Network entity, communication device, mobile communication device and method thereof

• US 9,119,080 B2
• Filed: 01/10/2012
• Issued: 08/25/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 01/10/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: NEC Corporation
• Original Assignee: NEC CASIO Mobile Communications Limited (NEC Corporation), NEC Corporation
• Inventors: Jactat, Caroline, Futaki, Hisashi, Nunzi, Giorgio
• Primary Examiner(s): Bhattacharya, Sam
• Application Number:
  US13/979,033
• Publication Number:
  US 20130281063A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,323 Days
• Field of Search: 455/410, 455/411, 455/418, 455/422.1, 455/432.1, 370/252, 370/331
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 5/0205 Details
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/084 using delegated authorisation, e.g. open authorisation [OAuth] protocol
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/18 Network planning tools
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/00 Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/08 Testing, supervising or monitoring using real traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/10 Scheduling measurement reports ; Arrangements for measurement reports
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/021 Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/023 using mutual or relative location information between multiple location based services [LBS] targets or of distance thresholds
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 60/00 Affiliation to network, e.g. registration; Terminating affiliation with the network, e.g. de-registration
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/16 selectively restricting mobility data tracking
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/22 Processing or transfer of terminal data, e.g. status or physical capabilities

Abstract

A communication system is described in which a mobile communication device receives MDT configuration requests from a base station or radio network controller to initiate an MDT measurement session for obtaining measurement data and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates. The mobile communication device checks a user consent indicator in memory and only provides the location related data if the user consent indicator indicates that a user of the mobile communication device consents to the provision the location related data.

Claims

1. A method performed by a network entity, the method comprising:

receiving a message comprising an indication of a consent or non-consent, of a user of a mobile communication device, to a provision of location related data with measurement data obtained by the mobile communication device during a measurement session;

storing, into a home subscriber server (HSS), user consent information representing said consent or non-consent in association with information identifying said mobile communication device or said user; and

providing said user consent information available for purposes of selecting mobile communication devices from which to obtain measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which each selected mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said message comprising the indication of user consent or non-consent comprises a data log for logging measurement data and location related data, wherein non-consent is indicated by omitting said location related data and/or measurement data from said data log thereby indicating that the user does not consent to the provision of said location related data.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the network entity comprises a core network entity.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the network entity comprises an element manager (EM) or a trace control entity (TCE).

5. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the network entity comprises the HSS.

80. A non-transitory computer-readable information recording medium storing a program that causes a programmable processor to perform a method according to claim 1.

81. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of providing comprises providing said user consent information when the mobile communication devices attaches to a network.

6. A network entity comprising:

a receiver unit that receives a message comprising an indication of a consent or non-consent of a user of a mobile communication device to a provision of location related data with measurement data obtained by the mobile communication device during a measurement session;

a memory that stores, into a home subscriber server (HSS), user consent information representing said consent or non-consent in association with information identifying said mobile communication device or said user; and

a provision unit that provides said user consent information available for purposes of selecting mobile communication devices from which to obtain measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which each selected mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates.

82. The network entity as claimed in claim 6, wherein said means for providing provides said user consent information when the mobile communication device attaches to a network.

7. A method performed by a mobile communication device, the method comprising:

receiving signalling, from a further communication device, to initiate a measurement session for obtaining measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which said mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates;

initiating said measurement session;

determining from retrieved user consent information whether or not a user of the mobile communication device consents to a provision of said location related data;

obtaining said measurement data and said location related data and storing said obtained data in a data log if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device consents to the provision of said location related data; and

obtaining said measurement data and storing said obtained data in a data log without said location related data if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device does not consent to the provision of said location related data.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7 further comprising indicating, via an application layer, to the user that said location related data will be provisioned to a network if the retrieved user consent information includes consent.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein if said user consent information changes, from indicating that said user consents to the provision of said location related data to indicating that said user no longer consents to the provision of said location related data, then the method further comprises:

detecting said change in user consent information and deleting any data log compiled during the measurement session without sending said data log to said further communication device in response to detecting said change.

10. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein said location related data comprises detailed location data for identifying a geographic position of the mobile communication device.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10 wherein said step of obtaining said measurement data and storing said obtained data in a data log without said location related data, comprises obtaining said measurement data and storing said obtained data in a data log, without said detailed location data for identifying a geographic position of the mobile communication device, but with further location related data in replacement of said detailed location data.

