Method and apparatus for improving carrier phase detection in satellite positioning system signals

Abstract

A mobile device can be configured to improve measurements of carrier phase (CP) in received satellite signals for satellite positioning system (SPS) operations. For example, this can enable an SPS receiver to measure CPs of at least a first positioning signal and a second positioning signal each received from a same satellite vehicle. Based on the measured CP of the first positioning signal and the measured CP of the second positioning signal, a corrected CP of the first positioning signal can be estimated.

Description

[0001] Priority requirements

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. nonprovisional application No. 17 / 167,952, filed February 4, 2021, entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FORIMPROVING CARRIER PHASE DETECTION IN SATELLITE POSITIONING SYSTEM SIGNALS,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] This is a public background.

[0004] 1. This public domain

[0005] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communications and positioning.

[0006] 2. Relevant Technical Descriptions

[0007] Receivers for satellite positioning systems (SPS) and transceivers for wireless communication systems are frequently implemented in mobile devices such as mobile phones, wearable devices, laptops, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. SPS can include, for example, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) such as GPS, while wireless communication systems include, for example, terrestrial wide area networks (WWANs) such as LTE or 5G NR, non-terrestrial WWANs such as satellite communication systems, and wireless local area networks (WLANs) such as Wi-Fi. SPS receivers can receive SPS signals from satellite vehicles and provide SPS signals for positioning operations. Estimating the carrier phase (CP) of the positioning signal received from the satellite vehicle (SV) can be an important part of such SPS operations. However, the continuity of CP estimation can be compromised due to various reasons, such as cycle slip, interference from other signals, or power cycles in the circuitry used to receive positioning signals in the mobile device. Therefore, there is a need in the field of wireless communication devices to improve the estimation of CP in positioning signals received from the SV. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Mobile devices can be configured to improve the measurement of carrier phase (CP) in received satellite signals used for satellite positioning system (SPS) operation. For example, this can enable an SPS receiver to measure the CP of at least a first positioning signal and a second positioning signal, each received from the same satellite carrier. Based on the measured CP of the first positioning signal and the measured CP of the second positioning signal, a corrected CP of the first positioning signal can be estimated.

[0009] In one implementation, a method for supporting satellite positioning system (SPS) operation performed by a mobile device includes: receiving a first positioning signal from a first satellite vehicle (SV), receiving a second positioning signal from the first SV, measuring the carrier phase (CP) of the first positioning signal at a first time and a second time, measuring the CP of the second positioning signal at a third time and a fourth time, and estimating a corrected CP of the first positioning signal at a second time based at least in part on the difference between the CP of the second positioning signal measured at the third time and the CP of the second positioning signal measured at the fourth time.

[0010] In one implementation, a mobile device configured to support Satellite Positioning System (SPS) operation includes: a Satellite Positioning System (SPS) receiver configured to receive SPS signals on multiple frequency bands, and a processor coupled to the SPS receiver, the processor being configured to: receive a first positioning signal from a first satellite vehicle (SV), receive a second positioning signal from the first SV, measure the carrier phase (CP) of the first positioning signal at a first time and a second time, measure the CP of the second positioning signal at a third time and a fourth time, and estimate a corrected CP of the first positioning signal at a second time, at least in part, based on the difference between the CP of the second positioning signal measured at the third time and the CP of the second positioning signal measured at the fourth time.

[0011] In one implementation, a mobile device configured to support satellite positioning system (SPS) operation includes: components for receiving a first positioning signal from a first satellite carrier (SV), components for receiving a second positioning signal from the first SV, components for measuring the carrier phase (CP) of the first positioning signal at a first time and a second time, components for measuring the CP of the second positioning signal at a third time and a fourth time, and components for estimating a corrected CP of the first positioning signal at a second time, at least in part, based on the difference between the CP of the second positioning signal measured at the third time and the CP of the second positioning signal measured at the fourth time.

[0012] In one implementation, a non-transitory storage medium including program code stored thereon, operable to configure at least one processor in a mobile device to support satellite positioning system (SPS) operation, includes: program code for receiving a first positioning signal from a first satellite vehicle (SV), program code for receiving a second positioning signal from the first SV, program code for measuring the carrier phase (CP) of the first positioning signal at a first time and a second time, program code for measuring the CP of the second positioning signal at a third time and a fourth time, and program code for estimating a corrected CP of the first positioning signal at a second time, at least in part, based on the difference between the CP of the second positioning signal measured at the third time and the CP of the second positioning signal measured at the fourth time. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Aspects of this disclosure are illustrated by way of example. In the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals indicate similar elements.

[0014] Figure 1 A simplified diagram of the system is shown, in which mobile devices can receive SPS signals.

[0015] Figure 2 The diagram shows SPS signals and their frequency bands, as well as examples of carrier frequencies that may interfere with SPS signal reception.

[0016] Figure 3 An example diagram is shown of CP estimation in the first positioning signal based on the measurement of the second positioning signal according to an example implementation.

[0017] Figure 4 The illustration shows the determination of the source based on the example implementation. Figure 1 Example diagram of the third value of the correction of the first CP.

[0018] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the time-domain duty cycle of a circuit used to receive a first positioning signal and a second positioning signal, according to some implementations.

[0019] Figure 6 The diagram shows a representation of the time-domain duty cycle of a circuit for receiving a first positioning signal and a second positioning signal, according to some implementations.

[0020] Figure 7 The diagram shows a representation of the time-domain duty cycle of a circuit for receiving a first positioning signal and a second positioning signal, according to some implementations.

[0021] Figure 8The diagram illustrates the time-domain duty cycle of a circuit for receiving a first positioning signal and a second positioning signal under the presence of interference or blanking, according to some implementations.

[0022] Figure 9 A schematic block diagram illustrating certain exemplary features of a mobile device capable of recovering the carrier phase of one or more positioning signals according to this disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for supporting satellite positioning system (SPS) operations performed by a mobile device, as described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Several illustrative embodiments are now described with respect to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this document. While specific embodiments in which one or more aspects of this disclosure may be implemented are described below, other embodiments may be used, and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure or the spirit of the appended claims.

[0025] Satellite Positioning System (SPS) receivers and wireless transmitters such as Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) transmitters are frequently implemented in mobile devices such as mobile phones, wearable devices, laptops, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, or semi-autonomous or autonomous vehicles such as ground vehicles (i.e., self-driving cars or trucks) or aerial vehicles such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) sometimes referred to as drones. SPS receivers can receive SPS signals from satellite vehicles and perform positioning operations based on the received SPS signals. SPS receivers can support different global or regional positioning systems, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) signals, Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) signals, Galileo (GAL) signals, BeiDou (BDS) signals, and / or signals from other types of satellite positioning systems.

[0026] A wireless transmitter sends and receives wireless signals for various communication operations, including data and control. A WWAN transmitter can support a variety of communication systems, including, for example, fourth-generation (4G) systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced (LTE-A), or LTE-A Pro systems, and fifth-generation (5G) systems, which may be called New Radio (NR) systems. These systems can use technologies such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), or Discrete Fourier Transform Extended Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM). Additionally, a WWAN transmitter can support, for example, satellite-based non-terrestrial communication systems. In some implementations, satellite-based communication systems can be combined with terrestrial wireless communication systems such as 5G New Radio (NR) networks. In such systems, mobile devices can access satellites, also known as satellite vehicles (SVs), instead of terrestrial base stations, which can connect to earth stations, also known as ground stations or non-terrestrial (NTN) gateways, which in turn can connect to the 5G network. WLAN transmitters can support various communication systems, including Wi-Fi, LTE Direct, and others.

[0027] When positioning operations are supported, the SPS receiver can determine the carrier phase (CP) of one or more positioning signals received from the SV in order to determine the receiver's location. For example, such positioning signals may include one or more of GPS L1 or L5 signals, Galileo E1 or E5 signals, one or more BDS positioning signals, one or more QZSS positioning signals, etc. However, the determination of such CP may be compromised for various reasons.

[0028] First, cycle slips can occur in measurements of the CP (Positioning Component) in the positioning signal. A cycle slip refers to a discontinuity in the time series of CP measurements. For example, these cycle slips can occur due to the SPS (Site Shift Point) receiver losing lock on the carrier of the positioning signal, or due to obstruction of positioning signal reception at the mobile device. For instance, the mobile device may be moved to a location where positioning signal reception is obstructed, or the line of sight between the mobile device and the SV (Position Shift Point) may be temporarily obstructed during the movement of the mobile device. When a cycle slip occurs, loss of continuity in CP measurements is undesirable because the integer number of cycles elapsed since the start of the cycle slip becomes unknown.

[0029] Additionally, mobile devices can participate in power management operations and can periodically shut down one or more receiver circuits used to receive location signals. Therefore, when one or more receiver circuits are powered down, the mobile device loses its lock on the location signal. When those receiver circuits are powered back on, an undesirable delay exists in the CP (Positioning Conversion) for estimating the location signal.

