Short code satellite positioning signal use

Abstract

A method of measuring a short code phase signal using at least a trial includes: listening, at a device, for a first signal from a first signal source to determine a first measurement, the first signal having a first code sequence that is shorter than a second code sequence of a second signal from the first signal source; and determining, at the device and based on the first measurement, at least one of a signal environment of the device, a time indication, a Doppler shift of the first signal, whether a first phase of the first signal is consistent with a second phase of the second signal, and a combination of the first measurement and a second measurement that includes a measurement of the second signal.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 19 / 081,050, filed March 17, 2025, entitled “SHORT-CODE SATELLITEPOSITIONING SIGNAL USE,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 634,253, filed April 15, 2024, entitled “SHORT-CODE SATELLITE POSITIONING SYSTEM SIGNAL USE,” both of which have been assigned to the assignee of this application, and the entire contents of both applications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Background Technology

[0003] Wireless communication systems have gone through several generations of development, including first-generation analog wireless telephone service (1G), second-generation (2G) digital wireless telephone service (including transitional 2.5G and 2.75G networks), third-generation (3G) high-speed data wireless service with internet capabilities, and fourth-generation (4G) services (e.g., LTE or WiMax). ® This includes fifth-generation (5G) services (e.g., 5G New Radio (NR)), with sixth-generation (6G) services under development. Currently, there are many different types of wireless communication systems in use, including cellular and Personal Communication Services (PCS) systems. Known examples of cellular systems include Advanced Cellular System (AMPS) and digital cellular systems based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), and GSM TDMA variants.

[0004] The fifth-generation (5G) mobile standard demands higher data transmission speeds, a greater number of connections, better coverage, and other improvements. According to the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance (NGC), the 5G standard is designed to provide tens of megabits per second (Mbps) of data to each of tens of thousands of users, or 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) to dozens of workers on an office floor. To support large-scale sensor deployments, it should support hundreds of thousands of simultaneous connections. Therefore, the spectral efficiency of 5G mobile communications should be significantly improved compared to the current 4G standard. Furthermore, signaling efficiency should be improved, and latency should be significantly reduced compared to the current standard.

[0005] The location of a device (such as a mobile device) can be determined using terrestrial positioning signals and / or non-terrestrial network (NTN) signals (such as satellite positioning signals and / or positioning signals from aircraft). A satellite positioning system receiver can be included in various devices used to detect and measure satellite positioning signals. Measurements of satellite positioning signals can be processed to determine positioning information, such as the range between the satellite and the receiver and / or an estimate of the receiver's location.

[0006] Some wireless communication systems facilitate location determination. For example, in a satellite positioning system (SPS), an SPS transmitter (e.g., a satellite) can broadcast pseudo-random noise (PRN) codes modulated using an SPS carrier from a known location. Specific examples of SPS wireless technologies may include, for example, the Global Positioning System (GPS), the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), and so on.

[0007] An SPS receiver can receive PRN codes from one or more SPS transmitters. The broadcast PRN codes from the SPS transmitters can have a known start time, and the PRN codes can repeat after a known period length. Therefore, the mobile device can receive the broadcast and obtain time-of-flight (TOF) measurements. The SPS receiver generates a local version of the PRN code with the same symbol sequence and start time as the PRN code broadcast by the SPS transmitter. The SPS receiver receives the PRN code broadcast by the SPS transmitter and compares the received version of the PRN code with the local version. The SPS receiver can detect the presence of a signal and determine the code phase of the received PRN code by evaluating the amount of delay between the time the local PRN code is generated and the time the received PRN code is received. A larger code phase indicates a longer TOF and a larger distance from the SPS transmitter to the SPS receiver. The distance calculated from a particular SPS transmitter can be called pseudorange. Multiple pseudoranges can be used for trilateration and to pinpoint the location of the SPS receiver.

[0008] SPS signals are DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) signals that carry low data rate messages to provide calendar and ephemeris information so that SPS receivers can know the satellite's location at a given time. Summary of the Invention

[0009] An example method for measuring a short code phase signal using at least one attempt includes: listening at a device to a first signal from a first signal source to determine a first measurement result, the first signal having a first code sequence shorter than a second code sequence of a second signal from the first signal source; and at the device and based on the first measurement result, determining at least one of the following: the device's signal environment, a time indication, a Doppler shift of the first signal, whether a first phase of the first signal coincides with a second phase of the second signal, and a combination of the first measurement result and a second measurement result including a measurement of the second signal.

[0010] An example apparatus includes: at least one receiver configured to listen for a first signal from a first signal source, the first signal having a first code sequence shorter than a second code sequence of a second signal from the first signal source; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one receiver and configured to: determine a first measurement result based on listening to the first signal by the at least one receiver; and determine, based on the first measurement result, at least one of the following: the presence / absence of the first signal, a time indication, a Doppler shift of the first signal, whether a first phase of the first signal coincides with a second phase of the second signal, and a combination of the first measurement result and a second measurement result including a measurement of the second signal.

[0011] Another example apparatus includes: components for listening to a first signal from a first signal source to determine a first measurement result, the first signal having a first code sequence shorter than a second code sequence of a second signal from the first signal source; and components for performing at least one of the following operations based on the first measurement result: a signal environment of the apparatus, a time indication, a Doppler shift of the first signal, whether a first phase of the first signal coincides with a second phase of the second signal, and a combination of the first measurement result and a second measurement result including a measurement of the second signal.

[0012] An example non-transitory processor-readable storage medium includes processor-readable instructions to cause at least one processor of a device to, for at least the purpose of attempting to measure a short code phase signal,: listen to a first signal from a first signal source to determine a first measurement result, the first signal having a first code sequence shorter than a second code sequence from a second signal from the first signal source; and, based on the first measurement result, determine at least one of the following: a signal environment of the device, a time indication, a Doppler shift of the first signal, whether a first phase of the first signal coincides with a second phase of the second signal, and a combination of the first measurement result and a second measurement result including a measurement of the second signal. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram of an example wireless communication system.

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a block diagram of the components of an example user device.

[0015] Figure 3A It is a timing diagram of the bit of the signal and the polarity of the corresponding PRN (pseudo-random noise) code repetition.

[0016] Figure 3BIt is an example of non-inverted long code PRN code repetition, corresponding example of inverted long code PRN code repetition, and short code PRN code timing and polarity diagram.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a frequency band diagram of satellite signals and their frequencies.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of an example mobile device.

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A block diagram showing an example of a mobile device.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the signaling environment detection method.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the time-maintenance method.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the Doppler frequency shift estimation method.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the tracking error detection method.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the dual-signal tracking method.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of the joint signal tracking method.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a block flowchart of at least one method for measuring short code phase signals using an attempt. Detailed Implementation

[0027] This paper discusses techniques for using short-code signals to perform various non-acquisition functions. For example, a mobile device can listen for short-code PRN (pseudo-random noise) signals and determine the signaling environment of the mobile device based on whether a short-code signal of sufficient quality is detected. The mobile device can wake up a portion of itself from a low-power state to listen for short-code signals and return to a low-power state if (e.g., within a threshold time) no short-code signal is detected. As another example, short-code signals can be measured to determine time. As yet another example, short-code signals can be measured to determine Doppler shift, and this shift can be used to estimate the Doppler shift of other signal sources (e.g., satellites), and the frequency search space can be narrowed to acquire signals from other signal sources. As yet another example, short-code signals and long-code signals from the same signal source can be measured and compared to detect one or more errors corresponding to one or more of these signals. As yet another example, short-code signals and long-code signals from the same signal source can be measured, and the measurement results can be coherently or incoherently combined. These are examples, and other examples can be implemented.

[0028] The items and / or techniques described herein can provide one or more of the following capabilities, as well as others not mentioned: Signaling environment, timing, and / or Doppler shift can be determined using less power than in the prior art. Errors in one or more of a plurality of signals tracked from the same signal source can be detected. Multiple signals from the same signal source can be tracked using different tracking parameters, allowing at least one signal to be tracked even when another signal cannot be tracked. Measurements from multiple signals from the same signal source can be combined to enhance one or more signal measurement properties, such as signal-to-noise ratio and / or measurement accuracy. Other capabilities can be provided, and not every specific embodiment according to this disclosure is required to provide any, let alone all, of the capabilities discussed.

[0029] Obtaining the location of a mobile device accessing a wireless network can be useful for many applications, including emergency calls, personal navigation, consumer asset tracking, and locating friends or family members. In industrial applications, the location of mobile devices can be essential for asset tracking, robot control, and other kinematic operations that may require precise positioning of end effectors. Existing positioning methods include those based on measurements of radio signals transmitted from various devices or entities, including satellite vehicles (SVs) and terrestrial wireless power sources (such as base stations and access points) in a wireless network. Stations in a wireless network can be configured to transmit reference signals that enable mobile devices to perform positioning measurements. Various positioning methods have been defined for UEs that utilize reference signals (such as Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) and / or Cell-Specific Reference Signals (CRS)) transmitted by base stations in 4G LTE or 5G NR wireless networks for location determination.

[0030] The description herein can refer to a sequence of actions to be performed, for example, by elements of a computing device. The various actions described herein can be performed by special-purpose circuitry (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), by program instructions being executed by one or more processors, or by a combination of both. The sequence of actions described herein can be embodied in a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a corresponding set of computer instructions that, when executed, will cause the associated processor to perform the functionality described herein. Therefore, the various examples described herein can be embodied in several different forms, all of which fall within the scope of this disclosure, including the claimed subject matter.

[0031] As used herein, the terms “User Equipment” (UE) and “Base Station” are not specific to or otherwise limited to any particular Radio Access Technology (RAT) unless otherwise indicated. Generally, a UE can be any wireless communication device used to communicate over a wireless communication network (e.g., mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, consumer asset tracking device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.). A UE can be mobile or can (e.g., at certain times) be stationary and can communicate with a Radio Access Network (RAN). As used herein, the term “UE” is interchangeably referred to as “Access Terminal” or “AT,” “Client Equipment,” “Wireless Equipment,” “Subscriber Equipment,” “Subscriber Terminal,” “Subscriber Site,” “User Terminal” or “UT,” “Mobile Terminal,” “Mobile Site,” “Mobile Device,” “Equipment,” or variations thereof. Generally, a UE can communicate with a core network via the RAN, and through the core network, a UE can connect to external networks such as the Internet and to other UEs. Of course, other mechanisms for connecting to the core network and / or the Internet are also possible for a UE, such as via wired access networks, WiFi, etc. ® Short-range wireless communication technology networks (e.g., based on IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11, etc.). In addition to transmitting information to each other via the network, or instead of transmitting information to each other via the network, two or more UEs can communicate directly.

[0032] Depending on the network in which the base station is deployed, the base station can operate according to one of several RATs when communicating with the UE. Examples of base stations include access points (APs), network nodes, Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs), or gNodeBs (gNBs). Furthermore, in some systems, the base station may only provide edge node signaling functions, while in others, it may provide additional control and / or network management functions.

[0033] The UE can be represented by any of several types of devices, including but not limited to printed circuit (PC) cards, compact flash memory devices, external or internal modems, wireless or wired phones, smartphones, tablet devices, consumer asset tracking devices, asset tags, etc. The communication link through which the UE can transmit signals to the RAN is called an uplink channel (e.g., reverse traffic channel, reverse control channel, access channel, etc.). The communication link through which the RAN can transmit signals to the UE is called a downlink or forward link channel (e.g., paging channel, control channel, broadcast channel, forward traffic channel, etc.). As used herein, the term "traffic channel (TCH)" can refer to an uplink / reverse traffic channel or a downlink / forward traffic channel.

[0034] As used herein, depending on the context, the term "cell" or "sector" may correspond to one of a plurality of cells of a base station or to the base station itself. The term "cell" may refer to a logical communication entity used to communicate with a base station (e.g., on a carrier) and may be associated with identifiers to distinguish adjacent cells operating via the same or different carriers (e.g., Physical Cell Identifier (PCID), Virtual Cell Identifier (VCID)). In some examples, a carrier may support multiple cells and may be configured with different cell types based on different protocol types that can provide access to different types of devices (e.g., Machine-Type Communication (MTC), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), or other protocol types). In some examples, the term "cell" may refer to a portion of the geographic coverage area on which a logical entity operates (e.g., a sector).

[0035] refer to Figure 1Examples of communication system 100 include UE 105, UE 106, radio access network (RAN) (here, fifth-generation (5G) next-generation (NG) RAN (NG-RAN) 135), 5G core network (5GC) 140, and server 150. For example, UE 105 and / or UE 106 can be a smartphone, IoT device, location tracker device, cellular phone, vehicle (e.g., car, truck, bus, boat, etc.), or another device. 5G network can also be referred to as new radio (NR) network; NG-RAN 135 can be referred to as 5G RAN or NR RAN; and 5GC 140 can be referred to as NG core network (NGC). Standardization of NG-RAN and 5GC has been carried out by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Therefore, NG-RAN 135 and 5GC 140 can follow current or future standards from 3GPP for 5G support. NG-RAN 135 can be another type of RAN, such as 3G RAN, 4G LTE RAN, future 6G RAN, etc. UE 106 can be configured and similarly coupled to UE 105 to transmit signals to and / or receive signals from similar entities in system 100, but for simplicity of the accompanying drawings, such signaling is not indicated in... Figure 1 Similarly, for simplicity, the discussion focuses on UE 105. Communication system 100 may utilize information from a constellation 185 of satellite vehicles (SVs) 190, 191, 192, 193 (also referred to as satellites or vehicles) for a satellite positioning system (SPS) (e.g., a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)), such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, or BeiDou, or some other local or regional SPS, such as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), the European Geosynchronous Navigation Satellite Coverage Service (EGNOS), or the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). Additional components of communication system 100 are described below. Communication system 100 may include additional or optional components.

