Technology for using reference signals in smart reflective surface systems

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. A base station may identify a smart reflective surface device for communicating with a user equipment (UE). The base station may determine a reference signal configuration based on the identified smart reflective surface device. The reference signal configuration may include a first parameter set associated with the smart reflective surface device. The base station may transmit one or more reference signals to the UE, the smart reflective surface device, or both based on the first parameter set. The base station may also identify a second parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 17 / 468,036, filed by LI et al. on September 7, 2021, entitled “TECHNIQUES TO USEREFERENCE SIGNALS FOR INTELLIGENT REFLECTING SURFACE SYSTEMS,” which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63 / 076,764, filed by LI et al. on September 10, 2020, entitled “TECHNIQUES TO USE REFERENCE SIGNALS FOR INTELLIGENT REFLECTING SURFACE SYSTEMS,” which is assigned to the present assignee. Technical Field

[0003] The following relates to wireless communications, including techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems. Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, etc. These systems can support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple access systems include fourth generation (4G) systems such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, advanced LTE (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems, and fifth generation (5G) systems that can be referred to as new radio (NR) systems. These systems can adopt technologies such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), or discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple access communication system may include one or more base stations or one or more network access nodes, each base station or network access node simultaneously supporting communication for multiple communication devices, which may be referred to as user equipment (UE). Some wireless communication systems may support reference signaling, which may enable a base station or UE to estimate channel conditions for communication. However, conventional techniques for reference signaling may be flawed, which may result in inefficient communications or relatively poor channel estimates. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The described technology relates to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses for supporting the use of reference signals for intelligent reflective surface (IRS) systems. The described technology can enable devices in a wireless communication system to use one or more IRS devices to implement reference signaling, which can achieve efficient communication and enhanced channel estimation (e.g., estimation of the path between a base station and a user equipment (UE), estimation of the path between the base station and the UE for a relayed signal via the IRS device, or a combination thereof), among other advantages. For example, a wireless communication system can use the IRS device to support communication between a base station and a UE (e.g., multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication). The base station, the UE, the IRS device, or a combination thereof can determine a reference signal configuration. For example, the base station can determine a reference signal configuration that includes a first parameter set for communication of one or more reference signals. The first parameter set can indicate the number of reference signals, the order in which the reference signals are transmitted, the resources of the reference signals, or any combination thereof, as well as other examples of parameters.

[0006] The base station may send one or more reference signals to the UE according to a first parameter set of the reference signal configuration. For example, the base station may send a number of reference signals supporting channel estimation via a signal path using an IRS device and via a signal path not using the IRS device. As an illustrative example, the IRS device may relay one or more reference signals to the UE according to the configuration (for example, the IRS device may reflect one or more reference signals to the UE). The UE may receive the reference signal and indicate the received reference signal to the base station (for example, the UE may send feedback on the reference signal to the base station). The base station may estimate channel conditions (for example, channel state information) based on the received indication. For example, the base station may estimate the channel conditions for communicating with the UE via the IRS and the channel conditions for communicating with the UE without the IRS. In some examples, the base station may determine a second parameter set for one or more reflective elements of the IRS device based on the estimated channel conditions (for example, the base station may determine the reflection coefficient of each reflective element of the IRS). The base station may indicate the second parameter set to the IRS device. Such a technique may enable the base station to communicate with the UE relatively efficiently via the IRS, which may improve reliability and coverage in the system, among other advantages.

[0007] A method for wireless communication at a base station is described. The method may include identifying an IRS device for communicating with a UE, determining a reference signal configuration based on the identified IRS device, the reference signal configuration including a first parameter set associated with the IRS device, transmitting one or more reference signals according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration, and identifying a second parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements of the IRS device.

[0008] An apparatus for wireless communication at a base station is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: identify an IRS device for communicating with a UE, determine a reference signal configuration based on the identified IRS device, the reference signal configuration including a first parameter set associated with the IRS device, transmit one or more reference signals according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration, and identify a second parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements of the IRS device.

[0009] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a base station is described. The apparatus may include means for identifying an IRS device for communicating with a UE, determining a reference signal configuration based on the identified IRS device, the reference signal configuration including a first parameter set associated with the IRS device, transmitting one or more reference signals according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration, and identifying a second parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements of the IRS device.

[0010] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a base station is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: identify an IRS device for communicating with a UE, determine a reference signal configuration based on the identified IRS device, the reference signal configuration including a first parameter set associated with the IRS device, transmit one or more reference signals according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration, and identify a second parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements of the IRS device.

[0011] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for identifying a quantity of one or more reference signals based on the identified IRS device.

[0012] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for identifying a first portion of the number of one or more reference signals and a second portion of the number of one or more reference signals.

[0013] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first portion corresponds to a number of layers of MIMO communication with the UE, and the second portion corresponds to a number of one or more reflective elements of the IRS device.

[0014] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first portion includes a first reference signal set associated with a first parameter in a first parameter set, and wherein the second portion includes a second reference signal set associated with the first parameter set.

[0015] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for identifying a transmission order for the number of one or more reference signals, wherein transmitting the one or more reference signals includes transmitting the one or more reference signals according to the identified transmission order.

[0016] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, a reference signal configuration indicates a transmission order.

[0017] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for sending an indication of the identified second parameter set to the IRS device.

[0018] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for receiving an indication of an IRS device from a UE, where the IRS device may be identified based on the received indication.

[0019] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for receiving feedback on one or more reference signals from a UE in response to transmitting the one or more reference signals, and estimating channel state information based on the received feedback.

[0020] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for identifying a second set of parameters based on the estimated channel state information.

[0021] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for communicating with a UE using an IRS device based on a second parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements and a third parameter set associated with one or more antennas of the UE, wherein the communication includes MIMO data transmission.

[0022] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for transmitting a reference signal configuration to at least one of a UE, an IRS device, or a combination thereof.

[0023] A method for wireless communication at an IRS device is described. The method may include receiving one or more reference signals from a base station according to a reference signal configuration for communication between the base station and a UE, the reference signal configuration indicating a first parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements of the IRS device, relaying the one or more reference signals from the base station according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration, and relaying communication between the base station and the UE based on the relayed one or more reference signals according to a second parameter set associated with the one or more reflective elements of the IRS device.

[0024] An apparatus for wireless communication at an IRS device is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: receive one or more reference signals from a base station according to a reference signal configuration for communication between the base station and a UE, the reference signal configuration indicating a first parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements of the IRS device; relay the one or more reference signals from the base station according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration; and, based on relaying the one or more reference signals, relay communication between the base station and the UE according to a second parameter set associated with the one or more reflective elements of the IRS device.

[0025] Another apparatus for wireless communication at an IRS device is described. The apparatus may include means for receiving one or more reference signals from a base station according to a reference signal configuration for communication between the base station and a UE, the reference signal configuration indicating a first parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements of the IRS device, relaying the one or more reference signals from the base station according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration, and relaying communication between the base station and the UE based on the relayed one or more reference signals according to a second parameter set associated with the one or more reflective elements of the IRS device.

[0026] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at an IRS device is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: receive one or more reference signals from a base station according to a reference signal configuration for communication between the base station and a UE, the reference signal configuration indicating a first parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements of the IRS device; relay the one or more reference signals from the base station according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration; and, based on relaying the one or more reference signals, relay communication between the base station and the UE according to a second parameter set associated with the one or more reflective elements of the IRS device.

[0027] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for identifying a second set of parameters for communication between the relay base station and the UE.

[0028] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for receiving an indication of a second set of parameters from a base station, where the second set of parameters may be identified based on the received indication.

[0029] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for identifying a quantity of one or more reference signals based on a reference signal configuration.

[0030] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for identifying a first portion of the number of one or more reference signals and a second portion of the number of one or more reference signals.

[0031] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first portion corresponds to a number of layers of MIMO communication, and the second portion corresponds to a number of one or more reflective elements of the IRS device.

[0032] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first portion includes a first reference signal set associated with a first parameter in a first parameter set, and wherein the second portion includes a second reference signal set associated with the first parameter set.

[0033] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for identifying a transmission order for the number of one or more reference signals, wherein relaying the one or more reference signals includes relaying the one or more reference signals according to the identified transmission order.

[0034] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for adjusting one or more reflective elements of the IRS device according to a second set of parameters, wherein relaying communications includes relaying communications using the adjusted one or more reflective elements, wherein the communications include MIMO data transmissions.

[0035] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for receiving an indication of a reference signal configuration from a base station.

