Method and apparatus for switching between wireless networks

Abstract

Techniques for selecting a cellular network and a satellite network are provided. An exemplary method for switching between communication networks includes receiving one or more signals via a first wireless communication network with a mobile device, determining that a second wireless communication network is available based at least in part on a location of the mobile device and a time, detaching the mobile device from the first wireless communication network at the time if the second wireless communication network is available, and receiving one or more signals from the second wireless communication network with the mobile device after the time.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Various aspects described herein relate to wireless terrestrial and satellite-based communication networks, and more particularly, to mobile devices configured for multi-network operation. [Background technology]

[0002] Wireless communication systems have evolved through various generations, including first-generation analog wireless telephone service (1G), second-generation (2G) digital wireless telephone service (including intermediate 2.5G and 2.75G networks), third-generation (3G) high-speed data, Internet-enabled wireless service, fourth-generation (4G) service (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) or WiMax), and fifth-generation (5G) service (e.g., 5G New Radio (NR)). Currently, there are many different types of wireless communication systems in use, including cellular and personal communications services (PCS) systems. Examples of known cellular systems include the Cellular Analog Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), and digital cellular systems based on code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Access (GSM) variants of TDMA, etc. Satellite-based wireless communication systems have also evolved, increasing the availability of satellite-compatible communication devices. Generally, a satellite-based communication system includes a gateway and one or more satellites. The satellite may be an orbiting receiver and repeater configured to relay communication signals between the gateway and one or more user terminals. The gateway may be a ground station having an antenna for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from the communication satellites. The gateway may be configured to provide communication links for connecting user terminals to other user terminals or users of other communication systems, such as the public switched telephone network, the Internet, public networks, and private networks. Advances in mobile device technology are enabling multi-network operation, such that a single device may be configured to utilize both terrestrial and satellite-based communication networks. Summary of the Invention

[0003]

[0002] An exemplary method for switching between communication networks according to the present disclosure includes receiving one or more signals via a first wireless communication network using a mobile device, determining that a second wireless communication network is available based at least in part on a location of the mobile device and a time, detaching the mobile device from the first wireless communication network at the time if the second wireless communication network is available, and receiving one or more signals from the second wireless communication network using the mobile device after the time.

[0004] Implementations of such methods may include one or more of the following features: Determining that the second wireless communications network is available may include determining a context for the mobile device. The first wireless communications network may be a cellular network, and the second wireless communications network may be a satellite network. The first wireless communications network may be a first satellite network, and the second wireless communications network may be a second satellite network. One or more signals may be received from the cellular network concurrently with receiving one or more signals on the first wireless communications network, and one or more signals may be received from the cellular network concurrently with receiving one or more signals on the second wireless communications network. Determining that the second wireless communications network is available may include determining that a location of the mobile device at the time is within a coverage area of ​​the second wireless communications network. A satellite observation forecast may be received, and thus determining that the second wireless communications network is available may be based on an indication of one or more detectable satellite vehicles at the location and the time. The satellite observation forecast may be received from a network station. The satellite observation predictions can be received from nearby user equipment via a sidelink. The satellite observation information can be provided to a network server, where the satellite observation information is based on signals received from the first wireless communications network, the second wireless communications network, or both.

[0005]

[0004] An exemplary method for communicating over a wireless network according to the present disclosure includes determining a context for a user equipment, detecting one or more applications running on the user equipment, determining one or more wireless communication networks based at least in part on the context and the one or more applications, detecting at least one of the one or more wireless communication networks, and connecting to at least one of the one or more wireless communication networks based at least in part on priority values ​​associated with the context and the one or more applications.

[0006] Implementations of such a method may include one or more of the following features: Determining a context for the user equipment may be based on determining that the user equipment is located within a structure; The one or more wireless communication networks may include a cellular network and a satellite communication network; The one or more wireless communication networks may include a first satellite communication network and a second satellite communication network; The one or more wireless communication networks may include a Wi-Fi network and a satellite communication network; The one or more wireless communication networks may include a sidelink-based network and a satellite communication network; The one or more applications running on the user equipment may include at least one of a voice communication application, a messaging application, an email application, a media streaming application, a video calling application, a conferencing application, or a navigation application; The method may include connecting to the first wireless network and the second wireless network, such that a first of the one or more applications is configured to utilize the first wireless network and a second of the one or more applications is configured to utilize the second wireless network. The first wireless network may be a cellular network and the second wireless network may be a satellite communications network. The first wireless network may be a sidelink-based network and the second wireless network may be a satellite communications network. The first wireless network may be a first satellite communications network and the second wireless network may be a second satellite communications network.

[0007]

[0006] An exemplary method for providing a satellite coverage prediction according to the present disclosure includes receiving satellite observation information from a plurality of mobile devices, the satellite observation information including an observation time and an observation location for each of a plurality of satellite observations made by the plurality of mobile devices; determining satellite location information based at least in part on the satellite observation information; generating an observation prediction based at least in part on the satellite observation information and the satellite location information; and providing the observation prediction to one or more mobile devices, wherein the observation prediction includes an indication of one or more detectable satellite vehicles based on estimated positions and times.

[0008] Implementations of such methods may include one or more of the following features: The satellite observations may include observations of signals transmitted by one or more satellite vehicles in a global navigation satellite system. The satellite observations may include observations of signals transmitted by one or more satellite vehicles in a satellite communications network. Generating the observation predictions may include utilizing one or more machine learning methods using the satellite location information as training data and the satellite observations as labels. Providing the observation predictions may include transmitting the observation predictions in assistance data via a cellular communications messaging protocol. Providing the observation predictions may include transmitting the observation predictions in assistance data via a sidelink communications messaging protocol.

[0009]

[0008] An exemplary method for switching between communication networks according to the present disclosure includes receiving one or more signals over a terrestrial wireless communication network using a mobile device, detecting one or more signals from at least one satellite associated with a global navigation satellite system, determining that a satellite communication network is available based at least in part on detecting one or more signals from at least one satellite associated with the global navigation satellite system, detaching the mobile device from the terrestrial wireless communication network and activating a satellite communication mode on the mobile device.

[0010] Implementations of such methods may include one or more of the following features: Detecting one or more signals from at least one satellite may include detecting a satellite identification code; Determining that a satellite communications network is available may include querying a data structure based on the one or more signals from the at least one satellite; The data structure may be stored on a network server, and the mobile device may be configured to query the data structure via a terrestrial wireless communications network; A location of the mobile device may be determined, and an indication of the one or more signals and the location may be transmitted to the network server.

[0011]

[0010] An exemplary apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive one or more signals via a first wireless communications network, determine that a second wireless communications network is available based at least in part on a location and a time, and if the second wireless communications network is available, detach from the first wireless communications network at the time, and receive one or more signals from the second wireless communications network after the time.

[0012]

[0011] An exemplary apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine a context for a user equipment, detect one or more applications running on the user equipment, determine one or more wireless communication networks based at least in part on the context and the one or more applications, detect at least one of the one or more wireless communication networks, and connect to at least one of the one or more wireless communication networks based at least in part on priority values ​​associated with the context and the one or more applications.

[0013]

[0012] An exemplary apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: receive satellite observation information from a plurality of mobile devices, the satellite observation information including an observation time and an observation location for each of a plurality of satellite observations performed by the plurality of mobile devices; determine satellite location information based at least in part on the satellite observation information; generate an observation prediction based at least in part on the satellite observation information and the satellite location information; and provide the observation prediction to one or more mobile devices, wherein the observation prediction includes an indication of one or more detectable satellite vehicles based on an estimated position and time.

[0014]

[0013] An exemplary apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive one or more signals via a terrestrial wireless communications network, detect one or more signals from at least one satellite associated with a global navigation satellite system, determine that a satellite communications network is available based at least in part on detecting the one or more signals from the at least one satellite associated with the global navigation satellite system, and detach from the terrestrial wireless communications network and activate a satellite communications mode.

[0015]

[0014] An exemplary apparatus for switching between communication networks according to the present disclosure includes means for receiving one or more signals via a first wireless communication network using a mobile device; means for determining that a second wireless communication network is available based at least in part on a location of the mobile device and a time; means for detaching the mobile device from the first wireless communication network at the time if the second wireless communication network is available; and means for receiving one or more signals from the second wireless communication network using the mobile device after the time.

[0016]

[0015] An exemplary apparatus for communicating over a wireless network according to the present disclosure includes means for determining a context for a user equipment, means for detecting one or more applications running on the user equipment, means for determining one or more wireless communication networks based at least in part on the context and the one or more applications, means for detecting at least one of the one or more wireless communication networks, and means for connecting to at least one of the one or more wireless communication networks based at least in part on priority values ​​associated with the context and the one or more applications.

[0017]

[0016] An exemplary apparatus for providing a satellite coverage prediction according to the present disclosure includes means for receiving satellite observation information from a plurality of mobile devices, the satellite observation information including an observation time and an observation location for each of a plurality of satellite observations made by the plurality of mobile devices; means for determining satellite location information based at least in part on the satellite observation information; means for generating an observation prediction based at least in part on the satellite observation information and the satellite location information; and means for providing the observation prediction to one or more mobile devices, wherein the observation prediction includes an indication of one or more detectable satellite vehicles based on estimated positions and times.

[0018]

[0017] An exemplary apparatus for switching between communication networks according to the present disclosure includes means for receiving one or more signals via a terrestrial wireless communication network using a mobile device; means for detecting one or more signals from at least one satellite associated with a global navigation satellite system; means for determining that a satellite communication network is available based at least in part on detecting the one or more signals from at least one satellite associated with the global navigation satellite system; and means for detaching the mobile device from the terrestrial wireless communication network and activating a satellite communication mode on the mobile device.

[0019]

[0018] An exemplary non-transitory processor-readable storage medium according to the present disclosure having processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to cause a mobile device to switch between communication networks includes code for receiving one or more signals via a first wireless communication network using the mobile device, code for determining that a second wireless communication network is available based at least in part on the location of the mobile device and a time, code for detaching the mobile device from the first wireless communication network at the time if the second wireless communication network is available, and code for receiving one or more signals from the second wireless communication network using the mobile device after the time.

[0020]

[0019] An exemplary non-transitory processor-readable storage medium according to the present disclosure having processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to enable communication over a wireless network includes code for determining a context for a user equipment, code for detecting one or more applications running on the user equipment, code for determining one or more wireless communication networks based at least in part on the context and the one or more applications, code for detecting at least one of the one or more wireless communication networks, and code for connecting to at least one of the one or more wireless communication networks based at least in part on priority values ​​associated with the context and the one or more applications.

[0021]

[0020] An exemplary non-transitory processor-readable storage medium having processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to provide a satellite coverage prediction according to the present disclosure includes code for receiving satellite observation information from a plurality of mobile devices, the code including an observation time and an observation location for each of a plurality of satellite observations performed by the plurality of mobile devices; code for determining satellite location information based at least in part on the satellite observation information; code for generating an observation prediction based at least in part on the satellite observation information and the satellite location information; and code for providing the observation prediction to one or more mobile devices, wherein the observation prediction includes an indication of one or more detectable satellite vehicles based on an estimated position and time.

[0022]

[0021] An exemplary non-transitory processor-readable storage medium according to the present disclosure having processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to enable a mobile device to switch between communication networks includes code for receiving one or more signals via a terrestrial wireless communication network using the mobile device, code for detecting one or more signals from at least one satellite associated with a global navigation satellite system, code for determining that a satellite communication network is available based at least in part on detecting one or more signals from at least one satellite associated with the global navigation satellite system, and code for detaching the mobile device from the terrestrial wireless communication network and activating a satellite communication mode on the mobile device.

[0023]

[0022] The items and / or techniques described herein may provide one or more of the following capabilities, as well as other capabilities not mentioned: A mobile device may be operating in a cellular mode and attached to a cellular network. An application or user may request that the mobile device be set to satellite mode. The mobile device may be configured to determine whether a satellite communication network is detectable. Observation predictions may be utilized to determine whether a satellite network is detectable. The context of the mobile device may be used to determine whether a satellite network is detectable. If a satellite network is detectable, the mobile device may detach from cellular mode and activate satellite mode. Other capabilities may be provided, and every implementation according to the present disclosure must not provide any, much less all, of the described capabilities. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1A]

[0023] A simplified diagram of an exemplary wireless communication system. [Figure 1B]1 is a simplified diagram of an exemplary satellite communications system. [Figure 2]

[0025] FIG. 1C is a block diagram of components of exemplary user equipment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. [Figure 3]

[0026] 1 is a block diagram of components of an exemplary transmit / receive point. [Figure 4]

[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of components of an exemplary server. [Figure 5A]

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary use case diagram for switching between a cellular communication system and a satellite communication system. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary use case diagram for switching between a cellular communication system and a satellite communication system. [Figure 5C] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary use case diagram for switching between a cellular communication system and a satellite communication system. [Figure 6A]

[0029] 1 is a diagram of an example change of context for a user equipment. [Figure 6B]

[0030] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary process for developing satellite coverage observation forecasts. [Figure 7]

[0031] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary data structure for network prioritization. [Figure 8A]

[0032] 1 is a block flow diagram of an exemplary method for switching between communication systems. [Figure 8B] 1 is a block flow diagram of an exemplary method for switching between communication systems. [Figure 8C] 1 is a block flow diagram of an exemplary method for switching between communication systems. [Figure 8D] 1 is a block flow diagram of an exemplary method for switching between communication systems. [Figure 8E] 1 is a block flow diagram of an exemplary method for switching between communication systems. [Figure 9]

[0033] 1 is a block flow diagram of an exemplary method for connecting to a wireless communication network. [Figure 10]

[0034] 1 is a block flow diagram of an example method for providing assistance data to user equipment. [Figure 11]

[0035] 1 is a block flow diagram of an exemplary method for providing satellite observation forecasts. [Figure 12]

[0036] 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary satellite transceiver. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025]

[0037] Techniques for selecting a cellular network and a satellite network are described herein. Generally, the use of satellite-enabled mobile devices, such as smartphones, is increasing for voice, text, and data applications. The motivation for the increase is driven by the potential increase in coverage area and the potential increase in privacy and personal security. New generation mobile devices, also referred to as user equipment (UE), may be configured to support multiple communication networks and multiple subscription accounts. For example, a UE may be configured for different operating modes, such as a cellular-only mode, a combined cellular and satellite mode, a satellite-only mode, a multi-satellite mode (e.g., configured to operate on two different satellite communication networks), and combinations thereof.

[0026]

[0038] In one embodiment, the cellular and satellite communication modes may be orthogonal, and at a given time, the UE may be in either the cellular mode or the satellite mode. Switching between the cellular network and the satellite network (and vice versa) may require the UE to abruptly release an ongoing call (including background data synchronization signals), detach from the cellular network, switch to the satellite mode, and establish a connection with the satellite communication network. Switching between the cellular mode and the satellite mode may affect sleep / deep sleep operations occurring on the UE. The overhead associated with detaching from the cellular network and attempting to establish a connection with the satellite network may be wasted if a satellite signal is not available at the time of the switch. For example, this may occur when the UE is out of sight of a satellite, such as when operating indoors, in a city canyon, or other area with limited access to the outdoors. This wasted overhead may unnecessarily affect power consumption and degrade UE performance and user experience.