[0030] WWAN signals, especially satellite-based communication signals or their harmonics, can be in or near the same frequency band as SPS signals. Furthermore, satellite communication signals transmitted by mobile devices can be transmitted at significantly higher power than SPS signals, and thus can interfere with SPS signal reception, which can adversely affect the mobile device's estimation of the CP (Positioning Response Point) for one or more positioning signals. This can adversely affect SPS operation, such as the determination of position, velocity, time, or combinations thereof.

[0031] For example, two recently approved communication systems (Ligado and GlobalStar) use frequencies very close to the IEEE L1 band used for SPS, and specifically for GLONASS G1 satellite transmissions. These recently approved communication systems may interfere with the reception of L1 positioning signals.

[0032] Many mobile devices can receive multiple positioning signals. For example, a mobile device can receive both GPS L1 and GPS L5 signals, or both Galileo E1 and Galileo E5 signals, and so on. These signals are often received from the same SV (Signal Provider). For example, the SV can transmit both GPS L1 and GPS L5 signals that can be received at the mobile device.

[0033] This document discloses a technique for improving the reception and determination of carrier phase in an SPS receiver capable of receiving multiple positioning signals from a single SV. Within a short timeframe, such as a few seconds, the carrier phase offset between two different positioning signals transmitted by a single SV is nearly identical. For example, within a short timeframe, the carrier phase offset between a GPS L1 signal and a GPS L5 signal transmitted by a single SV is nearly identical. Similarly, since the antennas used to receive these positioning signals on the mobile device are co-located, the difference in the CP (Cost Per Term) of the two positioning signals measured at the mobile device is also nearly identical within a short timeframe. Therefore, when an interruption or interference occurs in the reception of the first positioning signal but not in the reception of the second positioning signal received from the same SV, the carrier phase from the second positioning signal can help accurately determine the carrier phase in the first positioning signal.

[0034] Figure 1A simplified diagram of system 100 is shown, in which mobile device 105 can receive SPS signals. SPS signals can be transmitted based on various satellite positioning signaling standards, such as GPS, GLONASS, GAL, BDS, and / or other types of satellite positioning systems. Mobile device 105 may include a satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver, which may be compatible with one or more of these satellite positioning signaling standards. The SPS receiver can process SPS signals on one or more frequency bands based on the signaling standard to extract information and perform positioning calculations based on the extracted information. For example, as part of this processing, the SPS receiver can determine the CP of one or more received SPS signals.

[0035] Mobile device 105 may be a device designed to perform multiple functions, including the ability to determine its own location based on the reception of SPS signals from satellites. Mobile device 105 is capable of performing satellite-based positioning by receiving SPS signals from one or more satellites. As shown here, mobile device 105 receives SPS signals 111, 115, and 117 from positioning satellites 112, 116, and 118, respectively. The SPS signals may be, for example, any Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) such as GPS, GLONASS, GAL, or BeiDou, or some other local or regional system such as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), European Geostationary Satellite Navigation Augmentation Service (EGNOS), or Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS).

[0036] Typically, each of SPS signals 111, 115, and 117 will include timing information about when the SPS signal was transmitted from the corresponding satellite. Each SPS signal may also include ephemeris information that can be used to determine the satellite's position at the time of transmission. Mobile device 105 is able to determine when it receives each of SPS signals 111, 115, and 117. The transmission and reception times of each SPS signal can be aligned on a common timing reference known to mobile device 105, such as a common clock. By using the difference between the reception and transmission times, mobile device 105 can calculate the time of flight associated with each SPS signal for its travel from the corresponding satellite to mobile device 105. Then, considering the speed of light, the time of flight can be used to calculate the distance between each satellite and mobile device. Once the distance between each satellite and mobile device is determined, the position of mobile device 105 can be calculated using trilateration based on the known positions of each satellite and the distance between each satellite and mobile device 105. SPS signals can also be used to determine the velocity of mobile device 105 and can also be used for the determination of absolute time.

[0037] Besides satellite-based positioning, another class of functions that mobile device 105 can perform involves wireless communication. Wireless communication can serve as a vital link connecting mobile device 105 to other devices such as servers and other mobile devices via private and / or public networks. This can include, among other things, communication over various types of wireless networks, including wireless local area networks (WLANs) and wireless wide area networks (WWANs). Examples of WLANs can be different types of Wi-Fi networks, such as networks implemented based on various 802.11 standards. Figure 1 Wireless communication between mobile device 105 and ground base station 126, satellite vehicle 122, and access point 130 is illustrated. However, other examples of wireless communication may include end-to-end communication between mobile devices, such as Wi-Fi Direct, LTE Direct, or Proximity-Based Service (ProSe) Direct Communication (PC5). Examples of WWAN may include satellite communication, 5G NR, LTE, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), etc. Other examples of wireless communication may include Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth communication, etc.

[0038] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the terms “mobile device” and “base station” are not intended to be specific or otherwise limited to any particular radio access technology (RAT). Generally, a mobile device can be any wireless communication device used by a user to communicate over a wireless communication network (e.g., mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, tracking device, wearable device (e.g., smartwatch, glasses, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) headset, etc.), semi-autonomous or autonomous ground vehicle (e.g., car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.), semi-autonomous or autonomous air vehicle (e.g., UAV or drone), Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.). A mobile device can be mobile or can (e.g., at times) be stationary and can communicate with a radio access network (RAN). As used herein, the term “mobile device” can be interchangeably referred to as “user equipment,” “access terminal” or “AT,” “client equipment,” “wireless equipment,” “subscriber equipment,” “subscriber terminal,” “subscriber station,” “user terminal” or “UT,” “mobile terminal,” “mobile station,” or variations thereof. Typically, mobile devices can communicate with the core network via a RAN or, in some cases, via a communication satellite. Through the core network, mobile devices can be connected to external networks such as the Internet and other mobile devices. Of course, other mechanisms for connecting to the core network and / or the Internet are also possible for mobile devices, such as via wired access networks, wireless local area network (WLAN) networks (e.g., based on IEEE 802.11), and so on.

[0039] like Figure 1As shown, the mobile device 105 can support wireless communication using one or more Radio Access Technologies (RATs), such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), LTE, High-Speed ​​Packet Data (HRPD), IEEE 802.11 WiFi (also known as Wi-Fi). (BT), Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMAX), 5G New Radio (NR), etc. For example, mobile device 105 can transmit communication signal 125 to base station 126 on a wireless communication link, and transmit communication signal 129 to access point 130 on a wireless communication link. Base station 126 may be part of Radio Access Technology (RAT) and may support LTE or 5G NR communication, and access point 130 may support IEEE 802.11 WiFi. Figure 1 The wireless signals transmitted from the mobile device 105 are highlighted (instead of the wireless signals received by the mobile device 105) because the embodiments of the present invention are techniques for reducing interference caused by such transmitted signals. However, it should be understood that the communication signals can be transmitted and received by the mobile device 105 via a wireless communication link.

[0040] Mobile device 105 may further or alternatively support wireless communication with communication satellite 122. For example, mobile device 105 can perform wireless communication by sending signals to and receiving signals from one or more communication satellites 122 via a wireless communication link. As an example, Figure 1 The illustration shows mobile device 105 transmitting communication signals 121 to communication satellite 122 over a wireless communication link. It should be understood that communication satellite 122 is independent of positioning satellites 112, 116, and 118 and is not part of the SPS. Communication satellite 122 may be part of a wireless communication network, such as 5G New Radio (NR) or some other wireless access type such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). Figure 1 The wireless signal transmitted from mobile device 105 to communication satellite 122 is highlighted (instead of the wireless signal received by mobile device 105) because the embodiments of the present invention are techniques for reducing interference caused by such transmitted signals. However, it should be understood that the communication signal can be transmitted and received by mobile device 105 via wireless communication link 121.

[0041] The carrier frequency (or harmonics) of the communication signal 121 transmitted from mobile device 105 may be in or near the SPS band used by SPS satellites 112, 116, and 118, and may interfere with the reception of SPS signals. For example, the communication signal 121 transmitted from mobile device 105 may interfere with SPS signals received by mobile device 105 in at least one frequency band. Interference with frequencies within the SPS band may occur due to harmonics or intermodulation products of the carrier frequency of the transmitted radio signal 121.

