Method and system for obtaining information data.

The present invention first relates to a method for producing relates to information data according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention provides a system for generating information data according to the Preamble of claim 19th

Such methods or systems are, for example, in known related to the generation of traffic information data. In this context, they are used for example to the travel time a vehicle between a selected starting point and a space to determine which separate endpoint. However, they are also used to to determine the volume of traffic on roads and it about predictions traffic conditions on roads to existing congestion make can. For this purpose different solutions have already been disclosed.

It is known, for example, the travel time of a vehicle by means stationary radar sensors, embedded in the road or induction loops like grasp. The vehicles pass through the sensors or induction loops, which then, for example, the speed, measure the density of traffic and related data / produce and at a anomalies settle message to a central unit. There the data is collected and a corresponding traffic situation processed. This known solution has However, the disadvantage is that you for a very intensive and secondly very is costly. So it is necessary, for example, a special infrastructure to create.

There is therefore a need to provide solutions to such additional infrastructures can do without.

In this connection it is already known, information data on the basis of charges produced in a cellular communication network-specific data mobile terminals to produce. In such a cellular Communications network may be, for example, a cellular telephone network act, the mobile terminals preferably in such a case as Mobile phones are formed. When the specific data of the mobile Terminal equipment are used to generate the information data, it may be advantageous to information data of during operation mobile terminals incurred anyway.

A known solution in this respect for generating information data on the Basis of charges produced in a cellular communication network-specific data mobile terminal equipment is described in DE 101 49 943 A1. Here are specific data covering at least a mobile terminal and in a central processing unit processed electronically. In this way, Information data relating to at least one cell of the communication network be generated. In this known method, the travel time is at least one mobile terminal between a starting point and a spatially separated endpoint determined. For this, the specific data at least one mobile located at the starting point and the end point determined terminal and each associated with a timestamp. The specific Information of mobile terminals are in at least one central Computer unit electronically compared. If they match the specific data from a mobile terminal at the starting point and the Endpoint is electronically in the central computer unit, the time difference formed between the timestamps and determines the travel time. On Thus, the travel time of the mobile terminal in a simple and inexpensive way to determine, without the need for special would infrastructure.

The above-described, known from the prior art solutions use each movement information of the mobile terminals to it Information data, for example in the form of traffic information data to produce. However, these known solutions have not in all situations without further an accurate picture of actual prevailing traffic situation. The Detection alone motion information can not, for example, between an empty road at night (in this case, for example, no traffic available) and a total traffic jam (in this case, move the mobile terminals do not differ).

Starting from the known prior art, the present invention, Object to provide a method and a system of the type mentioned in such a way that adequate at any time and in any situation Information data can be generated.

This object is achieved by the method having the Features according to independent claim 1 and the system with the Features according to independent claim 19. Further advantages, Features, details, aspects and effects of the invention result from the Dependent claims, the description and the drawing. Features and details that are described in connection with the inventive method, apply this invention of course also related to the System, and each vice versa.

According to the first aspect of the invention, a method for generating Information data on the basis of in a cellular communication network produced specific data of mobile terminal equipment provided, specific data covering at least a mobile terminal and in a central processing unit to be handled electronically and where Information data relating to at least one cell of the communication network be generated. This method is inventively characterized that recognized within the central processing unit on the basis of specific Data mobile terminals, the number and / or the speed of the per unit time by at least one cell moving terminals is determined to be detected within the central processing unit on the basis of specific data of mobile terminals, the number of per unit time is stationary determined in the located at least one cell terminal, that the determined per unit of time values ​​moving stationary Terminal devices in the at least one cell in the central computer unit be electronically compared and that determined from the Comparative value are generated in the central processing unit information data.

The inventive method is particularly simple manner possible, at any time and in any situation adequate information data to produce. The inventive idea is that detection in addition to the of specific data moving mobile terminals per unit time for the same unit of time and specific data from stationary mobile Terminal equipment is subject. This data is used per unit of time in each case the Number and / or the speed of the cell through at least one moving mobile terminals or the least in a cell located stationary mobile terminals determined. From which resulting comparative value (when comparing the numbers from which about resulting ratio) are then in the central computer unit Information data generated.

First, the method is performed in a cellular communication network. However, the invention is not to specific types of cellular Communications networks limited. Particularly advantageous, however, the process can be carried out using a cellular mobile radio network, in which such a case the mobile terminals are designed as mobile phones and wherein the information data is determined from specific data of the mobile telephones will. On the basis of charges produced in the cellular communication network specific Data mobile terminals are then appropriate generates information data. Here, the invention is not limited to certain types of mobile terminals limited. So it may be with the mobile Terminal equipment, for example, mobile computers, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant) to act mobile phones or the like.