[0027]

[0039] Generally, satellite signals are relatively weaker than terrestrial-based cellular signals due to distance, fading, and environmental conditions. The effect of signal strength differences is accentuated when the UE is indoors or when satellite signals are obstructed. In one example, the techniques provided herein may select a mode based on whether sufficient satellite signals are currently unavailable or will not be available at a current or future location. For example, if satellite signals are not available at the current location, the UE will be configured to remain in cellular mode and avoid switching to satellite mode. The UE may be configured to utilize satellite navigation signals (e.g., from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)) to determine whether there will be sufficient satellite communication signals. That is, if GNSS signals are weak or unavailable, the UE may be configured to determine that it is indoors and that switching to a satellite communication network may be unsuccessful. The UE may use other techniques, such as radar, lidar, mmW antennas, and other sensors and location-related services, to determine whether the current location is indoors. The UE may be configured to provide a notification to the user to indicate that the switch to the satellite communications network will be unsuccessful. Determining whether the network switch will be successful before enacting the switch may help preserve ongoing cellular calls and / or avoid wasting overhead for attach-detach procedures required to enter or exit cellular mode and conserve power used during potential scanning for satellite stations. In one example, the UE may be configured for operation on a multiple-satellite mode, and the techniques described herein may be used to transition from one satellite communications network to another.

[0028]

[0040] In one embodiment, a UE may be configured to operate simultaneously in cellular mode and satellite mode. The UE may also be configured to simultaneously operate other wireless radio access technologies, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, and other device-to-device (D2D) sidelinks, while in cellular mode and / or satellite mode. When multiple communication modes are available, the UE may be configured to select a preferred communication mode based on the UE's current context. For example, while indoors with a WiFi network, the UE may prefer to utilize the WiFi network rather than the cellular network. Similarly, while in an outdoor area with both cellular and satellite coverage, the UE may be configured to select the cellular network. In one example, different applications running on the UE may be configured to utilize different wireless technologies based on the UE's current context. For example, the UE's context may be that it is in an area with intermittent cellular coverage, and based on this context, the UE may utilize a satellite communication network for voice communication and messaging applications and a cellular network for email applications. Other variations in radio access technologies and applications may also be configured based on other contexts. These techniques and configurations are examples and other techniques and configurations may be used.

[0029]

[0041] 1A , an example of a communication system 100 includes a UE 105, a UE 106, a radio access network (RAN), here a fifth-generation (5G) next-generation (NG) RAN (NG-RAN) 135, a 5G core network (5GC) 140, and a server 150. The UE 105 and / or the UE 106 may be, for example, an IoT device, a location tracker device, a cellular phone, a vehicle (e.g., a car, truck, bus, boat, etc.), or other device. A 5G network may also be referred to as a New Radio (NR) network, the NG-RAN 135 may also be referred to as a 5G RAN or an NR RAN, and the 5GC 140 may also be referred to as an NG Core Network (NGC). Standardization of the NG-RAN and 5GC is underway in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®). Thus, the NG-RAN 135 and the 5GC 140 may comply with current or future standards for 5G support from 3GPP. The NG-RAN 135 may be another type of RAN, e.g., a 3G RAN, a 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) RAN, etc. The UE 106 may be configured and coupled similarly to the UE 105 to send and / or receive signals to and from similar other entities in the communication system 100, although such signaling is not shown in FIG. 1A for simplicity of illustration. Similarly, the description focuses on the UE 105 for simplicity. The communication system 100 may utilize information from a constellation 185 of satellite vehicles (SVs) 190, 191, 192, 193 for a satellite positioning system (SPS) (e.g., a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)), such as a Global Positioning System (GPS), a Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), Galileo, or Beidou, or some other local or regional SPS, such as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), or a Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). Described below are additional components of communication system 100. Communication system 100 may include additional or alternative components.

[0030]

[0042] 1A, the NG-RAN 135 includes NR NodeBs (gNBs) 110a, 110b and a next-generation eNodeB (ng-eNB) 114, and the 5GC 140 includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 115, a Session Management Function (SMF) 117, a Location Management Function (LMF) 120, and a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) 125. The gNBs 110a, 110b, and the ng-eNB 114 are communicatively coupled to each other and each configured to wirelessly communicate bidirectionally with the UE 105, and each communicatively coupled to and configured to communicate bidirectionally with the AMF 115. The gNBs 110a, 110b, and the ng-eNB 114 may be referred to as base stations (BSs). The 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. The SMF 117 may serve as an initial point of contact for a service control function (SCF) (not shown) to create, control, and delete media sessions. A base station such as the gNBs 110a, 110b and / or the ng-eNB 114 may be a macro cell (e.g., a high-power cellular base station), or a small cell (e.g., a low-power cellular base station), or an access point (e.g., a short-range base station configured to communicate using a short-range technology such as WiFi, WiFi-Direct (WiFi-D), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, etc.). One or more BSs, e.g., one or more of the gNBs 110a, 110b and / or the ng-eNB 114, may be configured to communicate with the UE 105 via multiple carriers. Each of the gNBs 110a, 110b and the ng-eNB 114 may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic area, e.g., a cell. Each cell may be partitioned into multiple sectors as a function of the base station antennas.

[0031]

[0043] FIG. 1A provides a generalized illustration of various components, any or all of which may be utilized as appropriate, and each of which may be duplicated or omitted as necessary. In particular, while one UE 105 is shown, many UEs (e.g., hundreds, thousands, millions, etc.) may be utilized in communications system 100. Similarly, communications system 100 may include a greater number (or fewer) of SVs (i.e., more or fewer than the four SVs 190-193 shown), gNBs 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, AMF 115, external client 130, and / or other components. The illustrated connections connecting the various components in communications 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, components may be rearranged, combined, separated, substituted, and / or omitted depending on the desired functionality.

[0032]

[0044] 1A shows a 5G-based network, similar network implementations and configurations may be used for other communication technologies, such as 3G, Long Term Evolution (LTE), etc. The implementations described herein (whether for 5G technology and / or for one or more other communication technologies and / or protocols) may be used to transmit (or broadcast) directional synchronization signals, receive and measure the directional signals at a UE (e.g., the UE 105), and / or provide location assistance to the UE 105 (via the GMLC 125 or other location server), and / or calculate a location for the UE 105 at a location-enabled device, such as the UE 105, gNB 110a, 110b, or LMF 120, based on measurements received at the UE 105 for such directionally transmitted signals. The 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 each be replaced by or include various other location server functions and / or base station functions in various embodiments.

[0033]

[0045] The communication system 100 is capable of wireless communication in that the components of the communication system 100 can communicate with one another (at least sometimes using a wireless connection) directly or indirectly, for example, via the gNBs 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, and / or 5GC 140 (and / or one or more other devices, not shown, such as one or more other base transceiver stations). In indirect communication, the communication may be altered during transmission from one entity to another, for example, by changing header information of data packets, modifying formatting, etc. The UE 105 may include multiple UEs and may be a mobile wireless communication device, but may communicate wirelessly and via a wired connection. The UE 105 may be any of a variety of devices, e.g., a smartphone, a tablet computer, a vehicle-based device, etc., although these are examples and other configurations of UEs may be used, as the UE 105 need not be any of these configurations. Other UEs may include wearable devices (e.g., a smart watch, smart jewelry, smart glasses, or a headset, etc.). Still other UEs, whether currently existing or developed in the future, may be used. Additionally, other wireless devices (whether mobile or not) may be implemented within the communications system 100 and may communicate with each other and / or with the UE 105, the gNBs 110a, 110b, the ng-eNB 114, the 5GC 140, and / or the external client 130. For example, such other devices may include Internet of Things (IoT) devices, medical devices, home entertainment and / or automation devices, etc. The 5GC 140 may communicate with the external client 130 (e.g., a computer system), for example, to enable the external client 130 to request and / or receive location information regarding the UE 105 (e.g., via the GMLC 125).

[0034]

[0046] The UE 105 or other devices may be configured to communicate in various networks and / or for various purposes and / or using various technologies (e.g., 5G, Wi-Fi communications, multiple frequencies of Wi-Fi communications, satellite positioning, one or more types of communications (e.g., Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE)), V2X (vehicle-to-anything, e.g., V2P (vehicle-to-pedestrian), V2I (vehicle-to-infrastructure), V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle), etc.), IEEE 802.11p, etc.). The V2X communications may be cellular (Cellular V2X (C-V2X)) and / or WiFi (e.g., DSRC (dedicated short-range communications)). The communications system 100 may support operation on multiple carriers (waveform signals at different frequencies). A multi-carrier transmitter can transmit modulated signals simultaneously on multiple carriers. Each modulated signal may 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 may be sent on a different carrier and may carry pilot, overhead information, data, etc. The UEs 105, 106 may communicate with each other through sidelink (SL) communications between UEs by transmitting over one or more sidelink channels, such as a physical sidelink synchronization channel (PSSCH), a physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH), or a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH).

[0035]

[0047] The UE 105 may comprise and / or be referred to as a device, a mobile device, a wireless device, a mobile terminal, a terminal, a mobile station (MS), a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL)-enabled terminal (SET), or by some other name. Additionally, the UE 105 may correspond to a cell phone, a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, a PDA, a consumer asset tracking device, a navigation device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a health monitor, a security system, a smart city sensor, a smart meter, a wearable tracker, or some other portable or movable device. Typically, although not necessarily, the UE 105 may support wireless communications using one or more radio access technologies (RATs), such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), LTE, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), IEEE 802.11 WiFi (also referred to as Wi-Fi), Bluetooth (BT), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), 5G New Radio (NR) (e.g., using NG-RAN 135 and 5GC 140), etc. The UE 105 may support wireless communications using a wireless local area network (WLAN), which may connect to other networks (e.g., the Internet) using, for example, a digital subscriber line (DSL) or packet cable. Use of one or more of these RATs may enable UE 105 to communicate with external client 130 (e.g., via elements of 5GC 140 not shown in FIG. 1A or possibly via GMLC 125) and / or enable external client 130 to receive location information regarding UE 105 (e.g., via GMLC 125).

[0036]

[0048] The UE 105 may comprise a single entity, or may comprise multiple entities, such as in a personal area network where a user may employ audio, video, and / or data I / O (input / output) devices and / or body sensors and a separate wireline or wireless modem. An estimate of the location of the UE 105 may be referred to as a location, location estimate, location fix, fix, position, position estimate, or position fix, and may be geographic and thus provide location coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the UE 105 that may or may not include an altitude component (e.g., height above sea level, height or depth above ground, floor level, or basement level). Alternatively, the location of the UE 105 may be expressed as a civic location (e.g., as a postal address or as a designation of some point or small area in a building, such as a particular room or floor). The location of the UE 105 may be expressed as an area or volume (defined either geographically or in urban terms) within which the UE 105 is expected to be located with a certain probability or confidence level (e.g., 67%, 95%, etc.). The location of the UE 105 may be expressed as a relative location, for example, comprising a distance and a direction from a known location. The relative location may be expressed as relative coordinates (e.g., X, Y (and Z) coordinates) defined relative to some origin in the known location, which may be defined, for example, geographically, with respect to a city, or by reference to a point, area, or volume shown on a map, floor plan, or building plan. In the description contained herein, use of the term location may comprise any of these variations unless otherwise indicated. When calculating the location of a UE, it is common to determine the values ​​of the local x, y, and possibly z coordinates and then, if desired, convert the local coordinates to absolute coordinates (e.g., for latitude, longitude, and altitude above or below mean sea level).

[0037]

[0049] The UE 105 may be configured to communicate with other entities using one or more of a variety of technologies. The UE 105 may be configured to indirectly connect to one or more communication networks via one or more device-to-device (D2D) peer-to-peer (P2P) links. The D2D P2P links may be supported using any suitable D2D radio access technology (RAT), such as LTE Direct (LTE-D), WiFi Direct (WiFi-D), Bluetooth®, etc. One or more of a group of UEs utilizing D2D communication may be within the geographic coverage area of ​​a transmit / receive point (TRP), such as one or more of the gNBs 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114. Other UEs in such a group may be outside such geographic coverage area or may otherwise be unable to receive transmissions from the base station. A group of UEs communicating via D2D communication may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system in which each UE may transmit to other UEs in the group. The TRP may facilitate scheduling of resources for D2D communication. In other cases, D2D communication may occur between UEs without the involvement of a TRP. One or more of a group of UEs utilizing D2D communication may be within the geographic coverage area of ​​a TRP. Other UEs in such a group may be outside such geographic coverage area or may otherwise be unable to receive transmissions from a base station. A group of UEs communicating via D2D communication may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system in which each UE may transmit to other UEs in the group. A TRP may facilitate scheduling of resources for D2D communication. In other cases, D2D communication may occur between UEs without the involvement of a TRP.

[0038]

[0050] The base stations (BSs) in the NG-RAN 135 shown in FIG. 1A include NR Node Bs referred to as gNBs 110a and 110b. The pair of gNBs 110a, 110b in the NG-RAN 135 may be connected to each other via one or more other gNBs. Access to the 5G network is provided to the UE 105 via wireless communication between the UE 105 and one or more of the gNBs 110a, 110b, and the gNBs 110a, 110b may provide wireless communication access to the 5G Grid Control 140 for the UE 105 using 5G. In FIG. 1A, the serving gNB for the UE 105 is assumed to be gNB 110a, although another gNB (e.g., gNB 110b) may act as the serving gNB if the UE 105 moves to another location or as a secondary gNB to provide additional throughput and bandwidth to the UE 105.

[0039]

[0051] 1A may include an ng-eNB 114, also referred to as a next-generation evolved Node B. The ng-eNB 114 may be connected to one or more of the gNBs 110a, 110b in the NG-RAN 135, possibly via one or more other gNBs and / or one or more other ng-eNBs. The ng-eNB 114 may provide LTE wireless access and / or evolved LTE (eLTE) wireless access to the UE 105. One or more of the gNBs 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114 may be configured to function as positioning-only beacons that may transmit signals to assist in determining the location of the UE 105 but may not receive signals from the UE 105 or other UEs.

[0040]

[0052] The gNBs 110a, 110b, and / or the ng-eNB 114 may each comprise one or more TRPs. For example, each sector in a BS's cell may comprise a TRP, but the multiple TRPs may share one or more components (e.g., share a processor but have separate antennas). The communication system 100 may include exclusively macro TRPs, or the communication system 100 may have different types of TRPs, such as macro TRPs, pico TRPs, and / or femto TRPs. A macro TRP may cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers) and allow unrestricted access by terminals with service subscriptions. A pico TRP may cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a pico cell) and allow unrestricted access by terminals with service subscriptions. A femto TRP or home TRP may cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a femto cell) and allow restricted access by terminals associated with the femto cell (e.g., terminals for home users).

[0041]

[0053] 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 110a includes an RU 111, a DU 112, and a CU 113. The RU 111, the DU 112, and the CU 113 share the functions of the gNB 110a. While the gNB 110a is shown with 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 the CU 113 and the DU 112 is referred to as the F1 interface. The 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 a portion of the physical (PHY) layer. The RU 111 may implement a DFE using massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and may be integrated with one or more antennas of the gNB 110a. The DU 112 hosts the radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, and physical layer of the gNB 110a. One DU can support one or more cells, with each cell supported by a single DU. The operation of the DU 112 is controlled by the CU 113. The CU 113 is configured to perform functions such as forwarding user data, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning, session management, etc., although some functions are allocated exclusively to the DU 112. The CU 113 hosts the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) protocols of the gNB 110a. The UE 105 may communicate with the CU 113 via the RRC layer, the SDAP layer, and the PDCP layer, with the DU 112 via the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and the PHY layer, and with the RU 111 via the PHY layer.

[0042]

[0054] As mentioned, although Figure 1A shows nodes configured to communicate according to a 5G communication protocol, nodes configured to communicate according to other communication protocols, such as, for example, an LTE protocol or an IEEE 802.11x protocol, may be used. For example, in an evolved packet system (EPS) providing LTE wireless access to the UE 105, the RAN may comprise an evolved universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), which may comprise base stations with evolved node Bs (eNBs). The core network for the EPS may comprise an evolved packet core (EPC). The EPS may comprise an E-UTRAN+EPC, where the E-UTRAN corresponds to the NG-RAN 135 in Figure 1A and the EPC corresponds to the 5G cellular system 140.