12. The method as claimed in claim 10 wherein said location related data comprises further location related data.

13. The method as claimed in claim 10 wherein said step of obtaining said measurement data and storing said obtained data in a data log without said location related data, comprises obtaining said measurement data and storing said obtained data in a data log, without said detailed location data for identifying a geographic position of the mobile communication device or said further location related data.

14. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein said further location related data comprises location related data that is less precise than said detailed location data.

15. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein said further location related data comprises radio frequency fingerprint data for at least one cell neighboring a cell in which said mobile communication device is located.

16. The method as claimed in claim 10 wherein said detailed location related data comprises data derived from a satellite based positioning system.

17. The method as claimed in claim 7 further comprising generating and transmitting a message, to the further communication device, indicating that said data log is available if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device does consent to the provision of said location related data.

18. The method as claimed in claim 17 wherein if said user consent information changes, after generating and transmitting said message indicating that said data log is available, from indicating that said user consents to the provision of said location related data to indicating that said user no longer consents to the provision of said location related data, then the method further comprises:

detecting said change in user consent information;

deleting any data log compiled during the measurement session without sending said data log to said further communication device in response to detecting said change; and

sending in response to said received signalling to obtain the data log, a response message including an empty report indication.

19. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein said received signalling comprises a minimization of drive tests (MDT) configuration message.

20. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein said received signalling indicates that said measurement data is to be obtained during a period while the mobile communication device is in an idle state.

21. The method as claimed in claim 20 wherein said received signalling comprises a logged minimization of drive tests (MDT) configuration message.

22. The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein said received signalling indicates that said measurement data is to be obtained during a period while the mobile communication device is in a connected state.

23. The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein said received signalling comprises an immediate minimization of drive tests (MDT) configuration message.

24. A method performed by a mobile communication device, the method comprising:

receiving signalling, from a further communication device, to initiate a measurement session for obtaining measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which said mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates, wherein said received signalling comprises configuration data for configuring said measurement session;

determining from retrieved user consent information whether or not a user of the mobile communication device consents to a provision of said location related data;

initiating said measurement session in accordance with said configuration data, obtaining said measurement data and said location related data, and storing said obtained data in a data log if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device consents to the provision of said location related data; and

disregarding said configuration data without initiating said measurement session in accordance with said configuration data, if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device does not consent to the provision of said location related data.

25. The method as claimed in claim 24 wherein said received signalling indicates that said measurement data is to be obtained during a period while the mobile communication device is in an idle state.

26. The method as claimed in claim 24 wherein said received signalling comprises a minimization of drive tests (MDT) configuration message.

27. The method as claimed in claim 24 further comprising generating and transmitting a message, to the further communication device, indicating that said data log is not available if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device does not consent to the provision of said location related data.

28. The method as claimed in claim 24 further comprising generating and transmitting a message, to the further communication device, indicating that said data log is available if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device does consent to the provision of said location related data.

29. The method as claimed in claim 27 wherein said transmitted signalling comprises a radio connection control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message is one of an RRC connection setup complete message, an RRC connection reconfiguration complete, or an RRC connection reestablishment complete message.

30. A method performed by a mobile communication device, the method comprising:

receiving signalling, from a further communication device, to initiate a measurement session for obtaining measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which said mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates, wherein said received signalling comprises configuration data for configuring said measurement session;

initiating said measurement session in accordance with said configuration data, obtaining said measurement data and said location related data, and storing said obtained data in a data log;

determining from retrieved user consent information whether or not a user of the mobile communication device consents to a provision of said location related data;

generating and transmitting a message, to the further communication device, indicating that said data log is available if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device consents to the provision of said location related data; and

generating and transmitting a message, to the further communication device, indicating that said data log is not available if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device does not consent to the provision of said location related data.

31. The method as claimed in claim 30 wherein said received signalling indicates that said measurement data is to be obtained during a period while the mobile communication device is in an idle state.

32. The method as claimed in claim 30 wherein said received signalling comprises a minimization of drive tests (MDT) configuration message.

33. The method as claimed in claim 30 wherein said generated and transmitted message comprises an RRC message.

34. The method as claimed in claim 33 wherein said generated and transmitted message comprises an RRC connection setup complete message, an RRC connection reconfiguration complete message, or an RRC connection reestablishment complete message.