[0036] A method for wireless communication at a UE is described. The method may include receiving one or more reference signals according to a first parameter set of a reference signal configuration, the first parameter set associated with receiving the one or more reference signals using an IRS device, sending channel state information to at least one of a base station, the IRS device, or a combination thereof based on the received one or more reference signals, and communicating with the base station using the IRS device based on the channel state information.

[0037] An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: receive one or more reference signals according to a first parameter set of a reference signal configuration, the first parameter set associated with receiving the one or more reference signals using an IRS device; send channel state information to at least one of a base station, an IRS device, or a combination thereof based on the received one or more reference signals; and communicate with the base station using the IRS device based on the channel state information.

[0038] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. The apparatus may include means for receiving one or more reference signals according to a first parameter set of a reference signal configuration, the first parameter set associated with receiving the one or more reference signals using an IRS device, sending channel state information to at least one of a base station, the IRS device, or a combination thereof based on the received one or more reference signals, and communicating with the base station using the IRS device based on the channel state information.

[0039] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a UE is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: receive one or more reference signals according to a first parameter set of a reference signal configuration, the first parameter set associated with receiving the one or more reference signals using an IRS device; send channel state information to at least one of a base station, an IRS device, or a combination thereof based on the received one or more reference signals; and communicate with the base station using the IRS device based on the channel state information.

[0040] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for identifying an IRS device for communicating with a base station and sending an indication of the identified IRS device to the base station.

[0041] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for identifying a quantity of one or more reference signals based on a received reference signal configuration.

[0042] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for identifying a first portion of the number of one or more reference signals and a second portion of the number of one or more reference signals.

[0043] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first portion corresponds to a number of layers of MIMO communication with the base station, and the second portion corresponds to a number of one or more reflective elements of the IRS device.

[0044] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the first portion includes a first reference signal set associated with a first parameter in a first parameter set, and wherein the second portion includes a second reference signal set associated with the first parameter set.

[0045] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for identifying a transmission order of the number of one or more reference signals, wherein receiving the one or more reference signals includes receiving the one or more reference signals according to the identified transmission order.

[0046] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, communicating with a base station includes receiving a MIMO data transmission. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 An example of a system for wireless communication supporting techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0048] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system supporting techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0049] Figure 3 An example of a process flow supporting techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0050] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A block diagram of a device supporting techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0051] Figure 6 A block diagram of a communication manager supporting techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems is shown, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 7A diagram illustrating a system including devices that support techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0053] Figure 8 and Figure 9 A block diagram of a device supporting techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0054] Figure 10 A block diagram of a communication manager supporting techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems is shown, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 11 A diagram illustrating a system including devices that support techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0056] Figure 12 and Figure 13 A block diagram of a device supporting techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0057] Figure 14 A block diagram of a communication manager supporting techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems is shown, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figure 15 A diagram illustrating a system including devices that support techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0059] Figures 16 to 18 A flow chart illustrating a method for supporting techniques for utilizing reference signals for smart reflective surface systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Some wireless communication systems (e.g., 5G systems, 6G systems, etc.) may support communication between devices via intelligent reflective surfaces (IRS). For example, a base station may send a signal to an IRS to forward (e.g., relay) it to a user equipment (UE), for example, in addition to or as an alternative to sending a signal directly to the UE. The IRS may redirect the signal to the UE so that the UE can reliably receive the signal from the base station (e.g., even when there are obstacles in the path between the base station and the UE). In some examples, forwarding the signal may include reflecting the signal received from the base station to the UE, and may be described as redirecting, relaying, or routing the signal. An IRS device may be an example of a surface capable of programmably manipulating the propagation of electromagnetic waves (e.g., signals) (e.g., the reflective elements of the IRS may be controllable). Such an IRS device may adjust the reflective elements of the surface to improve communication reliability and system performance. In some examples, the reflective elements may be examples of passive elements (e.g., elements that do not use power to reflect signals), such as reflective materials (e.g., metallic materials, chemical materials, etc.), or the IRS device may use active elements to redirect the signal. Devices (e.g., IRS devices or base stations) can adjust the properties of such materials to achieve different angles of signal beam direction. For example, such passive components can reduce system power consumption while enabling reliable signal reception in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) paths between the base station and the UE. However, conventional systems may have shortcomings in accounting for such IRS. For example, when estimating channel conditions for communications between the base station and the UE (e.g., multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications), the base station may not account for IRS.

[0061] The techniques described herein may provide reference signaling schemes and techniques for estimating channel conditions (e.g., channel state information (CSI)) for a system including one or more IRSs. For example, a device in a wireless communication system may implement reference signaling using an IRS device, which may result in efficient communication and enhanced channel estimation (e.g., estimation of a path between a base station and a user equipment (UE), estimation of a path between a base station and a UE via a relay signal of an IRS device, or a combination thereof), among other advantages. A device for wireless communication (e.g., a base station, a UE, an IRS device, or a combination thereof) may determine a reference signal configuration. For example, a base station may determine a reference signal configuration that includes a first parameter set for communication of one or more reference signals. The first parameter set may indicate the number of reference signals, the order in which the reference signals are transmitted, the resources used for the reference signals, or any combination thereof, as well as other examples of parameters. In some examples, the base station may indicate the reference signal configuration to the UE, the IRS device, or both.

[0062] In some examples, the base station may determine the number of reference signals based on communicating with the UE using an IRS device (e.g., based on receiving an indication of the IRS device from the UE, among other examples). The number of reference signals may enable channel estimation for various signal paths to the UE (e.g., signal paths using the IRS device and signal paths not using the IRS device). In some examples, the number of reference signals may be the number of layers of MIMO communication multiplied by the number of reflective elements of the IRS device. For example, the base station may send the same set of reference signals across different reflection coefficient values ​​for the reflective elements of the IRS device, which may enable the base station to determine the reflection coefficient (e.g., the reflection coefficient of a second parameter set) for subsequent communication with the UE via the IRS. Additionally or alternatively, the base station may send a second set of reference signals for a given set of reflection coefficient values ​​(e.g., the reflection coefficient value may remain constant for the second reference signal set including different reference signals), which may enable the base station to determine channel state information.

[0063] The base station may transmit one or more reference signals to the UE according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration (e.g., the base station may transmit a number of reference signals in a transmission order indicated by the reference signal configuration). The IRS device may relay a portion of the reference signal to the UE according to the configuration (e.g., the IRS device may reflect one or more reference signals). The UE may receive the reference signal and indicate the received reference signal to the base station (e.g., the UE may transmit feedback on the reference signal to the base station).

[0064] The base station may estimate channel conditions (e.g., channel state information) based on the received indication. For example, the base station may estimate channel conditions for communicating with the UE via the IRS, as well as channel conditions for communicating with the UE without the IRS. In some examples, the base station may determine a second set of parameters for one or more reflective elements of the IRS device based on the estimated channel conditions (e.g., the base station may determine a reflection coefficient for each reflective element of the IRS). The base station may indicate the second set of parameters to the IRS device. The IRS device may adjust the reflective elements based on the indicated second set of parameters (e.g., the IRS may adjust the properties of each element according to a second set of parameters for relaying MIMO communications between the base station and the UE). Such techniques may enable the base station to communicate with the UE relatively efficiently via the IRS, which may improve reliability and coverage in the system, among other advantages.

[0065] Aspects of the present disclosure are initially described in the context of wireless communication systems and process flows. Aspects of the present disclosure are further illustrated and described by reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flow charts related to techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems.

[0066] Figure 1An example of a wireless communication system 100 that supports techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more base stations 105, one or more UEs 115, and a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an Advanced LTE (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, or a New Radio (NR) network. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (e.g., mission-critical) communications, low-latency communications, communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices, or any combination thereof.

[0067] Base stations 105 may be dispersed throughout a geographic area to form wireless communication system 100 and may be different forms of devices or devices with different capabilities. Base stations 105 and UEs 115 may communicate wirelessly via one or more communication links 125. Each base station 105 may provide a coverage area 110 over which a UE 115 and base station 105 may establish one or more communication links 125. Coverage area 110 may be an example of a geographic area over which base stations 105 and UEs 115 may support signal communication according to one or more radio access technologies.

[0068] The UEs 115 may be dispersed throughout the coverage area 110 of the wireless communication system 100, and each UE 115 may be stationary or mobile, or stationary or mobile at different times. The UEs 115 may be different form factors or devices with different capabilities. Figure 1 Some example UEs 115 are shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the UE 115 described herein can communicate with various types of devices, such as other UEs 115, base stations 105, or network devices (e.g., core network nodes, relay devices, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, or other network devices).