[0036] like Figure 1As shown, NG-RAN 135 includes NR Node Bs (referred to as gNodeB or gNB) 110a, 110b, and a next-generation eNodeB (ng-eNB) 114, and 5GC 140 includes Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) 115, Session Management Functions (SMF) 117, Location Management Functions (LMF) 120, and Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) 125. gNBs 110a, 110b, and ng-eNB 114 are communicatively coupled to each other, each configured to conduct bidirectional wireless communication with UE 105, and each communicatively coupled to AMF 115 and configured to conduct bidirectional communication with AMF. gNBs 110a, 110b, and ng-eNB 114 may be referred to as Base Stations (BS). AMF 115, SMF 117, LMF 120, and GMLC 125 are communicatively coupled to each other, and the GMLC is communicatively coupled to an external client 130. SMF 117 can act as the initial contact point for a Service Control Function (SCF) (not shown) to create, control, and terminate media and data sessions with UEs 105 and 106. Base stations (such as gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114) can each support large cells (e.g., high-power cellular base stations) or small cells (e.g., low-power cellular base stations). Base stations may also exist that are each configured to utilize short-range technologies (such as WiFi). ® Short-range wireless communication technology, WiFi ® Direct connection (WiFi) ® -D), Bluetooth ® ,Bluetooth ® Low power (BLE), Zigbee ® Access points of short-range base stations (etc.) for communication Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). One or more base stations (e.g., one or more of gNB 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114) can be configured to communicate with UE 105 via multiple carriers. Each of gNB 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114 can provide communication coverage for a corresponding geographic area (e.g., a cell). Each cell can be divided into multiple sectors based on the base station antennas.

[0037] Figure 1Generalized examples of various components are provided, wherein any or all of the components may be appropriately utilized, and each component may be repeated or omitted as needed. Specifically, although a UE 105 is illustrated, many UEs (e.g., hundreds, thousands, millions, etc.) may be utilized in communication system 100. Similarly, communication system 100 may include a larger (or smaller) number of SVs (i.e., more or fewer than the four SVs 190-193 shown), gNBs 110a and 110b, ng-eNB 114, AMF 115, external client 130, and / or other components. The illustrated connections connecting the various components in communication system 100 include data and signaling connections, which may include additional (intermediate) components, direct or indirect physical and / or wireless connections, and / or additional networks. Furthermore, the components may be rearranged, combined, separated, replaced, and / or omitted according to desired functionality.

[0038] Although Figure 1 A 5G-based network is illustrated, but similar network implementations and configurations can be used for other communication technologies such as 3G, Long Term Evolution (LTE), etc. The specific implementations described herein (for 5G technology and / or for one or more other communication technologies and / or protocols) can be used to transmit (or broadcast) directional synchronization signals, receive and measure directional signals at a UE (e.g., UE 105), and / or provide location assistance to UE 105 (via GMLC 125 or other location servers), and / or calculate the location of UE 105 at a location-capable device (such as UE 105, gNB 110a, 110b, or LMF 120) based on measurement parameters received at UE 105 for such directional transmissions. Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) 125, Location Management Function (LMF) 120, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 115, SMF 117, ng-eNB (eNodeB) 114, and gNB (gNodeB) 110a, 110b are examples and may be replaced by, or include, various other location server functions and / or base station functions, respectively.

[0039] System 100 is capable of wireless communication because its components can communicate directly or indirectly (at least sometimes using a wireless connection), for example, via gNB 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114 and / or 5GC 140 (and / or one or more other devices not shown, such as one or more other transceiver base stations). For indirect communication, the communication can be modified during transmission from one entity to another, for example, by changing the header information of data packets, changing the format, etc. UE 105 may include multiple UEs and may be mobile wireless communication devices, but can communicate wirelessly as well as via wired connections. UE 105 can be any of a variety of devices, such as smartphones, tablets, vehicle-based devices, etc., but these are merely examples, as UE 105 does not need to be any of these configurations, and other configurations of UEs can be used. Other UEs may include wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart jewelry, smart glasses, or head-mounted devices, etc.). Other UEs, whether currently existing or developed in the future, may also be used. In addition, other wireless devices (whether mobile or not) can be implemented within system 100 and can communicate with each other and / or with UE 105, gNB 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, 5GC 140, and / or external client 130. For example, such other devices may include Internet of Things (IoT) devices, medical devices, home entertainment and / or automation devices, etc. 5GC 140 can communicate with external client 130 (e.g., a computer system), for example, to allow external client 130 (e.g., via GMLC 125) to request and / or receive location information about UE 105.

[0040] UE 105 or other devices can be configured to communicate in various networks and / or for various purposes and / or using various technologies (e.g., 5G, Wi-Fi). ® Communication, multi-frequency Wi-Fi ® Communication, satellite positioning, and one or more types of communication (e.g., GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), V2X (vehicle-to-everything communication, e.g., V2P (vehicle-to-pedestrian), V2I (vehicle-to-infrastructure), V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle), etc.), IEEE 802.11p, etc.). V2X communication can be cellular (Cellular-V2X (C-V2X)) and / or WiFi. ®(For example, DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Connection)). System 100 can support operation on multiple carriers (waveform signals of different frequencies). A multi-carrier transmitter can transmit modulated signals simultaneously on multiple carriers. Each modulated signal can be a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) signal, a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) signal, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) signal, a Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) signal, etc. Each modulated signal can be transmitted on different carriers and can carry pilot, overhead information, data, etc. UEs 105 and 106 can communicate with each other via UE-to-UE sidelink (SL) communication by transmitting on one or more sidelink (SL) channels (such as the Physical Sidelink Synchronization Channel (PSSCH), Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH), or Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH)). Direct device-to-device communication (without a network) is generally referred to as sidelink communication, without limiting the communication to a specific protocol.

[0041] UE 105 may include and / or may be referred to as a device, mobile device, wireless device, mobile terminal, terminal, mobile station (MS), Secure User Plane Location Enabled (SUPL) terminal (SET), or some other name. Furthermore, UE 105 may correspond to a cellular phone, smartphone, laptop computer, tablet device, PDA, consumer asset tracking device, navigation device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, health monitor, security system, smart city sensor, smart meter, wearable tracker, or some other portable or mobile device. Typically, although not mandatory, UE 105 may use one or more Radio Access Technologies (RATs) to support wireless communication, such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), LTE, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), IEEE 802.11 WiFi, etc. ® (Also known as Wi-Fi) ® ),Bluetooth ® (BT), WiMax (Global Microwave Access) ® 5G New Radio (NR) (e.g., using NG-RAN 135 and 5GC 140), etc. UE 105 can use a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) to support wireless communication, which can connect to other networks (e.g., the Internet) using, for example, digital subscriber line (DSL) or packet cable. Using one or more of these RATs allows UE 105 (e.g., via elements of 5GC 140) Figure 1(not shown in the image), or possibly via GMLC 125, to communicate with external client 130 and / or allow external client 130 (e.g., via GMLC 125) to receive location information about UE 105.

[0042] UE 105 may include a single entity or may include multiple entities, such as in a personal area network, where the user may employ audio, video, and / or data I / O (input / output) devices, and / or body sensors, as well as separate wired or wireless modems. An estimate of the location of UE 105 may be referred to as location, location estimate, location fixation, fixation, positioning, location estimation, or location fixation, and may be geodetic, providing location coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude) about UE 105, which may or may not include an elevation component (e.g., height above sea level, height above ground level, floor level, or basement level, or depth below). Alternatively, the location of UE 105 may be expressed as a municipal location (e.g., a postal address or designation of a point or smaller area within a building, such as a specific room or floor). The location of UE 105 may be expressed as an area or volume (geodically or municipally defined) within which UE 105 is expected to be located with a certain probability or confidence level (e.g., 67%, 95%, etc.). The location of UE 105 can be represented as a relative location, which includes, for example, distance and direction relative to a known location. A relative location can be expressed as relative coordinates (e.g., X, Y (and Z) coordinates) defined relative to an origin at a known location, which can be defined, for example, by geodetic surveying, municipal surveying, or by reference to a point, area, or volume indicated, for example, on a map, floor plan, or building plan. In the description contained herein, the use of the term "location" can include any of these variations unless otherwise indicated. When calculating the location of the UE, local x, y, and (possibly also) z coordinates are typically solved, and then (if necessary) the local coordinates are converted to absolute coordinates (e.g., with respect to latitude, longitude, and elevation above or below mean sea level).

[0043] UE 105 can be configured to communicate with other entities using one or more of a variety of technologies. UE 105 can be configured to connect to one or more other UEs (e.g., UE 106) via one or more device-to-device (D2D) or peer-to-peer (P2P) links (also known as sidelink links). D2D, P2P, and sidelink links can utilize any suitable sidelink radio access technology (RAT) (such as LTE, LTE Direct (LTE-D), NR, WiFi). ® Direct connection (WiFi) ® -D), Bluetooth ®Supported by (etc.). One or more UEs in a UE group utilizing sidelink communication may be located within the geographic coverage area of ​​a Transmit / Receive Point (TRP) (such as one or more of gNB 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114). Other UEs in such a group may be outside such geographic coverage area or may be unable to receive transmissions from the base station for other reasons. UE groups communicating via sidelink communication may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system, in which each UE can send to other UEs in the group. The TRP facilitates the scheduling of resources for sidelink communication. In other cases, sidelink communication may be performed between UEs without involving a TRP.

[0044] Figure 1 The base stations (BS) in NG-RAN 135 shown include NR Node Bs (referred to as gNB 110a and gNB 110b). Each pair of gNBs 110a and 110b in NG-RAN 135 can be interconnected via one or more other gNBs. Access to the 5G network is provided to UE 105 via wireless communication with one or more of the gNBs 110a and 110b. These gNBs can use 5G to provide wireless communication access to the 5GC 140 on behalf of UE 105. Figure 1 In this context, it is assumed that the serving gNB of UE 105 is gNB 110a, but another gNB (e.g., gNB 110b) may act as the serving gNB or as a secondary gNB to provide additional throughput and bandwidth to UE 105 if UE 105 moves to another location.

[0045] Figure 1 The base station (BS) in NG-RAN 135 shown may include ng-eNB 114, also known as Next Generation Evolved Node B. ng-eNB 114 may be connected to one or more of gNBs 110a and 110b in NG-RAN 135 via one or more other gNBs and / or one or more other ng-eNBs. ng-eNB 114 may provide LTE radio access and / or evolved LTE (eLTE) radio access to UE 105. One or more of gNBs 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114 may be configured to act as a location-only beacon, which may transmit signals to assist in determining the location of UE 105, but may not receive signals from UE 105 or other UEs.

[0046] gNB 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114 may each include one or more TRPs. For example, sectors within a BS cell may correspond to (e.g., be supported by) a TRP, although multiple TRPs may share one or more components (e.g., share a processor but have separate antennas). System 100 may include only macro TRPs, or system 100 may have different types of TRPs, such as macro TRPs, pico TRPs and / or femto TRPs. Macro TRPs may cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers) and may allow unrestricted access by terminals with service subscriptions. Pico TRPs may cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a pico cell) and may allow unrestricted access by terminals with service subscriptions. Femto or home TRPs may cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a femto cell) and may allow restricted access by terminals associated with that femto cell (e.g., terminals of users in a home).

[0047] Each of the gNBs 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114 may include a Radio Unit (RU), a Distributed Unit (DU), and a Central Unit (CU). For example, the gNB 110b includes RU 111, DU 112, and CU 113. RU 111, DU 112, and CU 113 define the functionality of the gNB 110b. Although the gNB 110b is shown as having a single RU, a single DU, and a single CU, a gNB may include one or more RUs, one or more DUs, and / or one or more CUs. The interface between CU 113 and DU 112 is referred to as the F1 interface. RU 111 is configured to perform digital front-end (DFE) functions (e.g., analog-to-digital conversion, filtering, power amplification, transmit / receive) and digital beamforming, and includes part of the physical (PHY) layer. RU 111 may perform DFE using massive MIMO and may be integrated with one or more antennas of the gNB 110b. DU 112 hosts the Radio Link Control (RLC), Media Access Control (MAC), and Physical Layer of gNB 110b. A DU can support one or more cells, and each cell is supported by a single DU. The operation of DU 112 is controlled by CU 113. CU 113 is configured to perform functions for delivering user data, mobility control, radio access network sharing, location, session management, etc., although some functions are only assigned to DU 112. CU 113 hosts the Radio Resource Control (RRC), Serving Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) of gNB 110b. UE 105 can communicate with CU 113 via the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP layers, with DU 112 via the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers, and with RU 111 via the PHY layer.

[0048] As pointed out, although Figure 1 The diagram depicts nodes configured to communicate according to 5G communication protocols, but nodes configured to communicate according to other communication protocols (such as, for example, LTE or IEEE 802.11x) can also be used. For instance, in an evolved packet system (EPS) providing LTE radio access to UE 105, the RAN may include an evolved universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), which may include base stations containing evolved Node Bs (eNBs). The core network for the EPS may include an evolved packet core (EPC). The EPS may include the E-UTRAN plus the EPC, where the E-UTRAN corresponds to... Figure 1 NG-RAN 135 in the figure and EPC corresponds to 5GC 140 in the figure.

[0049] gNB 110a, 110b, and ng-eNB 114 can communicate with AMF 115; for location functionality, AMF communicates with LMF 120. AMF 115 can support UE 105 mobility (including cell changes and handover) and can participate in supporting signaling connections with UE 105 and (possibly) data and voice bearers for UE 105. LMF 120 can communicate directly with UE 105, for example, wirelessly, or directly with gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114. When UE 105 accesses NG-RAN 135, LMF 120 supports UE 105 positioning and supports positioning procedures / methods such as Auxiliary GNSS (A-GNSS), Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA), Downlink (DL) Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), Uplink (UL) TDOA, Round Trip Time (RTT), Multi-Cell RTT, Real-Time Kinematic Positioning (RTK), Precise Point Positioning (PPP), Differential GNSS (DGNSS), Enhanced Cell ID (E-CID), Angle of Arrival (AoA), Angle of Departure (AoD), and / or other positioning methods. LMF 120 can process, for example, location service requests for UE 105 received from AMF 115 or GMLC 125. LMF 120 can connect to AMF 115 and / or GMLC 125. The node / system implementing LMF 120 may additionally or alternatively implement other types of location support modules, such as an Enhanced Serving Mobility Location Center (E-SMLC) or a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP). At least a portion of the location functionality (including the derivation of the location of UE 105) can be performed at UE 105 (e.g., using signal measurements obtained by UE 105 against signals transmitted by radio nodes (such as gNB 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114), and / or auxiliary data provided to UE 105, for example, by LMF 120). AMF 115 can be used as a control node to process signaling between UE 105 and 5GC 140 and can provide QoS (Quality of Service) streaming and session management. AMF 115 can support the mobility of UE 105 (including cell changes and handover) and can participate in supporting signaling connections with UE 105.