[0043]

[0055] The gNBs 110a, 110b and the ng-eNB 114 may communicate with the AMF 115, which communicates with the LMF 120, for positioning functions. The AMF 115 may support mobility of the UE 105, including cell changes and handovers, and may participate in supporting signaling connections to the UE 105 and, in some cases, data and voice bearers for the UE 105. The LMF 120 may communicate directly with the UE 105 through wireless communication or directly with the gNBs 110a, 110b and / or the ng-eNB 114, for example. The LMF 120 may support positioning of the UE 105 when the UE 105 accesses the NG-RAN 135 and may support position procedures / methods such as Aided GNSS (A-GNSS), Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) (e.g., downlink (DL) OTDOA or uplink (UL) OTDOA), Round Trip Time (RTT), Multi-cell RTT, Real Time Kinematic (RTK), Precise Point Positioning (PPP), Differential GNSS (DGNSS), Extended Cell ID (E-CID), Angle of Arrival (AoA), Angle of Departure (AoD), and / or other position methods. The LMF 120 may process location service requests for the UE 105 received, for example, from the AMF 115 or from the GMLC 125. The LMF 120 may be connected to the AMF 115 and / or the GMLC 125. The LMF 120 may be referred to by other names such as a location manager (LM), location function (LF), commercial LMF (CLMF), or value-added LMF (VLMF). A node / system implementing the LMF 120 may additionally or alternatively implement other types of location support modules, such as an enhanced serving mobile location center (E-SMLC) or a secure user plane location (SUPL) location platform (SLP).At least a portion of the positioning functionality (including deriving the location of the UE 105) may be implemented in the UE 105 (e.g., using signals transmitted by wireless nodes such as the gNBs 110a, 110b and / or the ng-eNB 114 and / or signal measurements obtained by the UE 105 for, e.g., assistance data provided to the UE 105 by the LMF 120). The AMF 115 may act as a control node that handles signaling between the UE 105 and the 5GC 140 and may provide QoS (Quality of Service) flow and session management. The AMF 115 may support the mobility of the UE 105, including cell changes and handovers, and may participate in supporting signaling connections to the UE 105.

[0044]

[0056] The server 150, e.g., a cloud server, is configured to obtain and provide a location estimate of the UE 105 to the external client 130. The server 150 may be configured, for example, to run a microservice / service that obtains a location estimate of the UE 105. The server 150 may, for example, pull the location estimate from the UE 105 (e.g., by sending a location request to the UE 105), from one or more of the gNBs 110a, 110b and / or the ng-eNB 114 (e.g., via the RU 111, the DU 112, and the CU 113), and / or from the LMF 120. As another example, the UE 105, one or more of the gNBs 110a, 110b (e.g., via the RU 111, the DU 112, and the CU 113), and / or the LMF 120 may push a location estimate of the UE 105 to the server 150.

[0045]

[0057] The GMLC 125 may support location requests for the UE 105 received from the external client 130 via the server 150 and may forward such location requests to the AMF 115 for forwarding by the AMF 115 to the LMF 120 or may forward the location requests directly to the LMF 120. A location response from the LMF 120 (e.g., containing a location estimate for the UE 105) may be returned to the GMLC 125 either directly or via the AMF 115, which may then return a location response (e.g., containing the location estimate) to the external client 130 via the server 150. Although the GMLC 125 is shown connected to both the AMF 115 and the LMF 120, in some implementations it may not be connected to the AMF 115 or the LMF 120.

[0046]

[0058] 1A, the LMF 120 may communicate with the gNBs 110a, 110b and / or the ng-eNB 114 using the New Radio Location Protocol A (sometimes referred to as NPPa or NRPPa), which may be defined in 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.455. NRPPa may be the same as, similar to, or an extension of the LTE Positioning Protocol A (LPPa) defined in 3GPP TS 36.455, and NRPPa messages are transferred between the gNB 110a (or gNB 110b) and the LMF 120 and / or between the ng-eNB 114 and the LMF 120 via the AMF 115. As further shown in FIG. 1A, the LMF 120 and the UE 105 may communicate using the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP), which may be defined in 3GPP TS 36.355. The LMF 120 and the UE 105 may also or instead communicate using a New Radio Positioning Protocol (sometimes referred to as NPP or NRPP), which may be the same as, similar to, or an extension of LPP. Here, LPP and / or NPP messages may be transferred between the UE 105 and the LMF 120 via the AMF 115 and the serving gNB 110a, 110b, or serving ng-eNB 114 for the UE 105. For example, LPP and / or NPP messages may be transferred between the LMF 120 and the AMF 115 using a 5G Location Services Application Protocol (LCS AP) and between the AMF 115 and the UE 105 using a 5G Non-Access Stratum (NAS) protocol. The LPP and / or NPP protocols may be used to support positioning of the UE 105 using UE-assisted and / or UE-based location methods, such as A-GNSS, RTK, OTDOA, and / or E-CID.The NRPPa protocol may be used to support positioning of the UE 105 using network-based location methods such as E-CID (e.g., when used in conjunction with measurements obtained by the gNB 110a, 110b, or ng-eNB 114) and / or may be used by the LMF 120 to obtain location-related information from the gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114, such as parameters defining directional SS or PRS transmissions from the gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114. The LMF 120 may be co-located or integrated with a gNB or TRP, or may be located remotely from the gNB and / or TRP and configured to communicate directly or indirectly with the gNB and / or TRP.

[0047]

[0059] In a UE-assisted location method, the UE 105 may obtain location measurements and send the measurements to a location server (e.g., the LMF 120) for calculation of a location estimate for the UE 105. For example, the location measurements may include one or more of a received signal strength indication (RSSI), a round-trip signal propagation time (RTT), a reference signal time difference (RSTD), a reference signal received power (RSRP), and / or a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) for the gNBs 110a, 110b, the ng-eNB 114, and / or WLAN APs. The location measurements may also or instead include measurements of GNSS pseudorange, code phase, and / or carrier phase for the SVs 190-193.

[0048]

[0060] In a UE-based location method, the UE 105 may obtain location measurements (which may, for example, be the same as or similar to location measurements for a UE-assisted location method) and may calculate the location of the UE 105 (e.g., with the help of assistance data received from a location server such as the LMF 120 or broadcast by the gNB 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, or other base station or AP).

[0049]

[0061] In a network-based location method, one or more base stations (e.g., gNBs 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114) or APs may obtain location measurements (e.g., RSSI, RTT, RSRP, RSRQ, or Time of Arrival (ToA) measurements for signals transmitted by the UE 105) and / or may receive measurements obtained by the UE 105. The one or more base stations or APs may send the measurements to a location server (e.g., LMF 120) for calculation of a location estimate for the UE 105.

[0050]

[0062] The information provided by the gNBs 110a, 110b, and / or the ng-eNB 114 to the LMF 120 using the NRPPa may include timing and configuration information for directional SS or PRS transmissions and location coordinates. The LMF 120 may provide some or all of this information to the UE 105 as assistance data in LPP and / or NPP messages via the NG-RAN 135 and the 5GC 140.

[0051]

[0063] An LPP or NPP message sent from the LMF 120 to the UE 105 may instruct the UE 105 to do any of a variety of things depending on the desired functionality. For example, the LPP or NPP message may include instructions for the UE 105 to obtain measurements for GNSS (or A-GNSS), WLAN, E-CID, and / or OTDOA (or some other location method). In the case of E-CID, the LPP or NPP message may instruct the UE 105 to obtain one or more measurements (e.g., beam ID, beam width, average angle, RSRP, RSRQ measurements) of directional signals transmitted within a particular cell supported by one or more of the gNBs 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114 (or supported by some other type of base station, such as an eNB or WiFi AP). The UE 105 may send the measurement quantities back to the LMF 120 in an LPP or NPP message (e.g., within a 5G NAS message) via the serving gNB 110a (or serving ng-eNB 114) and the AMF 115.

[0052]

[0064] As mentioned, although the communication system 100 is described with respect to 5G technology, the communication system 100 may be implemented to support other communication technologies, such as GSM, WCDMA, LTE, etc., used to support and interact with mobile devices, such as the UE 105 (e.g., to implement voice, data, positioning, and other functions). In some such embodiments, the 5GC 140 may be configured to control different air interfaces. For example, the 5GC 140 may connect to a WLAN using a non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF, not shown in FIG. 1A ) in the 5GC 140. For example, the WLAN may support IEEE 802.11 WiFi access for the UE 105 and may comprise one or more WiFi APs. Here, the N3IWF may connect to the WLAN and to other elements in the 5GC 140, such as the AMF 115. In some embodiments, both the NG-RAN 135 and the 5GC 140 may be replaced by one or more other RANs and one or more other core networks. For example, in an EPS, the NG-RAN 135 may be replaced by an E-UTRAN including eNBs, and the 5GC 140 may be replaced by an EPC including a mobility management entity (MME) in place of the AMF 115, an E-SMLC in place of the LMF 120, and a GMLC that may be similar to the GMLC 125. In such an EPS, the E-SMLC may use an LPPa instead of an NRPPa to send location information to and receive location information from eNBs in the E-UTRAN, and may use an LPP to support positioning of the UE 105. In these other embodiments, positioning of the UE 105 using a directional PRS may be supported in a manner similar to that described herein for a 5G network, except that the functions and procedures described herein for the gNBs 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, AMF 115, and LMF 120 may, in some cases, instead apply to other network elements, such as eNBs, WiFi APs, MMEs, and E-SMLCs.

[0053]

[0065] As mentioned, in some embodiments, the positioning functionality may be implemented at least in part using directional SS or PRS beams sent by base stations (such as gNBs 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114) that are within range of the UE whose position is to be determined (e.g., UE 105 of FIG. 1A). The UE may, in some instances, use directional SS or PRS beams from multiple base stations (such as gNBs 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114) to calculate the UE's position.

[0054]

[0066] 1B , an exemplary satellite communications system 151 includes a first UE 155, multiple satellite vehicles (SVs) 195, 196, and 197, and an earth station (ES) or base station (BS) 160. The UE 155 may be a mobile device or user terminal configured for use with the satellite communications system. The UE 155 may be, for example, a satellite phone, a multi-mode cellular-sat phone, an asset tracker, an IoT device, or other device. The satellite communications system 151 is an example of a general satellite communications system; proprietary systems such as Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya, and Globalstar are examples of satellite communications systems 151. The first SV 195 communicates with the first UE 155 via a line-of-sight (LOS) beam, and the first SV 195 may communicate with other SVs, such as the second SV 196, which may communicate with the BS 160 and / or another SV, such as the third SV 197. Generally, the BS 160 includes a control module 164 configured to control the SVs 195, 196, and 197 and a network control module 162 configured to control the routing of data through the satellite communication system 151. The BS 160 may perform functions similar to those of a base station in a cellular network. For example, the BS 160 may be configured to track all UEs in its coverage area and control the allocation of radio resources. The SVs 195, 196, and 197 may be configured to function as relay stations. A gateway module 164 may be configured to control data to and from the satellite communication system 151, such as data sent and received via a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 166 or other communication network 168. The communication system 100 in FIG. 1A is an example of a communication network 168. The communication network 168 may include other satellite communication networks. In operation, the BS 160 may be configured to route communications between the first UE 155 and the second UE 157 via the first SV 195 and the second SV 196 and the communication network 168 (e.g., when the second UE 157 is not satellite communication capable).In one example, the BS 160 may be configured to route communications between the first UE 155 and the third UE 159 via the SVs 195, 196, 197 (e.g., when the third UE 159 is satellite-enabled).

[0055]

[0067] 2 , UE 200 is an example of UE 105 and comprises a computing platform including a processor 210, memory 211 including software (SW) 212, one or more sensors 213, a transceiver interface 214 for transceiver 215, a user interface 216, a satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver 217, a camera 218, and a position (motion) device 219. Processor 210, memory 211, sensor(s) 213, transceiver interface 214, user interface 216, SPS receiver 217, camera 218, and position (motion) device 219 may be communicatively coupled to each other by bus 220 (e.g., which may be configured for optical and / or electrical communication). One or more of the illustrated devices (e.g., camera 218, position (motion) device 219, and / or one or more of sensor(s) 213) may be omitted from UE 200. The processor 210 may include one or more intelligent hardware devices, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The processor 210 may comprise 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 the processors 230-234 may comprise multiple devices (e.g., multiple processors). For example, the sensor processor 234 may comprise a processor for, e.g., radar, ultrasound, and / or lidar. The modem processor 232 may support dual SIM / dual connectivity (and even more SIMs). For example, one SIM (Subscriber Identity Module or Subscriber Identity Module) may be used by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and another SIM may be used by the end user of the UE 200 for connectivity. The memory 211 is a non-transitory storage medium that may include random access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk memory, and / or read-only memory (ROM), etc.The memory 211 stores software 212, which may be processor-readable, processor-executable software code including instructions configured, when executed, to cause the processor 210 to perform various functions described herein. Alternatively, the software 212 may not be directly executable by the processor 210, but may be configured, for example, when compiled and executed, to cause the processor 210 to perform functions. The description may refer to the processor 210 performing functions, but this includes other implementations, such as when the processor 210 executes software and / or firmware. The description may refer to the processor 210 performing functions as shorthand for one or more of the processors 230-234 that perform the functions. The description may refer to the UE 200 performing functions as shorthand for one or more appropriate components of the UE 200 that perform the functions. The processor 210 may include a memory with stored instructions in addition to and / or instead of the memory 211. The functionality of the processor 210 is described more fully below.

[0056]

[0068] 2 is an example of the present disclosure, including the claims, and is not intended to limit the present disclosure; other configurations may be used. For example, an exemplary configuration of a UE includes one or more of processors 230-234 of processor 210, memory 211, wireless transceiver 240, and satellite transceiver 280. Other exemplary configurations include one or more of processors 230-234 of processor 210, memory 211, wireless transceiver 240, satellite transceiver 280, and one or more of sensor(s) 213, user interface 216, SPS receiver 217, camera 218, PMD 219, and / or wired transceiver 250.

[0057]

[0069] The UE 200 may include a modem processor 232 that may be capable of performing baseband processing of signals received and downconverted by the transceiver 215 and / or the SPS receiver 217. The modem processor 232 may perform baseband processing of signals to be upconverted for transmission by the transceiver 215. Also or alternatively, the baseband processing may be performed by the processor 230 and / or the DSP 231. However, other configurations may be used to perform the baseband processing.

[0058]

[0070] The UE 200 may include sensor(s) 213, which may include, for example, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 270, one or more magnetometers 271, and / or one or more environmental sensors 272. The IMU 270 may comprise one or more inertial sensors, for example, one or more accelerometers 273 and / or one or more gyroscopes 274 (e.g., collectively responsive to acceleration of the UE 200 in three dimensions). The magnetometer(s) may provide measurements for determining orientation (e.g., relative to magnetic north and / or true north), which may be used for any of a variety of purposes, for example, to support one or more compass applications. The environmental sensor(s) 272 may comprise, for example, one or more temperature sensors, one or more barometric pressure sensors, one or more ambient light sensors, one or more camera imagers, and / or one or more microphones, etc. The sensor(s) 213 may generate analog and / or digital signals whose indications may be stored in memory 211 and processed by DSP 231 and / or processor 230 to support one or more applications, such as, for example, applications directed to positioning and / or navigation operations.