[0069] The base stations 105 can communicate with the core network 130 or with each other, or both. For example, the base stations 105 can interface with the core network 130 via one or more backhaul links 120 (e.g., via S1, N2, N3, or other interfaces). The base stations 105 can communicate with each other directly (e.g., directly between the base stations 105), indirectly (e.g., via the core network 130), or both directly and indirectly via the backhaul links 120 (e.g., via X2, Xn, or other interfaces). In some examples, the backhaul links 120 can be or include one or more wireless links.

[0070] One or more of the base stations 105 described herein may include or may be referred to by one of ordinary skill in the art as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next generation NodeB or a giga-NodeB (any of which may be referred to as a gNB), a Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or other suitable terminology.

[0071] UE 115 may include or may be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, or a subscriber device, or some other suitable terminology, where a "device" may also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, among other examples. UE 115 may also include or may be referred to as a personal electronic device such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, UE 115 may include or be referred to as a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a machine type communication (MTC) device, among other examples, which may be implemented in various objects such as home appliances, vehicles, meters, and other examples.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown, the UE 115 described herein may be capable of communicating with various types of devices, such as other UEs 115, which may sometimes act as relays, as well as base stations 105 and network devices including macro eNBs or gNBs, small cell eNBs or gNBs, or relay base stations, among other examples.

[0073] The UE 115 and the base station 105 can communicate wirelessly with each other via one or more communication links 125 on one or more carriers. The term "carrier" can refer to a collection of radio frequency spectrum resources having a defined physical layer structure for supporting the communication link 125. For example, a carrier used for the communication link 125 can include a portion of a radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., a bandwidth part (BWP)) that operates according to one or more physical layer channels for a given radio access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). Each physical layer channel can carry acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals, system information), control signaling to coordinate operation of the carrier, user data, or other signaling. The wireless communication system 100 can support communication with the UE 115 using carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. The UE 115 can be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers according to a carrier aggregation configuration. Carrier aggregation can be used with both frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD) component carriers.

[0074] The signal waveform transmitted via the carrier wave may be composed of multiple subcarriers (e.g., using a multicarrier modulation (MCM) technique such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)). In a system employing MCM techniques, a resource element may comprise one symbol period (e.g., the duration of one modulation symbol) and one subcarrier, where the symbol period and subcarrier spacing are inversely related. The number of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme, the coding rate of the modulation scheme, or both). Therefore, the more resource elements received by the UE 115 and the higher the order of the modulation scheme, the higher the data rate of the UE 115 may be. Wireless communication resources may refer to a combination of radio spectrum resources, time resources, and spatial resources (e.g., spatial layers or beams), and the use of multiple spatial layers may further improve the data rate or data integrity used for communications with the UE 115.

[0075] The time interval for the base station 105 or the UE 115 can be expressed as a multiple of a basic time unit, which can be, for example, T s =1 / (Δf max ·N f ) seconds sampling period, where Δf max It can indicate the maximum subcarrier spacing supported, and N f The maximum supported discrete Fourier transform (DFT) size may be indicated. Time intervals for communication resources may be organized according to radio frames, each having a specified duration (e.g., 10 milliseconds (ms)). Each radio frame may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) (e.g., ranging from 0 to 1023).

[0076] Each frame may include a plurality of consecutively numbered subframes or time slots, and each subframe or time slot may have the same duration. In some examples, the frame may be divided (e.g., in the time domain) into subframes, and each subframe may be further divided into a plurality of time slots. Alternatively, each frame may include a variable number of time slots, and the number of time slots may depend on the subcarrier spacing. Each time slot may include a plurality of symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of the cyclic prefix preceding each symbol period). In some wireless communication systems 100, the time slot may be further divided into a plurality of micro-time slots containing one or more symbols. In addition to the cyclic prefix, each cyclic period may contain one or more (e.g., N) symbol periods. f The duration of a symbol period may depend on the subcarrier spacing or the spectrum band of operation.

[0077] A subframe, slot, mini-slot, or cycle may be the smallest scheduling unit (e.g., in the time domain) of the wireless communication system 100 and may be referred to as a Transmit Time Interval (TTI). In some examples, the TTI duration (e.g., the number of symbol periods in a TTI) may be variable. Additionally or alternatively, the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 may be dynamically selected (e.g., in a burst of shortened TTIs (sTTIs)).

[0078] Physical channels can be multiplexed on a carrier using various techniques. Physical control channels and physical data channels can be multiplexed on a downlink carrier using, for example, one or more of time division multiplexing (TDM), frequency division multiplexing (FDM), or a hybrid TDM-FDM technique. A control region (e.g., a control resource set (CORESET)) of a physical control channel can be defined by multiple symbol periods and can extend across the system bandwidth of a carrier or a subset of the system bandwidth. One or more control regions (e.g., CORESETs) can be configured for a set of UEs 115. For example, one or more of the UEs 115 can monitor or search the control region for control information according to one or more search space sets, and each search space set can include one or more control channel candidates in one or more aggregation levels arranged in a cascaded manner. The aggregation level of a control channel candidate can refer to the number of control channel resources (e.g., control channel elements (CCEs)) associated with coded information of a control information format having a given payload size. A search space set can include a common search space set configured for transmitting control information to multiple UEs 115 and a UE-specific search space set for transmitting control information to a specific UE 115.

[0079] In some examples, base stations 105 can be mobile and, therefore, provide communication coverage for mobile geographic coverage areas 110. In some examples, different geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies can overlap, but the different geographic coverage areas 110 can be supported by the same base station 105. In other examples, overlapping geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies can be supported by different base stations 105. The wireless communication system 100 can include, for example, a heterogeneous network in which different types of base stations 105 provide coverage for various geographic coverage areas 110 using the same or different radio access technologies.

[0080] The wireless communication system 100 can be configured to support ultra-reliable communication or low-latency communication, or various combinations thereof. For example, the wireless communication system 100 can be configured to support ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) or mission-critical communication. UE 115 can be designed to support ultra-reliable, low-latency or critical functions (e.g., mission-critical functions). Ultra-reliable communication can include private communication or group communication and can be supported by one or more mission-critical services such as mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT), mission-critical video (MCVideo), or mission-critical data (MCData). Support for mission-critical functions can include prioritization of services, and mission-critical services can be used for public safety or general commercial applications. The terms ultra-reliable, low-latency, mission-critical, and ultra-reliable low-latency can be used interchangeably herein.

[0081] In some examples, UE 115 can also communicate directly with other UEs 115 via device-to-device (D2D) communication links 135 (e.g., using a peer-to-peer (P2P) or D2D protocol). One or more UEs 115 utilizing D2D communication can be within the geographic coverage area 110 of base station 105. Other UEs 115 in such a group can be outside the geographic coverage area 110 of base station 105 or otherwise unable to receive transmissions from base station 105. In some examples, a group of UEs 115 communicating via D2D communication can utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system in which each UE 115 transmits to each other UE 115 in the group. In some examples, base station 105 facilitates the scheduling of resources for D2D communication. In other cases, D2D communication is performed between UEs 115 without involving base station 105.

[0082] The core network 130 may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core network 130 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC), which may include at least one control plane entity (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF)) that manages access and mobility and at least one user plane entity (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)) that routes packets or interconnections to external networks. The control plane entities may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management for UEs 115 served by base stations 105 associated with the core network 130. User IP packets may be delivered through the user plane entities, which may provide IP address allocation and other functions. The user plane entities may connect to IP services 150 of one or more network operators. The IP services 150 may include access to the Internet, intranet(s), IP multimedia subsystems (IMS), or packet-switched streaming services.

[0083] Some of the network devices, such as base stations 105, may include subcomponents such as access network entities 140, which may be examples of access node controllers (ANCs). Each access network entity 140 may communicate with a UE 115 through one or more other access network transmit entities 145, which may be referred to as radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmit / receive points (TRPs). Each access network transmit entity 145 may include one or more antenna panels. In some configurations, the various functions of each access network entity 140 or base station 105 may be distributed across various network devices (e.g., radio heads and ANCs) or consolidated into a single network device (e.g., base station 105).

[0084] The wireless communication system 100 can operate using one or more spectrum bands, such as in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). For example, the region from 300 MHz to 3 GHz is referred to as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band because the wavelengths range from approximately 1 decimeter to 1 meter long. UHF waves may be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features, but the waves can penetrate structures sufficiently for a macrocell to provide service to a UE 115 located indoors. Transmission of UHF waves can be associated with smaller antennas and a shorter range (e.g., less than 100 kilometers) than transmission using the lower frequencies and longer wavelengths of the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portions of the spectrum below 300 MHz.