Likewise, the invention is not limited to certain types of specific data of the mobile terminal is limited, are generated by means of which information data can. Advantageously is in such specific data Information data which in any case during the operation of the mobile terminals incurred. This may be in the specific data of the moving and stationary terminals to identical data types, but also to each act different data types. This method is everywhere used where there are corresponding mobile terminal equipment. Some non exclusive examples of this are described below. Thus, it may at the specific data, for example, data relating to the Movement to the mobile devices, such as between different cells (Handover between cells) and / or within a cell, the time-dependent and / or local distribution of the mobile terminals, the number and / or density of the mobile terminals per cell, the call setup rate and / or -abbaurate and like. Of course, it is also conceivable to be recognized as a specific Data to detect the call frequency of certain numbers. Furthermore, it is conceivable that positional data of the mobile terminals are generated, which can then be assembled into a position profile.

If the process associated with a cellular mobile radio network is operated, it is in principle possible, as specific data in this case, designed as a mobile telephone terminal devices, all information data to use that as part of the basic functionality of the mobile radio network incurred. Among well as the aforementioned information data also fall Real-time and cell activity data of active mobile terminals. These received generally by corresponding base stations, which in turn are associated with individual cells of the mobile network. Over the respective Base stations, the received data to a central computer unit forwarded, where they are further processed. In particular, from the Base stations receive data from such mobile phones that are just in one cell are. For this purpose it is not essential that by means of the Mobile phones to capture specific data just a phone call may have to be performed. Rather, it is sufficient if the mobile phone is in a stand-by mode, that is, if it is only turned on. In such a case, sends the mobile phone at regular intervals so-called Registration signals, which are then located in the vicinity of base stations are detected and forwarded to the central computer unit. This is is a basic operation of a cellular mobile radio network.

Also, the invention is not limited to particular types of information data with can be produced with the method according to the invention, limited. That's the way it is for example conceivable that the process the travel time of mobile Terminal equipment through one or more cell (s) of the communication network can be determined. It is also possible that according to the invention with the Process traffic information is generated. The invention is, however, not limited to certain types of traffic information. That's the way it is for example, possible to generate traffic information, the current which reflect traffic conditions on roads. Also, the method can be used as Navigation aid used or as a statistical basis for the Traffic planning - are used - such as public authorities. Outside the generation of traffic information, it is with the present invention The method also possible information data in connection with so-called Location Based Services (LBS) or the like to produce.

The invention is characterized in that the specific data of the mobile Terminals and recorded electronically in a central processing unit to be edited. In the central processing unit then the corresponding Information data generated or generated. In the simplest case, the A method for generating information data only within a single cell be used in the communication network. Naturally, it is also possible that the method for generating information data over several Cells of the communication network can be used away, so this in Communication network is flexible.

According to the invention it is now provided that several varieties of specific Data are determined. It is provided that the data obtained in each case per be found in a given unit of time. However, the invention is not limited to certain length of time to be considered units limited. This result Rather, according to the respective field of application of the procedure or, the type of information to be generated data.

First, within the central processing unit on the basis of detected specific data of mobile terminals, the number and / or the Rate of per unit time by at least one cell of Communications network moving terminals determined. Additionally is for the same time unit within the central processing unit on the basis of detected specific data of the mobile terminals, the number of to stationary determined in the terminal equipment located at least one cell. The per unit time determined values ​​(for example, numbers and / or Speed ​​values) located in the at least one cell and moving stationary terminals electronically in the central processing unit compared with each other. can from the resultant comparison value then the corresponding information data is generated.

The inventive design of the method has a number of advantages on, the following is an example in which information data in the form of Traffic information data are generated is explained in more detail. The The method according to the invention initially leads to an improvement in the Detection of various traffic conditions. In particular, it is possible to recognize traffic conditions even in night hours when there is no network activity.

Here the procedure is based on the finding that the number of stationary Telephone calls (or the number of stationary, active and / or in Standby mode befindlicher mobile terminals) in a traffic jam in addition to falling average rate of observable to moving telephone calls (the moving active and / or standby mode located terminals) increases. Both pieces of information together give a better allocation of the detected specific data Road traffic. The detection alone of moving mobile Terminal equipment (of moving telephone calls), for example, not between an empty road at night (in this case, there is neither stationary still moving conversations) and a total traffic jam (in this case, there are many stationary talks but no moving calls) differ. In the method according to the invention additionally is to detect the moving Discussions also the detection and enumeration of stationary calls in the same used period.

