display includes associated data such as market name, channel information, geographic information, information about the system operator, information related to the source of the information. The specific information displayed is, for example, a matter of design choice which provides for the display of "voice information" and "data information" as shown. Alternatively, parallel sets of information may be provided. In FIG. 3, the first set of data displayed is indicated as "voice information" and the second set of data displayed is indicated as "data information", but it is possible to provide other displays. The display and / or user interface of the information may be rearranged and / or modified in various ways to provide other "look and feel". In addition, the display format and content of the information may be rearranged and / or modified, and the information may be added or removed. For example, the content of the scan list may have more or less content than the numbers "No.", "mode", band classes "B and C", "channel", and "SID". It may have a display format that displays a list from high to low numbers. In other embodiments, the location information may describe the user's location in other formats such as, but not limited to, latitude and / or longitude, specific market location, city, country, district, and state. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the actual information displayed will vary based on the system supporting this location and network. This window contains current RF information about existing systems and operating channels. This information is obtained from the carrier's TDS and shows the current preferred roaming list (PRL) loaded into the software. In conventional emulation, this information is used to scan for available channels.

The display may include a number of windows such as the individual “voice information” and “data information” shown. The particular city shows "data information" as having fields different from those displayed for "voice information". Other options may include "position change", "bleed systems", and "manual input" selections indicated as radio button selections on the display. The selection of "change location" allows the user to change location to other locations within the local area shown in FIG. 1 or over a large geographic area. The selection of "bleed systems" allows for "bleed" from neighboring markets or systems to be introduced into the simulation. This allows the simulation to integrate the interaction of wireless services across the areas. The "manual input" selection allows the user to manually enter details to test the effect of additional variables into the wireless environment, or to integrate data that is not included in the databases stored in the device 200. A user interface for these options will be disclosed in conjunction with FIGS. 7-9.

Referring again to FIG. 2, it should be noted that device 200 is a simplified embodiment for purposes of explanation. Thus, device 200 may include other elements and / or functions. For example, the device may include an input module coupled to the processing module 220 and configured to receive a preferential roaming list for use by the processing module 220. In addition, one or more of the various elements of device 200 may be rearranged and / or connected without affecting the operation of system decisions to monitor and / or analyze various processes.

Thus, the information associated with the system determination procedure is provided in visual and literal output without representing algorithms and / or codes. By providing such information, users can coordinate PRL problems and / or gain a better understanding of the PRL with respect to SD. For example, a user can compare expected actions and results. Thus, improvements and / or modifications may be made to support techniques relying on PRLs used by the system decision process to select systems, providing a better and / or more efficient service to WCDs.

Processing module 220 may be configured to perform system determination in a manner that does not allow a user to decode system determination algorithms or software. If system decision algorithms are not visible to the user, the system decision function is a black box function. Thus, because what the system decision is actually treated as a black box, modifications and / or changes to the code are significantly removed to maintain confidentiality of the code, reducing cost and overall efficiency. Preferably, system determination is performed in a manner performed by the WCD. As a result, the processing module makes the same system decisions as those performed by the WCD.

While device 200 is disclosed in an emulated mode, in some implementations, device 200 may be executed to perform in live mode. In particular, in emulated mode, device 200 selects a user-location subset of records from the TDS file, and if band class, the channel pair to be scanned occurs in the selected subset and the system assumes to be found. do. In live mode, device 200 may be implemented to connect live with a base station to detect or receive some form of actual RF for the channel and band class to be scanned.

4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 400 corresponding to an operation performed by device 200. The method 400 includes loading 410 a monitoring program, loading 420 the preferred roaming list, performing a system determination procedure based on the preferred roaming list and the monitoring program 430, and the result of the system determination. Outputting them (440). Performing a system determination may include performing pilot scanning, system acquisition, and / or system selection. Outputting the results may include outputting pilot scanning, system acquisition and / or system selection results.

The method includes receiving a command to initiate pilot scanning, receiving a command to stop pilot scanning, receiving a command to save the current results of pilot scanning, and instructions to open a stored result of pilot scanning. And / or receiving a technical data sheet, wherein performing the pilot scanning includes emulating pilot scanning based on the technical data sheet. Emulating pilot scanning may include emulating pilot scanning when the WCD is powered up and / or when the system is reacquired after the system is lost. If in emulated mode, the method may further include receiving instructions to emulate WCD power up, emulate system loss, emulate system reacquisition, and / or emulate WCD power down. Outputting the results may include displaying one or a combination of scanning progress, serving system, location, scan list, and alternate scan list.