[0085] The wireless communication system 100 can utilize both licensed and unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands. For example, the wireless communication system 100 can employ license assisted access (LAA), LTE unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology in an unlicensed band such as the 5 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band. When operating in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, devices such as the base station 105 and the UE 115 can employ carrier sensing for conflict detection and avoidance. In some examples, operations in the unlicensed band can be based on a carrier aggregation configuration in combination with component carriers operating in a licensed band (e.g., LAA). Operations in the unlicensed spectrum can include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, P2P transmissions, or D2D transmissions, among others.

[0086] The base station 105 or UE 115 may be equipped with multiple antennas that can be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications, or beamforming. The antennas of the base station 105 or UE 115 may be located within one or more antenna arrays or antenna panels that can support MIMO operations or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be co-located at an antenna assembly (such as an antenna tower). In some examples, the antennas or antenna arrays associated with the base station 105 may be located in different geographic locations. The base station 105 may have an antenna array having multiple rows and columns of antenna ports that the base station 105 may use to support beamforming for communications with the UE 115. Similarly, the UE 115 may have one or more antenna arrays that can support various MIMO or beamforming operations. Additionally or alternatively, the antenna panels may support radio frequency beamforming for signals transmitted via the antenna ports.

[0087] The base station 105 or UE 115 can use MIMO communication to take advantage of multipath signal propagation and improve spectral efficiency by sending or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers. This technique may be referred to as spatial multiplexing. For example, multiple signals may be sent by a transmitting device via different antennas or different antenna combinations. Similarly, multiple signals may be received by a receiving device via different antennas or different antenna combinations. Each of the multiple signals may be referred to as a separate spatial stream and may carry bits associated with the same data stream (e.g., the same codeword) or different data streams (e.g., different codewords). Different spatial layers may be associated with different antenna ports for channel measurement and reporting. MIMO technologies include single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO), in which multiple spatial layers are sent to the same receiving device, and multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), in which multiple spatial layers are sent to multiple devices.

[0088] Beamforming, which may also be referred to as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception, is a signal processing technique that can be used at a transmitting device or a receiving device (e.g., a base station 105, a UE 115) to shape and steer an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam, a receive beam) along a spatial path between the transmitting device and the receiving device. Beamforming can be implemented by combining signals communicated via antenna elements of an antenna array so that some signals propagating at an orientation relative to the antenna array experience constructive interference, while other signals experience destructive interference. Adjustments to signals communicated via antenna elements can include the transmitting device or the receiving device applying an amplitude shift, a phase shift, or both to the signals carried via the antenna elements associated with the device. The adjustments associated with each antenna element can be defined by a set of beamforming weights associated with an orientation (e.g., relative to the antenna array of the transmitting device or the receiving device, or relative to some other orientation).

[0089] The base station 105 or the UE 115 may use beam scanning techniques as part of a beamforming operation. For example, the base station 105 may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays (e.g., antenna panels) to perform beamforming operations for directional communication with the UE 115. Some signals (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be transmitted multiple times by the base station 105 in different directions. For example, the base station 105 may transmit signals according to different sets of beamforming weights associated with different transmit directions. Transmissions in different beam directions may be used (e.g., by a transmitting device such as the base station 105 or by a receiving device such as the UE 115) to identify a beam direction for later transmission or reception by the base station 105.

[0090] Some signals, such as data signals associated with a receiving device, may be transmitted by base station 105 in a single beam direction (e.g., a direction associated with a receiving device, such as UE 115). In some examples, a beam direction associated with transmission along a single beam direction may be determined based on signals transmitted in one or more beam directions. For example, UE 115 may receive one or more of the signals transmitted by base station 105 in different directions and may report to base station 105 an indication of the signal received by UE 115 with the highest signal quality or other acceptable signal quality.

[0091] In some examples, transmission by a device (e.g., by a base station 105 or a UE 115) can be performed using multiple beam directions, and the device can use a combination of digital precoding or radio frequency beamforming to generate a combined beam for transmission (e.g., from the base station 105 to the UE 115). The UE 115 can report feedback indicating precoding weights for one or more beam directions, and the feedback can correspond to the number of configured beams across the system bandwidth or one or more subbands. The base station 105 can transmit reference signals (e.g., cell-specific reference signals (CRS), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS)), which can be precoded or unprecoded. The UE 115 can provide feedback for beam selection, which can be a precoding matrix indicator (PMI) or codebook-based feedback (e.g., a multi-panel codebook, a linear combination codebook, a port selection codebook). Although these techniques are described with reference to signals transmitted by base station 105 in one or more directions, UE 115 may employ similar techniques for transmitting signals multiple times in different directions (e.g., for identifying a beam direction for subsequent transmission or reception by UE 115), or for transmitting signals in a single direction (e.g., for transmitting data to a receiving device).

[0092] A receiving device (e.g., UE 115) may attempt multiple reception configurations (e.g., directional listening) when receiving various signals (such as synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) from a base station 105. For example, a receiving device may attempt multiple reception directions by receiving via different antenna subarrays, by processing signals received according to different antenna subarrays, by receiving according to different sets of receive beamforming weights applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array (e.g., different sets of directional listening weights), or by processing signals received according to different sets of receive beamforming weights applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of an antenna array, any of which may be referred to as "listening" according to different reception configurations or reception directions. In some examples, a receiving device may use a single reception configuration to receive along a single beam direction (e.g., when receiving data signals). The single reception configuration may be aligned on a beam direction determined based on listening according to different reception configuration directions (e.g., a beam direction determined to have the highest signal strength, highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), or other acceptable signal quality based on listening according to multiple beam directions).

[0093] The wireless communication system 100 may support an IRS. For example, the wireless communication system 100 may support MIMO communications between devices (e.g., UE 115 and base station 105) via an IRS. For example, a base station 105 may send a signal to the IRS to forward (e.g., relay) to one or more UEs 115 (e.g., in addition to or as an alternative to sending a signal directly to the UE 115). The IRS may redirect the signal to the UE 115 so that the UE 115 can reliably receive the signal from the base station (e.g., even when there are obstacles in the path between the base station 105 and the UE 115). In some examples, forwarding the signal may include reflecting a signal received from the base station 105 to the UE 115 and may be described as redirecting, relaying, or routing the signal. An IRS device may be an example of a surface that can manipulate the propagation of electromagnetic waves (e.g., signals) in a programmable manner (e.g., the reflective elements of the IRS may be controllable). Such an IRS device may adjust the reflective elements of the surface to improve communication reliability and system performance. In some examples, the reflective element can be an example of a passive element (e.g., an element that does not use power to reflect the signal), such as a reflective material (e.g., a metallic material, a chemical material, etc.), or the IRS device can use an active element to redirect the signal. The device can adjust the properties of such a material to achieve different angles of the signal beam direction. For example, such a passive element can reduce the power consumption of the system while achieving reliable signal reception on the NLOS path between the base station 105 and the UE 115.

[0094] According to the techniques described herein, the wireless communication system 100 can implement a reference signaling scheme to estimate channel conditions (e.g., obtain channel state information) when, for example, performing MIMO communications using one or more IRS devices. The base station 105, the UE 115, the IRS device, or a combination thereof can determine a reference signal configuration. For example, the base station 105 can determine a reference signal configuration that includes a first parameter set for communication of one or more reference signals. The first parameter set can indicate the number of reference signals, the order in which the reference signals are transmitted, the resources used for the reference signals, or any combination thereof, as well as other examples of parameters.

[0095] The base station 105 may transmit one or more reference signals to the UE 115 according to a first parameter set of a reference signal configuration. For example, the base station 105 may transmit a number of reference signals to support channel estimation via a signal path using an IRS device and via a signal path not using the IRS device. As an illustrative example, the IRS device may relay one or more reference signals to the UE 115 according to the configuration (e.g., the IRS device may reflect one or more reference signals to the UE 115). The UE 115 may receive the reference signals and indicate the received reference signals to the base station 105 (e.g., the UE 115 may send feedback on the reference signals to the base station 105). The base station 105 may estimate channel conditions (e.g., channel state information) based on the received indications. For example, the base station 105 may estimate channel conditions for communicating with the UE 115 via the IRS and channel conditions for communicating with the UE 115 without the IRS. In some examples, the base station 105 may determine a second parameter set for one or more reflective elements of the IRS device based on the estimated channel conditions (e.g., the base station 105 may determine a reflection coefficient for each reflective element of the IRS). The base station 105 may indicate the second parameter set to the IRS device.Such techniques may enable the base station 105 to communicate relatively efficiently with the UE 115 via the IRS, which may improve reliability and coverage in the system, among other advantages.