[0042] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates SPS signals 200 and their frequency bands, as well as examples of carrier frequencies that may interfere with SPS signal reception. SPS operation occurs in... Figure 2 The L-band is shown at several frequencies. The L1 band covers 1159 MHz to 1606 MHz and includes L1 signals from GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, GLONASS, and QZSS (not shown). These same constellations also simultaneously operate in... Figure 2 Transmissions are made on other frequencies within the L2 and / or L5 bands shown. Additionally, the Indian Area System (NaVIC) also transmits in the L5 band. As indicated by frequency band 202, there exists a protected zone, known as the Aeronautical Navigation Satellite System (ARNS) band, used for communications or other purposes where other signals are not permitted, to protect radio navigation signals from interference. Frequency band 204 corresponds to the radio navigation satellite service to which the SPS signal belongs.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the first group of SPS signals can occupy the 1166-1249MHz frequency band corresponding to the IEEE L2 and L5 bands. The first group of SPS signals may include, for example, IRNSS signals, BeiDou B2a signals (labeled "BDSB2a" and "BDS B2"), QZSS signals (labeled "QZSS L5"), Galileo E5a and E5b signals (labeled "GALE5a" and "GAL E5b"), GPS L2 and L5 signals (labeled "GPS L2C" and "GPS L5"), and GLONASS signals (labeled "GLO L2OF", although sometimes also referred to as G2). Each of the first group of SPS signals includes a carrier at a predetermined frequency. For example, IRNSS, BDS B2a, QZSS L5, GPS L5 and GAL E5a each have a carrier frequency of 1176MHz, GALE5b and BDS B2 have a carrier frequency of 1207MHz, GPS L2C has a carrier frequency of 1227.6MHz, and GLO L2OF or G2 has a carrier frequency of 1246MHz.

[0044] The second group of SPS signals occupies the 1559-1606MHz frequency band corresponding to the IEEE L1 band. This second group of SPS signals may include, for example, the BeiDou B1 signal (labeled "BDS B1i"), the BeiDou B1C signal (labeled "BDS B1C"), the Galileo E1 signal (labeled "GAL E1"), the GPS L1 signal (labeled "GPS L1"), and the GLONASS L1OF signal (labeled "GLO L1OF", although sometimes also referred to as G1). Each of the second group of SPS signals also includes a carrier at a predetermined frequency. For example, BDS B1i has a carrier frequency of 1561MHz, BDS B1C, GAL E1, and GPS L1 each have a carrier frequency of 1575.42MHz, and GLO L1OF or G1 has a center carrier frequency of 1602MHz.

[0045] Use outside the ARNS band 202 is permitted. For example, wireless communications such as WWAN, WiFi, and Bluetooth must reside outside the ARNS band. Most communication frequencies are typically far enough from the SPS signal bands L1 and L2+L5 to allow for the use of front-end SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) filters to suppress communication signals, thereby reducing and preventing interference to the SPS band and front-end immersion.

[0046] However, two recently approved communication systems (Ligado and GlobalStar) use frequencies outside of ARNS band 202, but very close to the L1 band, such as... Figure 2 As shown. For example, the Ligado frequency ranges from 1627 to 1637 MHz, and the GlobalStar frequency ranges from 1610 to 1626.5 MHz.

[0047] As discussed above, cycle slips can occur in the measurement of CP in positioning signals, delaying and impairing the accurate determination of CP in received satellite positioning signals. More specifically, such cycle slips can lead to an ambiguous definition of the CP of a positioning signal because the number of cycles of the positioning signal that occur due to the cycle slip may be unknown. However, the example implementation recognizes that within short time periods, such as a few seconds, the CP offset between two different positioning signals transmitted by a single SV can be nearly identical. Since mobile devices are often capable of receiving multiple positioning signals from a single SV, such as receiving GPS L1 and GPS L5 signals from a single SV, when a cycle slip occurs for the first positioning signal but not for the second positioning signal, the CP of the second positioning signal can be used to accurately estimate the CP in the first positioning signal.

[0048] Figure 3Example Figure 300 illustrates an estimation of the CP from the first positioning signal based on a measurement of the second positioning signal, according to an example implementation. (Reference) Figure 3 The first positioning signal received by the mobile device 105 from the SV 112 may have a first CP 310, while the second positioning signal received by the mobile device 105 from the SV 112 may have a second CP 320. For example, the first and second positioning signals may be GPS L1 and L5 signals or vice versa, Galileo E1 and E5 signals or vice versa, and so on. The mobile device may periodically measure the CP for each of the first and second positioning signals; for example, two consecutive CP measurements for the positioning signals may be T0 and T1, such as... Figure 3 As shown. At time T0, the first CP 310 may have a first value 311, and the second CP 320 may have a second value 321. However, between time T0 and time T1, a cycle slip 312 may occur in the reception of the first positioning signal. Subsequently, at time T1, the first CP 310 is measured to have a third value 313, and the second CP 320 is measured to have a fourth value 323.

[0049] Because of cycle slip 312, the third value 313 may be inaccurate. More specifically, while the fractional part of the third value 313 may be accurate—that is, the fractional number of cycles the first positioning signal occurs between the first value 311 and the third value 313—a cycle slip means the SPS receiver does not know the integer number of cycles the first positioning signal occurs between the first value 311 and the third value 313. However, as discussed above, the CP offset between the first and second positioning signals can be nearly identical over short time intervals. Therefore, the example implementation allows CP measurements from the second positioning signal to help reconstruct the CP of the first positioning signal after the cycle slip (at time T1). Consequently, the second CP 320—the CP difference 325 between the second value 321 and the fourth value 323—also referred to as delta CP—is nearly identical to the delta CP 315 between the first value 311 and the third value 313. A corrected third value for the first CP 310 can be determined based on a measured third value 313 of the first CP 310 and the delta CP between the second value 321 and the fourth value 323 of the second CP 320. More specifically, the corrected third value may include the fractional part of the measured third value 313 and an integer value added to the delta CP between the second value 321 and the fourth value 323 based on the first value 311. Note that the difference between the second value 321 and the fourth value 323 can be represented as the number of cycles of the second positioning signal. This number of cycles of the second positioning signal can be converted into length or distance based on the carrier wavelength of the second positioning signal, and subsequently converted into the corresponding number of cycles of the first positioning signal based on the carrier wavelength of the first positioning signal. This corresponding number of cycles can then be used to generate the corrected third value.

[0050] Figure 4 The illustration shows the determination of the source based on the example implementation. Figure 1 Example Figure 400 shows the third value of the correction for the first CP 310. See above for reference. Figure 3 As discussed, while the fractional part of the third value 313 may be accurate—that is, the absolute fractional carrier phase of the first positioning signal with the third value 313—a cycle slip means that the SPS receiver does not know the integer number of cycles that occur between the first positioning signal and the third value 313. Therefore, when measuring the third value 313 of the first CP 310, only the fractional part is valid, while the integer part is unknown, or more precisely, fuzzy, because it can take any of a number of different values, each with a fractional carrier phase of the third value 313. Thus, for example, measuring the third value 313 after a cycle slip 312 would constrain the actual CP of the first positioning signal at time T1 to one of a number of possible values, each with a measured fractional value and separated by a wavelength. Therefore, the actual value of the CP of the first positioning signal could be... Figure 4 The candidate values ​​shown are 410, 420, 430, 440, etc., each of which has a fractional value equal to the fractional value of the measured third value 313, and is separated from each other by an integer number of wavelengths of the first positioning signal. For example, candidate values ​​410 and 420 are separated by a single wavelength 450 of the first positioning signal. The corrected third value can be determined based on the difference in the number of wavelengths of the second positioning signal between the second value 321 and the fourth value 323. When expressed in terms of the wavelengths of the first positioning signal, this difference in the number of wavelengths from the second positioning signal added to the first value 311 can correspond to a predicted CP 460 of the corrected third value. The predicted CP 460 can be closest to the candidate value 430, and thus the corrected third value can correspond to selecting the fractional part of the measured third value 313 and selecting the candidate value closest to the integer part 460.

[0051] Note that in some aspects, to accurately reconstruct the third value 313, it may be required that the selected candidate value be within a threshold proportion of the predicted wavelength of CP 460. For example, in some aspects, this threshold proportion may be a quarter wavelength to confidently reconstruct the corrected third value. In some other aspects, this threshold proportion may be dynamically determined, at least in part, based on the signal strength of one or more of the received positioning signals, the signal-to-noise ratio of one or more of the received positioning signals, or other factors.

[0052] In some respects, this threshold ratio can be half a wavelength. For example, as discussed further below, half-cycle ambiguity (HCA) may occur when tracking the CP of a positioning signal. When HCA is absent, or when tracking a positioning signal for which HCA is not a concern, then a candidate value can be confidently selected when it is within half the wavelength of the predicted CP 460.

[0053] In some respects, generating a third value for correction may also include taking into account changes in integer period boundaries, such as when the predicted CP 460 is exactly below an integer number of periods and the candidate value 430 is exactly above an integer number of periods.

[0054] The above reference Figures 3 to 4The described cycle slip correction procedure can be used to correct cycle slips in GPS L1 signals using CP measurements of GPS L5 signals, to correct cycle slips in GPS L5 signals using CP measurements of GPS L1 signals, to correct cycle slips in Galileo E1 signals using CP measurements of Galileo E5 signals, and to correct cycle slips in Galileo E5 signals using CP measurements of Galileo E1 signals. Similarly, it can be used for received GLO, BDS, and QZSS positioning signals, as well as other frequencies that can be transmitted by GPS and Galileo SV, and GLO, BDS, and QZSS SV. For example, the cycle slip correction procedure can be used to correct cycle slips in GPS L1 signals using CP measurements of GPS L2, GPS L2C, or GPS L1C signals.