[0050] Server 150 (e.g., a cloud server) is configured to obtain the location estimate of UE 105 and provide it to external client 130. Server 150 may be configured, for example, to run a microservice / service for obtaining the location estimate of UE 105. Server 150 may, for example (e.g., by sending a location request to it), pull the location estimate from one or more of UE 105, gNB 110a, 110b (e.g., via RU 111, DU 112, and CU 113) and / or ng-eNB 114 and / or LMF 120. Alternatively, one or more of UE 105, gNB 110a, 110b (e.g., via RU 111, DU 112, and CU 113) and / or LMF 120 may push the location estimate of UE 105 to server 150. In some implementations, server 150 may not exist, and external client 130 may interact directly with GMLC 125 to request and / or receive location estimates from UE 105.

[0051] GMLC 125 can support location requests from UE 105 received directly or via server 150 from external client 130, and can forward such location requests to AMF 115 for forwarding to LMF 120, or can forward location requests directly to LMF 120. Location responses from LMF 120 (e.g., containing location estimates for UE 105) can be returned directly or via AMF 115 to GMLC 125, and then GMLC 125 can return the location response (e.g., containing location estimates) directly or via server 150 to external client 130. GMLC 125 is shown connected to both AMF 115 and LMF 120, but in some specific implementations it may not be connected to either AMF 115 or LMF 120.

[0052] like Figure 1 As further illustrated, the LMF 120 can communicate with gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114 using the New Radio Positioning Protocol A (which may be referred to as NRPPa), as defined in 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.455. NRPPa messages can be transmitted via AMF 115 between gNB 110a (or gNB 110b) and the LMF 120, and / or between the ng-eNB 114 and the LMF 120. Figure 1As further illustrated, LMF 120 and UE 105 can communicate using the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP), which is defined in 3GPP TS 37.355. Here, LPP messages can be transmitted between UE 105 and LMF 120 via AMF 115 and UE 105's serving gNB 110a, 110b, or serving ng-eNB 114. For example, LPP messages can be transmitted between LMF 120 and AMF 115 using Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) based service operations, and between AMF 115 and UE 105 using 5G Non-Access Stratum (NAS) protocols. The LPP protocol can be used to support the positioning of UE 105 using UE-assisted and / or UE-based positioning methods such as A-GNSS, RTK, OTDOA, DL-TDOA, AoD, and / or E-CID. The NRPPa protocol can be used to support the location of UE 105 using network-based location methods such as UL-TDOA or E-CID (e.g., when used in conjunction with measurements obtained by gNB 110a, 110b, or ng-eNB 114), and / or can be used by LMF 120 to obtain location-related information from gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114, such as defining parameters sent by the directional SS or PRS from gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114. LMF 120 can be co-located or integrated with the gNB or TRP, or it can be configured to be located away from the gNB and / or TRP and communicate directly or indirectly with the gNB and / or TRP.

[0053] Using a UE-assisted positioning method, UE 105 can obtain location measurements and transmit these measurements to a location server (e.g., LMF 120) for calculating a location estimate for UE 105. For example, location measurements may include one or more of the following: Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), Round-Trip Time (RTT), Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD), Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), and / or Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) for gNB 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, and / or WLAN AP. Location measurements may additionally or alternatively include measurements of GNSS pseudorange, code phase, and / or carrier phase for SV 190-193.

[0054] Using a UE-based positioning method, UE 105 can obtain a location measurement (e.g., which may be the same as or similar to the location measurement of a UE-assisted positioning method) and can calculate the location of UE 105 (e.g., by means of auxiliary data received from a location server (such as LMF 120) or broadcast by gNB 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114 or other base stations or APs).

[0055] Using a network-based positioning method, one or more base stations (e.g., gNB 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114) or APs can obtain location measurements (e.g., measurements of RSSI, RTT, RSRP, RSRQ, or Time of Arrival (ToA) of signals transmitted by UE 105) and / or can receive measurements obtained by UE 105. One or more base stations or APs can transmit the measurements to a location server (e.g., LMF 120) for calculating a location estimate for UE 105.

[0056] The information provided to the LMF 120 by the gNB 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114 using NRPPa may include timing and configuration information for directing SS or PRS transmissions, as well as location coordinates. The LMF 120 may provide some or all of this information to the UE 105 as supplementary data via NG-RAN 135 and 5GC140 in LPP and / or NPP messages.

[0057] The LPP message transmitted from LMF 120 to UE 105 can instruct UE 105 to perform any of a variety of operations, depending on the desired functionality. For example, the LPP message may contain instructions for UE 105 to obtain measurements of GNSS (or A-GNSS), WLAN, E-CID, OTDOA, DL-TDOA, and / or AoD (or some other positioning method). In the case of E-CID, the LPP message may instruct UE 105 to obtain measurements supported by one or more of gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114 (or by some other type of base station such as eNB or WiFi). ® One or more measurement parameters (e.g., beam ID, beamwidth, average angle, RSRP, RSRQ measurements) of directional signals transmitted within a specific cell supported by the AP. UE 105 can transmit these measurement parameters back to LMF 120 via serving gNB 110a (or serving ng-eNB 114) and AMF 115 in an LPP message (e.g., within a 5G NAS message).

[0058] As noted, while a communication system 100 is described in relation to 5G technology, the communication system 100 can be implemented to support other communication technologies (such as GSM, WCDMA, LTE, etc.) for supporting and interacting with mobile devices (such as UE 105) (e.g., to provide voice, data, location, and other functionalities). In some such specific implementations, the 5GC 140 can be configured to control different air interfaces. For example, the 5GC 140 can use non-3GPP interoperability functions (N3IWF) within the 5GC 140. Figure 1 (Not shown) Connected to a WLAN. For example, the WLAN may support IEEE 802.11 WiFi for UE 105. ® Access, and may include one or more WiFi networks. ® AP. Here, the N3IWF can connect to the WLAN and other components in 5GC 140, such as AMF 115. In some examples, both NG-RAN 135 and 5GC 140 can be replaced by one or more other RANs and one or more other core networks. For example, in EPS, NG-RAN 135 can be replaced by E-UTRAN containing eNBs, and 5GC 140 can be replaced by EPC containing a Mobility Management Entity (MME) instead of AMF 115, an E-SMLC instead of LMF 120, and a GMLC that can be similar to GMLC 125. In such EPS, the E-SMLC can use the LPP Annex (LPPa) protocol (e.g., defined in 3GPP TS 36.455) instead of NRPPa to send location information to and receive location information from the eNB in ​​the E-UTRAN, and LPP can be used to support the location of UE 105. In these other examples, the location of UE 105 using directional PRS can be supported in a manner similar to that described herein for 5G networks. The difference lies in the fact that the functions and procedures described herein for gNB 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, AMF 115, and LMF 120 can, in some cases, be alternatively applied to other network elements, such as eNBs and WiFi. ® AP, MME, and E-SMLC.

[0059] As noted, in some examples, positioning functionality can be achieved at least in part using directional SS or PRS beams transmitted by base stations (such as gNB 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114) at the location of the UE (e.g., whose location is to be determined). Figure 1Within the range of UE 105. In some instances, the UE can use directional SS or PRS beams from multiple base stations (such as gNB 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, etc.) to calculate the UE's location.

[0060] Also refer to Figure 2UE 200 may be an example of one of UEs 105 and 106, and may include a computing platform including processor 210, memory 211 including software (SW) 212, one or more sensors 213, transceiver interface 214 for transceiver 215 (which includes wireless transceiver 240 and wired transceiver 250), user interface 216, satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver 217, camera 218, and positioning device (PD) 219. Processor 210, memory 211, sensor 213, transceiver interface 214, user interface 216, SPS receiver 217, camera 218, and positioning device 219 may be communicatively coupled to each other via bus 220 (which may be configured for, for example, optical communication and / or electrical communication). One or more of the devices shown (e.g., camera 218, positioning device 219, and / or one or more sensors in sensor 213, etc.) may be omitted from UE 200. Processor 210 may include one or more hardware devices, such as a central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. Processor 210 may include multiple processors, including a general-purpose / application processor 230, a digital signal processor (DSP) 231, a modem processor 232, a video processor 233, and / or a sensor processor 234. One or more of processors 230 to 234 may include multiple devices (e.g., multiple processors). For example, sensor processor 234 may include processors for, for example, RF (radio frequency) sensing (where one or more transmitted (cellular) wireless signals and reflections are used to identify, map, and / or track objects) and / or ultrasound, etc. Modem processor 232 may support dual SIM / dual connectivity (or even more SIMs). For example, a SIM (subscriber identity module or subscriber identification module) may be used by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), and another SIM may be used by the end user of UE 200 to obtain connectivity. Memory 211 may be a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium that may include random access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk memory, and / or read-only memory (ROM), etc. Memory 211 may store software 212, which may be processor-readable, processor-executable software code containing instructions that, when executed, cause processor 210 to perform the various functions described herein. Alternatively, software 212 may not be directly executable by processor 210, but may be configured, for example, to cause processor 210 to perform these functions when compiled and executed. The description herein may refer to processor 210 performing functions, but this includes other specific implementations, such as specific implementations of processor 210 performing software and / or firmware instructions. The description herein may refer to the execution of functions by processor 210 as a shortened form of processor-executed functions by one or more of processors 230 to 234.The description herein may be referred to as the abbreviation for the execution of functions by one or more appropriate components of UE 200. Processor 210 may include memory with stored instructions as a supplement to and / or replacement of memory 211. The functionality of processor 210 is discussed more fully below.

[0061] Figure 2 The configuration of UE 200 shown is exemplary and not intended to limit this disclosure (including the claims), and other configurations may be used. For example, an exemplary configuration of the UE may include one or more of processors 230 to 234 in processor 210, memory 211, and wireless transceiver 240. Other exemplary configurations may include one or more of processors 230 to 234 in processor 210, memory 211, wireless transceiver, and one or more of the following devices: sensor 213, user interface 216, SPS receiver 217, camera 218, PD 219, and / or wired transceiver.

[0062] UE 200 may include a modem processor 232 capable of performing baseband processing on signals received and downconverted by transceiver 215 and / or SPS receiver 217. Modem processor 232 may also perform baseband processing on signals to be upconverted for transmission by transceiver 215. Alternatively, baseband processing may be performed by general-purpose / application processor 230 and / or DSP 231. However, other configurations may be used to perform baseband processing.

[0063] Transceiver 215 may include a wireless transceiver 240 and a wired transceiver 250 configured to communicate with other devices via wireless and wired connections, respectively. For example, wireless transceiver 240 may include a wireless transmitter 242 and a wireless receiver 244 coupled to antenna 246 for transmitting (e.g., on one or more uplink channels and / or one or more sidelink channels) and / or receiving (e.g., on one or more downlink channels and / or one or more sidelink channels) wireless signals 248 and converting signals from wireless signals 248 into guided (e.g., wired electrical and / or optical) signals and from guided (e.g., wired electrical and / or optical) signals into wireless signals 248. Wireless transmitter 242 includes suitable components (e.g., a power amplifier and a digital-to-analog converter). Wireless receiver 244 includes suitable components (e.g., one or more amplifiers, one or more frequency filters, and an analog-to-digital converter). Wireless transmitter 242 may include multiple transmitters, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or wireless receiver 244 may include multiple receivers, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components. Wireless transceiver 240 may be configured to transmit signals according to various radio access technologies (RATs) (e.g., with TRP and / or one or more other devices), such as 5G New Radio (NR), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), AMPS (Advanced Mobile Telephone Systems), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE Direct (LTE-D), 3GPP LTE-V2X (PC5), IEEE 802.11 (including IEEE 802.11p), and WiFi. ® Short-range wireless communication technology, WiFi ® Direct connection (WiFi) ® -D), Bluetooth ® Short-range wireless communication technology, Zigbee ®Short-range wireless communication technologies, etc. The new radio can use millimeter-wave frequencies and / or frequencies below 6 GHz. Wired transceiver 250 may include a wired transmitter 252 and a wired receiver 254 configured for wired communication, for example, a network interface that can be used to communicate with NG-RAN 135 to transmit and receive communications from NG-RAN 135. Wired transmitter 252 may include multiple transmitters that may be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or wired receiver 254 may include multiple receivers that may be discrete components or combined / integrated components. Wired transceiver 250 may be configured, for example, for optical and / or electrical communication. Transceiver 215 may be communicatively coupled to transceiver interface 214, for example, via optical and / or electrical connections. Transceiver interface 214 may be at least partially integrated with transceiver 215. The wireless transmitter 242, the wireless receiver 244, and / or the antenna 246 may each include multiple transmitters, multiple receivers, and / or multiple antennas for transmitting and / or receiving appropriate signals, respectively.

[0064] SPS receiver 217 (e.g., a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver) can receive and acquire SPS signals 260, 261 via SPS antennas 262, 263. SPS antennas 262, 263 are configured to convert SPS signals 260, 261 from radio signals to guide signals (e.g., wired or optical signals) and can be integrated with antenna 246. SPS receiver 217 can be configured to process the acquired SPS signals 260, 261 fully or partially to estimate the location of UE 200. For example, SPS receiver 217 can be configured to determine the location of UE 200 by performing trilateration using SPS signals 260, 261. The acquired SPS signals can be processed fully or partially using general-purpose / application processor 230, memory 211, DSP 231, and / or one or more dedicated processors (not shown), and / or the estimated location of UE 200 can be calculated. Memory 211 may store indications (e.g., measurements) of SPS signals 260, 261 and / or other signals (e.g., signals acquired from wireless transceiver 240) for use during positioning operations. General-purpose / application processor 230, DSP 231, and / or one or more dedicated processors, and / or memory 211 may provide or support a location engine for processing measurements to estimate the location of UE 200.