[0059]

[0071] The sensor(s) 213 may be used in relative location measurement, relative location determination, motion determination, etc. Information detected by the sensor(s) 213 may be used for motion detection, relative displacement, dead reckoning, sensor-based location determination, and / or sensor-assisted location determination. The sensor(s) 213 may be useful for determining whether the UE 200 is fixed (stationary) or mobile and / or whether certain useful information regarding the mobility of the UE 200 should be reported to the LMF 120. For example, based on information acquired / measured by the sensor(s) 213, the UE 200 may notify / report to the LMF 120 that the UE 200 has detected movement or that the UE 200 has moved, and may report a relative displacement / distance (e.g., via dead reckoning, or sensor-based location determination, or sensor-assisted location determination enabled by the sensor(s) 213). In another example, the sensor / IMU may be used to determine the angle and / or orientation of other devices relative to the UE 200 for relative positioning information.

[0060]

[0072] The IMU 270 may be configured to provide measurements of the direction and / or speed of movement of the UE 200, which may be used in relative location determination. For example, the one or more accelerometers 273 and / or one or more gyroscopes 274 of the IMU 270 may detect the linear acceleration and rotational velocity of the UE 200, respectively. The measurements of the linear acceleration and rotational velocity of the UE 200 may be integrated over time to determine the instantaneous direction and displacement of the UE 200's movement. The instantaneous direction and displacement of the movement may be integrated to track the UE 200's location. For example, a reference location of the UE 200 may be determined, for example, using the SPS receiver 217 (and / or by some other means) for a certain moment in time, and measurements from the accelerometer(s) 273 and the gyroscope(s) 274 obtained after this moment in time may be used in dead reckoning to determine the UE 200's current location based on the UE 200's movement (direction and distance) relative to the reference location.

[0061]

[0073] The magnetometer(s) 271 may determine magnetic field strength in different directions, which may be used to determine an orientation of the UE 200. For example, the orientation may be used to provide a digital compass for the UE 200. The magnetometer(s) 271 may include a two-dimensional magnetometer configured to detect and provide an indication of magnetic field strength in two orthogonal dimensions. Also or alternatively, the magnetometer(s) 271 may include a three-dimensional magnetometer configured to detect and provide an indication of magnetic field strength in three orthogonal dimensions. The magnetometer(s) 271 may provide a means for sensing the magnetic field and providing an indication of the magnetic field to, for example, the processor 210.

[0062]

[0074] The transceiver 215 may include one or more of a wireless transceiver 240, a wired transceiver 250, and a satellite transceiver 280 configured to communicate with other devices through wireless or wired connections. For example, the wireless transceiver 240 may include a transmitter 242 and a receiver 244 coupled to one or more antennas 246 for transmitting (e.g., on one or more uplink channels) and / or receiving (e.g., on one or more downlink channels) wireless signals 248 and converting signals from the wireless signals 248 to wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals and from the wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals to the wireless signals 248. Thus, the transmitter 242 may include multiple transmitters, which may be separate components or combined / integrated components, and / or the receiver 244 may include multiple receivers, which may be separate components or combined / integrated components. The wireless transceiver 240 may be configured to communicate signals (e.g., with the TRP and / or one or more other devices) according to various radio access technologies (RATs), such as 5G New Radio (NR), GSM (Global System for Mobile), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE Direct (LTE-D), 3GPP LTE-V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) (PC5), IEEE 802.11 (including IEEE 802.11p), WiFi, WiFi Direct (WiFi-D), Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc. The new radio may use mm-wave frequencies and / or sub-6 GHz frequencies. The wired transceiver 250 may include, for example, a transmitter 252 and a receiver 254 configured for wired communication with the NG-RAN 135, for example, to send communications to and receive communications from the gNB 110a.The transmitter 252 may include multiple transmitters, which may be separate components or combined / integrated components, and / or the receiver 254 may include multiple receivers, which may be separate components or combined / integrated components. The wired transceiver 250 may be configured for optical and / or electrical communications, for example. In one example, the UE 200 may include a satellite transceiver 280 comprised of a transmitter 282 and a receiver 284 coupled to one or more antennas 286 for transmitting (e.g., on one or more uplink channels) and / or receiving (e.g., on one or more downlink channels) wireless signals 288 and converting signals from the wireless signals 288 to wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals and from the wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals to the wireless signals 288. Thus, the transmitter 282 may include multiple transmitters, which may be separate components or combined / integrated components, and / or the receiver 284 may include multiple receivers, which may be separate components or combined / integrated components. Satellite transceiver 280 may be configured to communicate signals (e.g., with satellite vehicles and / or other devices) according to various public and proprietary satellite communication technologies, such as Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya, and Globalstar. Transceiver 215 may be communicatively coupled to transceiver interface 214, for example, by optical and / or electrical connections. Transceiver interface 214 may be at least partially integrated with transceiver 215.

[0063]

[0075] The user interface 216 may comprise one or more of several devices, such as, for example, a speaker, a microphone, a display device, a vibrating device, a keyboard, a touchscreen, etc. The user interface 216 may include two or more of any of these devices. The user interface 216 may be configured to allow a user to interact with one or more applications hosted by the UE 200. For example, the user interface 216 may store instructions of analog and / or digital signals in the memory 211 for processing by the DSP 231 and / or the general-purpose processor 230 in response to actions from the user. Similarly, applications hosted on the UE 200 may store instructions of analog and / or digital signals in the memory 211 for presenting output signals to the user. The user interface 216 may include audio input / output (I / O) devices, including, for example, a speaker, a microphone, digital-to-analog circuitry, analog-to-digital circuitry, amplifiers, and / or gain control circuits (including two or more of any of these devices). Other configurations of audio I / O devices may be used. Also or alternatively, the user interface 216 may include one or more touch sensors that respond to touch and / or pressure, for example, on a keyboard and / or touchscreen of the user interface 216 .

[0064]

[0076] The SPS receiver 217 (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) receiver) may be capable of receiving and acquiring the SPS signals 260 via the SPS antenna 262. The antenna 262 is configured to convert the wireless signals 260 into wired signals, e.g., electrical or optical signals, and may be integrated with the antenna 246. The SPS receiver 217 may be configured to process, in whole or in part, the acquired SPS signals 260 to estimate the location of the UE 200. For example, the SPS receiver 217 may be configured to determine the location of the UE 200 by trilateration using the SPS signals 260. The general-purpose processor 230, the memory 211, the DSP 231, and / or one or more special-purpose processors (not shown) may be utilized in conjunction with the SPS receiver 217 to process, in whole or in part, the acquired SPS signals and / or to calculate the estimated location of the UE 200. The memory 211 may store indications (e.g., measurements) of the SPS signals 260 and / or other signals (e.g., signals acquired from the wireless transceiver 240 and / or the satellite transceiver 280) for use in performing positioning operations. The general-purpose processor 230, the DSP 231, and / or one or more special-purpose processors, and / or the memory 211 may provide or support a location engine for use in processing the measurements to estimate the location of the UE 200.

[0065]

[0077] The UE 200 may include a camera 218 for capturing still or video images. The camera 218 may comprise, for example, an imaging sensor (e.g., a charge-coupled device or CMOS imager), a lens, analog-to-digital circuitry, a frame buffer, etc. Additional processing, conditioning, encoding, and / or compression of signals representing the captured images may be performed by the general-purpose processor 230 and / or the DSP 231. Also or alternatively, a video processor 233 may perform conditioning, encoding, compression, and / or manipulation of signals representing the captured images. The video processor 233 may decode / restore stored image data for presentation on a display device (not shown), e.g., of the user interface 216.

[0066]

[0078] Position (motion) device (PMD) 219 may be configured to determine the position, and possibly the movement, of UE 200. For example, PMD 219 may be in communication with and / or include some or all of SPS receiver 217. Also or alternatively, PMD 219 may be configured to determine the location of UE 200 using terrestrial-based signals (e.g., at least some of signals 248) for trilateration, to assist in the acquisition and use of SPS signals 260, or both. PMD 219 may be configured to use one or more other techniques to determine the location of UE 200 (e.g., relying on the UE's self-reported location (e.g., part of the UE's location beacon)), and may use a combination of techniques (e.g., SPS and terrestrial positioning signals) to determine the location of UE 200. The PMD 219 may include one or more of the sensors 213 (e.g., gyroscope(s), accelerometer(s), magnetometer(s), etc.) that may sense and provide an indication of the orientation and / or movement of the UE 200, which the processor 210 (e.g., processor 230 and / or DSP 231) may be configured to use to determine the movement (e.g., velocity vector and / or acceleration vector) of the UE 200. The PMD 219 may be configured to provide an indication of the uncertainty and / or error in the determined position and / or movement.

[0067]

[0079] 3 , an example of a TRP 300 of a BS (e.g., gNB 110a, gNB 110b, ng-eNB 114) comprises a computing platform including a processor 310, a memory 311 including software (SW) 312, a transceiver 315, and (optionally) an SPS receiver 317. The processor 310, memory 311, transceiver 315, and SPS receiver 317 may be communicatively coupled to each other by a bus 320 (e.g., which may be configured for optical and / or electrical communications). One or more of the illustrated devices (e.g., the wireless interface and / or SPS receiver 317) may be omitted from the TRP 300. The SPS receiver 317 may be configured similarly to the SPS receiver 217 to be capable of receiving and acquiring SPS signals 360 via an SPS antenna 362. The processor 310 may include one or more intelligent hardware devices, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The processor 310 may comprise multiple processors (e.g., including a general-purpose / application processor, a DSP, a modem processor, a video processor, and / or a sensor processor as shown in FIG. 2). The memory 311 is a non-transitory storage medium that may include random access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk memory, and / or read-only memory (ROM), etc. The memory 311 stores software 312, which may be processor-readable, processor-executable software code that includes instructions that, when executed, cause the processor 310 to perform various functions described herein. Alternatively, the software 312 may not be directly executable by the processor 310, but may be configured, for example, when compiled and executed, to cause the processor 310 to perform functions. While the description may refer to the processor 310 performing functions, this includes other implementations, such as when the processor 310 executes software and / or firmware.The description may refer to the processor 310 performing a function as shorthand for one or more of the processors included in the processor 310 performing the function. The description may refer to the TRP 300 performing a function as shorthand for one or more appropriate components of the TRP 300 (and thus one of the gNB 110a, gNB 110b, ng-eNB 114) performing the function. The processor 310 may include memory with stored instructions in addition to and / or instead of the memory 311. The functionality of the processor 310 is described more fully below.

[0068]

[0080] The transceiver 315 may include a wireless transceiver 340 and a wired transceiver 350 configured to communicate with other devices over wireless and wired connections, respectively. For example, the wireless transceiver 340 may include a transmitter 342 and a receiver 344 coupled to one or more antennas 346 for transmitting wireless signals 348 and converting signals from the wireless signals 348 to wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals and from wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals to the wireless signals 348. The wireless transceiver 340 may be configured for satellite communication. Thus, the transmitter 342 may include multiple transmitters, which may be separate components or combined / integrated components, and / or the receiver 344 may include multiple receivers, which may be separate components or combined / integrated components. The wireless transceiver 340 may be configured to communicate signals (e.g., with the UE 200, one or more other UEs, and / or one or more other devices) according to various satellite and terrestrial radio access technologies (RATs), such as 5G New Radio (NR), GSM (Global System for Mobile), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System), 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), WiFi, WiFi Direct (WiFi-D), Bluetooth, Zigbee, Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya, Globalstar, etc. The wired transceiver 350 may include, for example, a transmitter 352 and a receiver 354 configured for wired communication with, for example, the 5GC 140 to send communications to and receive communications from the LMF 120 .The transmitter 352 may include multiple transmitters, which may be separate components or combined / integrated components, and / or the receiver 354 may include multiple receivers, which may be separate components or combined / integrated components. The wired transceiver 350 may be configured for optical and / or electrical communications, for example.

[0069]

[0081] 3 is an example of the present disclosure, including the claims, and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, and other configurations may be used. For example, the description herein describes the TRP 300 as being configured to perform or performing certain functions, but one or more of these functions may be performed by the LMF 120 and / or the UE 200 (i.e., the LMF 120 and / or the UE 200 may be configured to perform one or more of these functions).

[0070]

[0082] 4, an example of the LMF 120 comprises a computing platform including a processor 410, a memory 411 including software (SW) 412, and a transceiver 415. The processor 410, the memory 411, and the transceiver 415 may be communicatively coupled to each other by a bus 420 (which may be configured for optical and / or electrical communication, for example). One or more of the illustrated devices (e.g., a wireless interface) may be omitted from the server 400. The processor 410 may include one or more intelligent hardware devices, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The processor 410 may comprise multiple processors (including, for example, a general-purpose / application processor, a DSP, a modem processor, a video processor, and / or a sensor processor, as shown in FIG. 2). The memory 411 is a non-transitory storage medium that may include random access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk memory, and / or read-only memory (ROM), etc. The memory 411 stores software 412, which may be processor-readable, processor-executable software code including instructions that, when executed, are configured to cause the processor 410 to perform various functions described herein. Alternatively, the software 412 may not be directly executable by the processor 410, but may be configured, for example, when compiled and executed, to cause the processor 410 to perform a function. The description may refer to the processor 410 performing a function, but this includes other implementations, such as when the processor 410 executes software and / or firmware. The description may refer to the processor 410 performing a function as shorthand for one or more of the processors included in the processor 410 that perform the function. The description may refer to the server 400 (or LMF 120) performing a function as shorthand for one or more appropriate components of the server 400 (e.g., LMF 120) that perform the function. The processor 410 may include a memory with stored instructions in addition to and / or instead of the memory 411.The functionality of processor 410 is more fully described below.

[0071]

[0083] The transceiver 415 may include a wireless transceiver 440 and a wired transceiver 450 configured to communicate with other devices over wireless and wired connections, respectively. For example, the wireless transceiver 440 may include a transmitter 442 and a receiver 444 coupled to one or more antennas 446 for transmitting (e.g., on one or more uplink channels) and / or receiving (e.g., on one or more downlink channels) wireless signals 448 and converting signals from the wireless signals 448 to wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals and from the wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals to the wireless signals 448. The wireless transceiver 440 may be configured for satellite communications. Thus, the transmitter 442 may include multiple transmitters, which may be separate components or combined / integrated components, and / or the receiver 444 may include multiple receivers, which may be separate components or combined / integrated components. The wireless transceiver 440 may be configured to communicate signals (e.g., with the UE 200, one or more other UEs, and / or one or more other devices) according to various satellite and terrestrial radio access technologies (RATs), such as 5G New Radio (NR), GSM (Global System for Mobile), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System), 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), WiFi, WiFi Direct (WiFi-D), Bluetooth, Zigbee, Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya, Globalstar, and the like. The wired transceiver 450 may include, for example, a transmitter 452 and a receiver 454 configured for wired communication with the NG-RAN 135, for example, to send communications to and receive communications from the TRP 300.The transmitter 452 may include multiple transmitters, which may be separate components or combined / integrated components, and / or the receiver 454 may include multiple receivers, which may be separate components or combined / integrated components. The wired transceiver 450 may be configured for optical and / or electrical communications, for example.

[0072]

[0084] 4 is an example of the present disclosure, including the claims, and is not intended to limit the present disclosure; other configurations may be used. For example, wireless transceiver 440 may be omitted. Also or alternatively, the description herein describes server 400 as being configured to perform or performing certain functions, but one or more of these functions may be performed by TRP 300 and / or UE 200 (i.e., TRP 300 and / or UE 200 may be configured to perform one or more of these functions).