[0055] In a further aspect of the example implementation, half-cycle ambiguity (HCA) in the CP measurement of the data-modulated GNSS signal received from the first SV can be resolved using a CP measurement of the second GNSS signal received from the first SV. More specifically, HCA occurs after the SPS receiver experiences a loss of lock on the data-modulated GNSS signal. The subsequent CP measurement of the data-modulated GNSS signal may be accurate or deviate by half a wavelength. Depending on the algorithm used by the SPS receiver, the CP of the GPSL1 signal may be unavailable for a period of time; for example, it may take several seconds to resolve the HCA. This example implementation allows HCA to be resolved more quickly. It can be similar to... Figures 3 to 4 The example shown addresses HCA. More specifically, the fractional part of the CP of the GPS L1 signal can be determined, for example, at times T0 and T1. The delta CP of the GPS L5 signal between T0 and T1 can be determined. This difference can be converted from the wavelength number of L5 to the corresponding wavelength number of L1. Similar to... Figure 4 The fractional part of CP at T1 corresponds to multiple candidate values ​​(e.g., candidate values ​​410-440), and these candidate values ​​can be compared with the sum of the CP of L1 at T0 and the determined delta CP of L5. When HCA occurs, the candidate values ​​will either be approximately half a wavelength away from the sum—in which case the measured CP deviates by half a wavelength—or approximately aligned with the sum, in which case the measured CP is accurate. Therefore, HCA can be resolved quickly.

[0056] In another example, it could be similar to Figure 4To resolve HCA, candidate values ​​can be separated by half a wavelength. Therefore, HCA resolution can be performed by comparing the predicted CP at T1 with each of these half-wavelength candidate values. Thus, selecting the closest candidate value resolves the HCA and ensures that the selected candidate value is within a quarter wavelength of the CP at T1. In some respects, this can be combined with cycle slip correction, so that selecting a candidate value both resolves the HCA and determines the corrected integer value of the CP at T1.

[0057] Note that the above implementations for resolving HCA are described with reference to data-modulated GNSS signals. An example data-modulated signal could be a GPS L1 signal. In some other implementations, these techniques can be used to resolve HCA in other positioning signals that do not have a pilot carrier, such as some GLO or QZSS positioning signals. In some aspects, these techniques can be used to resolve HCA in positioning signals with a tracker, but where the receiver only tracks the data channel—in other words, where the positioning signal has a pilot carrier, but the receiver does not or cannot track that pilot. In other aspects, these techniques can be used to resolve HCA in positioning signals where the receiver tracks both the data and pilot signals.

[0058] In a further aspect of the example implementation, the mobile device can identify undetected cycle slips based on two or more positioning signals received from the same SV. For example, similar to the reference above. Figure 3 In the described example, a mobile device can receive two or more positioning signals from a single SV; however, no cycle slip of the first positioning signal is detected between a first time and a second time. Assuming the CP is valid and there is no HCA at the beginning or end of the time interval between T0 and T1, the mobile device can identify the undetected cycle slip based on the offset between CP difference 315 and CP difference 325. When a cycle slip exists in the first positioning signal, the integer part of the third value 313 is incorrect, differing from the first positioning signal by an integer number of cycles. Therefore, the undetected cycle slip can be identified by determining that this offset approximately corresponds to an integer number of cycles of the first positioning signal. More specifically, CP difference 315 can be expressed as a distance corresponding to the cycle of the first positioning signal, and CP difference 325 can be expressed as a distance corresponding to the cycle of the second positioning signal used to determine the offset. Since determining that the offset corresponds to an integer number of cycles may be difficult to detect, in some aspects, the offset can be compared to a first threshold distance, and if the offset exceeds the first threshold distance, then the undetected cycle slip is identified. In one example, if the offset exceeds 13 cm, then the undetected cycle slip can be identified.

[0059] In some aspects, mobile devices may also be able to identify undetected cycle slips in the presence of HCA. However, a larger threshold distance may be required. That is, instead of comparing the offset to a first threshold distance in the presence of HCA, the offset can be compared to a second threshold distance greater than the first threshold distance to identify undetected cycle slips.

[0060] When a mobile device receives only two location signals from the same location signal (SV), it may not be able to determine whether an undetected cycle slip occurred on the first or second location signal. However, some mobile devices may be able to receive three or more location signals from the same SV. In this case, it may be easier to determine which location signal experienced a cycle slip. For example, if the mobile device receives first, second, and third location signals from the same SV, then a first offset is determined for the first and second location signals, a second offset for the second and third location signals, and a third offset for the third and first location signals. Each of the first, second, and third offsets can then be compared to a first threshold. Due to the possibility that an undetected cycle slip may occur simultaneously on two or more location signals, if two of the offsets exceed the first threshold, but the remaining offsets do not, then the location signal experiencing the cycle slip can be identified. For example, if the first and second offsets exceed the first threshold, and the third offset does not, then the undetected cycle slip can be identified as occurring on the second location signal.

[0061] In some respects, an offline positioning engine can consume positioning signal inputs. For example, an offline positioning engine can consume these positioning signal inputs as a measurement file with a receiver-independent exchange (RINEX) format, or another suitable format including CP measurements and one or more Loss of Lock Indicators (LLIs). Similar to the examples above, an offline positioning engine can correct detected cycle slips, resolve HCAs, and check for undetected cycle slips.

[0062] In one example, when using an offline localization engine to correct cycle slips, some cycle slips can be selectively left uncorrected. For instance, a cycle slip can be left uncorrected if the fractional CP offset, i.e., the difference between the nearest candidate value (e.g., one of candidate values ​​410-440) and the predicted CP 460, is greater than a threshold proportion of the first localization signal. This is because the corrected value generated in this scenario may have low confidence. For example, as mentioned above, this threshold proportion could be a quarter cycle of the first localization signal, a half cycle of the first localization signal, or a dynamically determined threshold proportion.

[0063] In some aspects, the mobile device can access a greater number of CP observations of the first and second positioning signals than are captured in the measurement file. For example, while the measurement file may include CP measurements taken at a rate of once or ten times per second (1 Hz or 10 Hz), software running on the mobile device can access the CP measurements at a rate of 50 Hz or higher. In some aspects, the software can correct cycle slips at one or more of these additional CP measurements to improve the CP measurements to be included in the measurement file. For example, additional CP measurements can be used to avoid adding cycle slips that are difficult to correct reliably to the measurement file. In some aspects, when a cycle slip is detected, it can be corrected based on additional CP measurements taken by the software, where the difference between the closest candidate value and the predicted CP 460 is greater than a quarter cycle. For example, consider a measurement file that includes CP measurements taken at 10 Hz, and software that measures CP in real time at 50 Hz. For each CP measurement included in the measurement file, five CP measurements are performed within the mobile device. Therefore, as shown below, the CP measurement between T1 and T2 in the measurement file (shown in bold) is performed four times by the software in the mobile device at times T1-2, T1-3, T1-4, and T1-5.

[0064] ...T1-T1-2-T1-3-T1-4-T1-5-T2...

[0065] Cycle slips can occur between times T1 and T2. In one example, the difference between the closest candidate value and the predicted CP460 can be compared to a quarter-cycle of the first positioning signal. If this difference exceeds a quarter-cycle, then the cycle slip may be difficult to reliably correct in the measurement file—i.e., between times T1 and T2. In some respects, the above references... Figures 3 to 4 The described algorithm can attempt times T1 and T1-4, T1 and T1-5, T1-2 and T1-4, etc., to identify time pairs with a difference of no more than a quarter cycle. In response to the identification of such time pairs, cycle slips can be corrected, and the corrected cycle slip (CP) is included in the measurement file at time T2, thus improving the accuracy and continuity of the CP recorded in the measurement file. In some aspects, after resolving such cycle slips, the example implementation can use the techniques described above regarding undetected cycle slips to examine the measurements at the time pairs. For example, this can identify situations where noise or multipath causes a cycle slip to be incorrectly detected at time T1-3. For example, if the values ​​at other time pairs are accurate, then correcting the cycle slip may be unnecessary, and the CP value added to the measurement file may be accurate without correction.

[0066] As discussed above, mobile devices can participate in power management operations and can be equipped with circuitry to receive one or more location signals in a low-power or power-off state. For example, a mobile device can participate in time-domain multiplexing (TDM) of circuitry used to receive different location signals to save power. When those circuits are re-energized, it may be unknown how many cycles of the location signal have elapsed, which can weaken CP determination. However, when using such power management operations, the example implementation allows CP measurement of the second location signal to help generate an accurate CP measurement of the first location signal. For example, the portion of the duty cycle during which the circuitry used to receive the first location signal is de-energized can be considered similar to a cycle slip.