[0065] Location device (PD) 219 may be configured to determine the location of UE 200, the movement of UE 200, and / or the relative location of UE 200, and / or time. For example, PD 219 may communicate with SPS receiver 217 and / or include part or all of the SPS receiver. PD 219 may, where appropriate, work in conjunction with processor 210 and memory 211 to perform at least a portion of one or more location methods, although the description herein may refer to PD 219 being configured to perform according to a location method or the PD performing according to a location method. PD 219 may additionally or alternatively be configured to: perform trilateration using terrestrial signals (e.g., at least some radio signals 248), assist in acquisition, and use SPS signals 260, 261, or both to determine the location of UE 200. PD 219 may be configured to determine the location of UE 200 based on the cell of the serving base station (e.g., cell center) and / or another technology (such as E-CID). PD 219 can be configured to determine the location of UE 200 using one or more images from camera 218 and image recognition combined with the known location of landmarks (e.g., natural landmarks such as mountains and / or man-made landmarks such as buildings, bridges, streets, etc.). PD 219 can be configured to determine the location of UE 200 using one or more other technologies (e.g., relying on the UE's self-reported location (e.g., part of the UE's positioning beacon)), and can use a combination of these technologies (e.g., SPS and terrestrial positioning signals) to determine the location of UE 200. PD 219 may include one or more sensors 213 (e.g., gyroscopes, accelerometers, magnetometers, etc.) that can sense the orientation and / or motion of UE 200 and provide an indication of such orientation and / or motion. Processor 210 (e.g., general-purpose / application processor 230 and / or DSP 231) can be configured to use this indication to determine the motion of UE 200 (e.g., velocity vector and / or acceleration vector). PD 219 can be configured to provide an indication of uncertainty and / or error in the determined positioning and / or motion. The functionality of PD 219 can be provided in a variety of ways and / or configurations, such as by a general-purpose / application processor 230, transceiver 215, SPS receiver 217 and / or another component of UE 200, and can be provided by hardware, software, firmware or various combinations thereof.

[0066] Positioning technology

[0067] For terrestrial positioning of a UE (e.g., UE 105) in a cellular network, techniques such as Time Difference of Observation Arrival (OTDOA), DL-TDOA, and AoD often operate in a "UE-assisted" mode, where measurements of reference signals (e.g., PRS, CRS, etc.) transmitted by the base station are acquired by the UE and then provided to a location server (e.g., LMF 120). The location server calculates the UE's location based on this measurement and the known location of the base station. Because these techniques use a location server (rather than the UE itself) to calculate the UE's location, they are not frequently used in applications such as car or cellular phone navigation, which typically rely on satellite-based positioning instead.

[0068] UEs can use a satellite positioning system (SPS) (Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)) to achieve high-accuracy positioning using Precise Point Positioning (PPP) or Real-Time Kinematics (RTK) techniques. These techniques utilize auxiliary data, such as measurements from ground-based stations. This auxiliary data can be encrypted, allowing only UEs subscribed to the service to directly access the information.

[0069] In UE-assisted positioning, the UE transmits measurements (e.g., TDOA, Angle of Arrival (AoA), etc.) to a positioning server (e.g., LMF / eSMLC). The positioning server may have a Base Station Almanac (BSA) containing multiple "entries" or "records," one record per cell, where each record contains the geographic cell location, but may also include other data. Identifiers of the "records" among the multiple "records" in the BSA can be referenced. The BSA and measurements from the UE can be used to calculate the UE's positioning.

[0070] In conventional UE-based positioning, the UE calculates its own location, thus avoiding transmitting measurements to the network (e.g., a location server), which improves latency and scalability. The UE can use relevant BSA record information from the network (e.g., the location of the gNB (more broadly, the base station)). The BSA information can be encrypted.

[0071] Positioning technologies can be characterized and / or evaluated based on one or more criteria, such as positioning accuracy and / or latency. Latency is the time elapsed between the event that triggers the determination of positioning-related data and the availability of that data at the positioning system interface (e.g., the interface of an LMF 120). The latency regarding the availability of positioning-related data at positioning system initialization is called the First Fix Time (TTFF) and is typically greater than the latency after the TTFF. The reciprocal of the time elapsed between two consecutive availability periods of positioning-related data is called the update rate, i.e., the rate at which positioning-related data is generated after the first fix. Latency can depend on (e.g., the UE's) processing capacity. For example, assuming an allocation of 272 PRBs (Physical Resource Blocks), a UE can report its processing capacity as the duration (in time units, e.g., milliseconds) of DL PRS symbols that it can process per T time units (e.g., Tms). Other examples of capabilities that may affect latency include the number of TRPs from which the UE can process PRS, the number of PRSs the UE can process, and the UE's bandwidth.

[0072] One or more of many different positioning techniques (also known as positioning methods) can be used to determine the location of an entity (such as one of UE105, 106). For example, known positioning techniques mentioned above include RTT, multiple RTT, OTDOA, DL-TDOA, UL-TDOA, E-CID, DL-AoD, UL-AoA, etc. RTT uses the time it takes for a signal to travel from one entity to another and back to determine the range between two entities. The range, plus the known location of the first entity and the angle between the two entities (e.g., azimuth), can be used to determine the location of the second entity. In multiple RTT (also known as multi-cell RTT), multiple ranges from one entity (e.g., UE) to other entities (e.g., TRP) and the known locations of other entities can be used to determine the location of that one entity. In TDOA, the travel time difference between an entity and other entities can be used to determine the relative range with respect to other entities, and this relative range, combined with the known locations of other entities, can be used to determine the location of that one entity. Angle of arrival and / or angle of departure can be used to help determine the location of an entity. For example, the angle of arrival or departure of a signal, combined with the range between devices (a range determined using signals such as signal travel time, signal received power, etc.) and the known location of one of these devices, can be used to determine the location of another device. The angle of arrival or departure can be an azimuth angle relative to a reference direction (such as true north). The angle of arrival or departure can also be a zenith angle relative to directly upwards from the entity (i.e., radially outwards from the Earth's center). E-CID uses the identity of the serving cell, timing advance (i.e., the difference between the reception time and transmission time at the UE), estimated timing and power of detected neighboring cell signals, and possible angles of arrival (e.g., the angle of arrival of signals from the base station at the UE, or vice versa) to determine the location of the UE. In TDOA, the time difference of arrival of signals from different sources at the receiving device, along with the known locations of these sources and the known offsets of the transmission times from these sources, are used to determine the location of the receiving device.

[0073] In network-centric RTT estimation, the serving base station instructs the UE to scan / receive RTT measurement signals (e.g., PRS) on the serving cells of two or more neighboring base stations (and typically the serving base station, as at least three base stations are required). These one or more base stations transmit the RTT measurement signals on low-reuse resources (e.g., resources used by the base station to transmit system information) allocated by the network (e.g., a location server, such as an LMF 120). The UE records the arrival time (also known as the reception time, received time, or time of arrival (ToA)) of each RTT measurement signal relative to the UE's current downlink timing (e.g., as derived by the UE from DL signals received from its serving base station), and (e.g., when instructed by its serving base station) transmits a shared or individual RTT response message (e.g., an SRS (Sound Reference Signal) for positioning, i.e., UL-PRS) to these one or more base stations, and may transmit the time difference between the ToA of the RTT measurement signal and the transmission time of the RTT response message. (i.e., UE T) Rx-Tx or UE Rx-Tx The RTT response time is included in the payload of each RTT response message. The RTT response message will include a reference signal from which the base station can infer the ToA of the RTT response. This is achieved by comparing the transmission time of the RTT measurement signal from the base station with the ToA of the RTT response at the base station. Time difference with UE report Compare and subtract UE Rx-Tx The base station can infer the propagation time between the base station and the UE. Based on this propagation time, the base station can determine the distance between the UE and the base station by assuming the speed of light during this propagation time.

[0074] UE-centric RTT estimation is similar to network-based methods, except that the UE sends an uplink RTT measurement signal (e.g., when commanded by a serving base station), which is received by multiple base stations near the UE. Each base station involved responds with a downlink RTT response message, which may include in its payload the time difference between the ToA of the RTT measurement signal at the base station and the time of transmission of the RTT response message from the base station.

[0075] For both network-centric and UE-centric procedures, the side performing RTT calculation (network or UE) typically (but not always) sends a first message or signal (e.g., an RTT measurement signal), while the other side responds with one or more RTT response messages or signals, which may include the difference between the ToA of the first message or signal and the transmission time of the RTT response message or signal.

[0076] Multiple RTT (Multiple Real-Time Toll) technology can be used to determine location. For example, a first entity (e.g., a UE) may transmit one or more signals (e.g., unicast, multicast, or broadcast from a base station), and multiple second entities (e.g., other TSPs, such as a base station and / or the UE) may receive signals from the first entity and respond to those received signals. The first entity receives responses from the multiple second entities. The first entity (or another entity, such as an LMF) may use the responses from the second entities to determine the range to the second entities, and the location of the first entity may be determined by trilateration using the multiple ranges and the known locations of the second entities.

[0077] In some instances, additional information in the form of angle of arrival (AoA) or angle of departure (AoD) can be obtained, which defines a straight-line direction (e.g., this direction can be in a horizontal plane or in three dimensions) or a possible (e.g., the UE's direction as seen from the base station's location) range of directions. The intersection of the two directions can provide another estimate of the UE's location.

[0078] For positioning techniques that use PRS (Location Reference Signal) signals (e.g., TDOA and RTT), the PRS signals transmitted by multiple TRPs are measured, and the arrival time, known transmission time, and known location of the TRPs are used to determine the range from the UE to the TRPs. For example, RSTD (Reference Signal Time Difference) can be determined for PRS signals received from multiple TRPs, and this RSTD is used in TDOA techniques to determine the UE's location. The Location Reference Signal may be referred to as the PRS or PRS signal. PRS signals are typically transmitted using the same power, and PRS signals with the same signal characteristics (e.g., the same frequency shift) may interfere with each other, causing a PRS signal from a more distant TRP to be overwhelmed by a PRS signal from a closer TRP, making the signal from the more distant TRP undetectable. PRS silencing can be used to help reduce interference by silencing some PRS signals (reducing the power of the PRS signal, e.g., reducing it to zero and thus not transmitting the PRS signal). In this way, the UE can more easily detect the weaker PRS signal (at the UE) without the interference of the stronger PRS signal. The term RS and its variations (e.g., PRS, SRS, CSI-RS (Channel State Information - Reference Signal)) can refer to one or more reference signals.

[0079] The Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) comprises a downlink PRS (DL PRS, often simply referred to as PRS) and an uplink PRS (UL PRS) (the uplink PRS may be referred to as the SRS (Sound Reference Signal) used for positioning). The PRS may include PN codes (pseudo-random codes) or be generated using PN codes (e.g., by modulating a carrier signal with PN codes) so that the PRS source can be used as a pseudo-satellite. The PN code may be unique for the PRS source (at least unique within a specified region, such that the same PRS from different PRS sources does not overlap). The PRS may include PRS resources of a frequency layer and / or a set of PRS resources. The DL PRS positioning frequency layer (or simply frequency layer) is a collection of DL PRS resource sets from one or more TRPs, where the PRS resources have parameters defined by higher-layer parameters. DL- PRS-PositioningFrequencyLayer , DL-PRS-ResourceSet and DL-PRS-Resource Commonly configured parameters. Each frequency layer has a DL PRS subcarrier spacing (SCS) for the DL PRS resource set and DL PRS resources in that frequency layer. Each frequency layer has a DL PRS cyclic prefix (CP) for the DL PRS resource set and DL PRS resources in that frequency layer. In 5G, a resource block occupies 12 consecutive subcarriers and a specified number of symbols. A shared resource block is a set of resource blocks that occupy the channel bandwidth. A bandwidth portion (BWP) is a set of consecutive shared resource blocks and may include all shared resource blocks within the channel bandwidth or a subset of such shared resource blocks. Furthermore, the DL PRS point A parameter defines the frequency of a reference resource block (and the lowest subcarrier of that resource block), where DL PRS resources belonging to the same DL PRS resource set have the same point A, and all DL PRS resource sets belonging to the same frequency layer have the same point A. The frequency layers also have the same DL PRS bandwidth, the same starting PRB (and center frequency), and the same comb size value (i.e., the frequency of the PRS resource element per symbol, such that for comb-N, every Nth resource element is a PRS resource element). A PRS resource set is identified by a PRS resource set ID and can be associated with a specific TRP (identified by a cell ID) transmitted by the antenna panel of a base station. The PRS resource ID in a PRS resource set can be associated with an omnidirectional signal and / or with a single beam (and / or beam ID) transmitted from a single base station (where a base station can transmit one or more beams). Each PRS resource in a PRS resource set can be transmitted on a different beam, and thus, a PRS resource (or simply a resource) can also be referred to as a beam. There is no indication as to whether the base station and beam transmitting the PRS on it are known to the UE.

[0080] The TRP can be configured, for example, by instructions received from a server and / or by software within the TRP, to transmit DL PRS according to a schedule. Depending on this schedule, the TRP can transmit DL PRS intermittently (e.g., periodically at consistent intervals from the initial transmission). The TRP can be configured to transmit one or more PRS resource sets. A resource set is a collection of PRS resources spanning a TRP, wherein the resources have the same periodicity, a shared silent mode configuration (if any), and the same cross-slot repetition factor. Each PRS resource set comprises multiple PRS resources, wherein each PRS resource comprises multiple OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) resource elements (REs), which may reside in multiple resource blocks (RBs) within N (or more) consecutive symbols in a time slot. PRS resources (or, in general, reference signal (RS) resources) may be referred to as OFDM PRS resources (or OFDMRS resources). An RB is a set of REs spanning a certain number of one or more consecutive symbols in the time domain and a certain number (12 for 5G RBs) of consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain. Each PRS resource is configured using RE offset, slot offset, and symbol offset within a slot, as well as the number of consecutive symbols that a PRS resource can occupy within a slot. The RE offset defines the initial RE offset of the first symbol within a DL PRS resource in the frequency. The relative RE offsets of the remaining symbols within a DL PRS resource are defined based on the initial offset. The slot offset is the starting slot of the DL PRS resource relative to the corresponding resource set slot offset. The symbol offset determines the starting symbol of the DL PRS resource within the starting slot. Transmitted REs can be repeated across slots, with each transmission referred to as a repetition, allowing for multiple repetitions within a PRS resource. DL PRS resources in a DL PRS resource set are associated with the same TRP, and each DL PRS resource has a DL PRS resource ID. The DL PRS resource ID in a DL PRS resource set is associated with a single beam transmitted from a single TRP (although a TRP can transmit one or more beams).