With the aid of the inventive method is in particular a qualitative Improvement of very simple and anonymous method for the cell-change-tracking given a mobile phone. Since this method does not high Memory resources required and hardly loaded, the corresponding computer be, it can be used as expansion in the respective software of BSCs (Base Station Controller) to get integrated. Additional hardware components are in this Case not needed.

the specific data of the mobile terminals are advantageously electronically determined. The generation of the information data on the basis of the specific data mobile terminal equipment can advantageously automatically in the central Computer unit carried. The implementation of the method may advantageously using appropriate program means or software made, but at least supported.

Preferably, the detected specific data of the moving Terminal (s) and / or the stationary terminal (s) electronically with a timestamp and / or linked to specific cell data to comparison data and are processed in the central computer unit. In this way, it is in particularly simple manner possible over longer distances extending to generate information data such as traffic information data.

In the specific cell data in the generation of comparison data a role play, it can, for example, cell identification data to data the cell size on or the like.

In this way, the process of the invention not only the number the moving terminal equipment are determined. In addition, on the specific cell data, for example, the size of the cell, a measure of the Speed ​​of the moving terminal equipment are specified. These Values ​​are then compared with the values ​​for the stationary terminal equipment or linked.

In addition, it is possible to determined the values ​​of the per unit time by the at least one cell moving mobile terminals statistically filtering, For example, after a certain date, after certain hours or . like

Can be advantageously provided that the rate of through the at least one cell moving mobile terminals of the specific Data terminal equipment and the specific cell data - preferably in the central processing unit - is calculated.

In order to compare the moving terminal equipment with the stationary to simplify terminal equipment can be provided for example that from the determined speed values ​​of at least per unit time by the a cell moving terminals in the central processing unit, a average speed of the moving terminal equipment is calculated.

The generation of comparison data can be done in different ways. So is it conceivable, for example, that the specific data of a mobile Terminal in the mobile terminal itself with a time stamp and / or with specific cell data are linked to comparative data. These comparative data then subsequently transmitted to the central processing unit and there processed. In another embodiment, may also be provided that the specific data from a mobile terminal to the central computer unit transmitted and there with a time stamp and / or with specific cell data Comparative data are linked. In the latter case, the mobile his terminal equipment much easier and thus designed more cost-effective.

As already described above, can advantageously information data are produced with respect to two or more cells of the communication network, wherein at least one of these cells directly adjacent to one another or spatially may be formed separately in the communication network. In this regard, for example, be provided that comparative data terminal equipment within two or more cells generated and in the central computer unit are compared. If they match, at least of components specific data terminal equipment in different cells may then in the central processing unit electronically, the time difference between the respective determined time marks and from this the travel time of the terminal equipment be determined.

This will be illustrated by way of non-limiting example. If the travel time of at least one mobile terminal between two Cells, for example, between a starting point A and a spatially separate endpoint E to be determined, are in a first step specific data at least one located at the starting point A mobile determined terminal device and each with a corresponding time marker ZA linked. Here, the invention is not limited to certain specific data of the mobile Terminal equipment is limited. It is only important that the mobile terminal properly identified and characterized on the basis of the determined specific data can be. This information along with time stamp and linked to specific cell data. In this way it can be determined that the mobile terminal at a particular time, the time stamp ZA equivalent, at the starting point A, located in a particular cell, has found.

Similarly, specific data on at least one set determined end point E located mobile terminal and each having a Timestamp ZE linked. In this way can be determined that a mobile terminal at a particular time, the time stamp ZE equivalent, has been at the end point E.

The thus determined specific information of at least one on be the starting point A and located at the end point E mobile terminal in at least one central computer unit together electronically compared. In this way, it is checked whether the respective specific data, and thus ultimately also the associated mobile terminals to match. If the specific data of a mobile terminal on Starting point A and end point coincide on E, this means that a and the same mobile terminal both at the starting point A and at the Endpoint has been e. If such a match is found, it is in the central processing unit electronically, the time difference between the ZE-ZA Timestamps formed. From the resulting time difference then is the Travel time of the mobile terminal between the starting point A and the spatially separated endpoint E determined.