[0073]

[0085] 5A-5C, exemplary use case diagrams for switching between a cellular communication system and a satellite communication system are shown. FIG. 5A illustrates a first exemplary use case 500 including a base station 502, an SV 504, and a UE 505. The gNB 110a in the communication system 100 is an example of the base station 502, and the SV 195 in the satellite communication system 151 is an example of the SV 504. The UE 505 may include some or all of the components of the UE 200, and the UE 200 may be an example of the UE 505. The base station 502 may have a coverage area 502a, and the SV 504 may have a coverage area 504a. The UE 505 is currently in a location within both coverage areas 502a, 504a, is moving along a trajectory 506, and will lose signal from the base station 502 (i.e., the UE 505 will move out of the coverage area 502a). The UE 505 may be in communication with the base station 502 and may be utilizing a corresponding cellular network. In one example, the UE 505 may be configured to determine a location context based on satellite and / or terrestrial navigation methods and to utilize the location context as a trigger for switching from a cellular network via the base station 502 to a satellite communication network via the SV 504. The location of the UE 505 relative to a respective coverage area may be a trigger for requesting a switch to satellite mode. In one example, the UE 505 may be configured to verify GNSS signal strength (e.g., via the SPS receiver 217) and determine that satellite signals are detectable (e.g., the UE 505 is not in an indoor location). The UE 505 may be configured to detect satellites before detaching from the cellular network. If the SV 504 is detected, the UE 505 may detach from the cellular network (e.g., the base station 502) and activate satellite mode to connect to the SV 504. If SV504 is not detected, UE505 may remain in cellular mode and attempt to connect to another cellular network, or may attempt to connect to another satellite communication network.

[0074]

[0086] 5B , a second example use case 520 includes an SV 504 configured to operate in a first satellite network and a second SV 524 configured to operate in a second satellite network. The SVs 504, 524 have respective coverage areas 504a, 524a. In one example, a UE 505 may be in a first satellite mode and may be participating in the first satellite network via the SV 504. The UE 505 may be on a trajectory 526 and may be exiting the coverage area 504a, and / or the SV 504 may be moving relative to the UE 505, causing the UE 505 to exit the coverage area 504a. The impending loss of coverage may be a trigger for the UE 505 to request connection to the second satellite network via the second SV 524. The UE 505 may be configured to detect a signal for the second SV 524 and release the connection to the first satellite network if the second SV 524 (or another satellite in the second satellite network) is detected. The UE 505 may then switch to a second satellite mode and join the second satellite network.

[0075]

[0087] 5C , a third exemplary use case 540 includes a first vehicle 545, which may include some or all of the components of the UE 200 and is configured to simultaneously utilize multiple radio access technologies. For example, the first vehicle 545 may utilize vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology and may be configured to communicate with a base station 502, an SV 504, a roadside unit (RSU) 542, and a second vehicle 547. The first vehicle 545 may, for example, utilize a V2X Uu interface to communicate with the base station 502 and a PC5 sidelink protocol to communicate with the RSU 542 and the second vehicle 547. In one example, the second vehicle 547 may be a node in a mesh network, and the first vehicle may be configured to join the mesh network via a sidelink to the second vehicle 547. The vehicle 545 may also communicate with a satellite communications network via SV504 and associated protocols (e.g., based on proprietary architectures associated with Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya, Globalstar, etc.). The first vehicle 545 may be associated with a context 546 that conceptually describes the general operating environment around the first vehicle 545 and the current state of the vehicle 545. For example, the context 546 may be traveling on an open road, traveling on an urban road, traveling on a congested road, or stopped in a traffic jam. Other factors, such as time, date, geographic location, and distance to other stations, may be used to define the context for the first vehicle 545. Equipment state-related parameters, such as power level, status of receive and transmit processor stacks, sleep mode, detection of wireless signals, and user preferences, may be used to define the context. These are examples and not limitations, as other system and environmental parameters may be used to define the current context of a UE or vehicle.

[0076]

[0088] During operation, the vehicle 545 may be configured to utilize one or more of multiple radio access technologies based on the current context 546. In one example, the vehicle 545 may prioritize which radio access technologies to utilize relative to each other. For example, if the context indicates that the vehicle 545 is in a slow-moving traffic stream, the RSU 542 may be prioritized when a signal is available because it may provide increased bandwidth in a limited range. In an urban context with an increased number of available base stations, the vehicle may prioritize a cellular network over a satellite network based on the costs associated with the network (i.e., data charges for a cellular network may be less than those for a satellite network). In a rural context where cellular coverage is sparse, the vehicle 545 may prioritize a satellite network to ensure maintained communication. Other context-based priorities may also be assigned. In one embodiment, the vehicle 545 may be configured to diverge between the use of two or more radio access technologies based on applications consuming network resources. For example, in a given context, a cellular network may be prioritized for voice communications, a satellite network may be prioritized for messaging applications, and an RSU (V2X network) may be prioritized for streaming applications.

[0077]

[0089] Referring to FIG. 6A , a diagram 600 of an example change of context for user equipment is shown. Diagram 600 includes a user 605 carrying or wearing a UE, a base station 602, a GNSS constellation 604, a satellite communication SV 606, and a WiFi access point 608. The different radio access technologies in FIG. 6A are examples and not limitations, as other radio access technologies, as previously described, may be used. Diagram 600 includes a barrier 612, such as a wall, roof, or other structure, to define an inner area 610 from an outer area 614. The user 605 may be in an outer location 603 and may be utilizing a cellular network via the base station 602. The UE may also utilize signals from one or more SVs in the GNSS constellation 604 while in the outer location 603. As the user 605 moves from the outer location 603 to the inner area 610, the signal strength of the signal transmitted by the base station 602 may decrease because the signal may be attenuated, refracted, and / or reflected by the barrier 612. The attenuation 616 in the diagram 600 is a graphical representation of a potential signal loss. In response to a loss or reduction in the cellular signal, the UE may be configured to attempt to switch to another radio access technology, such as using satellite communication technology. Prior to disconnecting from the cellular network, the UE may attempt to determine whether the current context 607 is an indoor location. For example, the UE may utilize sensors, such as RF sensing, radar, lidar, coherent light, and / or camera-based methods, to detect barriers or other indications of an indoor location. In one embodiment, a satellite communication system may RF fingerprint data (e.g., heat maps) to define service subareas within a general coverage area, where service may be unavailable in some subareas (e.g., due to obstruction).The RF fingerprint data may be time-based because the configuration for some satellite constellations relative to the Earth's surface may change continuously (e.g., for low-Earth orbit constellations). In one embodiment, the UE may obtain observation predictions associated with its current location and time to determine whether a satellite network will be available. The UE may be configured to detect WiFi access points 608 and / or utilize other positioning methods to determine the context. In one example, the UE may utilize signals transmitted from a GNSS constellation 604 to determine whether signals from a satellite SV 606 in a satellite communication network will be received. For example, a GNSS signal 618 may also be degraded or not detected by the UE when the user 605 is located in an indoor area 610. The UE may be configured to maintain a cellular connection or attempt to join another network based on the lack of a GNSS signal.

[0078]

[0090] 6B , a diagram 650 of an example process for developing satellite coverage observation predictions is shown. The diagram 650 includes a GNSS satellite constellation 674 with satellites moving in their respective orbits 674a and a satellite communications constellation 676 with satellites moving in their respective orbits 676a. An example UE including a first UE 652 in a first location 652a, a second UE 654 in a second location 654a, and a third UE 656 in a third location 656a is configured to utilize the GNSS satellite constellation 674 and the satellite communications constellation 676. The locations 652a, 654a, 656a are within the general coverage areas of the satellite constellations 674, 676, but local obstructions, such as a barrier 658 and a building 660, may block the line of sight between the UE and the satellites. Barriers 658 and buildings 660 are examples, as other geological and man-made structures may obstruct signals between the UE and the satellite. The UEs 652, 654, 656 may be configured to communicate with one or more wireless networks and corresponding network stations. For example, the first UE 652 may be in communication with a WiFi access point 662, the second UE 654 may be in communication with an SV in a communication constellation 676, and the third UE 656 may be in communication with a cellular base station 664. In one example, the first UE 654 and the second UE 654 may be configured to communicate via a sidelink connection (e.g., PC5). The access point 662, the SV, and the base station 664 may be communicatively coupled to one or more network servers 668, such as the LMF 120, via a WWAN and / or the Internet. The server 668 may include some or all of the components of the server 400, with the server 400 being an example of the server 668. The network server 668 may be configured to interact with a measurement history database 670 and SV ephemeris data 672 .The measurement history database 670 may be a relational database (e.g., SQL, Oracle, etc.) or other flat file structure (e.g., XML, JSON, CSV, etc.) configured to store satellite observation information received from UEs in the network. The SV ephemeris data 672 may include celestial coordinates and associated SV information for GNSS and satellite communication constellations 674, 676.

[0079]

[0091] In one embodiment, the UEs 652, 654, 656 are configured to acquire satellite observation information at their respective locations 652a, 654a, 656a (e.g., L1, L2, L3) and respective times of observation (e.g., tx, ty, tz). The observations may be acquired periodically (e.g., 1 second, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 100 seconds, 500 seconds, etc.) or via other trigger conditions (e.g., network command, location, time of day, SV detection, etc.) and may be used to crowdsource GNSS and communication constellation 674, 676 coverage data. For example, the observations may include an array of information such as detected GNSS SVs (e.g., NS[]), detected communication SVs (SN[]), signal strength, and calculated range. Other SV parameters may also be observed. In one example, the UEs 652, 654, 656 may also store terrestrial and satellite network information, such as station identification information for each serving station at the time of observation. The UEs 652, 654, 656 may provide their respective observation data to a measurement history database 670 via their respective network and / or sidelink connections. The server 668 and / or measurement history database 670 may utilize the observation data and SV ephemeris data 672 in one or more machine learning, neural network, and / or federated learning schemes to correlate signal information with satellite locations. With the SV ephemeris data known, machine learning models can be used to generate observation predictions for different locations and times. The resulting observation predictions (e.g., heat maps) can be provided to a network station and used to determine whether a satellite communications network will be accessible at a given location and time.

[0080]

[0092] Referring to FIG. 7, an example data structure 700 for network prioritization is shown. The data structure 700 may be persisted on the UE 200 or the server 400 and may include a relational database application (e.g., Oracle, SQL, dBase, etc.), a flat file (e.g., JSON, XML, CVS), a binary file, a lookup table, or other file structure configured to persist and index the context-based prioritization model. The data structure 700 may include other instructions, such as stored procedures, configured to query, update, append, and index records in the data structure 700. In one example, the data structure may include multiple records 702a, 702b, ... 702n, including context, application, network, and prioritization information. One or more context fields 704 may be used to identify sensitive operating environment and / or system conditions that may be related to the prioritization value. By way of example and not limitation, context values ​​may be used to classify whether the UE is located in an indoor location, an outdoor location, a densely populated location, or a sparsely populated location; weather conditions (e.g., heavy rain / storm affecting RF propagation); the quality, availability, and type of network signal received by the UE; power status (e.g., charging, external power source); active and sleep modes; location relative to the user; and the presence of peripheral devices (e.g., external antennas, card / chip readers, device covers, etc.) that may affect the RF signal. Other operating environment and / or system state parameters may be used to describe a context. In one example, one or more defined context values ​​may be grouped into a context class with a unique index. A context field 704 may be associated with such a context class index (i.e., one or more of records 702a, 702b...702n may be associated with each of the contexts in the context class).

[0081]

[0093] In one embodiment, each record 702a, 702b...702n may include a context field 704, one or more applications 706, and multiple potential networks 708, where the combination of application and network includes a priority value 710. The applications 706 indicate potential applications running on the UE that may utilize network data services. The potential networks 708 indicate wireless communication networks that the UE may utilize (e.g., based on hardware and subscriber configuration). The priority values ​​710 may represent an order of network preference for each of the potentially available networks 708 that the UE may use for communication. In one example, a record may include one list of priority values ​​(e.g., one application 706) that may be used to prioritize communications for all applications running on the UE. In another example, a record may include multiple applications 706, where each application may be associated with the same or different network priority values. For example, a UE may be configured to utilize one network for voice communications (e.g., a cellular network), another network for messaging (e.g., a satellite network), and another network for streaming video (e.g., a WiFi network). Other combinations or networks and applications are possible. The priority value 710 may be based on user preferences for ensuring continuous coverage (e.g., mission-critical communications) or maximizing bandwidth and / or minimizing bandwidth usage charges. Other commercial and personal preference factors may be used to determine the priority value. In one embodiment, the UE may include a user interface to allow a user to input or select a context, application(s), network, and associated priority value.In one example, a network entity such as the LMF 120 or the BS 160 may be configured to provide the data structure 700 and corresponding context, application, network, and priority values ​​to the UE via standard messaging (e.g., NRPPa, RRC, etc.). The network entity may be configured to modify the priority values ​​based on network demand metrics. For example, during periods of high demand on the satellite network, the BS 160 may be configured to update the data structure 700 to reduce the priority of email and messaging applications on the satellite network and increase the priority for those applications on another network (e.g., cellular or WiFi). Upon receiving the updated data structure, the UE may be configured to attempt to change networks for those applications if the indicated networks are available. The UE may be configured to provide a notification message to the user to indicate the change in priority and / or network connection. The network reconfiguration may occur automatically or may require user approval. Other network parameters may be used to reconfigure the priority values ​​on the UE.

[0082]

[0094] 8A-8E, exemplary methods for switching between a cellular communication system and a satellite communication system are shown. In a first method 800, at step 802, a UE, such as UE 505 in FIG. 5A, may be in a cellular mode and communicating with a base station, such as base station 502. At step 804, a user of the UE 505 or an application running on the UE 505 may request a change from the cellular mode to the satellite mode. For example, a navigation application may be used to trigger a change from the cellular network to the satellite network based on a trajectory 506 relative to the coverage areas 502a, 504a. In one example, a quality of service (QoS) parameter associated with the cellular communication may be used to request the change at step 804. For example, a reduction in QoS may be used to trigger the switch. In one embodiment, the request may be for all services (e.g., voice and data). In another embodiment, the request may be limited to one or more applications, such that some applications may continue to use the cellular network and others may utilize the satellite network. For example, execution of an application on the UE with a different priority value for the current network may trigger a request for satellite mode in step 804. In step 806, the UE 505 may determine whether a satellite network is likely to be detected. In one example, the UE 505 may determine a current context and base the determination on the current context (e.g., an indoor context indicates that satellite communication is not possible). The UE 505 may be configured to receive an SV observation forecast from the network, such as that described in FIG. 6B, and determine whether a satellite network is likely to be detected based on the observation forecast. In one embodiment, the UE 505 may be configured to simultaneously perform a search for a satellite network while connected to the cellular network. If a satellite has been detected or is likely to be detected, in step 808, the UE 505 may detach from the cellular mode and activate the satellite mode.The mode change may be for the entire UE 505 (e.g., all voice and data services) or may be limited to one or more applications. The application and mode selection may be based on priority values ​​as described in FIG.

[0083]

[0095] In a second method 820, at step 822, a UE, such as the UE 505 in FIG. 5B, may be in a first satellite communication mode and communicating with a first SV, such as the first SV 504. At step 824, a user of the UE 505 or an application running on the UE 505 may request a change from the first satellite mode to the second satellite mode. For example, a navigation application may be used to trigger a change from the first satellite network to the second satellite network based on a trajectory 526 for the coverage areas 504a, 524a. In one example, QoS parameters associated with communications on the first satellite network may be used to request the change at step 824. In one embodiment, the request may be for all services (e.g., voice and data). In another embodiment, the request may be limited to one or more applications, such that some applications may continue to use the first satellite network and others may utilize the second satellite network. For example, execution of an application on the UE with a different priority value for the first satellite network may trigger a request for a second satellite mode in step 824. In step 826, the UE 505 may determine whether the second satellite network is likely to be detected. In one example, the UE 505 may determine a current context and base the determination on the current context (e.g., if the UE 505 is located outside the coverage area 506a, there is no possibility of communication with the second satellite network). The UE 505 may be configured to receive an SV observation forecast including SVs from the second satellite network, such as that described in FIG. 6B, and determine whether the second satellite network is likely to be detected based on the observation forecast. In one example, the UE 505 may be configured to simultaneously conduct a search for the second satellite network while connected to the first satellite network. If the second satellite network has been detected or is likely to be detected, in step 828, the UE 505 may release from the first satellite mode and switch to the second satellite mode.The mode change may be for the entire UE 505 (e.g., all voice and data services) or may be limited to one or more applications. The priority value may be used to determine which applications utilize the first satellite communications network and which applications utilize the second satellite communications network.