[0081] RTT positioning is an active positioning technology because RTT uses positioning signals transmitted from the TRP to the UE and from the UE (participating in RTT positioning) to the TRP. The TRP can transmit DL-PRS signals received by the UE, and the UE can transmit SRS (Sound Reference Signal) signals received by multiple TRPs. The Sound Reference Signal may be referred to as SRS or SRS signal. In 5G multi-RTT, coordinated positioning can be used, where the UE transmits a single UL-SRS for positioning received by multiple TRPs, instead of transmitting a separate UL-SRS for positioning for each TRP. A participating TRP will typically search for UEs currently residing on that TRP (the served UE, where the TRP is the serving TRP) and also search for UEs residing on neighboring TRPs (neighbor UEs). A neighboring TRP can be a TRP of a single BTS (Broadband Transceiver Station) (e.g., gNB), or it can be a TRP of one BTS and a TRP of a single BTS. For RTT positioning (including multi-RTT positioning), the DL-PRS and UL-SRS positioning signals in the PRS / SRS positioning signal pair used to determine the RTT (and thus the range between the UE and TRP) may occur close to each other in time, so that the errors caused by UE movement and / or UE clock drift and / or TRP clock drift are within acceptable limits. For example, the signals in the PRS / SRS positioning signal pair may be transmitted from the TRP and the UE within approximately 10 ms of each other. In cases where the SRS for positioning is being transmitted by the UE and the PRS and the SRS for positioning are transmitted close to each other in time, it has been found that this may lead to radio frequency (RF) signal congestion (which may result in excessive noise, etc.) (especially if many UEs are concurrently attempting positioning), and / or may lead to computational congestion at the TRP where many UEs are concurrently attempting to measure.

[0082] RTT positioning can be UE-based or UE-assisted. In UE-based RTT, UE 200 determines the RTT and corresponding range to each of a plurality of TRPs, and determines the location of UE 200 based on the range to the TRP and the known location of the TRP. In UE-assisted RTT, UE 200 measures a positioning signal and provides the measurement information to the TRP, and the TRP determines the RTT and range. The TRP provides the range to a location server, and the server determines the location of UE 200, for example, based on the range to different TRPs. RTT and / or range can be determined by the TRP that receives signals from UE 200, by the TRP in combination with one or more other devices (e.g., one or more other TRPs and / or servers), or by one or more devices other than the TRP that receives signals from UE 200.

[0083] 5G NR supports various positioning technologies. NR-native positioning methods supported in 5G NR include DL-only positioning, UL-only positioning, and DL+UL positioning. Downlink-based positioning methods include DL-TDOA and DL-AoD. Uplink-based positioning methods include UL-TDOA and UL-AoA. Combined DL+UL positioning methods include RTT with one base station and RTT with multiple base stations (multi-RTT).

[0084] Location estimates (e.g., for a UE) may be referred to by other names, such as location estimation, location, positioning, fixed positioning, etc. Location estimates may be geodesic and include coordinates (e.g., latitude, longitude, and possible altitude), or they may be municipal and include street addresses, postal addresses, or some other textual description of the location. Location estimates may be further defined relative to another known location or (e.g., using latitude, longitude, and possible altitude) in absolute terms. Location estimates may include expected errors or uncertainties (e.g., by including areas or volumes that the location is expected to be included with a specified or default confidence level). Location information may include (e.g., one or more satellite signals, PRS, and / or one or more other signals) one or more location signal measurements, and / or one or more values ​​based on one or more location signal measurements (e.g., one or more ranges (possibly including one or more pseudoranges), and / or one or more location estimates, etc.).

[0085] Multi-frequency positioning uses positioning signals from different frequency bands (e.g., satellite signals, terrestrial network (TN) signals, non-terrestrial network (NTN) signals) to determine desired information, such as pseudorange between the target device and the signal source, positioning estimates of the target device, and / or time. Using multi-frequency positioning signals can provide better performance (e.g., positioning estimation speed and / or accuracy) than using single-frequency positioning signals. For example, using multi-frequency positioning signals can help resolve errors caused by the ionosphere. As another example, using multi-frequency positioning signals can improve the performance of high-precision positioning by helping to resolve integer ambiguities in carrier-based positioning. As another example, using multi-frequency positioning signals can provide greater bandwidth, thus providing better time-of-arrival accuracy. As another example, using multi-frequency positioning signals can provide robustness against interference (e.g., by switching from an interfered frequency band to an uninterrupted frequency band). As another example, signals from multiple frequencies can be used to cross-check for damage such as multipath or incorrect orientation. One or more other performance improvements can be implemented additionally or alternatively. While this discussion may focus on SV as a location signal source, the discussion applies to other location signal sources, such as ground-based signal sources and / or other NTN signal sources (e.g., UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle)), or any combination of such signal sources (i.e., NTN and / or TN signal sources).

[0086] Short code signal processing

[0087] As discussed above, positioning can be based on acquiring and measuring (e.g., ToA) long-code positioning signals. Long-code positioning signals have sufficiently long code sequences, for example, 10,230 chips for E5a codes and 330 chips for E5 quasi-pilot (QP) signals, to allow for correlation results with high confidence accuracy. For example, when a 1ms-long PRN code sequence is correlated with a known sequence corresponding to a specific signal source, a time-of-arrival measurement can be generated that is highly accurate and has a high confidence in detecting a positioning signal from the specific signal source. In addition to long-code signals, long-code signal sources can also transmit short-code signals with short PRN code sequences. Short code signals can be transmitted using the same frequency band as long code signals from the same signal source, but have a shorter (potentially much shorter) code sequence (i.e., fewer chips, where each chip is a substantially rectangular pulse in direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) code). Short code signals have less code phase offset to search for, allowing the received signal to correlate with a known (stored) short code signal (i.e., a known short code sequence) for signal detection, and therefore can be acquired much faster than long code signals.

[0088] This article focuses on long-code SPS positioning signals, but this discussion applies to other long-code positioning signals, such as terrestrial network signals or other (non-satellite) non-terrestrial network signals.

[0089] The positioning signal may include a DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) signal and / or may carry low data rate messages, for example, to provide calendar and ephemeris information in an SPS signal.

[0090] Also refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B Within each duration of a data bit (e.g., bits 312, 314), the positioning signal is modulated, and there may be multiple repetitions 320 of a PRN code (pseudo-random noise code) that is unique to the corresponding source of the positioning signal (e.g., one of SV 190 to 193). For example, in GPS L1, there are 20 repetitions of a 1ms PRN sequence for each bit of the data message transmitted by the positioning signal. The repetition 320 during the time period corresponding to the bit with a value of "1" (bit 312 here) can be a non-inverted set 330 of the repetition 320, and the repetition 320 during the time period corresponding to the bit with a value of "0" (bit 314 here) can be an inverted set 340 of the repetition 320. Figure 3B As shown, the example simplified non-inverted PRN code repeat 350 and the example simplified inverted PRN code repeat 360 have opposite polarities, and therefore, if combined, they would be a destructive addition.

[0091] For example Figure 3B As shown, the short code signal 370 includes a code sequence with fewer chips than the long code sequence of repetition 350. The short code signal 370 may have a fixed time relationship relative to the corresponding long code signal, for example, a fixed time offset 380 relative to repetition 350.

[0092] Multiple satellite frequency bands are allocated for satellite use. These bands include the L band for GNSS satellite communications, the C band for communication satellites such as television broadcasting satellites, the X band used by the military and for RADAR applications, and the Ku band (primarily for downlink communications) and Ka band (primarily for uplink communications), with the Ku and Ka bands used for communication satellites. The L band is defined by IEEE as a frequency range from 1 GHz to 2 GHz. The L band is used by GNSS satellite constellations such as GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou, and is divided into various bands, including L1, L2, L5, and L6. Historically, commercial GNSS receivers have used the L1 band for positioning purposes. However, measuring GNSS signals across more than one band can provide improved accuracy and availability.

[0093] Also refer to Figure 4(Similar to other figures, not shown to scale), band diagram 400 shows the GNSS constellation operating on several frequencies in the L-band. The L1 band typically covers frequencies from 1559 MHz to 1606 MHz and includes L1 signals from the GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, GLONASS, and QZSS GNSS constellations. These same constellations also use another frequency in the L2 and / or L5 bands for concurrent transmission. L2 and L5 signals can complement the L1 signals that have been used for many years. For example, the L5 signal has a wider signal bandwidth than the L1 signal, which helps improve positioning performance in multipath environments. Furthermore, using the L5 signal in addition to the L1 signal provides frequency diversity. The L2 and L5 signals are sufficiently far apart from the L1 signal in frequency that different processing paths are typically used to measure the L2 and L5 signals relative to the L1 signal. The L1 band extends within a frequency range 410, which is similar to the frequency range 420 extended by the L2 and L5 bands. Therefore, a similar receiver chain can be used to process signals in the L1 band as well as signals in a combination of the L2 and L5 bands. Frequency range 430, including the L2, L5, and L6 bands, can be processed using different receiver chains (e.g., with a higher sampling rate due to the larger bandwidth of frequency range 430 compared to frequency ranges 410 and 420). While the discussion herein focuses on the L1, L2, L5, and L6 bands, the discussion (including the claims) is not limited to these bands, nor is it limited to satellite signals used in two or three bands.

[0094] The Galilean E5 band comprises the E5a and E5b bands. The center frequency of the E5a band is 1176.45 MHz, and the center frequency of the E5b band is 1207.14 MHz. An E5 quasi-pilot (QP) signal has been introduced, which occupies a narrower portion of the E5 band, has a short code sequence, and provides a simpler signal structure requiring less computation for decoding, thus enabling faster acquisition and positioning. The E5 QP signal will not have an auxiliary code sequence (another code sequence modulating the short code sequence), and therefore the E5 QP signal can be coherently integrated across multiple short code periods without knowing the auxiliary code sequence and without prior synchronization of the auxiliary code sequence. As discussed herein, in addition to rapidly acquiring relevant long-code PRN signals, the E5 QP signal or other short-code PRN signals can be used for one or more purposes.

[0095] Extensive resources are allocated to detecting signals with long PRN codes, especially in cases of high code phase uncertainty. The resources used are likely particularly high for L5 band SPS signals using PRN codes that are typically 10 times longer than those used for L1 band SPS signals.

[0096] refer to Figure 5And further reference Figures 1 to 4 Mobile device 500 includes a processor 510, an interface 520, and a memory 530 communicatively coupled to each other via a bus 540. Even if mentioned in the singular, processor 510 may include one or more processors, interface 520 may include one or more interfaces (e.g., a transceiver including one or more transmitters and one or more receivers), and / or memory 530 may include one or more memories. Mobile device 500 may include... Figure 5 Some or all of the components shown, and may include one or more other components, such as Figure 2 Any of the components shown makes UE 200 an example of mobile device 500. Processor 510 may include one or more components of processor 210. Interface 520 may include one or more components of transceiver 215, such as wireless transmitter 242 and antenna 246, or wireless receiver 244 and antenna 246, or wireless transmitter 242, wireless receiver 244 and antenna 246. Additionally or alternatively, interface 520 may include wired transmitter 252 and / or wired receiver 254. Interface 520 may include SPS receiver 217 and antennas 262, 263 to receive and process satellite signals of different frequencies (e.g., from different frequency bands). Memory 530 may be configured similarly to memory 211, for example including software with processor-readable instructions configured to cause processor 510 to perform functions.

[0097] The description herein may refer to the processor 510 performing functions, but this includes other specific implementations, such as the processor 510 performing software and / or firmware (stored in memory 530). The description herein may refer to the mobile device 500 performing functions, as a shorthand for one or more suitable components of the mobile device 500 (e.g., processor 510 and memory 530) performing those functions. The processor 510 (possibly in conjunction with memory 530 and (if appropriate) interface 520) may include a signal measurement unit 560 and a positioning estimation unit 570. The signal measurement unit 560 may be configured to perform one or more functions for measuring long-code signals and / or short-code (positioning) signals, such as controlling the receiver chain of the mobile device 500 for measuring one or more positioning signals, wherein the mobile device 500 is configured to perform these functions. The receiver chain may be referred to as an RF path (radio frequency path). The positioning estimation unit 570 may be configured to determine one or more positioning estimates of the mobile device 500, for example, using measurements of one or more SPS positioning signals, measurements of one or more ground-based positioning signals, and / or (in addition to PS positioning signals) measurements of one or more NTN positioning signals, wherein the mobile device 500 is configured to perform these functions.

[0098] refer to Figure 6 For further reference Figure 5 The mobile device 600 (which may be an example of mobile device 500) includes one or more antenna systems 610, a processor 620, a first receiver 630, may include a second receiver 640, and includes a clock 650. The processor 620 may be an example of processor 510 and may include memory (e.g., memory 530). The processor 620, receivers 630, 640, and clock 650 are communicatively coupled to each other via bus 660. The antenna system 610 is communicatively coupled to receivers 630, 640, and can be configured to receive a first radio signal 601 and convert it into a first received signal 611, and to receive a second radio signal 602 and convert it into a second received signal 612. Signals 601, 602 may be positioning signals (e.g., PRS or SPS signals) and may be in the same frequency range. Signals 601, 602 originate from a signal source 605, which may be an SV, another NTN signal source, or a terrestrial signal source. For example, the positioning signal 601 may be a short-code PRN signal within a first frequency range, and the positioning signal 602 may be a long-code PRN signal within a second frequency range, which may be the same as, overlap with, or separate from the first frequency range. The mobile device 600 is configured to process the signal 601 for one or more purposes other than accelerating the acquisition of the signal 602.

[0099] Each of receivers 630 and 640 may include a corresponding portion of antenna system 610. For example, receiver 630 may be configured to process signals in a first frequency band and may include a first antenna system (including a first antenna) of antenna system 610 configured to transduce signals in the first frequency band. Similarly, receiver 640 may be configured to process signals in a second frequency band and may include a second antenna system (including a second antenna) of antenna system 610 configured to transduce signals in the second frequency band. The first and second frequency bands may be different, and the antennas of antenna systems 610 corresponding to receivers 630 and 640 may also be different. Receiver 630, combined with processor 620, is configured to receive, acquire, and measure short code PRN signals, and receiver 640, combined with processor 620 (if present), is configured to receive, acquire, and measure short code PRN signals. Receiver 640 is optional and may be omitted from mobile device 600 (e.g., if mobile device 600 detects short code signals for example for environmental detection and / or time maintenance, but does not detect / acquire / measure long code PRN signals).

[0100] refer to Figure 7 For further reference Figure 5 and Figure 6The method 700 for signaling environment detection includes the stages shown. However, method 700 is illustrative and not limiting. Method 700 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing one or more stages concurrently, and / or splitting a single stage into multiple stages. Figure 7 Discussion (with) Figures 8 to 11 The discussion focuses on mobile device 600, but other devices can be used to implement method 700 (or relative to it). Figures 8 to 11 (Any of the methods discussed).