[0067] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a representation of the time-domain duty cycle 500 for a circuit used to receive a first positioning signal and a second positioning signal, according to some implementations. Similar to the reference... Figures 3 to 4 In the examples discussed, the first and second positioning signals can be GPS L1 and L5 or vice versa, Galileo E1 and E5 or vice versa, or similar BDS or QZSS signals. Figure 5 As shown, the RF and other circuitry used to receive and process the first and second positioning signals—the corresponding "first positioning signal RF" and "second positioning signal RF"—can periodically cycle from a full-power state to a lower-power state, such as a low-power sleep state or a power-off state. Therefore, Figure 5 The time periods during which the first and second positioning signals RF were activated are shown. Figure 5 As shown, these time periods overlap, for example, during the overlapping period 510 when both the first and second positioning signals RF are on. Therefore, when the first positioning signal RF is on exactly before t1, the CP measured for the second positioning signal can be used to help quickly and accurately determine the CP of the first positioning signal. More specifically, the fractional part of the CP measured for the first positioning signal can be retained, and the integer part of the CP can be determined based on the delta CP of the second positioning signal, similar to a reference CP. Figures 3 to 4 Examples of discussion. For instance, between t0 and t1, the second positioning signal can be used to help ensure the continuity of the first positioning signal CP—correcting for ambiguity in cycle counting caused by the first positioning signal RF not being activated. Subsequently, between t1 and t2, the first positioning signal can be used to help ensure the continuity of the second positioning signal CP, and so on.

[0068] Although Figure 5The diagram shows the duty cycles of the first positioning signal RF and the second positioning signal RF overlapping, but in some examples, the duty cycles may not overlap. For example, when a mobile device uses a receiver with a single RF path to receive both the first and second positioning signals, the mobile device can periodically switch between receiving the first positioning signal and receiving the second positioning signal. Figure 6 A representation of the time-domain duty cycle 600 for a circuit used to receive a first positioning signal and a second positioning signal, according to some implementations, is shown. Similar to the reference... Figures 3 to 4 In the examples discussed, the first and second positioning signals can be GPS L1 and L5 or vice versa, Galileo E1 and E5 or vice versa, or similar BDS or QZSS signals. Figure 5 In contrast, in Figure 6 In this context, there is a gap between the duty cycles of the first positioning signal RF and the second positioning signal RF. When using the delta CP of the second positioning signal to help determine the CP of the first positioning signal, these gaps, where neither the first nor the second positioning signal RF is active, can lead to errors, and vice versa. In some aspects, the projection of the CP of the second positioning signal onto time gap 610 can be used to help determine the CP of the first positioning signal. That is, the delta CP of the second positioning signal can be projected onto time gap 610 to determine the integer part of the CP of the first positioning signal. The error introduced by such projection can depend on the acceleration and dynamics of the mobile device, and therefore, if the mobile device is not undergoing significant acceleration or dynamics, the CP of the first positioning signal can be accurately determined. In some aspects, this projection can be linear, although in some other aspects it can be polynomial, such as quadratic. For example, if the time gap is 40 milliseconds, then the slope of the CP of the second positioning signal over the previous 20 milliseconds or more can be used to linearly project onto that time gap, and if the mobile device is accelerating at a constant 1g, then the error introduced by that acceleration will be less than 1 centimeter, which is only a fraction of the wavelength of a typical positioning signal.

[0069] In some respects, the mobile device can operate the first positioning signal RF (and other circuitry) with a very small duty cycle while keeping the second positioning signal RF (and other circuitry) always on. For example, the mobile device can continuously power the circuitry used to receive GPS L5 signals, but only occasionally power the circuitry used to receive GPS L1 signals. Figure 7 A representation 700 of the time-domain duty cycle of a circuit for receiving a first positioning signal and a second positioning signal, according to some implementations, is shown. (See reference...) Figure 7 As shown, when the second positioning signal RF is continuously energized, the first positioning signal RF is energized only during a small duty cycle. Using the above reference... Figures 3 to 5 The described technique allows for the use of delta CP measurements from the second positioning signal to help determine the CP of the first positioning signal when the first positioning signal RF is energized.

[0070] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates, according to some implementations, the time-domain duty cycle of circuitry for receiving a first and second positioning signal under interference or blanking conditions, represented by a representation 800. As discussed below, Ligado and GlobalStar transmissions may interfere with the reception of GNSS L1 signals, and LTE transmissions on the B13 or B14 bands may require blanking of Galileo E1 and / or BDS B1C signals. This could result in a period of time during which the CP of the first positioning signal may be uncertain. Figure 8 The time period is shown as 810. Use a reference similar to the one above. Figures 3 to 5 The technique discussed suggests that measuring the delta CP of the second positioning signal can help recover the CP of the first positioning signal after such interference or blanking has ended. More specifically, this interference or blanking can be considered similar to a reference... Figures 3 to 4 The cycle slip between measurements at times T0 and T1. Therefore, the corrected CP of the first positioning signal after the end of interference or blanking may include the fractional part of the CP measured for the first positioning signal and the integer part corresponding to the sum of the most recent valid CP of the first positioning signal (i.e., before the interference) and the delta CP of the second positioning signal.

[0071] When mobile device 105 is transmitting at Ligado or GlobalStar frequencies, the L1 SPS receiver can blank or disable its input to avoid intrusion or even damage to the sensitive SPS L1 front end. However, even during Ligado communication, there is still remaining time to acquire or track L1 signals. For example, mobile device 105's Ligado transmission may be on for up to 2.0 seconds every 2.5 seconds. This allows a 20% window to acquire and track GPS L1 signals. Accordingly, during Ligado or GlobalStar transmissions by mobile device 105, the L1 SPS receiver can essentially disable all L1 SPS signals, including GPS, QZSS, GAL, BDS, and GLO. This introduces cycle slips to L1, and the L1 CP cannot be determined during such transmissions. However, the example implementation can be used to recover the L1 CP during the intervals between Ligado or GlobalStar transmissions.

[0072] Furthermore, when mobile devices have insufficient WWAN-to-GNSS antenna isolation, transmissions on the LTE B13 and B14 bands may interfere with Galileo and / or BDS signal reception. In such examples, the receiver may blank the Galileo E1 and BDS B1C signals to avoid reporting poor GNSS data. This also introduces carrier phase loss and cycle slips in the E1 and B1C signals. Example implementations can be used to recover the CP of a blanked GNSS signal after B13 or B14 transmission has stopped. More specifically, the delta CP of the Galileo E5 signal can be used to recover the CP of the blanked Galileo E1 signal, and the delta CP of the BDS B2A signal can be used to recover the CP of the blanked BDS B1C signal.

[0073] Figure 9 The diagram illustrates some exemplary features of a mobile device 900 according to the present disclosure, which is capable of recovering the carrier phase of one or more positioning signals. The mobile device 900 may be, for example, […]. Figure 1 The mobile device 105 is shown in the figure. The mobile device 900 may include, for example, one or more processors 902, memory 904, an external interface such as a wireless transceiver 910, and an SPS receiver 916, which may be operatively coupled to one or more connections 906 (e.g., bus, line, fiber optic, link, etc.) to a non-transitory computer-readable medium 920 and memory 904. The mobile device 900 may also include additional elements not shown, such as a user interface that may include, for example, a display, keyboard, or other input device (such as a virtual keyboard on a display), through which a user can interface with the mobile device or a satellite positioning system receiver. In some example implementations, all or part of the mobile device 900 may take the form of a chipset, etc. The wireless transceiver 910 may include, for example, a transmitter 912 capable of transmitting one or more signals over one or more types of wireless communication networks, and a receiver 914 for receiving one or more signals transmitted over one or more types of wireless communication networks, and may be configured for various communication protocols / standards, such as satellite communication, 5G NR, LTE, Wi-Fi, etc. SPS receiver 916 can receive SPS signals employing multiple frequency bands and various satellite positioning signaling standards, such as GPS, GLONASS, GAL, BDS, and / or other types of satellite positioning systems. SPS receiver 916 may include a measurement engine and a positioning engine, or one or more of the measurement engine and positioning engine may be implemented by one or more instructions or program code 508 implemented by one or more processors 502, for example, on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as medium 920 and / or memory 904).

[0074] In some embodiments, the mobile device 900 may include one or more antennas 911 and 915, which may be internal or external. Antenna 911 can be used to transmit and / or receive signals processed by the wireless transceiver 910. In some embodiments, the mobile device antenna 911 may be coupled to the wireless transceiver 910. In some embodiments, measurements of signals received (transmitted) by the mobile device 900 may be performed at the connection point between the mobile device antenna 911 and the wireless transceiver 910. For example, a reference measurement point for measuring received (transmitted) RF signals may be the input (output) terminal of the receiver 914 (transmitter 912) and the output (input) terminal of the mobile device antenna 911. In a mobile device 900 having multiple mobile device antennas 911 or antenna arrays, the antenna connector can be considered as a virtual point representing the aggregated output (input) of multiple mobile device antennas. Antenna 915 may be coupled to an SPS receiver 916 and can be used to receive SPS signals on multiple frequency bands. In some embodiments, measurements of SPS signals received by the mobile device 900 may be performed at the connection point between the antenna 915 and the SPS receiver 916.