35. The method as claimed in claim 30

wherein said user consent information changes, after generating and transmitting a message indicating that said data log is available, from indicating that said user consents to the provision of said location related data to indicating that said user no longer consents to the provision of said location related data, said method further comprising:

detecting said change in user information;

receiving signalling, from a further communication device, to obtain the data log;

sending, in response to said received signalling to obtain the data log, a response message including an empty report indication.

36. The method as claimed in claim 35 wherein said empty report indication comprises an empty logged minimization of drive tests (MDT) report indication indicating that the measurement data and the location related data are missing from the data log.

37. The A method as claimed in claim 35 wherein said empty report indication comprises an empty location report indication indicating that at least the location related data is missing from the data log.

38. A method performed by a mobile communication device, the method comprising:

receiving signalling, from a further communication device, to obtain measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which said mobile communication device is located;

retrieving information indicating whether or not a user of the mobile communication device consents to a provision of location related data; and

sending, in response to said received signalling, a response message indicating user consent or non-consent to the provision of said location related data.

39. The method as claimed in claim 38 wherein said received signalling comprises signalling to initiate a measurement session for obtaining measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which said mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates.

40. The method as claimed in claim 39 wherein said received signalling indicates that said measurement data is to be obtained during a period while the mobile communication device is in an idle state.

41. The method as claimed in claim 39 wherein said received signalling comprises a minimization of drive tests (MDT) configuration message.

42. The method as claimed in claim 41 wherein said received signalling comprises a logged minimization of drive tests (MDT) configuration message.

43. The method as claimed in claim 41 wherein said response message comprises a minimization of drive tests (MDT) configuration response message.

44. The method as claimed in claim 38 wherein said method comprises transmitting a message, to said further communication device, indicating that measurement data is available, wherein said received signalling is received in response to said transmitted message.

45. The method as claimed in claim 44 wherein said message indicating that measurement data is available, said received signalling, and/or said response message comprises a radio resource control (RRC) message.

46. The method as claimed in claim 44 wherein said received signalling comprises a user equipment (UE) information request message.

47. The method as claimed in claim 44 wherein said response message comprises a user equipment (UE) information report message.

48. The method as claimed in claim 44 wherein said response message comprises a dedicated user consent field for indicating user consent to the provision of said location related data.

49. The method as claimed in claim 44 wherein when said user does not consent to the provision of said location related data, an empty report indication is provided in said response message thereby indicating that the user does not consent to the provision of said location related data.

50. The method as claimed in claim 44 wherein said response message comprises a data log for logging said measurement data and said location related data and wherein, when said user does not consent to the provision of said location related data, location related data is omitted from said response message thereby indicating that the user does not consent to the provision of said location related data.

51. A method performed by a mobile communication device, the method comprising:

receiving signalling, from a further communication device, to initiate a measurement session for obtaining measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which said mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates, wherein said received signalling comprises configuration data for configuring said measurement session and indicates;

that said measurement data is to be obtained during a period while the mobile communication device is in an idle state;

or

that said measurement data is to be obtained during a period while the mobile communication device is in a connected state;

wherein when said measurement data is to be obtained during a period while the mobile communication device is in an idle state said method comprises;

determining from retrieved user consent information whether or not a user of the mobile communication device consents to a provision of said location related data;

initiating said measurement session in accordance with said configuration data, obtaining said measurement data and said location related data, and storing said obtained data in a data log if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device consents to the provision of said location related data; and

disregarding said configuration data without initiating said measurement session in accordance with said configuration data, if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device does not consent to the provision of said location related data;

and when said measurement data is to be obtained during a period while the mobile communication device is in a connected state said method comprises;

initiating said measurement session;

determining from retrieved user consent information whether or not a user of the mobile communication device consents to the provision of said location related data;

obtaining said measurement data and said location related data and storing said obtained data in a data log if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device consents to the provision of said location related data;

obtaining said measurement data and storing said obtained data in a data log without said location related data if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device does not consent to the provision of said location related data; and

sending said data log to said further communication device.

52. The method as claimed in claim 51 wherein when said measurement data is to be obtained during a period while the mobile communication device is in an idle state, the method comprises:

retaining said disregarded configuration data, without initiating said measurement session in accordance with said configuration data, if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device does not consent to the provision of said location related data.