[0101] At stage 710, mobile device 600 enters (e.g., initially or returns to) a low-power mode. Mobile device 600 may enter a low-power mode based on entering a signal-rejection environment (e.g., deep indoors), where it is impossible to acquire and measure one or more signals (e.g., one or more long-code PRN signals) that are desired to be measured. Mobile device 600 may enter a low-power mode by putting one or more parts of mobile device 600 into sleep mode without putting the entire mobile device 600 into sleep mode. For example, receiver 630 and receiver 640 (if present) may enter a low-power mode without putting other parts of mobile device 600 into low-power mode.

[0102] At stage 720, the mobile device 600 wakes up from a low-power state to listen for short-code PRN signals. Intermittent (e.g., periodic) wake-ups to check for the availability of strong SPS signals (e.g., whether the mobile device 600 has moved from deep indoors to outdoors) may be desirable. The mobile device 600 may wake up, for example, after being in a low-power mode for 10, 20, or 30 seconds, or possibly for increased periods (e.g., exponentially increasing periods, such as an initial sleep time of 10 seconds, then 20 seconds, then 40 seconds, etc., although there may be a maximum sleep time, such as two (2) minutes)). The mobile device 600 may use receiver 630 to listen for one or more short-code PRN signals, such as Galileo E5 QP signals. Listening for short-code signals may be more efficient (e.g., using less power and time) for intermittent wake-ups in determining whether the mobile device is in a signal-available environment. Listening for E5 QP signals may be the most efficient way to detect signal availability, at least for L5-only receivers. The mobile device 600 may listen for a limited amount of time at stage 720, for example, hundreds of times (e.g., 300 times or more) the length of the short code signal that the mobile device 600 is listening for. For example, the mobile device 600 may listen for 20 ms or 80 ms.

[0103] At stage 730, mobile device 600 (e.g., processor 620 (e.g., signal measurement unit 560)) determines whether a short code signal has been detected. Mobile device 600 determines whether a short code signal has been detected (i.e., mobile device 600 can identify the signal as a short code signal, even if mobile device 600 does not measure the short code signal to determine information from it (e.g., arrival time, power, etc.)). If mobile device 600 determines that a short code signal has not been detected, or at least does not determine that a short code signal has been detected, the method returns to stage 710 and mobile device 600 returns to low-power mode. If mobile device 600 determines that a short code signal has been detected, method 700 continues to stage 740.

[0104] At stage 740, the mobile device determines that mobile device 600 is in a signal-accessible environment. Mobile device 600 may then proceed with further processing, such as measuring the long code PRN signal corresponding to the short code PRN signal, or using information related to the detected short code PRN signal (e.g., as relative to...). Figure 8 (As discussed). By listening to short code PRN signals, mobile device 600 can determine whether mobile device 600 is in a signal-accessible environment (e.g., location signal-accessible environment) with less power than listening to long code PRN signals, thus providing low-power signaling environment detection.

[0105] refer to Figure 8 For further reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The method 800 for time maintenance includes the stages shown. However, method 800 is illustrative and not limiting. Method 800 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing one or more stages concurrently, and / or splitting a single stage into multiple stages. In method 800, SPS positioning may not be required, but it is desirable to maintain the time uncertainty of mobile device 600 or at least receiver 640 within an acceptable threshold (e.g., to guarantee an acceptable first time fixed (TTFF) when positioning is desired again).

[0106] At stage 810, mobile device 600 determines whether a clock drift threshold has been exceeded. For example, processor 620 may determine, based on the drift history of time (and possibly one or more other parameters, such as temperature) and clock 650, whether the clock drift since the most recent time determination / correction has exceeded the duration of the short code signal PRN sequence. If mobile device 600 determines that the clock drift has exceeded the threshold, method 800 proceeds to stage 820, where a (re)acquisition process is performed to acquire the long code signal to determine the time information, and then method 800 returns to stage 810. If mobile device 600 determines at stage 810 that the clock drift has not exceeded the threshold, method 800 proceeds to stage 830.

[0107] At stage 830, within the search time window, the mobile device 600 listens for short code signals. For example, before the clock drift since the most recent time determination / correction exceeds a percentage (less than 100%) of the short code PRN sequence (e.g., to provide a safety margin for the time of detecting and measuring the short code signal), the processor 620 may cause the receiver 630 to listen for short code signals. The processor 620 may determine when to cause the receiver 630 to listen for short code signals based on historical knowledge of the drift over time (and possibly, one or more other parameters, such as temperature) based on time and clock 650.

[0108] At stage 840, mobile device 600 may determine whether a short code signal has been measured. For example, processor 620 (e.g., signal measurement unit 560) may determine whether a short code signal has been measured to determine timing information. The measured arrival time of short code signals from one or more satellite spacecraft may be used to determine time corrections to adjust the time determined by processor 620 from clock 650. If no short code signal is measured, method 800 returns to stage 810. If a short code signal is measured, method 800 continues to stage 850.

[0109] At stage 850, the mobile device 600 adjusts the time determined by the mobile device 600. For example, the processor 620 adjusts the calibration of the clock 650 used for time determination. Then, method 800 can return to stage 810. By using a short code signal to determine the time update, the power efficiency of maintaining accurate time is improved compared to measuring a long code signal used for time maintenance. Furthermore, if the short code signal is dataless (such as utilizing an E5 QP signal and therefore not modulated with a data sequence), long integration can be performed, resulting in highly sensitive signal acquisition / measurement, for example, higher sensitivity than using a long code signal to determine timing information.

[0110] refer to Figure 9 For further reference Figure 5 and Figure 6The method 900 for estimating and using Doppler frequency shift to search for long code signals includes the stages shown. However, method 900 is illustrative and not limiting. Method 900 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing one or more stages concurrently, and / or splitting a single stage into multiple stages. Method 900 may be particularly useful in devices with only L5 band SPS receivers.

[0111] At stage 910, the mobile device 600 acquires time, mobile device location, and signal source location data (e.g., SV ephemeris data), listens for short code signals, and attempts to measure the Doppler shift of the short code signals. Device location can be a coarse location determined, for example, from E-CID and / or using another technique (e.g., image capture, landmark identification, and distance measurement to landmarks). If a short code signal is received (with sufficient quality, e.g., power level (e.g., RSSI) and / or SNR (signal-to-noise ratio)), the short code signal can be measured to determine its Doppler shift. The Doppler shift can be determined by offsetting the input signal (using multiple assumptions) with a frequency offset from the input signal and / or a reference signal associated with the input signal and identifying the frequency offset that produces the highest correlation.

[0112] At stage 920, the mobile device 600 determines whether a short code signal has been received and measured, and whether the Doppler shift has been determined. If the mobile device 600 determines that the Doppler shift of the short code signal has not been determined, method 900 returns to stage 910. If the mobile device 600 determines that the Doppler shift of the short code signal has been determined, method 900 continues to stage 930.

[0113] At stage 930, mobile device 600 uses the Doppler shift (and possibly one or more Doppler shifts) determined for the short code signal and signal source location data to estimate the Doppler shift of each of one or more other signals. Mobile device 600 (e.g., signal measurement unit 560) can use signal source differentials (e.g., SV differentials) to estimate the Doppler shift of another signal and narrow the frequency search space of the other signal using the estimated Doppler shift. By measuring the short code signal instead of the long code signal, the reference Doppler shift can be determined more quickly and efficiently (e.g., using less power). Mobile device 600 can compare the Doppler shifts of signals 601 and 602 and flag an error if the difference between the Doppler shifts exceeds a threshold (e.g., 25 Hz). If the difference in Doppler shifts exceeds the threshold, mobile device 600 may estimate the Doppler shift of other signal sources (e.g., other SVs) without using the determined short code signal Doppler shift.

[0114] refer to Figure 10 For further reference Figure 5 and Figure 6Method 1000 for detecting errors in a signal (e.g., a positioning signal) includes the stages shown. For example, method 1000 can be used to use an E5 QP signal as an error detection mechanism. However, method 1000 is illustrative and not limiting. Method 1000 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing one or more stages concurrently, and / or splitting a single stage into multiple stages.

[0115] At stage 1010, the mobile device 600 measures the phase of the short code signal, for example, using a first receiver 630. For example, the first receiver 630 (including a suitable antenna system of antenna system 610) receives the short code signal (e.g., an E5 Qp signal) and measures the phase of the short code signal, for example, the code phase.

[0116] At stage 1010, the mobile device 600 measures the phase of the short code signal, for example, using a first receiver 630. For example, the first receiver 630 (including a suitable antenna system of antenna system 610) receives signal 601 (in this example, which is a short code signal (e.g., an E5 QP signal)) and measures the phase of the short code signal, for example, the code phase.

[0117] At stage 1020, the mobile device 600 measures the phase of the long code signal, for example, using a second receiver 640 (where the mobile device 600 includes a second receiver 640). For example, the second receiver 640 (including a suitable antenna system of antenna system 610) receives signal 602 (in this example, which is a long code signal (e.g., an E5a or E5b signal)) and measures the phase of the long code signal, for example, the code phase. Signals 601 and 602 are received from the same signal source (here, signal source 605, for example, the same SV).

[0118] At stage 1030, the mobile device 600 compares the phases determined at stages 1010 and 1020 and determines whether the phases of the short code signal and the long code signal are consistent. For example, the mobile device 600 may determine whether the code phases of signals 601 and 602 are within a constant offset + / - offset error threshold (e.g., 100m). If the phases of signals 601 and 602 are consistent, method 1000 continues to stage 1050, where the mobile device 600 continues to perform any desired signal processing (e.g., range estimation and / or positioning estimation, etc.). If the phases of signals 601 and 602 are inconsistent (e.g., due to signal interference, signal spoofing, etc.), then an error exists in at least one of signals 601 and 602 and / or in the processing (e.g., measurement) of at least one of signals 601 and 602, and method 1000 continues to stage 1040.

[0119] At stage 1040, the mobile device 600 performs one or more mitigation actions to attempt to reduce the impact of errors in the received signal and / or errors in processing the received signal. For example, the mobile device 600 (e.g., processor 620) may change (e.g., reset to default) one or more parameters of the tracking channel of the first receiver 630 (e.g., one or more parameters of the tracking loop 632), and / or one or more parameters of the tracking channel of the second receiver 640 (e.g., one or more parameters of the tracking loop 642). The tracking channel may be reset to perform the acquisition of the corresponding signal. One or more tracking channel parameters may be set based on some knowledge (e.g., receiver positioning) such that one or more parameters (e.g., channel orientation (signal direction)) may not be set to their respective default values. This can help speed up the reacquisition process, for example, if the tracking channel parameters are close to the values ​​that should be used to acquire the corresponding signal. Based on the detection of inconsistencies, one or more signal characteristics may be analyzed to attempt to determine whether any signal in the measured signals is good. For example, received signal strength may be used to determine whether the received signal is good, e.g., where a received signal strength above a threshold indicates a spoofing signal, or where a stronger received signal in the received signal is determined to be good as long as it is not otherwise determined to be a bad signal (e.g., a spoofing signal). Additionally or alternatively, processor 620 may mark one or more measurements of signals 601, 602 as suspicious or unavailable, such that processor 620 (and / or another (e.g., higher-level) entity) determines how to process the marked measurements (e.g., whether to use the measurement, whether to reduce the weight of the measurement, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, one or more other mitigation actions may be taken to attempt to reduce (e.g., minimize) the impact of erroneous signals (e.g., erroneous signal reception and / or processing).

[0120] refer to Figure 11 For further reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 Method 1100 for dual-signal tracking includes the stages shown. However, method 1100 is illustrative and not limiting. Method 1100 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing one or more stages concurrently, and / or splitting a single stage into multiple stages. In method 1100, different signals can be measured / tracked using different values ​​of one or more measurement / tracking parameters, which can provide different beneficial qualities to the signals that allow measurement / tracking under different conditions.

[0121] At stage 1110, the mobile device 600 measures the short code signal using the measurement / tracking parameters and corresponding parameter values ​​of the first parameter set. For example, the measurement at stage 1110 may have a relatively long coherent integration time (PDI (Pre-Detection Interval)). A long coherent integration time can be used if the short code signal is not data modulated (e.g., using an E5 QP signal), or if the short code signal is data modulated and the data pattern is known. The relatively long integration time provides good sensitivity, allowing signal measurement under weak signal conditions. Furthermore or alternatively, the measurement at stage 1110 may have a relatively low tracking loop bandwidth (e.g., phase-locked loop bandwidth or frequency-locked loop bandwidth).

[0122] At stage 1120, the mobile device 600 measures the long code signal (from the same signal source as the short code signal measured at stage 1110, e.g., the same SV) using the measurement / tracking parameters and corresponding parameter values ​​of the second parameter set. The first and second parameter sets may have different sets of parameters and / or one or more different parameter values. For example, since the long code signal (e.g., an E5a or E5b signal) is modulated with an unknown data mode, the measurement at stage 1120 may have a relatively short coherent integration time (e.g., shorter than the integration time at stage 1110). Furthermore or alternatively, the measurement at stage 1120 may have a relatively high tracking loop bandwidth (e.g., phase-locked loop bandwidth or frequency-locked loop bandwidth). The relatively high bandwidth (e.g., higher than the bandwidth at stage 1110) can provide acceptable signal measurements when greater signal dynamics (i.e., changes in code phase and / or changes in carrier phase) are present.

[0123] At stage 1130, mobile device 600 selects one or more signal measurements from stages 1110 and 1120 for use in desired processing (e.g., range determination, location estimation, etc.). For example, under good signal conditions (e.g., strong signal, low signal dynamics), mobile device 600 (e.g., location estimation unit 570) can use signal measurements from both stages 1110 and 1120 to determine the location estimate of mobile device 600. Alternatively, under weak signal conditions, mobile device 600 may use only the measurements from stage 1110 for further processing. Similarly, in the presence of high signal dynamics, mobile device 600 may use only the measurements from stage 1120 for further processing. Selective processing at stage 1130 allows adaptation to different signal conditions while achieving the desired result, such as accurate location estimation. The combination of different measurements at stages 1110 and 1120 with selective processing at stage 1130 allows for improved measurement / processing quality, reliability, and / or availability. For example, in cases where long code signal tracking is impaired, short code signal tracking can be used to enhance long code signal tracking.

[0124] refer to Figure 12 For further reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The method 1200 for dual-signal tracking includes the stages shown. However, method 1200 is illustrative and not limiting. Method 1200 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing one or more stages concurrently, and / or splitting a single stage into multiple stages.