[0075] One or more processors 902 may be implemented using a combination of hardware, firmware, and software. For example, one or more processors 902 may be configured to perform the functions discussed herein by implementing one or more instructions or program code 908 on a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as medium 920 and / or memory 904. In some embodiments, one or more processors 902 may represent one or more circuits configurable to perform at least a portion of a data signal calculation process or process relating to the operation of mobile device 900.

[0076] Medium 920 and / or memory 904 may store instruction or program code 908 containing executable code or software instructions that, when executed by one or more processors 902, cause the one or more processors 902 to operate as a dedicated computer programmed to perform the techniques disclosed herein. As shown in mobile device 900, medium 920 and / or memory 904 may include one or more components or modules that may be implemented by one or more processors 902 to perform the methods described herein. Although components or modules are shown as software in medium 920 executable by one or more processors 902, it should be understood that components or modules may be stored in memory 904 or may be dedicated hardware within or outside one or more processors 902.

[0077] Multiple software modules and data tables may reside in medium 920 and / or memory 904 and may be used by one or more processors 902 to manage both communication and the functions described herein. It should be understood that the organization of the contents of medium 920 and / or memory 904 as shown in mobile device 900 is merely exemplary, and thus, depending on the implementation of mobile device 900, the functionality of modules and / or data structures may be combined, separated, and / or constructed in different ways.

[0078] The medium 920 and / or memory 904 may include a carrier phase recovery module 922, which, when implemented by one or more processors 902, configures one or more processors 902 to recover the carrier phase of the first positioning signal received from the first SV using the carrier phase measured on the second positioning signal received from the first SV, as discussed above.

[0079] Depending on the application, the methods described herein can be implemented by a variety of components. For example, these methods can be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. In a hardware implementation, one or more processors 902 can be implemented within one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or combinations thereof.

[0080] For firmware and / or software implementations, the methods may be implemented using modules (e.g., procedures, functions, etc.) that perform the functions described herein. Any machine-readable medium that tangibly embodies the instructions may be used to implement the methods described herein. For example, software code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium 920 or memory 904 that is connected to and executed by one or more processors 902. Memory may be implemented within or outside one or more processors. As used herein, the term "memory" refers to any type of long-term, short-term, volatile, non-volatile, or other memory, and is not limited to any particular type or number of memories, or the type of medium on which the memory is stored.

[0081] If implemented in firmware and / or software, functionality can be stored as one or more instructions or program code 908 on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as medium 920 and / or memory 904. Examples include computer-readable media encoded with data structures and computer-readable media encoded with computer program 908. For example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium including program code 908 stored thereon may include program code 908 to support simultaneous operation of wireless communication and SPS operation in a manner consistent with the disclosed embodiments. Non-transitory computer-readable medium 920 includes physical computer storage medium. The storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such non-transitory computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of storing desired program code 508 in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer; disks and discs as used herein include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, wherein disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically using lasers. The combinations above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0082] In addition to being stored on the computer-readable medium 920, instructions and / or data may be provided as signals included on a transmitting medium in the communication apparatus. For example, the communication apparatus may include a wireless transceiver 910 having signals indicating instructions and data. The instructions and data are configured to cause one or more processors to perform the functions listed in the claims. That is, the communication apparatus includes a transmitting medium having signals indicating information for performing the disclosed functions.

[0083] Memory 904 can represent any data storage mechanism. Memory 904 may include, for example, main memory and / or secondary memory. Main memory may include, for example, random access memory, read-only memory, etc. Although shown separately from one or more processors 902 in this example, it should be understood that all or part of the main memory may be provided within one or more processors 902, or otherwise co-located / coupled with one or more processors 902. Secondary memory may include, for example, memory of the same or similar type as the main memory and / or one or more data storage devices or systems, such as disk drives, optical disk drives, magnetic tape drives, solid-state memory drives, etc.

[0084] In some implementations, secondary storage may operatively receive or otherwise configurably couple to non-transitory computer-readable medium 920. Thus, in some example implementations, the methods and / or apparatus provided herein may take the form, in whole or in part, of computer-readable medium 920, which may include computer-implementable code 908 stored thereon, which, when executed by one or more processors 902, is operatively capable of enabling the performance of all or part of the example operations described herein. Computer-readable medium 920 may be part of memory 904.

[0085] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 1000 for supporting satellite positioning system (SPS) operation performed by a mobile device such as mobile device 105 or 900, as described herein.

[0086] At block 1002, mobile device 105 can receive a first positioning signal and a second positioning signal from a first satellite vehicle (SV). For example, the first and second positioning signals may be GPS L1 and GPS L5 signals or vice versa, Galileo E1 and Galileo E5 signals or vice versa, or BDS B1C and BDS B2A signals or the like. Components for receiving the first and second positioning signals from the first satellite vehicle (SV) may include: an SPS receiver 916, which includes an RFIC module 930 or a modem IC; or a wireless transceiver 910; and one or more processors 902 having dedicated hardware or implementing executable code or software instructions in memory 904 and / or medium 920.

[0087] At block 1004, mobile device 105 can measure the carrier phase (CP) of a first positioning signal at a first time and a second time. Components for measuring the CP of the first positioning signal at the first time and the second time may include: an SPS receiver 916, which includes an RFIC module 930 or a modem IC; or a wireless transceiver 910; and one or more processors 902 having dedicated hardware or implementing executable code or software instructions, such as a carrier phase recovery module 922, in memory 904 and / or medium 920.

[0088] At block 1006, mobile device 105 can measure the CP of the second positioning signal at a third time and a fourth time. In one implementation, the first time is equal to the third time, and the second time is equal to the fourth time. Components for measuring the CP of the second positioning signal at the third time and the fourth time may include: an SPS receiver 916, which includes an RFIC module 930 or a modem IC; or a wireless transceiver 910; and one or more processors 902 having dedicated hardware or implementing executable code or software instructions, such as a carrier phase recovery module 922, in memory 904 and / or medium 920.

[0089] At block 1008, mobile device 105 can estimate the corrected CP of the first positioning signal at the second time based at least in part on the difference between the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the third time and the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the fourth time. In one example, estimating the corrected CP of the first positioning signal includes: selecting a fractional value of the corrected CP as the fractional value of the CP measured by the first positioning signal at the second time, and selecting an integer value of the corrected CP based at least in part on the difference between the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the third and fourth times. In some aspects, selecting the integer value of the corrected CP is at least in part based on a linear projection of the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the third and fourth times. In some aspects, the first positioning signal is a data-modulated GNSS signal, and estimating the corrected CP of the first positioning signal at the second time includes resolving half-cycle ambiguity in the data-modulated GNSS signal after loss of lock. Components for estimating the corrected CP of the first positioning signal at a second time based at least in part on the difference between the CP measured at a third time and the CP measured at a third time of the second positioning signal may include: an SPS receiver 916 including an RFIC module 930 or a modem IC; or a wireless transceiver 910; and one or more processors 902 having dedicated hardware or implementing executable code or software instructions, such as a carrier phase recovery module 922, in memory 904 and / or medium 920.

[0090] In some aspects, estimating the correction CP is in response to detecting a cycle slip in the CP of the first positioning signal after a first time and before a second time. In another aspect, estimating the correction CP is in response to determining that one or more circuits used to receive the first positioning signal are in a low-power state between the first and second times. In yet another aspect, estimating the correction CP is in response to determining that interference exists between the first and second times affecting the reception of the first positioning signal. In one example, the first positioning signal is a Galileo E1 signal, and determining the presence of interference may include: determining that the transmission or reception of one or more signals by the mobile device 105 in the B13 or B14 band interferes with the reception of the Galileo E1 signal. In one example, the first positioning signal is a BDS B1C signal, and determining the presence of interference may include: determining that the transmission or reception of one or more signals by the mobile device 105 in the B13 or B14 band interferes with the reception of the BDS B1C signal. In another example, the first positioning signal is a GPS L1 signal, and determining the presence of interference affecting the reception of the first positioning signal includes: determining that another satellite signal interferes with the reception of the GPS L1 signal.

[0091] The methods, systems, and devices discussed above are examples. Various configurations may omit, substitute, or add various processes or components as appropriate. For example, in alternative configurations, the method may be performed in a different order than described, and / or various steps may be added, omitted, and / or combined. Similarly, features described with reference to certain configurations may be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of a configuration may be combined in a similar manner. Likewise, technology is evolving, and therefore many elements are examples and not limitations of this disclosure or the claims.