5 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system decision operation 500 simplified to an emulation mode that may be executed by the device 200. First, PRL and TDS files are loaded (step 510). Once the files are loaded, an internal data structure is set up in the device 200. Thereafter, the scan list is accessed from the SD code (step 515). Once the location is provided (step 520), the SD operation is ready to be performed (step 525). If in power up mode (step 530), the SD code is accessed for band class and channel information (step 535). The RF environment is emulated (step 540) and the TDS is accessed for location (step 545). When a channel is found (step 550), if the found channel is a preferred channel (step 555), the process stops. Otherwise, channel search continues (step 560).

The system may load an alternative version of the PRL and may perform system decision 500 using the alternative PRL. This allows the operator to perform simulations of different PRLs in the comparison. Similarly, comparison simulations can be performed with alternative TDS versions.

Simulation can be performed according to different capabilities assigned to the WCD. For example, the simulated WCD may be assigned different communication service capabilities that may indicate the effects of the service on roaming. In the "telephone" mode, the software will automatically perform an emulation to act as a WCD, capture the systems in the scanning operation, try to accept handoffs, and re-acquire the communication link when the connection to the system is lost. Will try.

6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system operation. A software module is shown that includes a main manager module 610, a system decision core module 612, a PRL load module 614, an RF environment data module 616, and a TDS import module 618. Input sources include a standardized TDS 630 memory store, a memory store 632 for loaded TDS databases, and a memory store 634 for a loaded operator PRL. User I / O mode module 640 represents a user interface. The live scanner 650 also provides actual communication with a wireless network, such as via a base station or base station emulator (BSE) 652. Thus, the operating environment is described as emulated mode 661 or RF-live mode 662, which is the position selection for emulated mode 661.

Although separate components are disclosed for different modules, it is anticipated that various functions will be present in the common equipment. For example, the PRL load module 614, the RF environment data module 616, and the TDS import module 618 are typically provided in a single mass storage device, and the software module may be integrated into a single device, such as a computer's CPU. Can be. Similarly, it is anticipated that a common mass memory may be used for memory stores 630-634 as well as memory associated with computing modules (eg, system determination module 612).

The thick dashed arrows indicate the control flow that the main manager module controls the launching of other modules. Thin solid arrows indicate the direction of process flow and information flow. Small dashed arrows indicate “hooks” present in system determination core module 612.

The display function of the user I / O module 640 may take various forms, and FIG. 3 mentioned above is an embodiment. Another graphical display interface 700 is shown in FIG. 7. Display 700 includes a diagram of a telephone WCD, which displays the desired information to the user. A description and identity of the actual or emulated signal strength 721, roaming state 722, and communication link 725 are shown. In display 700, the user is provided with information regarding the communication link.

8 shows an example location selection display 800, wherein a user can select a location based on graphical or text locations. While the illustrated display shows international coverage, a local list of markets and areas may be provided. In addition, the user may enter location data according to equipment identifiers and latitude / longitude coordinates. The user can also manually specify the other markets available. The systems are scanned based on the market location that the user currently follows the emulation. The "change position" function allows the user to specify a new position. This allows the user to use the data provided as part of the TDS input 240 to provide simulations according to the selected location. This allows the user to run simulations based on different places, and the wireless environment in different areas, markets, sub-markets can be simulated. This also allows the user to run simulations based on physical location, while using device 200 to determine the wireless environment to apply to such location based on TDS. Simulations may turn on or off the “bleed systems” selection (FIG. 3) as desired to allow “bleeding” from neighboring markets or systems to be introduced into the simulation.

9 shows an example display 900 for providing manual data input. If the user can identify certain features of the operation of the WCD, it can be entered manually without attempting to manually convert the information to match the graphic format. This also allows the user to use the simulation device 200 to test the effects of changes in base station equipment, channel assignments and the like by manually entering these changes.

10 shows an example “debug mode” display 1000. The selections perform various debug functions, and "What if?" It can be provided in the toolbar of the display window to perform simulations for the scenarios. In the embodiment shown, two pilot signals are acquired and the results are displayed. "Debug mode" features may include:

PRL Load-Allows the user to select a PRL from the file system to load the PRL into the software.

Turn Phone On / Off-Turns the phone emulation of the software on or off.