[0125] At stage 1210, the mobile device 600 measures the short code signal using the measurement / tracking parameters and corresponding parameter values ​​of the first parameter set. The mobile device 600 determines a first correlation output (e.g., having real and imaginary values, or amplitude and phase values).

[0126] At stage 1220, the mobile device 600 measures the long code signal (from the same signal source as the short code signal measured at stage 1110, e.g., the same SV) using the measurement / tracking parameters and corresponding parameter values ​​of the second parameter set. The first and second parameter sets may be the same or different, having different sets of parameters and / or one or more different parameter values. The mobile device 600 determines a second correlation output (e.g., having real and imaginary values, or amplitude and phase values).

[0127] At stage 1230, the mobile device 600 combines the first correlation output and the second correlation output. For example, if the tracking parameter sets used to measure the short code signal and the long code signal are the same, the mobile device 600 can coherently combine the first correlation output and the second correlation output (e.g., add them). Alternatively, even if the tracking parameter sets used to measure the short code signal and the long code signal are different, the mobile device 600 can incoherently combine the first correlation output and the second correlation output (e.g., add them). For example, the mobile device 600 can combine the amplitudes of the first correlation output and the second correlation output (e.g., the energy corresponding to the squared amplitude). Combining the first correlation output and the second correlation output can provide an improved SNR for signal detection and measurement.

[0128] refer to Figure 13 For further reference Figures 1 to 12 The method 1300 for measuring short code phase signals, at least using an attempt, includes the stages shown. However, method 1300 is illustrative and not limiting. Method 1300 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing one or more stages concurrently, and / or splitting a single stage into multiple stages. An example using an E5 QP signal is provided below, but this disclosure is not limited to that short code signal and is not limited to receiving (or detecting or measuring) satellite signals (also known as SV signals).

[0129] At stage 1310, method 1300 includes listening at a device to a first signal from a first signal source to determine a first measurement result. The first signal has a first code sequence that is shorter than a second code sequence of a second signal from the first signal source. For example, mobile device 600 (e.g., first receiver 630) may (e.g., at stage 720) listen to signal 601, wherein signal 601 has a shorter code sequence (fewer chips) than the code sequence of signal 602. Receiver 610 (e.g., including an antenna system (e.g., an antenna, and possibly, front-end circuitry)) may include components for listening to the first signal.

[0130] At stage 1320, method 1300 includes determining, at the device and based on a first measurement result, at least one of the following: a signal environment of the device, a time indication, a Doppler shift of a first signal, whether a first phase of the first signal coincides with a second phase of a second signal, and a combination of the first measurement result and a second measurement result including a measurement of the second signal. For example, using a measurement lacking signal 601, processor 620 may determine the environment of mobile device 600, or using a measurement of signal 601, processor 620 may determine time, or the Doppler shift of signal 601, or phase coincidence with a measurement of signal 602, or a combination of measurements of signals 601 and 602. Processor 620 may include components for determination.

[0131] Specific implementations of method 1300 may include one or more of the following features. In an example implementation, method 1300 further includes: entering a low-power mode by the device; waking up from the low-power mode to listen for a first signal; and re-entering the low-power mode based on a first measurement result that failed to successfully measure the first signal for a threshold duration. For example, at stage 710, mobile device 600 may enter a low-power mode (e.g., a portion of mobile device 600 (less than all), such as receiver 630), and at stage 720 may wake up from the low-power mode to listen for a short code signal, such as signal 601. If mobile device 600 fails to successfully measure signal 601 (e.g., because signal 601 is not present, or too weak to be measured), mobile device 600 may return to stage 710. Processor 620 combined with receiver 630 may include components for entering a low-power mode, components for waking up from a low-power mode, and components for re-entering a low-power mode. In another example implementation, method 1300 includes measuring a first signal at multiple times, wherein determining includes determining a time indication for each of the multiple times in which the first signal is measured. For example, processor 620 measures signal 601 at multiple times and determines a time indication for each measurement, for example, processor 620 may use the time indication to adjust the time maintained by processor 620 using clock 650. For example, processor 620 may measure signal 601 and adjust the time according to method 800. Processor 620 may include components for measuring the first signal at multiple times. In another example implementation, method 1300 includes measuring the first signal, wherein determining includes determining the Doppler shift of the first signal, and the method further includes estimating the Doppler shift of a third signal from a second signal source separate from the first signal source. For example, according to method 900, processor 620 may determine the Doppler shift of signal 601 and estimate the Doppler shift of one or more signals transmitted by one or more other signal sources (i.e., signal sources other than the source of signal 601, e.g., SVs other than the SV that transmits signal 601). Processor 620 may include means for determining the Doppler shift of the first signal 601 and estimating the Doppler shift of a third signal from a second signal source. In another example embodiment, method 1300 includes measuring the first signal and measuring the second signal, wherein determining includes determining whether a first phase of the first signal coincides with a second phase of the second signal, and method 1300 further includes, at a device, performing a mitigation action based on the inconsistency between the first phase of the first signal and the second phase of the second signal. For example, according to method 1000, the processor may determine a difference between the phases of signals from the same signal source and take appropriate mitigation actions based on the difference. Processor 620 may include means for measuring the first and second signals, determining the phases of the signals, and performing mitigation actions.

[0132] Additionally or alternatively, specific implementations of method 1300 may include one or more of the following features. In an example implementation, method 1300 includes measuring a first signal, wherein the method further includes measuring a second signal differently from measuring the first signal. For example, according to method 1100, processor 620, combined with first receiver 630 and second receiver 640, may measure signals 601, 602 using different measurement parameters / parameter values. Processor 620, combined with receivers 630, 640, may include components for measuring the second signal differently from the first signal. In another example implementation, method 1300 includes measuring the first signal by integrating over a first coherent integration time, and measuring the second signal by integrating over a second coherent integration time, the second coherent integration time being shorter than the first coherent integration time. For example, processor 620 may coherently integrate the first signal 601 for a longer duration than the second signal 602, for example, by integrating the signal 602 for at most one bit due to data modulation and by integrating the signal 601 for a longer duration based on the absence of data modulation on the signal 601 (e.g., an E5 QP signal). Processor 620 may include components for integrating the first signal and components for integrating the second signal.

[0133] Additionally or alternatively, specific implementations of method 1300 may include one or more of the following features. In an example implementation, method 1300 includes measuring a first signal and measuring a second signal, wherein determining includes coherently combining a first correlation output of the first measurement result with a second correlation output of the second measurement result. For example, according to method 1200, a processor 620 combined with receivers 630 and 640 may measure signals 601 and 602 and coherently combine the measured correlation outputs. The processor 620 combined with receivers 630 and 640 may include components for measuring the first and second signals, and the processor 620 may include components for coherently combining the correlation outputs. In another example implementation, method 1300 includes measuring a first signal and measuring a second signal, wherein determining includes incoherently combining a first correlation output of the first measurement result with a second correlation output of the second measurement result. For example, according to method 1200, a processor 620 combined with receivers 630 and 640 may measure signals 601 and 602 and incoherently combine the measured correlation outputs. The processor 620, combined with receivers 630 and 640, may include components for measuring the first and second signals, and the processor 620 may include components for incoherently combining the relevant outputs.

[0134] Specific implementation examples

[0135] Specific implementation examples are provided in the following numbered clauses.

[0136] Clause 1. A method for measuring a short code phase signal using at least one attempt, the method comprising: At the device, a first signal from a first signal source is listened to to determine a first measurement result, the first signal having a first code sequence, the first code sequence being shorter than a second code sequence of a second signal from the first signal source; and At the device and based on the first measurement result, at least one of the following is determined: the device's signal environment, time indication, Doppler shift of the first signal, whether the first phase of the first signal coincides with the second phase of the second signal, and a combination of the first measurement result and a second measurement result including the second signal.

[0137] Clause 2. The method described in Clause 1, further comprising: The device enters a low-power mode; Awaken from the low-power mode to listen for the first signal; and Based on the first measurement result, it was not possible to re-enter the low-power mode by measuring the first signal within the threshold duration.

[0138] Clause 3. The method according to Clause 1, the method further comprising: measuring the first signal at a plurality of times, wherein the determination includes determining the time indication of each of the plurality of times at which the first signal is measured.

[0139] Clause 4. The method according to Clause 1, the method further comprising: measuring the first signal, wherein the determination includes determining the Doppler frequency shift of the first signal, and the method further comprising: estimating the Doppler frequency shift of a third signal from a second signal source separate from the first signal source.

[0140] Clause 5. The method according to Clause 1, the method further comprising: measuring the first signal and measuring the second signal, wherein the determination includes determining whether the first phase of the first signal is consistent with the second phase of the second signal, and the method further comprising: at the device, performing a mitigation action based on the inconsistency between the first phase of the first signal and the second phase of the second signal.

[0141] Clause 6. The method according to Clause 1, the method further comprising: measuring the first signal, wherein the method further comprises: measuring the second signal differently from measuring the first signal.

[0142] Clause 7. The method according to Clause 6, wherein measuring the first signal includes integration over a first coherent integration time, and measuring the second signal includes integration over a second coherent integration time, the second coherent integration time being shorter than the first coherent integration time.

[0143] Clause 8. The method according to Clause 1, the method further comprising: measuring the first signal and measuring the second signal, wherein the determination includes coherently combining a first correlation output of the first measurement result with a second correlation output of the second measurement result.

[0144] Clause 9. The method according to Clause 1, the method further comprising: measuring the first signal and measuring the second signal, wherein the determination includes incoherently combining a first correlation output of the first measurement result with a second correlation output of the second measurement result.

[0145] Clause 10. An apparatus comprising: At least one receiver, configured to listen for a first signal from a first signal source, the first signal having a first code sequence shorter than a second code sequence of a second signal from the first signal source; and At least one processor, which is communicatively coupled to the at least one receiver and configured to: A first measurement result is determined based on the first signal detected by the at least one receiver; and Based on the first measurement result, at least one of the following is determined: the presence / absence of the first signal, a time indication, the Doppler shift of the first signal, whether the first phase of the first signal coincides with the second phase of the second signal, and a combination of the first measurement result and a second measurement result including the second signal.

[0146] Clause 11. The apparatus according to Clause 10, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Put the device into a low-power mode; Intermittently waking the device from the low-power mode to listen for the first signal; and The device re-enters the low-power mode based on the first measurement result failing to successfully measure the first signal within the threshold duration.

[0147] Clause 12. The apparatus according to Clause 10, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: measure the first signal at a plurality of times, and determine the time indication of each of the plurality of times at which the first signal is measured.

[0148] Clause 13. The apparatus according to Clause 10, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: measure the first signal, determine the Doppler shift of the first signal, and estimate the Doppler shift of a third signal from a second signal source separate from the first signal source.

[0149] Clause 14. The apparatus according to Clause 10, wherein the at least one receiver is configured to listen for the second signal from the first, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to: Measure the first signal; Measure the second signal; Determine whether the first phase of the first signal is consistent with the second phase of the second signal; and The mitigation action is performed based on the inconsistency between the first phase of the first signal and the second phase of the second signal.

[0150] Clause 15. The apparatus according to Clause 10, wherein the at least one receiver is configured to listen for the second signal from the first, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to: Measure the first signal; and The second signal is measured differently from the first signal.

[0151] Clause 16. The apparatus of Clause 15, wherein the at least one processor is configured to integrate the first signal with a first coherent integration time and integrate the second signal with a second coherent integration time, the second coherent integration time being shorter than the first coherent integration time.

[0152] Clause 17. The apparatus according to Clause 10, wherein the at least one receiver is configured to listen for the second signal from the first, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to: Measure the first signal; Measure the second signal; and The first correlation output of the first measurement result is coherently combined with the second correlation output of the second measurement result.

[0153] Clause 18. The apparatus according to Clause 10, wherein the at least one receiver is configured to listen for the second signal from the first, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to: Measure the first signal; Measure the second signal; and The first correlation output of the first measurement result and the second correlation output of the second measurement result are incoherently combined.

[0154] Clause 19. An apparatus comprising: A component for listening to a first signal from a first signal source to determine a first measurement result, the first signal having a first code sequence, the first code sequence being shorter than a second code sequence of a second signal from the first signal source; and The component is used to perform the following operations: determining, based on the first measurement result, at least one of the following: the signal environment of the device, a time indication, the Doppler shift of the first signal, whether the first phase of the first signal coincides with the second phase of the second signal, and a combination of the first measurement result and a second measurement result including the second signal.

[0155] Clause 20. The apparatus according to Clause 19, further comprising: Components for entering low-power mode by the device; Components for waking up from the low-power mode to listen for the first signal; and A component for re-entering the low-power mode based on the failure of the first measurement result to successfully measure the first signal within the threshold duration.

[0156] Clause 21. The apparatus according to Clause 19, the apparatus further comprising: means for measuring the first signal at a plurality of times, wherein the means for determining includes means for determining the time indication of each of the plurality of times at which the first signal is measured.

[0157] Clause 22. The apparatus according to Clause 19, the apparatus further comprising: means for measuring the first signal, wherein the means for determining includes means for determining the Doppler frequency shift of the first signal, and the apparatus further comprising: means for estimating the Doppler frequency shift of a third signal from a second signal source separate from the first signal source.

[0158] Clause 23. The apparatus according to Clause 19, the apparatus further comprising: means for measuring the first signal and measuring the second signal, wherein the means for determining includes means for determining whether the first phase of the first signal is consistent with the second phase of the second signal, and the apparatus further comprising means for performing a mitigation action at the apparatus based on the inconsistency between the first phase of the first signal and the second phase of the second signal.

[0159] Clause 24. The apparatus according to Clause 19, the apparatus further comprising: means for measuring the first signal, wherein the apparatus further comprises: means for measuring the second signal differently from measuring the first signal.

[0160] Clause 25. The apparatus of Clause 24, wherein the component for measuring the first signal includes a component for integrating with a first coherent integration time, and the component for measuring the second signal includes a component for integrating with a second coherent integration time, the second coherent integration time being shorter than the first coherent integration time.

[0161] Clause 26. The apparatus according to Clause 19, further comprising: means for measuring the first signal and measuring the second signal, wherein the means for determining includes means for coherently combining a first correlation output of the first measurement result with a second correlation output of the second measurement result.

[0162] Clause 27. The apparatus according to Clause 19, further comprising: means for measuring the first signal and measuring the second signal, wherein the means for determining includes means for incoherently combining a first correlation output of the first measurement result with a second correlation output of the second measurement result.