[0096] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system 200 that supports techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, the wireless communication system 200 can implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100. For example, the wireless communication system 200 can include a base station 205, a UE 215, and an IRS device 220, which can be referenced herein. Figure 1 Examples of corresponding devices are described.

[0097] The base station 205 and the UE 215 may send or receive communications 210, which may be examples of MIMO communications. For example, the base station 205 may send or receive communications 210-a to the UE 215 (e.g., if the base station has line of sight with the UE 215, the base station 205 may aim the signal at the UE 215). Additionally or alternatively, the IRS device 220 may forward communications 210-b or 210-c between the UE 215 and the base station 205. In other words, the base station 205 may use the IRS device 220 to communicate with the UE 215 without line of sight (e.g., an NLOS signal path). For example, there may be obstacles between the base station 205 and the UE 215 that may reduce signal quality or the probability of successfully receiving the communication 210-a. In this case, the base station 205 may send communication 210-b in addition to or as an alternative to the communication 210-a. IRS device 220 may receive the signal of communication 210-b and forward (e.g., reflect, relay, etc.) the signal to UE 215 via communication 210-c. This technique may ensure reliable communication in the system, improved data throughput, or both, among other advantages.

[0098] IRS device 220 may include an IRS, which may be an example of a surface that can reflect impinging signals and create NLOS paths, e.g., to overcome obstruction, enhance coverage, achieve spatial multiplexing, etc. For example, an IRS may be an example of a surface that can programmatically manipulate the propagation of electromagnetic waves (e.g., signals) (e.g., the reflective elements of the IRS may be controllable). Such an IRS device may adjust the elements of the surface (e.g., reflective elements, reflective elements, relay components, etc.) to improve communication reliability and system performance. In some examples, the reflective elements may be examples of passive elements (e.g., elements that do not use power to reflect signals), such as reflective materials (e.g., metallic materials, chemical materials, etc.), or the IRS device may use active elements to redirect signals (e.g., the IRS device may include receive or transmit capabilities to relay signals). A device (e.g., an IRS device or a base station) may adjust the properties of such materials to achieve different angles of the signal's beam direction. For example, IRS device 220 may determine a set of parameters such as a reflection coefficient (e.g., base station 205 may indicate the desired reflection coefficient of the reflective element based on estimated channel conditions). The IRS device 220 can apply changes to the reflective elements based on the corresponding reflection coefficients (e.g., the reflection coefficient value can indicate an increase or decrease in the reflection angle of the beam, and the IRS device 220 can adjust the properties of the reflective elements to achieve the reflection angle). Thus, the base station 205 can configure the IRS device 220 with parameters to adjust the transmission angle of the NLOS path between the base station 205 and the UE 215, which can result in improved signal reliability or system performance while achieving relatively low power consumption, among other advantages.

[0099] According to the techniques described herein, wireless communication system 200 can support a reference signal scheme for obtaining channel state information. For example, base station 205 can be enabled to estimate channel conditions (e.g., channel state information from a reference signal) that take into account the signal path for communication 210-a and the signal paths for communications 210-b and 210-c using IRS device 220. Such estimated channel conditions can enable base station 205 to determine parameters for communication to enhance signal reliability and reception at UE 215 or improve system performance.

[0100] The base station 205 may establish communication with the UE 215. For example, the UE 215 may be within the coverage area 110-a, which may be as described in reference to FIG. Figure 1 10. In some examples, UE 215 may determine that IRS device 220 is a candidate for relaying communications between UE 215 and base station 205. For example, UE 215 may detect that a signal from base station 205 is being received via communication 210-a in addition to or as an alternative to communication 210-c (e.g., the signal from IRS device 220 may satisfy a threshold). UE 215 may indicate to base station 205 that IRS device 220 is a candidate for communication 210.

[0101] A device of the wireless communication system 200 may determine a reference signal configuration. For example, the base station 205 may determine the reference signal configuration based on identifying the IRS device 220 as a candidate for communication with the UE 215 (e.g., in response to the UE 215 instructing the IRS device 220). The base station 205 may determine one or more parameters of the reference signal configuration. For example, the base station 205 may determine a reference signal configuration that includes a first parameter set for communication of one or more reference signals. The first parameter set may indicate the number of reference signals, the order in which the reference signals are transmitted, the resources used for the reference signals, the values ​​of one or more reflection coefficients of a reflective element of the IRS device 220 that reflects the reference signals, or any combination thereof, as well as other examples of parameters for reference signaling. In some examples, the base station may indicate the reference signal configuration to the UE 215, the IRS device 220, or both.

[0102] The base station 205 may select a number of reference signals based on establishing communication with the UE 215 and / or the IRS device 220. For example, the base station 205 may select a number of reference signals to enable channel estimation for a first signal path to the UE 215 (e.g., a signal path using the IRS device 220) and a second signal path to the UE 215 (e.g., a signal path not using the IRS device 220). In some examples, the number of reference signals may be the number of layers of the MIMO communication (e.g., denoted as N). r ) multiplied by the number of reflective elements of the IRS device (e.g., denoted as N IRS ). For example, the number of reference signals can be expressed as N r N IRS In other words, the number of reference signals may include a first portion of reference signals corresponding to the number of layers and a second portion of reference signals corresponding to the number of reflective elements. Such a number of reference signals may enable base station 205 to determine parameters for subsequent communications with UE 215.

[0103] In some examples, the reference signal can be represented by s i,n Represents, where i=1,2,…N r and n=1,2,…N IRS In some examples, the first portion of the reference signal may include the coefficient set C n The first reference signal set associated with C n A matrix comprising the reflection coefficients of each reflective element of the IRS device 220 may be represented. The coefficient set C n The value of each reflection coefficient in may be indicated by a reference signal configuration or preconfigured at the IRS device 220. As an example, the first reference signal set may be associated with the corresponding C n associated (e.g., for each reference signal in the reference signal set, C n The values ​​of C may be the same), and the base station 205 may change each reference signal in the first reference signal set, which may enable the base station to determine the given C n In other words, given n, for each value of i, each s i,n The reference signals may be different (eg, each reference signal may be orthogonal in time, frequency, or code).

[0104] In some examples, the second portion of the reference signal may include a second set of reference signals associated with corresponding values ​​of i. For example, given i, each s i,n can be the same for all n, and C n In other words, the reference signals may be the same and C may be configured to be different for each reference signal.n This technique enables the base station 205 to determine the complex reflection coefficient C of the reflective element of the IRS device 220. n channel conditions and values ​​to enhance communication 210 with UE 215.

[0105] In some examples, the reference signal configuration may indicate a transmission order (eg, the transmission order of the signal generated by s i,n For example, the base station 205 (or the IRS device 220 or the UE 215) may select a transmission order from a set of possible transmission orders based on the configuration. In some examples, the reference signals may be transmitted in a time division multiplexing (TDM) manner. As an illustrative example of a transmission order, the order in which the reference signals are transmitted may be represented as Or the sequence can be expressed as Although any permutation of the transmission order is possible, the reference signal configuration may indicate the transmission order, and the base station 205 may transmit the reference signals (and the UE 215 or IRS device 220 may receive the reference signals) according to the transmission order.

[0106] Base station 205 may transmit the number of reference signals according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration. UE 215 may receive the number of reference signals (e.g., from IRS device 220 and / or base station 205) and indicate the received reference signals to base station 205. For example, UE 215 may transmit feedback indicating the received reference signals to base station 205. Base station 205 may use the feedback to estimate channel conditions. For example, base station 205 may determine channel state information by comparing the transmitted reference signals with corresponding reference signals received at UE 215.

[0107] In some examples, a channel (e.g., a MIMO channel) from a source (e.g., base station 205) to a destination (e.g., UE 215) can be represented with reference to Equation 1:

[0108]

[0109] In Equation 1, y may represent a signal received at UE 215, and x may represent a signal transmitted from base station 205 (e.g., N T It can represent the number of transmitting antennas and N R It can represent the number of receiving antennas. From n=1 to N IRSThe first summation term of may represent the channel condition of the signal path from the base station 205 to the UE 215 via the IRS device 220. The second summation term may represent the channel condition of the signal path not via the IRS device 220. Each signal path may be a line-of-sight path or a non-line-of-sight path. For example, in a system without the IRS device 220, the first summation term may not exist. As described herein, C n It can be expressed as the complex reflection coefficient of IRS element n.