[0092] Satellite-based positioning systems typically include a transmitter system positioned such that entities can determine their position on or above the Earth's surface, at least in part, based on signals received from the transmitter. Such transmitters typically transmit signals marked with a repeating pseudo-random noise (PN) code. In a particular example, such a transmitter could be located on an Earth-orbiting spacecraft (SV). For instance, an SV within a constellation of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) such as GPS or GLONASS could transmit signals marked with a PN code that distinguishes it from PN codes transmitted by other SVs in the constellation.

[0093] According to certain aspects, the techniques proposed herein are not limited to global systems (e.g., GNSS). For example, the techniques provided herein can be applied to or otherwise applied to various regional systems, such as, for example, the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) over Japan, the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) over India, etc.; and / or can be associated with or otherwise applied to various augmentation systems (e.g., satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS)) of one or more global and / or regional navigation satellite systems. By way of example and not limitation, SBAS may include one or more augmentation systems(s) that provide integrity information, differential correction, etc., such as, for example, Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), European Geosynchronous Navigation Satellite Augmentation Service (EGNOS), Multifunctional Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS), GPS-assisted Geo Augmentation System, or GPS and Geo Augmentation System (GAGAN), etc. Such SBAS may, for example, transmit GNSS and / or similar GNSS signals that may be interfered with by certain wireless communication signals. Thus, as used herein, SPS may include any combination of one or more global and / or regional navigation satellite systems and / or augmentation systems.

[0094] Specific details are provided in the specification to offer a thorough understanding of the example configuration, including its implementation. However, this configuration can be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques have been shown without unnecessary details to avoid obscuring the configuration. This specification provides only example configurations and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claims. Rather, the foregoing description of the configuration will provide those skilled in the art with a description of what is possible for implementing the technology. Various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

[0095] Similarly, a configuration can be described as a process depicted as a flowchart or block diagram. While each can be described as a sequential process, many operations within that process can be executed in parallel or simultaneously. Furthermore, the order of operations can be rearranged. A process may have additional steps not included in the diagram. Additionally, examples of methods can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, the program code or code segments that perform the necessary tasks can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a storage medium. A processor can execute the described tasks.

[0096] Depending at least in part on the context in which the terms are used, the terms “and” and “or” as used herein can also include a variety of intended meanings. Generally, if “or” is used in relation to a list such as A, B, or C, it is intended to mean A, B, and C (used herein in an inclusive sense) and A, B, or C (used herein in an exclusive sense). Furthermore, the term “one or more” as used herein can be used to describe any singular form of a feature, structure, or characteristic, or can be used to describe some combination of features, structures, or characteristics. However, it should be noted that this is merely an illustrative example, and the claimed subject matter is not limited to this example. Additionally, if the term “at least one” is used in relation to a list such as A, B, or C, it can be interpreted as meaning any combination of A, B, and / or C, such as A, AB, AA, AAB, AABBCCC, etc.

[0097] Having described several example configurations, various modifications, alternative structures, or equivalents can be used without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. For example, the elements above can be components of a larger system, where other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the invention. Similarly, multiple steps can be performed before, during, or after considering the elements above.

[0098] Examples of implementation methods are described in the numbered items below:

[0099] 1. A method performed by a mobile device for supporting satellite positioning system (SPS) operation, the method comprising:

[0100] Receive the first positioning signal from the first satellite vehicle (SV);

[0101] Receive the second positioning signal from the first SV;

[0102] The carrier phase (CP) of the first positioning signal is measured at the first time point and the second time point;

[0103] The CP of the second positioning signal was measured at the third and fourth time points; and

[0104] The corrected CP of the first positioning signal at the second time is estimated, at least in part, based on the difference between the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the third time and the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the fourth time.

[0105] 2. According to the method of item 1, wherein estimating the corrected CP of the first positioning signal comprises: selecting a fractional value of the corrected CP as a fractional value of the CP measured by the first positioning signal at the second time, and selecting an integer value of the corrected CP based at least in part on the difference between the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the third time and the fourth time.

[0106] 3. According to the method of item 2, wherein the integer value of the selected CP is at least partially based on the projection of the CP measured at the third and fourth times by the second positioning signal.

[0107] 4. According to any one of items 1-3, the first time is equal to the third time, and the second time is equal to the fourth time.

[0108] 5. The method according to any one of items 1-4, wherein the corrected CP is estimated in response to the detection of a cycle slip in the CP of the first positioning signal between the first time and the second time.

[0109] 6. The method according to any one of items 1-5, wherein the corrected CP is estimated in response to determining that one or more circuits for receiving the first positioning signal are in a low-power state between a first time and a second time.

[0110] 7. The method according to any one of items 1-6, wherein the corrected CP is estimated in response to determining that there is interference in the reception of the first positioning signal between the first time and the second time.

[0111] 8. The method according to item 7, wherein the first positioning signal is a Galileo E1 signal, and wherein determining that interference with the reception of the first positioning signal exists includes: determining that the transmission or reception of one or more signals by the mobile device in the B13 or B14 band between the first time and the second time interferes with the reception of the Galileo E1 signal.

[0112] 9. The method of item 7, wherein the first positioning signal is a GPS L1 signal, and wherein determining that there is interference with the reception of the first positioning signal includes: determining that between a first time and a second time, another satellite signal interferes with the reception of the GPS L1 signal.

[0113] 10. The method according to any one of items 1-7, wherein the first positioning signal is a data-modulated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal, and wherein estimating the CP correction of the first positioning signal at a second time includes resolving half-cycle ambiguity in the data-modulated GNSS signal after loss of lock.

[0114] 11. The method according to any one of items 1-7, wherein the first positioning signal is a GPS L1 signal and wherein the second positioning signal is a GPS L5 signal.

[0115] 12. The method according to any one of items 1-7, wherein the first positioning signal is a GPS L5 signal and wherein the second positioning signal is a GPS L1 signal.

[0116] 13. According to any one of items 1-7, wherein the first positioning signal is a Galileo E1 signal, and wherein the second positioning signal is a Galileo E5 signal.

[0117] 14. The method according to any one of items 1-7, wherein the first positioning signal is a Galileo E5 signal, and wherein the second positioning signal is a Galileo E1 signal.

[0118] 15. A mobile device configured to support operation of a satellite positioning system (SPS), the mobile device comprising:

[0119] A satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver configured to receive SPS signals on multiple frequency bands;

[0120] The processor, coupled to the SPS receiver, is configured to:

[0121] Receive the first positioning signal from the first satellite vehicle (SV);

[0122] Receive the second positioning signal from the first SV;

[0123] The carrier phase (CP) of the first positioning signal is measured at the first time point and the second time point;

[0124] The CP of the second positioning signal was measured at the third and fourth time points; and

[0125] The corrected CP of the first positioning signal at the second time is estimated, at least in part, based on the difference between the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the third time and the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the fourth time.

[0126] 16. The mobile device according to item 15, wherein the controller is configured to estimate the corrected CP of the first positioning signal by selecting a small value of the corrected CP as the small value of the CP of the first positioning signal measured at a second time, and selecting an integer value of the corrected CP based at least in part on the difference between the CP of the second positioning signal measured at a third time and a fourth time.

[0127] 17. The mobile device according to item 16, wherein the controller is configured to select an integer value of the corrected CP based at least in part on the projection of the CP measured at the third and fourth times of the second positioning signal.

[0128] 18. A mobile device based on any one of items 15-17, wherein the first time is equal to the third time and the second time is equal to the fourth time.

[0129] 19. A mobile device according to any one of items 15-18, wherein the controller is configured to determine that the measurement of the CP of the first positioning signal is discontinuous by detecting a cycle slip in the CP of the first positioning signal between a first time and a second time.

[0130] 20. A mobile device according to any one of items 15-19, wherein the controller is configured to determine that the measurement of the CP of the first positioning signal is discontinuous by determining that one or more circuits for receiving the first positioning signal are in a low-power state between a first time and a second time.

[0131] 21. A mobile device according to any one of items 15-20, wherein the controller is configured to determine that the measurement of the CP of the first positioning signal is discontinuous by determining that there is interference in the reception of the first positioning signal between a first time and a second time.

[0132] 22. The mobile device according to item 21, wherein the first positioning signal is a Galileo E1 signal, and wherein the controller is configured to determine that there is interference with the reception of the first positioning signal by determining that the transmission or reception of one or more signals by the mobile device in the B13 or B14 band between a first time and a second time causes interference with the reception of the Galileo E1 signal.

[0133] 23. The mobile device according to item 21, wherein the first positioning signal is a GPS L1 signal, and wherein the controller is configured to determine that there is interference with the reception of the first positioning signal by determining that another satellite signal interferes with the reception of the GPS L1 signal between a first time and a second time.