[0163] Clause 28. A non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions to cause at least one processor of the device to: for at least one attempt to measure a short code phase signal Listening to a first signal from a first signal source to determine a first measurement result, the first signal having a first code sequence, the first code sequence being shorter than a second code sequence of a second signal from the first signal source; and Based on the first measurement result, at least one of the following is determined: the signal environment of the device, time indication, Doppler shift of the first signal, whether the first phase of the first signal is consistent with the second phase of the second signal, and a combination of the first measurement result and a second measurement result including the second signal.

[0164] Clause 29. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium according to Clause 28, the non-transitory processor-readable storage medium further comprising processor-readable instructions to cause the at least one processor to: Put the device into a low-power mode; The device is awakened from the low-power mode to listen for the first signal; and The device re-enters the low-power mode based on the first measurement result failing to successfully measure the first signal within the threshold duration.

[0165] Clause 30. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium according to Clause 28, the non-transitory processor-readable storage medium further comprising processor-readable instructions to cause the at least one processor to measure the first signal at a plurality of times, wherein the processor-readable instructions cause the at least one processor to determine the time indication including processor-readable instructions to cause the at least one processor to determine each of the plurality of times in which the first signal is measured.

[0166] Clause 31. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium according to Clause 28, the non-transitory processor-readable storage medium further comprising processor-readable instructions to cause the at least one processor to measure the first signal, wherein the processor-readable instructions cause the at least one processor to determine the Doppler frequency shift of the first signal, and the non-transitory processor-readable storage medium further comprises processor-readable instructions to cause the at least one processor to estimate the Doppler frequency shift of a third signal from a second signal source separate from the first signal source.

[0167] Clause 32. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium according to Clause 28, the non-transitory processor-readable storage medium further includes processor-readable instructions to cause the at least one processor to measure the first signal and measure the second signal, wherein the processor-readable instructions cause the at least one processor to determine whether the first phase of the first signal is consistent with the second phase of the second signal, and the non-transitory processor-readable storage medium further includes processor-readable instructions to cause the at least one processor to perform a mitigation action based on the inconsistency between the first phase of the first signal and the second phase of the second signal.

[0168] Clause 33. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium according to Clause 28, the non-transitory processor-readable storage medium further comprising processor-readable instructions to cause the at least one processor to measure the first signal, wherein the non-transitory processor-readable storage medium further comprises processor-readable instructions to cause the at least one processor to measure the second signal differently from measuring the first signal.

[0169] Clause 34. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium according to Clause 33, wherein the processor-readable instructions to cause the at least one processor to measure the first signal include processor-readable instructions to cause the at least one processor to integrate for a first coherent integration time, and the processor-readable instructions to cause the at least one processor to measure the second signal include processor-readable instructions to cause the at least one processor to integrate for a second coherent integration time, the second coherent integration time being shorter than the first coherent integration time.

[0170] Clause 35. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium according to Clause 28, the non-transitory processor-readable storage medium further includes processor-readable instructions to cause the at least one processor to measure the first signal and includes processor-readable instructions to cause the at least one processor to measure the second signal, wherein the processor-readable instructions cause the at least one processor to determine that the at least one processor includes processor-readable instructions to cause the at least one processor to coherently combine a first correlation output of the first measurement result with a second correlation output of the second measurement result.

[0171] Clause 36. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium according to Clause 28, the non-transitory processor-readable storage medium further includes processor-readable instructions to cause the at least one processor to measure the first signal and includes processor-readable instructions to cause the at least one processor to measure the second signal, wherein the processor-readable instructions cause the at least one processor to determine that the at least one processor includes processor-readable instructions to cause the at least one processor to incoherently combine a first correlation output of the first measurement result with a second correlation output of the second measurement result.

[0172] Other considerations

[0173] Other examples and specific implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software and computers, the functions described above can be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or any combination thereof executed by a processor. Features implementing the functions can also be physically located in various locations, including various portions distributed such that the functions are implemented in different physical locations.

[0174] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, references to a device in the singular form included in the claims (e.g., “device,” “the device”) include at least one such device (i.e., one or more) (e.g., “processor” includes at least one processor (e.g., one processor, two processors, etc.), “the processor” includes at least one processor, “memory” includes at least one memory, “the memory” includes at least one memory, etc.). The phrases “at least one” and “one or more” are used interchangeably, and such that the object referred to by “at least one” and the object referred to by “one or more” include embodiments having one referred object and embodiments having multiple referred objects. For example, “at least one processor” and “one or more processors” each include embodiments having one processor and embodiments having multiple processors. Furthermore, as used herein, “set” includes one or more members, and a “subset” contains fewer members than all members of the set to which the subset belongs.

[0175] As used herein, the term "comprising" indicates the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0176] Furthermore, as used herein, an item enumeration followed by "at least one of..." or "one or more of..." indicates a disjunctive enumeration, such that an enumeration of, for example, "at least one of A, B, or C", or "at least one of A, B, and C", or "one or more of A, B, or C", or "one or more of A, B, and C", or "A or B or C" represents A or B or C or AB (A and B) or AC (A and C) or BC (B and C) or ABC (i.e., A and B and C), or a combination having more than one feature (e.g., AA, AAB, ABBC, etc.). Therefore, a statement that an item (e.g., a processor) is configured to perform a function relating to at least one of A or B, or a statement that an item is configured to perform function A or function B, indicates that the item can be configured to perform a function relating to A, or can be configured to perform a function relating to B, or can be configured to perform a function relating to A and B. For example, the phrase "a processor configured to measure at least one of A or B" or "a processor configured to measure A or measure B" means that the processor can be configured to measure A (and may or may not be configured to measure B), or can be configured to measure B (and may or may not be configured to measure A), or can be configured to measure both A and B (and can be configured to select which of A and B or measure both). Similarly, a description of a component for measuring at least one of A or B includes: a component for measuring A (which may or may not be able to measure B), or a component for measuring B (which may or may not be configured to measure A), or a component for measuring A and B (which may be able to select which of A and B or measure both). As another example, a description of an item (e.g., a processor) being configured to perform at least one of function X or function Y means that the item can be configured to perform function X, or can be configured to perform function Y, or can be configured to perform both functions X and Y. For example, the phrase "processor configured to measure at least one of X or Y" means that the processor can be configured to measure X (and may or may not be configured to measure Y), or can be configured to measure Y (and may or may not be configured to measure X), or can be configured to measure both X and Y (and can be configured to select which of X and Y or measure both).

[0177] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, a description of a function or operation as “based on” an item or condition means that the function or operation is based on the described item or condition and may be based on one or more items and / or conditions in addition to the described item or condition.

[0178] Substantial changes can be made depending on specific requirements. For example, custom hardware may be used, and / or specific elements may be implemented in the hardware, in software executed by the processor (including portable software such as applets), or both. Furthermore, connections to other computing devices, such as network input / output devices, may be employed. Unless otherwise specified, components shown in the figures and / or discussed herein that are connected or communicate with each other (functionally or otherwise) are communicatively coupled. That is, these components may be connected directly or indirectly to enable communication between them.

[0179] The systems and devices discussed above are examples. Various configurations may appropriately omit, substitute, or add various processes or components. For example, features described with respect to certain configurations may be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of a configuration may be combined in a similar manner. Furthermore, technology is constantly evolving, and therefore many elements are examples and do not limit the scope of this disclosure or the claims.

[0180] A wireless communication system is a system in which communication is wirelessly transmitted between wireless communication devices, that is, through the propagation of electromagnetic waves and / or sound waves through the atmosphere rather than through wires or other physical connections. A wireless communication system (also called a wireless communication system or wireless communication network) may not transmit all communication wirelessly, but is configured to transmit at least some communication wirelessly. Furthermore, the term "wireless communication device" or similar terms do not require the device to be functionally exclusive or even primarily used for communication, do not require that communication using the wireless communication device be exclusive or even primarily wireless, and do not require that the device be a mobile device, but rather indicate that the device includes wireless communication capabilities (one-way or two-way), for example, including at least one radio component (each radio component being part of a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver) for wireless communication.

[0181] Specific details are provided in this description to offer a thorough understanding of the example configurations, including specific implementations. However, the configurations can be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring these configurations. The description herein provides example configurations and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claims. Rather, the preceding description of the configurations provides a description for implementing the described techniques. Various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements.

[0182] As used herein, the terms “processor-readable medium,” “machine-readable medium,” and “computer-readable medium” refer to any medium that participates in providing data that enables a machine to operate in a particular manner. Using a computing platform, various processor-readable media may involve providing instructions / code to a processor for execution, and / or may be used to store and / or carry such instructions / code (e.g., as signals). In many specific implementations, processor-readable media are physical and / or tangible storage media. Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile and volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical discs and / or magnetic disks. Volatile media include, but are not limited to, dynamic memory.

[0183] Having described several example configurations, various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents can be used. For example, the above elements can be components of a larger system, where other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of this disclosure. Furthermore, several operations may be performed before, during, or after considering the above elements. Accordingly, the above description does not limit the scope of the claims.

[0184] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "about" and / or "approximately" as used herein when referring to measurable values ​​(such as quantities, durations of time, etc.) cover variations of ±20%, ±10%, ±5%, or ±0.1% from the specified value, as appropriate in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other specific embodiments described herein. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated, the term "substantially" as used herein when referring to measurable values ​​(such as quantities, durations of time, physical properties (such as frequencies), etc.) also covers variations of ±20%, ±10%, ±5%, or ±0.1% from the specified value, as appropriate in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other specific embodiments described herein.

[0185] A statement that a value exceeds (or is greater than or higher than) a first threshold is equivalent to a statement that a value meets or exceeds a second threshold slightly greater than the first threshold. For example, in the resolution of the computing system, the second threshold is one value higher than the first threshold. A statement that a value is less than the first threshold (or within or below the first threshold) is equivalent to a statement that a value is less than or equal to a second threshold slightly lower than the first threshold. For example, in the resolution of the computing system, the second threshold is one value lower than the first threshold.

Claims

1. A method for measuring a short code phase signal using at least one trial, the method comprising: At the device, a first signal from a first signal source is listened to to determine a first measurement result, the first signal having a first code sequence, the first code sequence being shorter than a second code sequence of a second signal from the first signal source; as well as At the device and based on the first measurement result, at least one of the following is determined: the device's signal environment, time indication, Doppler shift of the first signal, whether the first phase of the first signal coincides with the second phase of the second signal, and a combination of the first measurement result and a second measurement result including the second signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The device enters a low-power mode; Awaken from the low-power mode to listen for the first signal; as well as Based on the first measurement result, it was not possible to re-enter the low-power mode by measuring the first signal within the threshold duration.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The first signal is measured at multiple times, wherein the determination includes determining the time indication for each of the multiple times at which the first signal is measured.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The method further includes measuring the first signal, wherein the determination includes determining the Doppler frequency shift of the first signal, and the method further includes estimating the Doppler frequency shift of a third signal from a second signal source separate from the first signal source.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Measuring the first signal and measuring the second signal, wherein the determination includes determining whether the first phase of the first signal is consistent with the second phase of the second signal, and the method further includes: at the device, performing a mitigation action based on the inconsistency between the first phase of the first signal and the second phase of the second signal.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The method further includes measuring the first signal, wherein the method also includes measuring the second signal differently from measuring the first signal.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein measuring the first signal includes integrating over a first coherent integration time, and measuring the second signal includes integrating over a second coherent integration time, the second coherent integration time being shorter than the first coherent integration time.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Measuring the first signal and measuring the second signal, wherein the determination includes coherently combining a first correlation output of the first measurement result with a second correlation output of the second measurement result.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Measuring the first signal and measuring the second signal, wherein the determination includes incoherently combining a first correlation output of the first measurement result with a second correlation output of the second measurement result.

10. An apparatus comprising: At least one receiver is configured to listen for a first signal from a first signal source, the first signal having a first code sequence that is shorter than a second code sequence of a second signal from the first signal source. and At least one processor, which is communicatively coupled to the at least one receiver and configured to: The first measurement result is determined based on the first signal being listened to by the at least one receiver; as well as Based on the first measurement result, at least one of the following is determined: the presence / absence of the first signal, a time indication, the Doppler shift of the first signal, whether the first phase of the first signal coincides with the second phase of the second signal, and a combination of the first measurement result and a second measurement result including the second signal.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Put the device into a low-power mode; Intermittently waking the device from the low-power mode to listen for the first signal; and The device re-enters the low-power mode based on the first measurement result failing to successfully measure the first signal within the threshold duration.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: measure the first signal at a plurality of times, and determine the time indication for each of the plurality of times at which the first signal is measured.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: measure the first signal, determine the Doppler shift of the first signal, and estimate the Doppler shift of a third signal from a second signal source separate from the first signal source.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one receiver is configured to listen for the second signal from the first, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to: Measure the first signal; Measure the second signal; Determine whether the first phase of the first signal is consistent with the second phase of the second signal; and The mitigation action is performed based on the inconsistency between the first phase of the first signal and the second phase of the second signal.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one receiver is configured to listen for the second signal from the first, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to: Measure the first signal; and The second signal is measured differently from the first signal.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is configured to integrate the first signal with a first coherent integration time and integrate the second signal with a second coherent integration time, the second coherent integration time being shorter than the first coherent integration time.

17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one receiver is configured to listen for the second signal from the first, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to: Measure the first signal; Measure the second signal; and The first correlation output of the first measurement result is coherently combined with the second correlation output of the second measurement result.

18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one receiver is configured to listen for the second signal from the first, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to: Measure the first signal; Measure the second signal; and The first correlation output of the first measurement result and the second correlation output of the second measurement result are incoherently combined.

19. An apparatus comprising: A component for listening to a first signal from a first signal source to determine a first measurement result, the first signal having a first code sequence that is shorter than a second code sequence of a second signal from the first signal source; and The component is used to perform the following operations: determining, based on the first measurement result, at least one of the following: the signal environment of the device, a time indication, the Doppler shift of the first signal, whether the first phase of the first signal coincides with the second phase of the second signal, and a combination of the first measurement result and a second measurement result including the second signal.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising: Components for entering low-power mode by the device; Components for waking up from the low-power mode to listen for the first signal; and A component for re-entering the low-power mode based on the failure of the first measurement result to successfully measure the first signal within the threshold duration.

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