[0110] Therefore, base station 205 can determine channel state information for communication 210, which can be expressed with reference to Equation 2:

[0111]

[0112] In Equation 2, various parameters (eg, a, b, g, and h) may represent channel conditions (eg, how a signal x propagates from the base station 205 to the UE 215 via the channel).

[0113] The base station 205 may use the estimated channel state information to determine a second set of parameters, a third set of parameters, or both for subsequent communications with the UE 215. For example, the base station 205 may use the channel conditions to determine a second set of parameters for the IRS device 220. The second set of parameters may include a set of reflection coefficients (e.g., C for each reflective element of the IRS device 220). n ). Base station 205 can determine a second parameter set such that the properties of the reflective element result in relatively high performance. Base station 205 can indicate the second parameter set to IRS device 220. Additionally or alternatively, base station 205 can use channel conditions to determine a third parameter set and indicate the third parameter set to UE 215 (e.g., UE 215 can adjust one or more antennas according to the third parameter set to receive subsequent communications).

[0114] The IRS device 220 may adjust the reflective elements of the IRS device 220 based on the received parameters. For example, the IRS device 220 may adjust the properties of the surface (e.g., each element) so that the angle between the received signal and the relayed signal (e.g., the transmitted or reflected signal) satisfies the corresponding parameters in the second parameter set. Thus, the IRS device 220 may relay MIMO communications between the base station 205 and the UE 215.

[0115] As an illustrative example of the reference scheme described herein, N T =N R =N r =N IRS = 2. In such an example, the channel can be modeled using Equation 1, which yields Equation 3:

[0116]

[0117] The base station 205 may determine (eg, learn) the channel state information using Equation 3. For example, the base station 205 may send 6 reference signals (eg, N r (N IRS +1) reference signals). For example, in symbols 1, 2, and 3, the base station 205 may send Reference signal (i.e., x=1 in the first transmit antenna and x=0 in the second transmit antenna). In symbol 1, C1=1, C2=0. In symbol 2, C1=0, C2=1. In symbol 3, C1=0, C2=0. That is, C n The value of may change in each symbol from symbols 1 to 3. In symbols 4, 5, and 6, the base station 205 may send Reference signal (i.e., x=0 in the first transmit antenna and x=1 in the second transmit antenna). In symbol 4, C1=1, C2=0, in symbol 5, C1=0, C2=1, and in symbol 6, C1=0, C2=0. Therefore, the UE 215 or the base station 205 can estimate a in Equation 3. 1,1 b 1,1 、a 1,1 b 2,1 、a 2,1 b 1,1 、a 2,1 b 2,1 、a 1,2 b 1,2 、a 1,2 b 2,2 、a 2,2 b 1,2 、a 2,2 b 2,2 , g1h1, g1h2, g2h1, g2h2, which may represent channel conditions. The base station 205 may determine C1 and C2 such that these values ​​result in relatively high performance for a two-by-two channel (eg, a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)).

[0118] As an illustrative example, base station 205 may select a first set of values ​​for coefficients C1 and C2 and use the various parameters above (e.g., a 1,1 b 1,1 , etc.) to calculate the performance of the channel. Base station 205 may vary these values ​​(e.g., select a second set of values, a third set of values, etc.) and repeat the calculation for a range of possible values. Base station 205 may determine a relatively high-performing set of values ​​(e.g., a set of values ​​that produces a metric that satisfies a threshold or indicates the lowest channel condition number for a relatively high-performing channel). Base station 205 may indicate these values ​​as part of the second parameter set.

[0119] The various examples shown and described in the wireless communication system 200 may be modified. For example, different devices may perform various operations, may not perform some operations, or may perform additional operations. As an example, the IRS device 220 may estimate channel conditions or otherwise receive an indication of channel conditions and determine the second set of parameters, rather than the base station 205 indicating the second set of parameters to the IRS device 220. Additionally or alternatively, the techniques described herein may be applied to any number of devices (e.g., a base station 205 may communicate with multiple UEs 115 or other base stations 105 using one or more IRS devices 220).

[0120] Figure 3 An example of a process flow 300 is shown for supporting techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the process flow 300 can implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100, the wireless communication system 200, or both. For example, the process flow 300 can illustrate communications between a base station 305, an IRS device 310, and a UE 315, which can be referenced herein. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Examples of corresponding devices are described.

[0121] At 320, base station 305, IRS device 310, and UE 315 may establish or configure communications. For example, base station 305 may indicate a reference signal configuration to IRS device 310 and / or UE 315. The reference signal configuration may indicate a first set of parameters associated with communication of one or more reference signals.

[0122] At 325, the base station 305 may transmit one or more reference signals to the IRS device 310, the UE 315, or both. For example, the base station 305 may transmit the reference signals according to a first set of parameters (e.g., using a transmission order, a determined number of reference signals, etc.), such as the reference signal. Figure 2 As stated.

[0123] At 330 , UE 315 may send feedback on one or more reference signals to base station 305 (eg, UE 315 may indicate the received reference signals to base station 305 ).

[0124] At 335, the base station 305 may determine parameters based on the feedback. For example, the base station 305 may use the feedback to estimate channel conditions (e.g., channel state information) and determine a second set of parameters for the reflective elements of the IRS device 310 based on the estimation, as described in reference to FIG. Figure 2 As stated.

[0125] At 340, base station 305 may send an indication to IRS device 310. The indication may indicate the determined second parameter set (eg, reflection coefficients). At 345, IRS device 310 may adjust one or more reflective elements in response to receiving the indication of the second parameter set.

[0126] At 350, the base station 305 and the UE 315 may communicate using the IRS device 310. For example, the base station 305 may send the communication via a NLOS signaling path, and the IRS device 310 may relay the communication to the UE 315, as described herein.

[0127] Figure 4 A block diagram 400 is shown of a device 405 that supports techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The device 405 can be an example of various aspects of the UE 115 as described herein. The device 405 can include a receiver 410, a communication manager 415, and a transmitter 420. The device 405 can also include a processor. Each of these components can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0128] Receiver 410 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems). The information may be passed to other components of device 405. Receiver 410 may be a reference signal. Figure 7 Examples of aspects of the transceiver 720 are described. The receiver 410 may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

[0129] The communication manager 415 may receive one or more reference signals according to a first parameter set of a reference signal configuration, the first parameter set being associated with receiving the one or more reference signals using a smart reflective surface device, transmit channel state information to at least one of a base station, a smart reflective surface device, or a combination thereof based on the received one or more reference signals, and communicate with the base station using the smart reflective surface device based on the channel state information. The communication manager 415 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 710 described herein.

[0130] The communication manager 415 or its subcomponents may be implemented by hardware, code executed by a processor (e.g., software or firmware), or any combination thereof. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communication manager 415 or its subcomponents may be performed by a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device designed to perform the functions described in the present disclosure, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof.

[0131] The communication manager 415 or its subcomponents can be physically located at various locations, including being distributed so that portions of the functionality are implemented by one or more physical components at different physical locations. In some examples, the communication manager 415 or its subcomponents can be independent and distinct components according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 415 or its subcomponents can be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to input / output (I / O) components, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof.

[0132] The communication manager 415 as described herein can be implemented to achieve one or more potential advantages. One embodiment can allow the device 405 to use one or more IRS devices to implement reference signaling, which can achieve efficient communication and enhanced channel estimation (e.g., estimation of the path between the base station and the UE, estimation of the path between the base station and the UE via relayed signals of the IRS devices, or a combination thereof), among other advantages. Thus, the techniques described herein can result in improved system performance and enhanced communication at the UE or other device.

[0133] Transmitter 420 can transmit signals generated by other components of device 405. In some examples, transmitter 420 can be co-located with receiver 410 in a transceiver assembly. For example, transmitter 420 can be a reference Figure 7 Examples of aspects of the described transceiver 720. The transmitter 420 may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

[0134] Figure 5 A block diagram 500 of a device 505 supporting techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 505 can be an example of aspects of the device 405 or UE 115 as described herein. The device 505 can include a receiver 510, a communication manager 515, and a transmitter 535. The device 505 can also include a processor. Each of these components can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0135] The receiver 510 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems). The information may be passed to other components of the device 505. The receiver 510 may be a reference signal. Figure 7 Examples of aspects of the transceiver 720 are described. The receiver 510 may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

[0136] The communication manager 515 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 415 as described herein. The communication manager 515 may include a reference signal receiver 520, a CSI transmitter 525, and a communication component 530. The communication manager 515 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 710 described herein.