[0084]

[0096] In a third method 840, various combinations of networks may be used, and the UE may be configured to modify the network mode based on the availability of different networks. For example, in step 842, a UE, such as a vehicle 545 in FIG. 5C, may be in a cellular mode and a first satellite mode and be able to communicate with a base station 502 and a first SV, such as a first SV 504. In step 844, a user of the UE 505, or an application running on the UE 505, may request a change from the first satellite mode to a second satellite mode without detaching the cellular mode. In step 846, the UE 505 may determine whether a second satellite network is likely to be detected. In one example, the UE 505 may determine a current context, such as determining coverage areas for the first and second satellite systems based on a heat map (e.g., observation forecast). In one example, the UE 505 may be configured to perform a search for the second satellite network while simultaneously connected to the cellular network and the first satellite network. If a second satellite network has been detected or is likely to be detected, then in stage 848, the UE 505 may release from the first satellite mode and switch to the second satellite mode while maintaining the cellular mode connection.

[0085]

[0097] In the fourth method 860, at stage 862, the UE may receive one or more signals via a first wireless communication network. For example, the UE may be communicating with a cellular network via a base station or with a satellite communication network via SV. The one or more signals may be received during normal voice and / or data communication with the first wireless communication network. At stage 864, the UE may determine whether a second wireless communication network is available based at least in part on the location and time of the UE. In one example, the second wireless communication network may be a satellite communication network. The location and time may be the UE's current location at a current or future time, or a future location at a future time. A navigation application running on the UE may be used to determine the future location and time. In one example, the UE may be configured to receive an SV observation forecast indicating a location and time at which the second wireless communication network may be detected. If the second communication network is available (e.g., it may be detected), at stage 866, the UE may detach from the first wireless communication network mode and switch to the second wireless communication network. At stage 868, the UE may receive one or more signals from the second wireless communications network. The one or more signals may include standard registration and / or voice or data signals between the UE and a station (e.g., an SV) in the second wireless communications network.

[0086]

[0098] In the fifth method 880, at step 882, the UE may receive one or more signals via a terrestrial wireless communications network. For example, the UE may be communicating with a cellular network via a base station or with a V2X network via a sidelink (e.g., PC5 with an RSU). The one or more signals may be received during voice and / or data communications via the terrestrial network. At step 884, the UE may detect one or more signals from at least one satellite associated with a global navigation satellite system. For example, the UE may utilize the SPS receiver 217 to detect the one or more signals. In one embodiment, the presence of a GNSS signal may be used as an indication that the UE is in a location with an unobstructed view to a LEO satellite constellation. In one embodiment, the one or more signals may be characterized based on a satellite identification (SVID) code, such as a pseudorandom noise (PRN) code, and the presence of several SVIDs or SVID combinations may be detected. At step 886, the UE may determine that a satellite communications network is available based at least in part on detecting one or more signals from at least one satellite associated with a global navigation satellite system. In one embodiment, detection of SVID from the GNSS may be sufficient to determine that a satellite communications network is available. In one example, the UE may utilize a lookup table or other data structure to determine whether a satellite communications network is available based on the detected GNSS signals. The data structure may be stored locally on the UE or stored in a network resource (e.g., a location server) and available to the UE. The lookup table may be based on satellite coverage observation predictions, such as those described in FIG. 6B. Other functions or models may also be used to determine that a satellite communications network is available based on detection of GNSS SVs. In stage 888, the UE may detach from the terrestrial wireless communications network and activate a satellite communications mode.For example, the UE may include one or more satellite transceivers 280 configured to operate with a satellite communications network, such as Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya, and / or Globalstar. Because the UE determined in step 886 that the satellite communications network is available (i.e., based on detecting the GNSS signal in step 884), the UE may avoid prematurely detaching from the terrestrial network when the satellite communications network is unavailable due to interference or other variations in the coverage area.

[0087]

[0099] 9, and with further reference to FIGS. 1-8E, a method 900 for connecting to a wireless communications network includes the steps shown. However, method 900 is by way of example and not limitation. Method 900 may be varied, for example, by having steps added, removed, reordered, combined, performed simultaneously, and / or by splitting a single step into multiple steps.

[0088]

[0100] At step 902, the method includes determining a context for the user equipment. The UE 200 is a means for determining the context. The UE's context describes the current operating environment and may also take into account the UE's current state. In one example, the UE's context may be based on geographic location, general location (e.g., indoor / outdoor), proximate geography (e.g., open space, canyon, tunnel), density of network devices (e.g., sparse area such as a rural area, dense area such as a sports stadium), or other defined operating environment. Other factors may define the context, such as time, date, presence of peripheral devices, and equipment state parameters such as power level, status of receive and transmit processor stacks, sleep mode, detection of wireless signals, current network QoS, and user preferences. Other sensors, such as RF sensing, radar, lidar, optical sensors, and proximity sensors, may be used to determine the context. For example, RF sensing may be used to determine whether the UE is located indoors. GNSS signal strength may be used to determine whether line of sight to an area of ​​sky is obstructed. In operation, the context of a UE may be associated with one or more records in the data structure 700.

[0089]

[0101] At step 904, the method includes detecting one or more applications running on the user equipment. The UE 200 is a means for detecting the one or more applications. The applications may be configured to utilize data connections associated with a network and / or the Internet. For example, voice, email, messaging, streaming, video conferencing, operation system updates, and other applications may obtain data over the communication network. The UE may be configured to manage processor resources and monitor active applications.

[0090]

[0102] At step 906, the method includes determining one or more wireless communication networks based at least in part on the context and the one or more applications. UE 200 is a means for determining one or more wireless communication networks. In one example, referring to FIG. 7 , the context determined at step 902 may be used to select one or more records 702 a, 702 b...702 n in data structure 700. The one or more wireless networks may be based on potential networks 708 associated with context 704 and application 706 determined at step 904.

[0091]

[0103] At stage 908, the method includes detecting at least one of the one or more wireless communication networks. The UE 200 is a means for detecting one or more wireless communication networks. In one example, the UE 200 may be configured to receive heat map data related to coverage areas of potential networks 708. The heat map data may be, for example, observation forecasts for one or more satellite networks indicating times and locations at which the satellite networks may be utilized. Identifying valid times and locations for the satellite networks with respect to the observation forecasts may be detecting the wireless network. In another example, the UE 200 may be configured to perform active scanning to detect one or more of the networks in the potential networks 708 based on the executing application 708.

[0092]

[0104] At step 910, the method includes connecting to at least one of one or more wireless communication networks based at least in part on priority values ​​associated with the context and one or more applications. The UE 200 is a means for connecting to at least one of the wireless communication networks. The data structure 700 may include multiple priority values ​​710 associated with the context 704, the application 706, and potential networks 708. If multiple wireless networks are available and the UE 200 is configured to utilize one wireless network, the UE may select a potential network 708 based on the priority value 710 associated with the application 706. In one example, the priority value 710 may be weighted based on usage history (e.g., when a user has a history of texting, messaging services may be weighted higher compared to using voice communications). If the UE 200 is configured to utilize multiple networks simultaneously, a network may be selected based on the running applications and the priority value 710. For example, a first record 702a indicates that in a first context (i.e., context-1), cellular is the preferred connection for voice communication (i.e., priority=1), and WiFi / BT is the preferred connection for messaging, email, streaming, video calling, and OS update applications. Other records 702b...702n may have different network priorities for different applications.

[0093]

[0105] 1-8E, a method 1000 for providing assistance data to user equipment includes the steps shown. However, method 1000 is by way of example and not limitation. Method 1000 may be varied, for example, by having steps added, removed, reordered, combined, performed simultaneously, and / or by splitting a single step into multiple steps.

[0094]

[0106] At step 1002, the method includes determining context and application information associated with a user equipment. A server 400, such as the LMF 120 and the network control module 162, is a means for determining the context and application information for the UE. In one example, a data structure 700 for the UE may be persisted on a network server, and the server may be configured to obtain records 702a, 702b...702n associated with the UE based on identification information such as a UE ID. The UE may be configured to provide one or more request assistance messages including the identification and context information, and the server may utilize the request assistance messages to determine the context and application information based on the data structure 700. Other information in the request for assistance data message may be used to determine the context of the UE. In one embodiment, the server may be configured to determine the context of the UE based on, for example, the location and / or trajectory of the UE. The context and UE identification information may be used to determine one or more records in the data structure 700.

[0095]

[0107] At stage 1004, the method includes determining one or more wireless communication networks based at least in part on the context and application information. The server 400 is a means for determining the one or more wireless communication networks. The server may utilize potential networks 708 in records 702a, 702b...702n as the one or more wireless communication networks. That is, if a potential network 708 is associated with a priority value 710, the server may include the potential network in the one or more wireless communication networks. In one embodiment, the UE may provide a request assistance message including an indication of a running or preferred application, and the server may limit the one or more wireless communication networks to the potential networks 708 based on the indicated preferred or running application.

[0096]

[0108] At stage 1006, the method includes generating assistance data for at least one of the one or more wireless communication networks. The server 400 is a means for generating the assistance data. In one example, the one or more wireless communication networks may include terrestrial networks such as WiFi and cellular (e.g., LTE, 5G NR, etc.) and satellite-based technologies. The assistance data may include protocol, certificate, timing, interface, ephemeris, or other information to enable the UE to join the wireless networks. In one example, the assistance data may include information for joining several wireless networks using the same or different radio access technologies (e.g., a first satellite network and a second satellite network). In one example, the server may be configured to provide assistance data in an attempt to reduce network load. For example, if traffic on the satellite network must be reduced, the server may provide assistance data to enable some UEs to diverge voice and data applications between satellite network resources and terrestrial network resources. The assistance data may be based on priority values ​​associated with the terrestrial-based potential network options 708.

[0097]

[0109] At step 1008, the method includes transmitting assistance data to the user equipment. The base station 502 or the SV 504 are exemplary means for transmitting the assistance data. In one example, a cellular network may be configured to provide an assistance data based messaging protocol, such as LPP, NRPPa, or RRC. A satellite system may use a proprietary messaging format to transmit the assistance data. Generally, the assistance data may arrive via a first communication network to enable the UE to connect to a second communication network.

[0098]

[0110] 1-8E, a method 1100 for providing satellite coverage prediction includes the steps shown. However, method 1100 is by way of example and not limitation. Method 1100 may be varied, for example, by having steps added, removed, reordered, combined, performed simultaneously, and / or by splitting a single step into multiple steps.

[0099]

[0111] At stage 1102, the method includes receiving satellite observation information from a plurality of mobile devices, the satellite observation information including an observation time and an observation location for each of a plurality of satellite observations made by the plurality of mobile devices. A server 400, such as server 668, or a UE 200, such as UE 654, is a means for receiving the satellite observation information. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 6B , a plurality of UEs may acquire satellite signals from different locations and at different times. For example, UEs 652, 654, 656 may be configured to acquire satellite observation information at their respective locations 652a, 654a, 656a (e.g., L1, L2, L3) and at respective times (e.g., tx, ty, tz). The observations may be acquired periodically or via other trigger conditions and may be used to crowdsource GNSS and communication constellations 674, 676 coverage data. For example, the observations may include an array of information, such as the identification of detected GNSS SVs (e.g., NS[]), the identification of detected communication SVs (SN[]), signal strength, and calculated range. Other SV parameters may also be observed. The UE may utilize a network connection to provide the observation information to the server 668 and the measurement history database 670. In one embodiment, the UE 200 may obtain satellite observation information locally and not transmit the observation information to a network server. That is, the UE may use a federated learning scheme to process the observation data obtained by the UE.

[0100]

[0112] In step 1104, the method includes determining satellite location information based at least in part on the satellite observations. The server 400 is a means for determining the satellite location information. In one example, the locations of the SVs in the GNSS and communication network may be known or may be plotted based on the ephemeris data 672. The server 668 may be configured to utilize identification and time information in the satellite observations received in step 1102 to determine the location of each SV.

[0101]

[0113] At step 1106, the method includes generating an observation prediction based at least in part on the satellite observation information and the satellite location information. The server 400 is a means for generating the observation prediction. Generally, the observation prediction can be used by the UE to determine whether a satellite connection can be used at a given location and time. The observation prediction can also reduce the search time required to identify signals transmitted from SVs in the network. In one example, a supervised machine learning module can use satellite locations as training data, and the labels can be parameters in the corresponding observation information. Other machine learning schemes can also be used. For example, an unsupervised learning method can utilize clustering, dimensionality reduction, anomaly detection, and / or association rule mining based on the satellite observation information and satellite location information received from multiple UEs. Other modeling methods, such as neural networks and federated learning, can be used to generate the observation prediction. For example, each of the UEs can be configured to maintain their respective satellite observation information and utilize machine learning to determine the observation prediction. Other edge techniques can also be used. In one example, the UE may be configured to update the observation prediction based on actual results and may return the updated prediction to the server 668, which may be configured to update the observation prediction model.

[0102]

[0114] At stage 1108, the method includes providing an observation forecast to one or more mobile devices, where the observation forecast includes an indication of one or more detectable satellite vehicles based on an estimated location and time. The server 400 and the UE 200 are exemplary means for providing the observation forecast. In one embodiment, the server 668 or another edge server may be configured to provide the observation forecast as assistance data to the UE via a wireless network protocol (e.g., LPP, NRPP, RRC, etc.) or a proprietary satellite protocol. In a V2X network, referring to FIG. 5C , the RSU 542 may receive the observation forecast via a wired or wireless connection (e.g., Uu interface) and provide the observation forecast to one or more UEs via a sidelink protocol (e.g., PC5).

[0103]

[0115] In one embodiment, UEs may be configured to provide their locally generated observation predictions (e.g., in a federated learning scheme) or observation predictions received from the server 668 to other network stations via sidelink technologies (e.g., PC5). The use of sidelinks between different UEs may enable more real-time communication of whether an SV can be seen by other UEs in the area. In one example, the estimated location and time may be the UE's current location and a current or future time. The estimated location may also be a future location and a future time based on the UE's trajectory.

[0104]

[0116] Referring to FIG. 12, an example of a satellite transceiver 1200 is shown. The satellite transceiver 1200 may be an example of the satellite transceiver 280 in the UE 200. The satellite transceiver 1200 includes at least one antenna 1210 for receiving forward link communication signals (e.g., from a satellite 504), which are forwarded to an analog receiver 1214 where they are downconverted, amplified, and digitized. A duplexer element 1212 may be used to enable the same antenna to service both the transmit and receive functions. Alternatively, the satellite transceiver 1200 may use separate antennas to operate at different transmit and receive frequencies. The digital communication signals output by the analog receiver 1214 are forwarded to at least one digital data receiver 1216A and at least one searcher receiver 1218. Depending on the acceptable level of transceiver complexity, additional digital data receivers (e.g., as represented by digital data receiver 1216N) may be used to obtain a desired level of signal diversity. At least one user terminal control processor 1220 is coupled to the digital data receivers 1216A-1216N and the searcher receiver 1218. The control processor 1220 may provide, among other functions, basic signal processing, timing, power, and handoff control or coordination, and selection of frequencies used for signal carriers. Another basic control function that may be performed by the control processor 1220 is the selection or operation of functions to be used to process various signal waveforms. Signal processing by the control processor 1220 may include determining relative signal strengths and calculating various related signal parameters. Such calculation of signal parameters, such as timing and frequency, may involve the use of additional or separate dedicated circuitry to provide increased efficiency or speed of measurements or improved allocation of control processing resources.