[0134] 24. A mobile device according to any one of items 15-20, wherein the first positioning signal is a data-modulated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal, and wherein the controller is configured to estimate the CP of the corrected first positioning signal at a second time by resolving half-cycle ambiguity in the data-modulated GNSS signal after loss of lock.

[0135] 25. A mobile device according to any one of items 15-20, wherein the first positioning signal is a GPS L1 signal and wherein the second positioning signal is a GPS L5 signal.

[0136] 26. A mobile device according to any one of items 15-20, wherein the first positioning signal is a GPS L5 signal and wherein the second positioning signal is a GPS L1 signal.

[0137] 27. A mobile device according to any one of items 15-20, wherein the first positioning signal is a Galileo E1 signal and wherein the second positioning signal is a Galileo E5 signal.

[0138] 28. A mobile device configured to support operation of a satellite positioning system (SPS), the mobile device comprising:

[0139] A component for receiving a first positioning signal from a first satellite carrier (SV);

[0140] A component for receiving a second positioning signal from a first SV;

[0141] A component for measuring the carrier phase (CP) of a first positioning signal at a first time and a second time;

[0142] Components for measuring the second positioning signal at the third and fourth time points; and

[0143] A component for estimating the corrected CP of the first positioning signal at a second time based at least in part on the difference between the CP measured by the second positioning signal at a third time and the CP measured by the second positioning signal at a fourth time.

[0144] 29. The mobile device according to item 28, wherein the component for estimating the corrected CP of the first positioning signal is configured to: select a fractional value of the corrected CP as a fractional value of the CP measured at a second time for the first positioning signal, and select an integer value of the corrected CP based at least in part on the difference between the CP measured at a third time and a fourth time for the second positioning signal.

[0145] 30. A non-transitory storage medium including program code stored thereon, the program code operatively configuring at least one processor in a mobile device to support satellite positioning system (SPS) operation, comprising:

[0146] Program code for receiving a first positioning signal from a first satellite vehicle (SV);

[0147] Program code for receiving the second positioning signal from the first SV;

[0148] Program code for measuring the carrier phase (CP) of the first positioning signal at the first time point and the second time point;

[0149] Program code for the CP used to measure the second positioning signal at the third and fourth time points; and

[0150] Program code for estimating the corrected CP of the first positioning signal at a second time based at least in part on the difference between the CP measured by the second positioning signal at a third time and the CP measured by the second positioning signal at a fourth time.

Claims

1. A method for supporting Satellite Positioning System (SPS) operations performed by a mobile device, the method comprising: Receive the first positioning signal from the first satellite carrier SV; Receive the second positioning signal from the first SV; The carrier phase CP of the first positioning signal is measured at the first time point and the second time point; Measure the CP of the second positioning signal at the third and fourth time points; and The corrected CP of the first positioning signal at the second time is estimated, at least in part, based on the difference between the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the third time and the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the fourth time. The estimation of the corrected CP of the first positioning signal includes: selecting a small value of the corrected CP as the small value of the CP measured by the first positioning signal at the second time, and selecting an integer value of the corrected CP based at least in part on the difference between the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the third time and the fourth time.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the integer value of the corrected CP is selected at least in part based on the projection of the CP measured at the third and fourth times by the second positioning signal.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first time is equal to the third time, and the second time is equal to the fourth time.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the corrected CP is estimated in response to the detection of a cycle slip in the CP of the first positioning signal between the first time and the second time.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the corrected CP is estimated in response to determining that one or more circuits for receiving the first positioning signal are in a low-power state between the first time and the second time.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the corrected CP is estimated in response to determining that there is interference with the reception of the first positioning signal between the first time and the second time.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first positioning signal is a Galileo E1 signal, and wherein determining the presence of interference with the reception of the first positioning signal comprises: It was determined that between the first time and the second time, the mobile device's transmission or reception of one or more signals in the B13 or B14 band interfered with the reception of the Galileo E1 signal.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the first positioning signal is a GPS L1 signal, and wherein determining the existence of interference with the reception of the first positioning signal includes: It was determined that between the first time and the second time, another satellite signal interfered with the reception of the GPS L1 signal.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first positioning signal is a data-modulated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal, and wherein estimating the corrected CP of the first positioning signal at the second time comprises: Solve the half-cycle ambiguity in the data-modulated GNSS signal after loss of lock.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first positioning signal is a GPS L1 signal, and wherein the second positioning signal is a GPS L5 signal.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first positioning signal is a GPS L5 signal, and wherein the second positioning signal is a GPS L1 signal.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first positioning signal is a Galileo E1 signal, and wherein the second positioning signal is a Galileo E5 signal.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first positioning signal is a Galileo E5 signal, and wherein the second positioning signal is a Galileo E1 signal.

14. A mobile device configured to support SPS (Satellite Positioning System) operation, the mobile device comprising: A satellite positioning system SPS receiver, configured to receive SPS signals on multiple frequency bands; The processor, which is coupled to the SPS receiver, is configured to: The first positioning signal is received from the first satellite carrier SV via the SPS receiver; The second positioning signal is received from the first SV via the SPS receiver; The carrier phase CP of the first positioning signal is measured at the first time point and the second time point; Measure the CP of the second positioning signal at the third and fourth time points; and The corrected CP of the first positioning signal at the second time is estimated, at least in part, based on the difference between the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the third time and the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the fourth time. The processor is configured to estimate the corrected CP of the first positioning signal by selecting a small value of the corrected CP as the small value of the CP measured by the first positioning signal at the second time, and selecting an integer value of the corrected CP based at least in part on the difference between the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the third time and the fourth time.

15. The mobile device of claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to select the integer value of the corrected CP based at least in part on the projection of the CP measured at the third and fourth times by the second positioning signal.

16. The mobile device of claim 14, wherein the first time is equal to the third time, and the second time is equal to the fourth time.

17. The mobile device of claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to estimate the corrected CP in response to detecting a cycle slip in the CP of the first positioning signal between the first time and the second time.

18. The mobile device of claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to estimate the corrected CP in response to determining that one or more circuits for receiving the first positioning signal are in a low-power state between the first time and the second time.

19. The mobile device of claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to estimate the corrected CP in response to determining that there is interference with the reception of the first positioning signal between the first time and the second time.

20. The mobile device of claim 19, wherein the first positioning signal is a Galileo E1 signal, and wherein the processor is configured to determine that interference with the reception of the first positioning signal exists by determining that the mobile device's transmission or reception of one or more signals in the B13 or B14 band between the first time and the second time interferes with the reception of the Galileo E1 signal.

21. The mobile device of claim 19, wherein the first positioning signal is a GPS L1 signal, and wherein the processor is configured to determine that there is interference with the reception of the first positioning signal by determining that another satellite signal interferes with the reception of the GPS L1 signal between the first time and the second time.

22. The mobile device of claim 14, wherein the first positioning signal is a data-modulated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal, and wherein the processor is configured to estimate the corrected CP of the first positioning signal at the second time by resolving half-cycle ambiguity in the data-modulated GNSS signal after loss of lock.

23. The mobile device of claim 14, wherein the first positioning signal is a GPS L1 signal, and wherein the second positioning signal is a GPS L5 signal.

24. The mobile device of claim 14, wherein the first positioning signal is a GPS L5 signal, and wherein the second positioning signal is a GPS L1 signal.

25. The mobile device of claim 14, wherein the first positioning signal is a Galileo E1 signal, and wherein the second positioning signal is a Galileo E5 signal.

26. A mobile device configured to support SPS (Satellite Positioning System) operation, the mobile device comprising: Components for receiving a first positioning signal from a first satellite carrier SV; A component for receiving a second positioning signal from the first SV; A component for measuring the carrier phase CP of the first positioning signal at a first time and a second time. A component for measuring the CP of the second positioning signal at the third and fourth time points; as well as A component for estimating the corrected CP of the first positioning signal at the second time, based at least in part on the difference between the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the third time and the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the fourth time. The component for estimating the corrected CP of the first positioning signal is configured to: select a small value of the corrected CP as the small value of the CP measured by the first positioning signal at the second time, and select an integer value of the corrected CP based at least in part on the difference between the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the third time and the fourth time.

27. A non-transitory storage medium including program code stored thereon, the program code being operable to configure at least one processor in a mobile device to support Satellite Positioning System (SPS) operation, comprising: Program code for receiving a first positioning signal from a first satellite carrier SV; Program code for receiving the second positioning signal from the first SV; Program code for measuring the carrier phase CP of the first positioning signal at a first time point and a second time point; Program code for the CP used to measure the second positioning signal at the third and fourth time points; as well as Program code for estimating the corrected CP of the first positioning signal at the second time based at least in part on the difference between the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the third time and the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the fourth time. The program code for estimating the corrected CP of the first positioning signal includes: program code for selecting a small value of the corrected CP as the small value of the CP measured by the first positioning signal at the second time, and selecting an integer value of the corrected CP based at least in part on the difference between the CP measured by the second positioning signal at the third time and the fourth time.

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