Attempt Next Channel-Attempts to capture the next channel on the scan list.

Next System Capture-Attempts to capture the next system by executing the "Try Next Channel" procedure until the result is "System Capture".

Current System Loss Declaration-Turn off the current serving system.

In addition, the "telephone mode" automatically changes the mode to "telephone" which means that the software will operate on the telephone. In doing this, it will capture the system when in scanning mode and attempt to reacquire when the system is no longer available over the current link.

Thus, a tool can be provided that emulates a system decision for testing of wireless roaming functions, including roaming based on roaming lists. The various schematic logical blocks, modules, and circuits disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments described herein are general purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). ), Or other programmable logic device, separate gate or transistor logic, separate hardware components, or a combination thereof designed to perform the functions disclosed herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, microprocessor, or state machine. A processor may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, eg, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple processors, one or more microprocessors in cooperation with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

The methods or algorithms disclosed in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a microprocessor, or in a combination of the two. The software module may be in RAM memory flash memory, ROM memory EPROM memory EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other type of storage medium known in the art. The storage medium can be coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from and write information to the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may be present in the user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.

For example, FIG. 11 discloses another device that can be used to monitor the operation of the WCD during system acquisition. The signal monitoring program module 1101 is configured to provide signal emulation according to a set of algorithms and signal processing techniques. The selection protocol loading module 1102 is configured to receive an output from the signal monitoring program module 1101 and to receive a stored signal measurement program. The service selection protocol loading module 1102 may accommodate a service selection protocol such as a PRL. The system determination module 1103 is configured to take a procedure based on the service selection protocol and the signal monitoring program and to perform system determination. The result output module 1104 is configured to output system decision results.

Thus, an apparatus for use in monitoring the operation of a wireless communication device (WCD) during system acquisition may be based on means for loading a signal monitoring program, means for loading a service selection protocol, a service selection protocol and a signal monitoring program. Means for performing a system decision procedure, and means for outputting system decision results. The apparatus further includes means for receiving data corresponding to data from the technical data sheet, wherein the means for performing the system determination emulates a system determination based on the data from the technical data sheet. The apparatus may further comprise means for loading the library files, and the signal monitoring program is executed using the library files. The apparatus may also include means for simulating "system bleed" by introducing interaction of wireless services across wireless service areas. These functions may be provided as described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1-9, and may take the form of a simulation apparatus in which various means are combined.

In this specification, the means for loading the signal monitoring program may be a general representation of the signal acquisition function of a particular WCD, or may be actual signals. In some embodiments, the means for loading the signal monitoring program may include the signal monitoring program module 1101. Means for loading the service selection protocol may include the selection protocol loading module 1102. Means for performing the system determination procedure may include the system determination module 1103. Means for outputting results may include result output module 1104. Alternatively, the means for loading the signal monitoring program, the means for loading the service selection protocol, and the means for performing the system determination procedure may include a processing module 220. Similarly, means for outputting results may include output module 230.

In addition, it should be noted that processors may be executed to perform one or more portions of the functions and / or methods of devices as disclosed above. Similarly, machine readable medium storage instructions may be executed to perform one or more portions of the functions and methods of devices as disclosed above.

Thus, the foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein that may be applied will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more elements may be rearranged and / or connected, or additional elements may be added. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims (31)