53. The method as claimed in claim 52 wherein if said user consent information changes from indicating that said user does not consent to the provision of said location related data, to indicating that said user does consent to the provision of said location related data, then the method further comprises:

initiating said measurement session in accordance with said retained configuration data, obtaining said measurement data and said location related data, and storing said obtained data in a data log.

54. The method as claimed in claim 51 wherein when said measurement data is to be obtained during a period while the mobile communication device is in an idle state, the method comprises deleting said disregarded configuration data, if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device does not consent to the provision of said location related data.

55. A method performed by a communication device, the method comprising:

signalling, a mobile communication device, to initiate a measurement session for obtaining measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which said mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates, wherein said location related data comprises detailed location data for identifying a geographic position of the mobile communication device obtaining said measurements; and

receiving, from said mobile communication device, a data log comprising said measurement data, without said detailed location related data, but with further location related data in replacement of said detailed location data.

56. The method as claimed in claim 55 wherein said further location related data comprises location related data that is less precise than said detailed location data.

57. The method as claimed in claim 55 wherein said further location related data comprises radio frequency fingerprint data for at least one cell neighboring a cell in which said mobile communication device is located.

58. The method as claimed in claim 55 wherein said detailed location related data comprises data derived from a satellite based positioning system.

59. The method as claimed in claim 55 wherein said mobile communication device is one of a selection of mobile communication devices, the method further comprising:

identifying a further selection of mobile communication devices from which to obtain measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which each selected mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates, wherein said further selection is made taking account of said further location related data being sent in replacement of said detailed location related data.

60. The method as claimed in claim 55 further comprising:

identifying a selection of at least one mobile communication device from which to obtain measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which each selected mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates;

signalling each selected mobile communication device, to initiate a measurement session for obtaining the measurement data and the location related data;

receiving, from each signalled mobile device, a message indicating user consent or non-consent to a provision of said location related data; and

identifying a further selection of mobile communication devices from which to obtain measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which each selected mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates, wherein said further selection is made taking account of said consent or non-consent.

62. The method as claimed in claim 59 further comprising sending, to a core network entity a message indicating said user consent or non-consent to the provision of said location related data.

63. The method as claimed in claim 59 wherein said message indicating said user consent or non-consent comprises a data log for logging said measurement data and said location related data and wherein said non-consent is indicated by omitting said location related data and/or said measurement data from said data log thereby indicating that the user does not consent to the provision of said location related data.

61. A method performed by a communication device, the method comprising:

identifying a selection of at least one mobile communication device from which to obtain measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which each selected mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates;

signalling each selected mobile communication device, to initiate a measurement session for obtaining the measurement data and the location related data;

receiving, from each signalled mobile communication device, a message indicating user consent or non-consent to a provision of said location related data; and

identifying a further selection of mobile communication devices from which to obtain measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which each selected mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates, wherein said further selection is made taking account of said consent or non-consent.

64. The method as claimed in claim 61 wherein the communication device comprises a device of a radio access network (RAN).

65. The method as claimed in claim 64 wherein the communication device comprises a base station or a radio network controller (RNC).

66. A mobile communication device comprising:

a first receiver unit that receives signalling, from a further communication device, to initiate a measurement session for obtaining measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which said mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates;

an initiation unit that initiates said measurement session;

a determination unit that determines from retrieved user consent information whether or not a user of the mobile communication device consents to a provision of said location related data;

a first obtaining unit that obtains said measurement data and said location related data and storing said obtained data in a data log if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device consents to the provision of said location related data;

a second obtaining unit that obtains said measurement data and storing said obtained data in a data log without said location related data if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device does not consent to the provision of said location related data; and

a send unit that sends said data log to said further communication device.

67. The A mobile communication device as claimed in claim 66 further comprising a detection unit that detects a change in said user consent information.

68. The mobile communication device as claimed in claim 67 further comprising a second receiver unit that receives signalling from said further communication device, to obtain the data log wherein:

when the detection unit that detects a change in said user consent information detects, after generating and transmitting a message indicating that said data log is available, a change in the user consent information from indicating that said user consents to a provision of said location related data to indicating that said user no longer consents to the provision of said location related data said mobile communication device is operable to;

remove the stored data log; and

send, in response to said received signalling to obtain the data log, a response message including an empty report indication.

83. The mobile communication device as claimed in claim 66 further comprising means for indicating, via an application layer, to the user that said location related data will be provisioned to a network if retrieved user consent information includes consent.