[0105]

[0117] The outputs of the digital data receivers 1216A-1216N are coupled to digital baseband circuitry 1222 within the UT 1200. The digital baseband circuitry 1222 includes processing and presentation elements used to transfer information to and from the UE 200, for example, as shown in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 12, if diversity signal processing is used, the digital baseband circuitry 1222 may include a diversity combiner and decoder (not shown). Some of these elements may also operate under the control of or be in communication with the control processor 1220. When voice or other data is to be prepared as an output message or communication signal originating from the satellite transceiver 1200, the digital baseband circuitry 1222 may be used to receive, store, process, and possibly prepare the desired data for transmission. The digital baseband circuitry 1222 provides this data to a transmit modulator 1226, which operates under the control of the control processor 1220. The output of the transmit modulator 1226 is forwarded to a power controller 1228, which provides output power control to a transmit power amplifier 1230 for ultimate transmission of the output signal from the antenna 1210 to a satellite (e.g., satellite 504).

[0106]

[0118] The satellite transceiver 1200 may also include a memory 1232 associated with the control processor 1220. The memory 1232 may include instructions for execution by the control processor 1220 and data for processing by the control processor 1220. The memory 1232 may include instructions for implementing time or frequency adjustments to be applied to RF signals to be transmitted by the satellite transceiver 1200 to the satellite 504 via a return service link. The satellite transceiver 1200 may also include an optional local time, frequency, and / or position reference 1234 (e.g., a GPS receiver), which may provide local time, frequency, and / or position information to the control processor 1220 for various applications, including, for example, time or frequency synchronization for the satellite transceiver 1200. In one embodiment, these functions may be performed by the SPS receiver 217 in the UE 200. Digital data receivers 1216A-1216N and searcher receiver 1218 may be configured with signal correlation elements to demodulate and track specific signals. Searcher receiver 1218 is used to search for pilot signals or other strong signals with a relatively fixed pattern, while digital data receivers 1216A-1216N are used to demodulate other signals related to the detected pilot signal. However, digital data receiver 1216 may be assigned to track pilot signals after acquisition to accurately determine the ratio of signal chip energy to signal noise and establish pilot signal strength. Thus, the outputs of these units may be monitored to determine the energy in pilot signals or other signals, or their frequencies. These receivers also use frequency tracking elements that may be monitored to provide control processor 1220 with current frequency and timing information for the signal being demodulated. In one embodiment, control processor 1220 may use such information to determine to what extent the received signal is offset from the oscillator frequency when scaled to the same frequency band, accordingly.This and other information related to frequency error and frequency shift may be stored in storage or memory elements (e.g., memory 1232) as needed. The control processor 1220 may also be coupled to a UE interface circuit 1250 to enable communication between the satellite transceiver 1200 and one or more application processors 230. The UE interface circuit 1250 may be configured as needed for communication with various UE configurations and, therefore, may include various transceivers and related components depending on the various communication technologies used by the UE 200. The control processor 1220 may include one or more of a processing circuit 1242, a memory device 1244, or a controller 1246, which independently or cooperatively perform location reporting-related and / or paging-related operations for the satellite transceiver 1200. In one example implementation, the processing circuit 1242 may be configured (e.g., programmed) to perform some or all of these operations. In another example implementation, processing circuitry 1242 (e.g., in the form of a processor) executes code stored in memory device 1244 to perform some or all of these operations. In another example implementation, controller 1246 (e.g., including application-specific logic) may be configured (e.g., programmed) to perform some or all of these operations. While shown in FIG. 12 as being included within control processor 1220, in other implementations, one or more of processing circuitry 1242, memory device 1244, or controller 1246 may be separate subsystems coupled to control processor 1220.

[0107]

[0119] Other examples and 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 may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or any combination thereof. The features implementing the functions may also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed such that portions of the functions are implemented in different physical locations. For example, one or more functions, or one or more portions thereof, described above as being performed in the LMF 120 may be performed outside the LMF 120, such as by the TRP 300 or the base station 160.

[0108]

[0120] Unless otherwise stated, functional or other components shown in the figures and / or described herein as being connected or in communication with each other are communicatively coupled, i.e., they may be directly or indirectly connected so as to enable communication therebetween.

[0109]

[0121] Unless otherwise specified, as used herein, a statement that a function or operation is "based on" an item or condition means that the function or operation is based on the stated item or condition, and may be based on one or more items and / or conditions in addition to the stated item or condition.

[0110]

[0122] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, a "processor" may include one processor or multiple processors. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0111]

[0123] Also, as used herein, "or" in a list of items (sometimes ending with "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates a disjunctive list, such that a list of "at least one of A, B, or C," or a list of "one or more of A, B, or C," or a list of "A, B, or C" means 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, B, and C), or a combination of two or more features (e.g., AA, AAB, ABBC, etc.). Thus, a statement that an item, e.g., a processor, is configured to perform a function with respect to at least one of A or B, or that an item is configured to perform function A or function B, means that the item can be configured to perform the function with respect to A, or the function with respect to B, or the function with respect to A and B. For example, the phrases "a processor configured to measure at least one of A or B" or "a processor configured to measure A or measure B" mean that the processor may be configured to measure A (and may or may not be configured to measure B), or may be configured to measure B (and may or may not be configured to measure A), or may be configured to measure A and measure B (and may be configured to select whether A and B, or both, to measure). Similarly, a reference to a means for measuring at least one of A or B includes a means for measuring A (which may or may not be capable of measuring B), or a means for measuring B (and which may or may not be configured to measure A), or a means for measuring A and B (which may be capable of selecting whether A and B, or both, to measure).As another example, a statement that an item, e.g., a processor, is configured to at least one of perform function X or perform function Y means that the item may be configured to perform function X, or may be configured to perform function Y, or may be configured to perform function X and function Y. For example, the phrase "a processor configured to perform at least one of measuring X or measuring Y" means that the processor may be configured to measure X (and may or may not be configured to measure Y), or may be configured to measure Y (and may or may not be configured to measure X), or may be configured to measure X and measure Y (and may be configured to select whether X and Y, or both, to measure). Substantial variations may be made according to particular requirements. For example, customized hardware may also be used, and / or particular elements may be implemented in hardware, software (including portable software, such as applets) executed by the processor, or both. Furthermore, connection to other computing devices, such as network input / output devices, may be employed.

[0112]

[0124] The systems and devices described above are examples. Various configurations may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For example, features described with respect to some configurations may be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of the configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Also, technology evolves, and thus many of the elements are examples and do not limit the scope of the disclosure or claims.

[0113]

[0125] A wireless communication system is a communication system in which communications are carried wirelessly, i.e., by electromagnetic and / or acoustic waves propagating through atmospheric space rather than through wires or other physical connections. A wireless communication network may not all communications be transmitted wirelessly, but is configured such that at least some communications are transmitted wirelessly. Furthermore, the term "wireless communication device" or similar terms does not require that the function of the device be exclusively, or even primarily, for communication, or that the device be a mobile device, but indicates that the device includes wireless communication capabilities (one-way or two-way), e.g., at least one radio for wireless communication (each radio being part of a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver).

[0114]

[0126] In the description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of example configurations (including implementation forms). However, the configurations may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques are shown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring the configurations. This description provides example configurations and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claims. Rather, the above description of the configurations provides a description for implementing the described techniques. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0115]

[0127] 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 causes a machine to operate in a specific manner. Using a computing platform, various processor-readable media may participate in providing instructions / code to processor(s) for execution and / or may be used to store and / or carry such instructions / code (e.g., as a signal). In many implementations, processor-readable media are physical and / or tangible storage media. Such media may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical and / or magnetic disks. Volatile media include, but are not limited to, dynamic memory.

[0116]

[0128] A statement that a value exceeds (or is greater than, or exceeds) a first threshold is equivalent to a statement that the value meets or exceeds a second threshold that is slightly greater than the first threshold, e.g., the second threshold is a value that is higher than the first threshold at the resolution of the computing system. A statement that a value is less than (or is within, or is below) a first threshold is equivalent to a statement that the value is less than or equal to a second threshold that is slightly lower than the first threshold, e.g., the second threshold is a value that is lower than the first threshold at the resolution of the computing system.

[0117]

[0129] Example implementations are described in the following numbered clauses.

[0118]

[0130] Clause 1. A method for switching between communication networks, comprising: receiving one or more signals via a first wireless communication network using a mobile device; determining that a second wireless communication network is available based at least in part on a location of the mobile device and a time; if the second wireless communication network is available, detaching the mobile device from the first wireless communication network at the time; and receiving one or more signals from the second wireless communication network using the mobile device after the time.

[0119]

[0131] Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein determining that the second wireless communications network is available includes determining a context for the mobile device.

[0120]

[0132] Clause 3. The method of either clause 1 or 2, wherein the first wireless communications network is a cellular network and the second wireless communications network is a satellite network.

[0121]

[0133] Clause 4. The method of any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the first wireless communications network is a first satellite network and the second wireless communications network is a second satellite network.

[0122]

[0134] Clause 5. The method of clause 4, further comprising receiving one or more signals from a cellular network simultaneously with receiving one or more signals over a first wireless communications network, and receiving one or more signals from a cellular network simultaneously with receiving one or more signals over a second wireless communications network.

[0123]

[0135] Clause 6. The method of any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein determining that a second wireless communications network is available includes determining that the location of the mobile device at the time is within a coverage area of ​​the second wireless communications network.

[0124]

[0136] Clause 7. The method of any of clauses 1 to 6, further comprising receiving a satellite observation forecast, wherein determining that a second wireless communications network is available is based on an indication of one or more detectable satellite vehicles at said location and said time.

[0125]

[0137] Clause 8. The method of clause 7, wherein the satellite observation forecast is received from a network station.

[0126]

[0138] Clause 9. The method of clause 7, wherein the satellite observation predictions are received from nearby user equipment via a sidelink.

[0127]

[0139] Clause 10. The method of any of clauses 1 to 9, further comprising providing satellite observation information to a network server, wherein the satellite observation information is based on signals received from the first wireless communications network, the second wireless communications network, or both.

[0128]

[0140] Clause 11. A method of communicating over a wireless network, comprising: determining a context for user equipment; detecting one or more applications running on the user equipment; determining one or more wireless communication networks based at least in part on the context and the one or more applications; detecting at least one of the one or more wireless communication networks; and connecting to at least one of the one or more wireless communication networks based at least in part on priority values ​​associated with the context and the one or more applications.

[0129]

[0141] Clause 12. The method of clause 11, wherein determining a context for the user equipment is based on determining that the user equipment is located within a structure.

[0130]

[0142] Clause 13. The method of either clause 11 or 12, wherein the one or more wireless communications networks include a cellular network and a satellite communications network.

[0131]

[0143] Clause 14. The method of any of clauses 11 to 13, wherein the one or more wireless communications networks include a first satellite communications network and a second satellite communications network.

[0132]

[0144] Clause 15. The method of any of clauses 11 to 14, wherein the one or more wireless communication networks include a Wi-Fi network and a satellite communication network.

[0133]

[0145] Clause 16. The method of any of clauses 11 to 15, wherein the one or more wireless communication networks include a sidelink-based network and a satellite communication network.

[0134]

[0146] Clause 17. The method of any of clauses 11 to 16, wherein the one or more applications running on the user equipment include at least one of a voice communication application, a messaging application, an email application, a media streaming application, a video calling application, a conferencing application, or a navigation application.

[0135]

[0147] Clause 18. The method of any of clauses 11 to 17, further comprising connecting to a first wireless network and a second wireless network, wherein a first of the one or more applications is configured to utilize the first wireless network and a second of the one or more applications is configured to utilize the second wireless network.

[0136]

[0148] Clause 19. The method of clause 18, wherein the first wireless network is a cellular network and the second wireless network is a satellite communications network.

[0137]

[0149] Clause 20. The method of clause 18, wherein the first wireless network is a sidelink-based network and the second wireless network is a satellite communications network.

[0138]

[0150] Clause 21. The method of clause 18, wherein the first wireless network is a first satellite communications network and the second wireless network is a second satellite communications network.

[0139]

[0151] Clause 22. A method for providing a satellite coverage prediction, the method comprising: receiving satellite observation information from a plurality of mobile devices, the satellite observation information including an observation time and an observation location for each of a plurality of satellite observations made by the plurality of mobile devices; determining satellite location information based at least in part on the satellite observation information; generating an observation prediction based at least in part on the satellite observation information and the satellite location information; and providing the observation prediction to one or more mobile devices, wherein the observation prediction includes an indication of one or more detectable satellite vehicles based on estimated positions and times.

[0140]

[0152] Clause 23. The method of clause 22, wherein the satellite observation information comprises observations of signals transmitted by one or more satellite vehicles in a global navigation satellite system.

[0141]

[0153] Clause 24. The method of either clause 22 or 23, wherein the satellite observation information comprises observations of signals transmitted by one or more satellite vehicles in a satellite communications network.

[0142]

[0154] Clause 25. The method of any of clauses 22 to 24, wherein generating the observation predictions includes utilizing one or more machine learning methods using satellite location information as training data and satellite observation information as labels.

[0143]

[0155] Clause 26. The method of any of clauses 22 to 25, wherein providing the observation prediction includes transmitting the observation prediction in assistance data via a cellular communications messaging protocol.

[0144]

[0156] Clause 27. The method of any of clauses 22 to 26, wherein providing the observation prediction includes transmitting the observation prediction in assistance data via a sidelink communication messaging protocol.

[0145]

[0157] Clause 28. A method for switching between communication networks, comprising: receiving one or more signals over a terrestrial wireless communication network with a mobile device; detecting one or more signals from at least one satellite associated with a global navigation satellite system; determining that a satellite communication network is available based at least in part on detecting the one or more signals from the at least one satellite associated with the global navigation satellite system; detaching the mobile device from the terrestrial wireless communication network and activating a satellite communication mode on the mobile device.

[0146]

[0158] Clause 29. The method of clause 28, wherein detecting one or more signals from at least one satellite includes detecting a satellite identification code.

[0147]

[0159] Clause 30. The method of either clause 28 or 29, wherein determining that a satellite communications network is available includes querying a data structure based on one or more signals from at least one satellite.

[0148]

[0160] Clause 31. The method of clause 30, wherein the data structure is stored on a network server and the mobile device is configured to query the data structure over a terrestrial wireless communications network.

[0149]

[0161] Clause 32. The method of any of clauses 28 to 31, further comprising determining a location of the mobile device and transmitting one or more signals and an indication of the location to a network server.

[0150]

[0162] Clause 33. An apparatus comprising: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: receive one or more signals over a first wireless communications network; determine that a second wireless communications network is available based at least in part on a location and a time; if the second wireless communications network is available, detach from the first wireless communications network at the time; and receive one or more signals from the second wireless communications network after the time.

[0151]

[0163] Clause 34. The apparatus of clause 33, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine a context.

[0152]

[0164] Clause 35. The apparatus of either clause 33 or 34, wherein the first wireless communications network is a cellular network and the second wireless communications network is a satellite network.

[0153]

[0165] Clause 36. The apparatus of any of clauses 33 to 35, wherein the first wireless communications network is a first satellite network and the second wireless communications network is a second satellite network.

[0154]

[0166] Clause 37. The apparatus of Clause 36, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to simultaneously receive one or more signals from the cellular network and one or more signals over the first wireless communications network, and simultaneously receive one or more signals from the cellular network and one or more signals over the second wireless communications network.

[0155]

[0167] Clause 38. The apparatus of any of clauses 33 to 37, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine that the location at the time is within a coverage area of ​​a second wireless communications network.