An apparatus for use in the monitoring of wireless communication device (WCD) operation during system determination, comprising: A memory store configured to store a signal monitoring program module and to store a service selection protocol module; A signal emulation module for providing a signal emulation output according to a predetermined set of data; A processing module coupled to the memory store and configured to perform a simulation of a service selection procedure based on the service selection protocol and performed according to the signal monitoring program and the signal emulation output; And An output module coupled to the processing module and configured to output a result of the service selection. The method of claim 1, And the signal emulation module provides signal emulations in accordance with a database of signal sources. The method of claim 2, The processing module provides simulated signal inputs for use by the signal emulation module, wherein the simulated signal inputs are set in accordance with a location selection provided to the signal emulation module. Device for. The method of claim 1, And the signal monitoring program comprises a station search protocol provided for the simulation of service decisions. The method of claim 1, And the service selection protocol provides a system decision procedure based on a list of available network services. The method of claim 1, And the signal emulation module provides signal emulations in accordance with data from the technical data sheet. The method of claim 1, An input coupled to the processing module, the input configured to receive data in a technical data sheet format for use by the processing module and to convert data in the technical data sheet format into a predetermined format for use by the processing module The module further comprises an apparatus for use in monitoring wireless communication device operation. The method of claim 1, The service selection protocol provides a system decision procedure based on the list of available network services, And the service selection protocol comprises a preferred roaming list. The method of claim 1, The service selection protocol provides a system decision procedure based on the list of available network services, And the service selection protocol comprises a public land mobile network list. The method of claim 1, The signal monitoring program includes a service selection procedure and a station discovery protocol used to provide roaming service selection, And the service selection procedure comprises a system determination procedure based on a list of available network services. The method of claim 1, Further comprising a connection for receiving external signal inputs, wherein the external signal inputs provide data for the processing module for use as the signal emulation output instead of the outputs of the signal emulation module. Device for use in. The method of claim 1, And the service selection procedure comprises pilot scanning to provide system acquisition. The method of claim 1, The processing module provides an emulation of a system decision for powering up a wireless communication device (WCD) and provides an emulation of a system decision for reacquisition of a communication link after a loss of the communication link. Device for use in monitoring device activity. The method of claim 1, Receive commands for initiating a system decision, storing the current result of the system decision, opening the stored result of the system decision, emulating WCD power up, emulating system loss, and emulating a reacquisition of the system And a user interface configured to monitor the wireless communication device operation. The method of claim 1, And a “system bleed” user interface configured to receive instructions for introducing compatibility of wireless services across wireless service areas. The method of claim 1, A display module configured to display the results of the system determination and a user interface, the display module comprising one or a combination of scanning progress, a serving system, a location, a scan list, and an alternative scan list Displaying an apparatus for use in monitoring wireless communication device operation. The method of claim 1, A display module configured to display the results of the system determination and a user interface; And And the user interface configured to initiate a system decision, store a current result of the system decision, and receive instructions for opening a stored result of the system decision. An apparatus for use in monitoring wireless communication device (WCD) operation during system acquisition, comprising: Means for loading a signal monitoring program; Means for loading a service selection protocol; Means for performing a system determination procedure based on the service selection protocol and the signal monitoring program; And Means for outputting results of the system determination. The method of claim 18, Means for receiving data corresponding to data from the technical data sheet, wherein the means for performing the system determination procedure emulates the system determination based on data from the technical data sheet. Device for use in monitoring of operation. The method of claim 18, Means for loading library files, wherein the signal monitoring program is executed using the library files. The method of claim 18, And means for simulating “system bleed” by introducing compatibility of wireless services across wireless service areas. A storage medium for use in the monitoring of wireless communication device (WCD) operation during system acquisition, when executed by a processing module, Load a signal emulation program capable of providing a signal emulation output according to a predetermined set of data; Load a signal monitoring program; Load the service selection protocol; Perform a system determination procedure based on the service selection protocol and using the signal emulation output; And Instructions for outputting results of the system determination. The method of claim 22, The signal emulation program provides signal emulations in accordance with a database of signal sources and provides the signal emulation output in accordance with a location selection. A method for use in monitoring wireless communication device (WCD) operation during a cell search procedure, the method comprising: Storing the service selection protocol in a memory store; Providing a signal monitoring emulation; Performing a simulation of a service selection procedure based on the service selection protocol according to the output of the signal monitoring emulation; And Outputting results of the service selection. The method of claim 24, Providing a location selection; And Providing the signal monitoring emulation modified by the location selection. The method of claim 24, Loading a signal monitoring program; Providing a location selection; And Providing the signal monitoring emulation based on the signal selection program and the location selection modified by the location selection. The method of claim 24, And the signal monitoring emulation comprises using data corresponding to data in the technical data sheet to provide signal emulations in accordance with data from the technical data sheet. The method of claim 24, And the service selection procedure comprises pilot scanning to provide system acquisition. The method of claim 24, Selectively receiving external signal inputs, wherein the external signal inputs provide data for performing a simulation of the service selection. The method of claim 24, Initiate a system decision, store the current result of the system decision, open a stored result of the system decision, emulate a WCD power up, emulate a system loss, emulate a system reacquisition, and view the results of the system decision. Providing a user interface for receiving instructions for displaying, the method for use in monitoring wireless communication device operation. The method of claim 24, Providing a “system bleed” user interface configured to receive instructions for introducing compatibility of wireless services across wireless service areas.

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