84. The mobile communication device as claimed in claim 66 wherein if said user consent information changes, from indicating that said user consents to the provision of said location related data to indicating that said user no longer consents to the provision of said location related data, then the mobile communication device further comprises:

a detecting unit that detects said change in user consent information and deleting any data log compiled during the measurement session without sending said data log to said further communication device in response to detecting said change.

69. A mobile communication device comprising:

a receiver unit that receives signalling, from a further communication device, to initiate a measurement session for obtaining measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which said mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates, wherein said received signalling comprises configuration data for configuring said measurement session;

a determination unit that determines from retrieved user consent information whether or not a user of the mobile communication device consents to a provision of said location related data;

an initiation unit that initiates said measurement session in accordance with said configuration data, for obtaining said measurement data and said location related data, and for storing said obtained data in a data log if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device consents to the provision of said location related data; and

a disregard unit that disregards said configuration data without initiating said measurement session in accordance with said configuration data, if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device does not consent to the provision of said location related data.

70. A mobile communication device comprising:

a receiver unit that receives signalling, from a further communication device, to initiate a measurement session for obtaining measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which said mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates, wherein said received signalling comprises configuration data for configuring said measurement session;

an initiation unit that initiates said measurement session in accordance with said configuration data, for obtaining said measurement data and said location related data, and for storing said obtained data in a data log;

a determination unit that determines from retrieved user consent information whether or not a user of the mobile communication device consents to a provision of said location related data;

a generation unit that generates and transmits a message, to the further communication device, indicating that said data log is available if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device consents to the provision of said location related data; and

the generation unit that generates and transmits a message, to the further communication device, indicating that said data log is not available if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device does not consent to the provision of said location related data.

71. A mobile communication device comprising:

a receiver unit that receives signalling, from a further communication device, to obtain measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which said mobile communication device is located;

a retriever unit that retrieves information indicating whether or not a user of the mobile communication device consents to a provision of location related data; and

a send unit that sends, in response to said received signalling, a response message indicating user consent or non-consent to the provision of said location related data.

72. The mobile communication device as claimed in claim 71 wherein said received signalling comprises signalling to initiate a measurement session for obtaining measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which said mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates.

73. A mobile communication device comprising:

a receiver unit that receives signalling, from a further communication device, to initiate a measurement session for obtaining measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which said mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates, wherein said received signalling comprises configuration data for configuring said measurement session and indicates;

that said measurement data is to be obtained during a period while the mobile communication device is in an idle state;

or

that said measurement data is to be obtained during a period while the mobile communication device is in a connected state;

wherein when said measurement data is to be obtained during a period while the mobile communication device is in an idle state, the mobile communication device is configured for;

determining from retrieved user consent information whether or not a user of the mobile communication device consents to a provision of said location related data;

initiating said measurement session in accordance with said configuration data, obtaining said measurement data and said location related data, and storing said obtained data in a data log if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device consents to the provision of said location related data; and

disregarding said configuration data without initiating said measurement session in accordance with said configuration data, if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device does not consent to the provision of said location related data;

and when said measurement data is to be obtained during a period while the mobile communication device is in a connected state, the mobile communication device is configured for;

initiating said measurement session;

determining from retrieved user consent information whether or not a user of the mobile communication device consents to the provision of said location related data;

obtaining said measurement data and said location related data and storing said obtained data in a data log if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device consents to the provision of said location related data;

obtaining said measurement data and storing said obtained data in a data log without said location related data if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device does not consent to the provision of said location related data; and

sending said data log to said further communication device.

74. The mobile communication device as claimed in claim 73 wherein when said measurement data is to be obtained during a period while the mobile communication device is in an idle state, the mobile communication device is configured for:

retaining said disregarded configuration data, without initiating said measurement session in accordance with said configuration data, if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device does not consent to the provision of said location related data.

75. The mobile communication device as claimed in claim 74 wherein when said user consent information changes from indicating that said user does not consent to the provision of said location related data, to indicating that said user does consent to the provision of said location related data, the mobile communication device is further configured for:

initiating said measurement session in accordance with said retained configuration data, obtaining said measurement data and said location related data, and storing said obtained data in a data log.

76. The mobile communication device as claimed in claim 73 wherein when said measurement data is to be obtained during a period while the mobile communication device is in an idle state, the mobile communication device is configured for deleting said disregarded configuration data, if said retrieved user consent information indicates that a user of the mobile communication device does not consent to the provision of said location related data.