Further, also the number of the cells and be observed in possibly even in those cells which are located between the considered cell, contained stationary mobile terminals detected. If now the Travel time of a mobile terminal from the starting point A to End point E decreases, and at the same time the number of active, stationary mobile Terminal equipment within the considered cells - and / or in between lying cells - increases, this leads to the conclusion that a jam.

Particularly advantageously be provided that at least parts of specific data or the comparison data of moving and / or stationary detected terminal equipment and will be added over a predetermined period, wherein the time period comprises two or more consecutive units of time. In this way, in a particularly simple manner statistical Evaluations, long-term evaluations and the like make.

Can be advantageously provided that at least parts of the specific Data or the comparison data and / or information data at least temporarily are stored in at least one memory device. In this way the data also later still readily recycled will.

It may also be advantageous that at least parts of specific data or comparison data and / or information data within the central Computer unit are compared to corresponding reference data. at These reference data can be, for example, data from the past act, which advantageously currently determined data and reference data via a predetermined period of time to be linked to a history file. The production Such history files is particularly advantageous if the method as a statistical basis for traffic planning should be created.

As already explained above, the invention is not limited to certain types limited specific data terminal equipment. In addition to the above Examples described may be in the specific data Communication network data, in particular data packets or portions of data packets, act. If it is, the communications network to a mobile network is for example the GSM network, it may be in the specific data for example, GSM signaling data. Additional non-exclusive Examples of data communication network are in connection with the Embodiment described below.

According to the second aspect of the invention, a system for generating Information data on the basis of in a cellular communication network produced specific data of mobile terminal equipment provided, specific data covering at least a mobile terminal and in a central processing unit are processed, and wherein the system for generating of information data relating to at least one cell of the communication network is trained. The system according to the invention is characterized by means for Carrying out the method as described above, according to the invention. In particular, the communication network can be used as cellular mobile radio network be formed, wherein the terminal devices are configured as mobile telephones.

The invention is now on by way of example with reference the accompanying drawings explained. Here, the sets in the single figure The diagram shown over a specific period in at least one cell the communication network detected moving mobile terminals and stationary mobile terminals represent.

The graph shows is real measured data in the course on March 22 of 2003. On the horizontal axis of the chart is the total observation period of applied 24 hours. The left vertical axis of the graph indicates the average speed of the moving mobile terminals again, while the right, vertical axis of the diagram, the absolute number the stationary mobile terminals reproduces.

The square dots is the average shopping Velocities of moving mobile terminals during a Unit time (in the present example, the time unit 10 minutes) in a selected radio cell. The triangular points represent in a 10-minute interval summed, incurred stationary calls, and thus the Number of contained in the selected radio cell, active, stationary mobile terminals, respectively. The chart shows a clear difference between the night hours and for example, the time 9:30 to 14:00.

The detected by the mobile terminal equipment-specific data together with the current time, which is then by the above Timestamps described acts, and specific cell data in the form of cell identification data, sent to the central computer unit. The central Computer unit stores this data in the form of a history file and adds them continuously to a for a time period which is selectable by a can act period, consolidated "number of stationary conversations". The joint evaluation of the average speeds of the moving mobile terminals and the number of stationary mobile terminals is then for generating information data, for example for Evaluation of traffic conditions, used.

It can be based on the following basic idea. No moving Talks or no moving mobile terminals (the Speed ​​is zero) and not stationary calls (not in the cell contained stationary mobile terminals) means that a clear road present with no traffic. No moving talks or not to moving mobile terminals (the speed is zero) and simultaneously many stationary discussions or be present in the cell stationary mobile terminals means that a blocked road without moving Traffic is present.

In the specific data of the terminal equipment on the basis of which Information data is generated, it may, for example, data packets or portions of data packets act. So it is conceivable that from the recording of the data on the interface of the communication network between BTS (Base Transceiver Station) and BSC (Base Station Controller), for example, here the Abis interface of the GSM network, continuously releases the OSI layer 3 read and specific messages are evaluated. This can for example, be the "Channel Activation - CHNAV", the "handover command - HOCMD "or the" timing advance parameter TA in the Network Measurement Reports - ". The" NMR type of activation "of CHNAV must not handover event be what the conclusion allows that the conversation in the cell in question has begun. Furthermore, when that "timing advance" from the NMR remains constant, this means that the mobile phone is not moving in the cell. If that HOCMD package does not occur, it means that a call is not a another cell is passed. Finally, the RCHRA package signals the end a sequence, which means that a call has been completed.