[0137] The reference signal receiver 520 may receive one or more reference signals according to a first parameter set of a reference signal configuration, the first parameter set associated with receiving one or more reference signals using a smart reflective surface device.

[0138] The CSI transmitter 525 may transmit channel state information to at least one of a base station, a smart reflective surface device, or a combination thereof based on the received one or more reference signals.

[0139] The communication component 530 can communicate with the base station using the smart reflective surface device based on the channel state information.

[0140] Transmitter 535 can transmit signals generated by other components of device 505. In some examples, transmitter 535 can be co-located with receiver 510 in a transceiver assembly. For example, transmitter 535 can be a reference Figure 7 Examples of various aspects of the transceiver 720 are described. The transmitter 535 can utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

[0141] Figure 6 A block diagram 600 is shown of a communication manager 605 that supports techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The communication manager 605 can be an example of aspects of the communication manager 415, the communication manager 515, or the communication manager 710 described herein. The communication manager 605 can include a reference signal receiver 610, a CSI transmitter 615, a communication component 620, an IRS manager 625, an indication manager 630, a reference signal manager 635, and a transmit sequence manager 640. Each of these components can communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0142] The reference signal receiver 610 may receive one or more reference signals according to a first parameter set of a reference signal configuration, the first parameter set being associated with receiving one or more reference signals using a smart reflective surface device.

[0143] The CSI transmitter 615 may transmit channel state information to at least one of a base station, a smart reflective surface device, or a combination thereof based on the received one or more reference signals.

[0144] The communication component 620 can communicate with the base station using the smart reflective surface device based on the channel state information.

[0145] In some cases, communicating with a base station includes receiving multiple-input multiple-output data transmissions.

[0146] The IRS manager 625 may identify intelligent reflective surface devices for communicating with a base station.

[0147] The indication manager 630 may send indications of the identified smart reflective surface devices to the base station.

[0148] The reference signal manager 635 may identify a quantity of one or more reference signals based on the received reference signal configuration.

[0149] In some examples, the reference signal manager 635 may identify a first portion of the number of one or more reference signals and a second portion of the number of one or more reference signals.

[0150] In some cases, the first portion corresponds to the number of layers of multiple-input multiple-output communication with the base station, and the second portion corresponds to the number of one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device.

[0151] In some cases, the first portion includes a first set of reference signals associated with a first parameter in a second set of parameters, and wherein the second portion includes a second set of reference signals associated with a second set of parameters.

[0152] The transmit order manager 640 may identify a transmit order for the number of one or more reference signals, wherein receiving the one or more reference signals includes receiving the one or more reference signals according to the identified transmit order.

[0153] Figure 7 A diagram of a system 700 including a device 705 that supports techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 705 can be an example of, or include components of, the device 405, device 505, or UE 115 as described herein. The device 705 can include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, including a communication manager 710, an I / O controller 715, a transceiver 720, an antenna 725, a memory 730, and a processor 740. These components can communicate electronically via one or more buses (e.g., bus 745).

[0154] The communication manager 710 can receive one or more reference signals according to a first parameter set of a reference signal configuration, the first parameter set being associated with receiving one or more reference signals using a smart reflective surface device, send channel state information to at least one of a base station, a smart reflective surface device, or a combination thereof based on the received one or more reference signals, and communicate with the base station using the smart reflective surface device based on the channel state information.

[0155] I / O controller 715 can manage input and output signals for device 705. I / O controller 715 can also manage peripheral devices that are not integrated into device 705. In some cases, I / O controller 715 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some cases, I / O controller 715 can utilize a controller such as or another known operating system. In other cases, I / O controller 715 may represent or interact with a modem, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or similar device. In some cases, I / O controller 715 may be implemented as part of a processor. In some cases, a user may interact with device 705 via I / O controller 715 or via hardware components controlled by I / O controller 715.

[0156] The transceiver 720 can communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired or wireless links, as described above. For example, the transceiver 720 can represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 720 can also include a modem for modulating packets and providing the modulated packets to the antenna for transmission, and demodulating packets received from the antenna.

[0157] In some cases, a wireless device may include a single antenna 725. However, in some cases, a device may have more than one antenna 725, which may be capable of transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions simultaneously.

[0158] The memory 730 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory 730 may store computer-readable computer executable code 735, which includes instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform the various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory 730 may contain, among other things, a basic input / output system (BIOS), which may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0159] The processor 740 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor 740 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 740. The processor 740 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 730) to cause the device 705 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks that support the technology of using reference signals for intelligent reflective surface systems).

[0160] The code 735 may include instructions for implementing aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions for supporting wireless communications. The code 735 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other types of memory. In some cases, the code 735 may not be directly executed by the processor 740, but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein.

[0161] Figure 8 A block diagram 800 is shown of a device 805 that supports techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The device 805 can be an example of aspects of the base station 105 as described herein. The device 805 can include a receiver 810, a communication manager 815, and a transmitter 820. The device 805 can also include a processor. Each of these components can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0162] The receiver 810 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems). The information may be passed to other components of the device 805. The receiver 810 may be a reference signal. Figure 11 Examples of various aspects of the transceiver 1120 are described. The receiver 810 may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

[0163] The communication manager 815 may identify a smart reflective surface device for communicating with the UE, determine a reference signal configuration based on the identified smart reflective surface device, the reference signal configuration including a first parameter set associated with the smart reflective surface device, send one or more reference signals according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration, and identify a second parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device. The communication manager 815 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1110 described herein.

[0164] The communication manager 815 or its subcomponents may be implemented in hardware, in code executed by a processor (e.g., software or firmware), or any combination thereof. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communication manager 815 or its subcomponents may be performed by a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an FPGA or other programmable logic device designed to perform the functions described herein, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof.

[0165] The communication manager 815 or its subcomponents can be physically located at various locations, including being distributed so that portions of the functionality are implemented by one or more physical components at different physical locations. In some examples, the communication manager 815 or its subcomponents can be independent and distinct components according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 815 or its subcomponents can be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to input / output (I / O) components, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof.

[0166] The transmitter 820 can transmit signals generated by other components of the device 805. In some examples, the transmitter 820 can be co-located with the receiver 810 in a transceiver assembly. For example, the transmitter 820 can be a reference Figure 11 Examples of various aspects of the transceiver 1120 are described. The transmitter 820 may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

[0167] Figure 9 A block diagram 900 is shown of a device 905 that supports techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The device 905 can be an example of aspects of the device 805 or base station 105 as described herein. The device 905 can include a receiver 910, a communication manager 915, and a transmitter 940. The device 905 can also include a processor. Each of these components can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0168] The receiver 910 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems). The information may be passed to other components of the device 905. The receiver 910 may be a reference signal. Figure 11 Examples of various aspects of the transceiver 1120 are described. The receiver 910 may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

[0169] The communication manager 915 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 815 as described herein. The communication manager 915 may include an IRS identifier 920, a configuration component 925, a reference signal transmitter 930, and a parameter component 935. The communication manager 915 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1110 described herein.

[0170] The IRS identifier 920 may identify a smart reflective surface device for communicating with a UE.

[0171] Configuration component 925 can determine a reference signal configuration based on the identified smart reflective surface device, the reference signal configuration comprising a first set of parameters associated with the smart reflective surface device.

[0172] The reference signal transmitter 930 may transmit one or more reference signals according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration.

[0173] The parameter component 935 can identify a second set of parameters associated with one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device.

[0174] Transmitter 940 can transmit signals generated by other components of device 905. In some examples, transmitter 940 can be co-located with receiver 910 in a transceiver assembly. For example, transmitter 940 can be a reference Figure 11 Examples of various aspects of the transceiver 1120 are described. The transmitter 940 may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

[0175] Figure 10 A block diagram 1000 is shown of a communication manager 1005 that supports techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The communication manager 1005 can be an example of aspects of the communication manager 815, the communication manager 915, or the communication manager 1110 described herein. The communication manager 1005 can include an IRS identifier 1010, a configuration component 1015, a reference signal transmitter 1020, a parameter component 1025, a reference signal component 1030, a transmit order component 1035, an indication component 1040, a feedback component 1045, a CSI component 1050, and a communication component 1055. Each of these components can communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0176] The IRS identifier 1010 may identify a smart reflective surface device for communicating with a UE.

[0177] Configuration component 1015 can determine a reference signal configuration based on the identified smart reflective surface device, the reference signal configuration comprising a first set of parameters associated with the smart reflective surface device.