[0156]

[0168] Clause 39. The apparatus of any of clauses 33 to 38, wherein at least one processor is further configured to receive satellite observation forecasts and determine that a second wireless communications network is available based on an indication of one or more detectable satellite vehicles at said location and said time.

[0157]

[0169] Clause 40. The apparatus of clause 39, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive satellite observation forecasts from a network station.

[0158]

[0170] Clause 41. The apparatus of clause 39, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive satellite observation predictions from nearby user equipment via a sidelink.

[0159]

[0171] Clause 42. The apparatus of any of clauses 33 to 41, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide satellite observation information to a network server, wherein the satellite observation information is based on signals received from the first wireless communications network, the second wireless communications network, or both.

[0160]

[0172] Clause 43. An apparatus comprising: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: determine a context for user equipment; detect one or more applications running on the user equipment; determine one or more wireless communication networks based at least in part on the context and the one or more applications; detect at least one of the one or more wireless communication networks; and connect to at least one of the one or more wireless communication networks based at least in part on priority values ​​associated with the context and the one or more applications.

[0161]

[0173] Clause 44. The apparatus of clause 43, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine that the user equipment is located within the structure.

[0162]

[0174] Clause 45. The apparatus of either clause 43 or 44, wherein the one or more wireless communications networks include a cellular network and a satellite communications network.

[0163]

[0175] Clause 46. The apparatus of any of clauses 43 to 45, wherein the one or more wireless communications networks include a first satellite communications network and a second satellite communications network.

[0164]

[0176] Clause 47. The apparatus of any of clauses 43 to 46, wherein the one or more wireless communication networks include a Wi-Fi network and a satellite communication network.

[0165]

[0177] Clause 48. The apparatus of any of clauses 43 to 47, wherein the one or more wireless communication networks include a sidelink-based network and a satellite communication network.

[0166]

[0178] Clause 49. The apparatus of any of clauses 43 to 48, wherein the one or more applications running on the user equipment include at least one of a voice communication application, a messaging application, an email application, a media streaming application, a video calling application, a conferencing application, or a navigation application.

[0167]

[0179] Clause 50. The apparatus of any of clauses 43 to 49, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to connect to a first wireless network and a second wireless network, wherein a first of the one or more applications is configured to utilize the first wireless network and a second of the one or more applications is configured to utilize the second wireless network.

[0168]

[0180] Clause 51. The apparatus of clause 50, wherein the first wireless network is a cellular network and the second wireless network is a satellite communications network.

[0169]

[0181] Clause 52. The apparatus of clause 50, wherein the first wireless network is a sidelink-based network and the second wireless network is a satellite communications network.

[0170]

[0182] Clause 53. The apparatus of clause 50, wherein the first wireless network is a first satellite communications network and the second wireless network is a second satellite communications network.

[0171]

[0183] Clause 54. An apparatus comprising: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: receive satellite observation information from a plurality of mobile devices, the satellite observation information including an observation time and an observation location for each of a plurality of satellite observations made by the plurality of mobile devices; determine satellite location information based at least in part on the satellite observation information; generate an observation prediction based at least in part on the satellite observation information and the satellite location information; and provide the observation prediction to the one or more mobile devices, wherein the observation prediction includes an indication of one or more detectable satellite vehicles based on an estimated position and time.

[0172]

[0184] Clause 55. The apparatus of clause 54, wherein the satellite observation information comprises observations of signals transmitted by one or more satellite vehicles in a global navigation satellite system.

[0173]

[0185] Clause 56. The apparatus of either clause 54 or 55, wherein the satellite observation information comprises observations of signals transmitted by one or more satellite vehicles in a satellite communications network.

[0174]

[0186] Clause 57. The apparatus of any of clauses 54 to 56, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to utilize one or more machine learning methods using satellite location information as training data and satellite observation information as labels.

[0175]

[0187] Clause 58. The apparatus of any of clauses 54 to 57, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to transmit the observation predictions in the assistance data via a cellular communication messaging protocol.

[0176]

[0188] Clause 59. The apparatus of any of clauses 54 to 58, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to transmit the observation predictions in assistance data via a sidelink communication messaging protocol.

[0177]

[0189] Clause 60. An apparatus comprising: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: receive one or more signals over a terrestrial wireless communications network; detect one or more signals from at least one satellite associated with a global navigation satellite system; determine that a satellite communications network is available based at least in part on detecting the one or more signals from the at least one satellite associated with the global navigation satellite system; and detach from the terrestrial wireless communications network and activate a satellite communications mode.

[0178]

[0190] Clause 61. The apparatus of clause 60, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to detect a satellite identification code.

[0179]

[0191] Clause 62. The apparatus of either clause 60 or 61, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to query the data structure based on one or more signals from at least one satellite.

[0180]

[0192] Clause 63. The apparatus of clause 62, wherein the data structure is stored on a network server, and wherein the at least one processor is further configured to query the data structure over a terrestrial wireless communications network.

[0181]

[0193] Clause 64. The apparatus of any of clauses 60 to 63, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine a location and transmit an indication of the one or more signals and the location to a network server.

[0182]

[0194] Clause 65. An apparatus for switching between communication networks, comprising: means for receiving one or more signals via a first wireless communication network with a mobile device; means for determining that a second wireless communication network is available based at least in part on a location of the mobile device and a time; means for detaching the mobile device from the first wireless communication network at the time if the second wireless communication network is available; and means for receiving one or more signals from the second wireless communication network with the mobile device after the time.

[0183]

[0195] Clause 66. An apparatus for communicating over a wireless network, comprising: means for determining a context for user equipment; means for detecting one or more applications running on the user equipment; means for determining one or more wireless communications networks based at least in part on the context and the one or more applications; means for detecting at least one of the one or more wireless communications networks; and means for connecting to at least one of the one or more wireless communications networks based at least in part on priority values ​​associated with the context and the one or more applications.

[0184]

[0196] Clause 67. An apparatus for providing a satellite coverage prediction, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving satellite observation information from a plurality of mobile devices, the satellite observation information including an observation time and an observation location for each of a plurality of satellite observations made by the plurality of mobile devices; means for determining satellite location information based at least in part on the satellite observation information; means for generating an observation prediction based at least in part on the satellite observation information and the satellite location information; and means for providing the observation prediction to one or more mobile devices, wherein the observation prediction includes an indication of one or more detectable satellite vehicles based on estimated positions and times.

[0185]

[0197] Clause 68. An apparatus for switching between communication networks, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving one or more signals over a terrestrial wireless communication network with a mobile device; means for detecting one or more signals from at least one satellite associated with a global navigation satellite system; means for determining that a satellite communication network is available based at least in part on detecting the one or more signals from the at least one satellite associated with the global navigation satellite system; and means for detaching the mobile device from the terrestrial wireless communication network and activating a satellite communication mode on the mobile device.

[0186]

[0198] Clause 69. A non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to cause a mobile device to switch between communication networks, the non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising: code for receiving one or more signals over a first wireless communication network with the mobile device; code for determining that a second wireless communication network is available based at least in part on a location of the mobile device and a time; code for detaching the mobile device from the first wireless communication network at the time if the second wireless communication network is available; and code for receiving one or more signals from the second wireless communication network with the mobile device after the time.

[0187]

[0199] Clause 70. A non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to enable communication over a wireless network, the non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising: code for determining a context for user equipment; code for detecting one or more applications executing on the user equipment; code for determining one or more wireless communications networks based at least in part on the context and the one or more applications; code for detecting at least one of the one or more wireless communications networks; and code for connecting to at least one of the one or more wireless communications networks based at least in part on priority values ​​associated with the context and the one or more applications.

[0188]

[0200] Clause 71. A non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to provide a satellite coverage prediction, the non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising: code for receiving satellite observation information from a plurality of mobile devices, the satellite observation information including an observation time and an observation location for each of a plurality of satellite observations made by the plurality of mobile devices; code for determining satellite location information based at least in part on the satellite observation information; code for generating an observation prediction based at least in part on the satellite observation information and the satellite location information; and code for providing the observation prediction to the one or more mobile devices, wherein the observation prediction includes an indication of one or more detectable satellite vehicles based on an estimated position and time.

[0189]

[0201] Clause 72. A non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to enable a mobile device to switch between communications networks, the non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising: code for receiving one or more signals over a terrestrial wireless communications network with the mobile device; code for detecting one or more signals from at least one satellite associated with a global navigation satellite system; code for determining that a satellite communications network is available based at least in part on detecting the one or more signals from the at least one satellite associated with the global navigation satellite system; and code for detaching the mobile device from the terrestrial wireless communications network and activating a satellite communications mode on the mobile device. The inventions described in the claims of the present application as originally filed are set forth below. [C1] 1. A method for switching between communication networks, comprising: receiving one or more signals over a first wireless communication network using a mobile device; determining that a second wireless communication network is available based at least in part on the location of the mobile device and the time; detaching the mobile device from the first wireless communications network at the time if the second wireless communications network is available; and receiving one or more signals from the second wireless communications network using the mobile device after the time. A method comprising: [C2] The method of C1, wherein determining that the second wireless communication network is available includes determining a context for the mobile device. [C3] The method of C1, wherein the first wireless communication network is a cellular network and the second wireless communication network is a satellite network. [C4] The method of C1, wherein the first wireless communications network is a first satellite network and the second wireless communications network is a second satellite network. [C5] receiving one or more signals from a cellular network simultaneously with receiving one or more signals over the first wireless communications network; receiving one or more signals from the cellular network simultaneously with receiving one or more signals over the second wireless communications network; The method of C4, further comprising: [C6] The method of C1, wherein determining that the second wireless communications network is available includes determining that the location of the mobile device at the time is within a coverage area of ​​a second wireless communications network. [C7] receiving a satellite observation forecast; The method of C1, wherein determining that the second wireless communications network is available is based on indications of one or more detectable satellite vehicles at the location and the time. [C8] The method of C7, wherein the satellite observation predictions are received from a network station. [C9] 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the satellite observation predictions are received from a nearby user equipment via a sidelink. [C10] providing the satellite observation information to a network server; The method of C1, wherein the satellite observation information is based on signals received from the first wireless communications network, the second wireless communications network, or both. [C11] 1. A method of communicating over a wireless network, comprising: determining a context for the user equipment; Detecting one or more applications running on the user equipment; and determining one or more wireless communication networks based at least in part on the context and the one or more applications; detecting at least one of the one or more wireless communication networks; connecting to the at least one of the one or more wireless communication networks based at least in part on priority values ​​associated with the context and the one or more applications; A method comprising: [C12] The method of C11, wherein determining the context for the user equipment is based on determining that the user equipment is located within a structure. [C13] The method of C11, wherein the one or more wireless communication networks include a cellular network and a satellite communication network. [C14] The method of C11, wherein the one or more wireless communication networks include a first satellite communication network and a second satellite communication network. [C15] The method of C11, wherein the one or more wireless communication networks include a Wi-Fi network and a satellite communication network. [C16] The method of C11, wherein the one or more wireless communication networks include a sidelink-based network and a satellite communication network. [C17] The method of C11, wherein the one or more applications running on the user equipment include at least one of a voice communication application, a messaging application, an email application, a media streaming application, a video calling application, a conferencing application, or a navigation application. [C18] further comprising connecting to a first wireless network and a second wireless network; a first one of the one or more applications configured to utilize the first wireless network and a second one of the one or more applications configured to utilize the second wireless network; The method described in C11. [C19] The method of C18, wherein the first wireless network is a cellular network and the second wireless network is a satellite communications network. [C20] The method of C18, wherein the first wireless network is a sidelink-based network and the second wireless network is a satellite communications network. [C21] The method of C18, wherein the first wireless network is a first satellite communications network and the second wireless network is a second satellite communications network. [C22] 1. A method for providing a satellite coverage prediction, comprising: receiving satellite observation information from a plurality of mobile devices, the satellite observation information including an observation time and an observation location for each of a plurality of satellite observations made by the plurality of mobile devices; determining satellite location information based at least in part on the satellite observation information; generating an observation forecast based at least in part on the satellite observation information and the satellite location information; providing the observation prediction to one or more mobile devices, wherein the observation prediction includes an indication of one or more detectable satellite vehicles based on estimated positions and times; A method comprising: [C23] The method of C22, wherein the satellite observation information includes observations of signals transmitted by one or more satellite vehicles in a global navigation satellite system. [C24] The method of C22, wherein the satellite observation information includes observations of signals transmitted by one or more satellite vehicles in a satellite communications network. [C25] The method of C22, wherein generating the observation predictions includes utilizing one or more machine learning methods using the satellite location information as training data and the satellite observation information as labels. [C26] The method of C22, wherein providing the observation prediction includes transmitting the observation prediction in assistance data via a cellular communication messaging protocol. [C27] 23. The method of claim 22, wherein providing the observation prediction comprises transmitting the observation prediction in assistance data via a sidelink communication messaging protocol. [C28] 1. A method for switching between communication networks, comprising: receiving one or more signals over a terrestrial wireless communications network with a mobile device; Detecting one or more signals from at least one satellite associated with a global navigation satellite system; determining that a satellite communications network is available based at least in part on detecting the one or more signals from the at least one satellite associated with the global navigation satellite system; and detaching the mobile device from the terrestrial wireless communications network and activating a satellite communications mode on the mobile device; A method comprising: [C29] The method of C28, wherein detecting the one or more signals from the at least one satellite includes detecting a satellite identification code. [C30] determining a location of the mobile device; transmitting an indication of the one or more signals and the location to a network server; The method of C28, further comprising:

Claims

1. 1. A method for switching between communication networks, comprising: receiving one or more signals over a first wireless communication network with a mobile device; receiving one or more signals from a satellite navigation network that include satellite identification codes for navigation satellites; determining that a second wireless communications network is available based at least in part on the location of the mobile device, the satellite identification code, and determining, based on one or more sensor measurements of the mobile device, that at least one physical feature that affects wireless communications is not in a vicinity of the mobile device; detaching the mobile device from the first wireless communications network based on determining that the second wireless communications network is available; and receiving one or more signals from the second wireless communications network using the mobile device; A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first wireless communication network is a cellular network and the second wireless communication network is a satellite network.

3. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first wireless communications network is a first satellite network and the second wireless communications network is a second satellite network separate from the first satellite network.

4. receiving one or more signals from a cellular network simultaneously with receiving one or more signals over the first wireless communications network; receiving one or more signals from the cellular network simultaneously with receiving one or more signals over the second wireless communications network; The method of claim 3 further comprising:

5. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein determining that the second wireless communication network is available comprises determining that the location of the mobile device is within a coverage area of ​​a second wireless communication network.

6. further comprising receiving a satellite observation forecast; The method of claim 1 , wherein determining that the second wireless communications network is available is based on an indication of one or more detectable satellite vehicles at the location.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the satellite observation predictions are received from a network station.

8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the satellite observation predictions are received from a nearby user equipment via a sidelink.

9. providing the satellite observation information to a network server; The method of claim 1 , wherein the satellite observation information is based on signals received from the first wireless communications network, the second wireless communications network, or both.

10. 1. An apparatus for switching between communication networks, comprising: means for receiving one or more signals over a first wireless communications network using a mobile device; means for receiving one or more signals from a satellite navigation network, the signals including satellite identification codes for the navigation satellites; means for determining that a second wireless communications network is available based at least in part on the location of the mobile device, the satellite identification code, and determining, based on one or more sensor measurements of the mobile device, that at least one physical feature that affects wireless communications is not in a vicinity of the mobile device; means for detaching the mobile device from the first wireless communications network based on determining that the second wireless communications network is available; means for receiving, using the mobile device, one or more signals from the second wireless communications network; An apparatus comprising:

11. A non-transitory processor-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images