77. A communication device comprising:

a signal unit that signals, a mobile communication device, to initiate a measurement session for obtaining measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which said mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates, wherein said location related data comprises detailed location data for identifying a geographic position of the mobile communication device obtaining measurements; and

a receiver unit that receives, from said mobile communication device, a data log comprising said measurement data, without said detailed location related data, but with further location related data in replacement of said detailed location data.

78. The communication device as claimed in claim 77 wherein said mobile communication device is one of a selection of mobile communication devices,

said communication device further comprising an identification unit that identifies a further selection of mobile communication devices from which to obtain measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which each selected mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates, wherein said further selection is made taking account of said further location related data being sent in replacement of said detailed location data.

79. A communication device comprising:

a first identification unit that identifies a selection of at least one mobile communication device from which to obtain measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which each selected mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates;

a signal unit that signals each selected mobile communication device, to initiate a measurement session for obtaining the measurement data and the location related data;

a receiver unit that receives, from each signalled mobile communication device, a message indicating user consent or non-consent to a provision of said location related data; and

a second identification unit that identifies a further selection of mobile communication devices from which to obtain measurement data representing communication conditions in an area in which each selected mobile communication device is located and location related data for identifying a location to which said measurement data relates, wherein said further selection is made taking account of said consent or non-consent.

85. A method of communication system including at least a network entity and a mobile communication device the method comprising:

activating Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT) by the network entity toward the mobile communication device which performs measurement and logging related to the MDT for Trace Records;

storing user consent information representing consent or non-consent of a provision of location related data of the mobile communication device with measurement data obtained by the mobile communication device, into a Home Subscriber Server (HSS); and

continuing the Trace Records related to the MDT even if the user consent information changes from the consent to the non-consent in a Trace Session with the MDT.

86. A communication system including at least a network entity and a mobile communication device, the communication system comprising:

an activating unit which activates Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT) by the network entity toward the mobile communication device which performs measurement and logging related to the MDT for Trace Records;

a storing unit which stores user consent information representing consent or non-consent of a provision of location related data of the mobile communication device with measurement data obtained by the mobile communication device, into a Home Subscriber Server (HSS); and

a recording unit which is capable to continue the Trace Records related to the MDT even if the user consent information changes from the consent to the non-consent in a Trace Session with the MDT.

87. A network entity comprising:

an activating unit which activates Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT) toward a mobile communication device which performs measurement and logging related to the MDT for Trace Records; and

a storing unit which stores user consent information representing consent or non-consent of a provision of location related data of the mobile communication device with measurement data obtained by the mobile communication device, into a Home Subscriber Server (HSS);

wherein the Trace Records related to the MDT is capable to be continued even if the user consent information changes from the consent to the non-consent in a Trace Session with the MDT.

88. A method performed by a network entity, the method comprising:

activating Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT) toward a mobile communication device which performs measurement and logging related to the MDT for Trace Records; and

storing user consent information representing consent or non-consent of a provision of location related data of the mobile communication device with measurement data obtained by the mobile communication device, into a Home Subscriber Server (HSS);

wherein the Trace Records related to the MDT is capable to be continued even if the user consent information changes from the consent to the non-consent in a Trace Session with the MDT.

89. A mobile communication device comprising:

a measurement unit which performs measurement and logging related to Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT) activated by a network entity; and

,

a reporting unit which reports the measurement data and log related to the MDT for Trace Records;

wherein the Trace Records are capable to be continued even if user consent information related to a provision of location related data of the mobile communication device with measurement data obtained by the mobile communication device changes from consent to non-consent in a Trace Session with the MDT.

90. The mobile communication device as claimed in claim 89 wherein the user consent information representing the consent or the non-consent is stored into Home Subscribe Server (HSS).

91. A method performed by a mobile communication device, the method comprising:

performing measurement and logging related to Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT) activated by a network entity; and

,

reporting the measurement data and log related to the MDT for Trace Records;

wherein the Trace Records are capable to be continued even if user consent information related to a provision of location related data of the mobile communication device with measurement data obtained by the mobile communication device changes from consent to non-consent in a Trace Session with the MDT.

92. The method as claimed in claim 91 wherein the user consent information representing the consent or the non-consent is stored into Home Subscriber Server (HSS).