[0178] In some examples, configuration component 1015 can send a reference signal configuration to at least one of a UE, a smart reflective surface device, or a combination thereof.

[0179] The reference signal transmitter 1020 may transmit one or more reference signals according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration.

[0180] The parameter component 1025 can identify a second set of parameters associated with one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device.

[0181] The reference signal component 1030 can identify a quantity of one or more reference signals based on the identified smart reflective surface device.

[0182] In some examples, reference signal component 1030 can identify a first portion of the number of one or more reference signals and a second portion of the number of one or more reference signals.

[0183] In some cases, the first portion corresponds to the number of layers of multiple-input multiple-output communication with the UE, and the second portion corresponds to the number of one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device.

[0184] In some cases, the first portion includes a first set of reference signals associated with a first parameter in a second set of parameters, and wherein the second portion includes a second set of reference signals associated with a second set of parameters.

[0185] The transmit order component 1035 can identify a transmit order for the number of one or more reference signals, wherein transmitting the one or more reference signals includes transmitting the one or more reference signals according to the identified transmit order.

[0186] In some cases, the reference signal configuration indicates the transmission order.

[0187] Indication component 1040 can send an indication of the identified second parameter set to the smart reflective surface device.

[0188] In some examples, indication component 1040 can receive an indication of a smart reflective surface device from a UE, where the smart reflective surface device is identified based on the received indication.

[0189] Feedback component 1045 can receive feedback for the one or more reference signals from the UE in response to transmitting the one or more reference signals.

[0190] The CSI component 1050 may estimate channel state information based on the received feedback.

[0191] In some examples, CSI component 1050 may identify a second set of parameters based on estimated channel state information.

[0192] The communication component 1055 can communicate with the UE using the smart reflective surface device according to a second set of parameters associated with the one or more reflective elements and a third set of parameters associated with one or more antennas of the UE, wherein the communication includes multiple-input multiple-output data transmission.

[0193] Figure 11 A diagram of a system 1100 including a device 1105 that supports techniques for using reference signals for a smart reflective surface system in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Device 1105 may be an example of, or include components of, device 805, device 905, or base station 105 as described herein. Device 1105 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, including a communications manager 1110, a network communications manager 1115, a transceiver 1120, an antenna 1125, a memory 1130, a processor 1140, and an inter-station communications manager 1145. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus 1150).

[0194] The communication manager 1110 can identify a smart reflective surface device for communicating with the UE, determine a reference signal configuration based on the identified smart reflective surface device, the reference signal configuration including a first parameter set associated with the smart reflective surface device, send one or more reference signals according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration, and identify a second parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device.

[0195] The network communications manager 1115 may manage communications with the core network (eg, via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communications manager 1115 may manage the delivery of data communications for client devices such as one or more UEs 115 .

[0196] The transceiver 1120 can communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired or wireless links, as described above. For example, the transceiver 1120 can represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1120 can also include a modem for modulating packets and providing the modulated packets to the antenna for transmission, and demodulating packets received from the antenna.

[0197] In some cases, a wireless device may include a single antenna 1125. However, in some cases, a device may have more than one antenna 1125, which may be capable of transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions simultaneously.

[0198] Memory 1130 may include RAM, ROM, or a combination thereof. Memory 1130 may store computer-readable code 1135, which includes instructions that, when executed by a processor (e.g., processor 1140), cause the device to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, memory 1130 may contain, among other things, a BIOS that may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0199] Processor 1140 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof). In some cases, processor 1140 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some cases, the memory controller may be integrated into processor 1140. Processor 1140 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 1130) to cause device 1105 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks that support the technology of using reference signals for intelligent reflective surface systems).

[0200] The inter-site communication manager 1145 can manage communications with other base stations 105 and can include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with the UE 115 in coordination with the other base stations 105. For example, the inter-site communication manager 1145 can coordinate the scheduling of transmissions to the UE 115 for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission. In some examples, the inter-site communication manager 1145 can provide an X2 interface within an LTE / LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communications between the base stations 105.

[0201] The code 1135 may include instructions for implementing various aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions for supporting wireless communications. The code 1135 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other types of memory. In some cases, the code 1135 may not be directly executed by the processor 1140, but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein.

[0202] Figure 12 A block diagram 1200 of a device 1205 supporting techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1205 can be an example of various aspects of an IRS device as described herein. The device 1205 can include a communication manager 1215. The device 1205 can also include a processor.

[0203] The communication manager 1215 may receive one or more reference signals from the base station according to a reference signal configuration for communication between the base station and the UE, the reference signal configuration indicating a first parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device, relay the one or more reference signals from the base station according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration, and, based on relaying the one or more reference signals, relay communication between the base station and the UE according to a second parameter set associated with the one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device. The communication manager 1215 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1510 described herein.

[0204] The communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents may be implemented in hardware, in code executed by a processor (e.g., software or firmware), or any combination thereof. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents may be performed by a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an FPGA or other programmable logic device designed to perform the functions described herein, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof.

[0205] The communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents can be physically located at various locations, including being distributed so that portions of the functionality are implemented by one or more physical components at different physical locations. In some examples, the communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents can be independent and distinct components according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents can be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to input / output (I / O) components, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof.

[0206] Figure 13 A block diagram 1300 is shown of a device 1305 that supports techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The device 1305 can be an example of aspects of the device 1205 or the IRS device 220 as described herein. The device 1305 can include a communication manager 1315. The device 1305 can also include a processor. Each of these components can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0207] Communications manager 1315 may be an example of aspects of communications manager 1215 as described herein. Communications manager 1315 may include reference signal receiver 1320, reference signal relay component 1325, and communications relay component 1330. Communications manager 1315 may be an example of aspects of communications manager 1510 as described herein.

[0208] The reference signal receiver 1320 may receive one or more reference signals from the base station according to a reference signal configuration for communication between the base station and the UE, the reference signal configuration indicating a first parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device.

[0209] The reference signal relay component 1325 can relay one or more reference signals from the base station according to a first parameter set of the reference signal configuration.

[0210] The communication relay component 1330 can relay communications between the base station and the UE based on relaying the one or more reference signals in accordance with a second set of parameters associated with the one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device.

[0211] Figure 14 A block diagram 1400 of a communication manager 1405 supporting techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The communication manager 1405 can be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1215, the communication manager 1315, or the communication manager 1510 described herein. The communication manager 1405 can include a reference signal receiver 1410, a reference signal relay component 1415, a communication relay component 1420, an identification component 1425, an indication receiver 1430, a sequence component 1435, and an adjustment component 1440. Each of these components can communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0212] The reference signal receiver 1410 may receive one or more reference signals from a base station according to a reference signal configuration for communication between the base station and the UE, the reference signal configuration indicating a first parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device.

[0213] Reference signal relay component 1415 can relay one or more reference signals from a base station according to a first parameter set of a reference signal configuration. In some examples, reference signal relay component 1415 can identify a number of one or more reference signals based on the reference signal configuration. In some examples, reference signal relay component 1415 can identify a first portion of the number of one or more reference signals and a second portion of the number of one or more reference signals. In some cases, the first portion corresponds to the number of layers of a multiple-input multiple-output communication, and the second portion corresponds to the number of one or more reflective elements of a smart reflective surface device. In some cases, the first portion includes a first reference signal set associated with a first parameter in a second parameter set, and the second portion includes a second reference signal set associated with a second parameter set.

[0214] The communication relay component 1420 can relay communications between the base station and the UE based on relaying the one or more reference signals in accordance with a second set of parameters associated with one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device.

[0215] Identifying component 1425 can identify a second set of parameters for communication between the relay base station and the UE.

[0216] Indication receiver 1430 may receive an indication of a second parameter set from a base station, wherein the second parameter set is identified based on the received indication. In some examples, indication receiver 1430 may receive an indication of a reference signal configuration from a base station.

[0217] The order component 1435 can identify a transmission order for the number of one or more reference signals, wherein relaying the one or more reference signals includes relaying the one or more reference signals according to the identified transmission order.

[0218] The adjustment component 1440 can adjust one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device according to a second set of parameters, wherein relaying communications includes relaying communications using the adjusted one or more reflective elements, wherein the communications include multiple-input multiple-output data transmissions.

[0219] Figure 15 A diagram of a system 1500 including a device 1505 that supports techniques for using reference signals for a smart reflective surface system in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Device 1505 may be an example of, or include components of, device 1205, device 1305, or an IRS device as described herein. Device 1505 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, including a communications manager 1510, an I / O controller 1515, a transceiver 1520, an antenna 1525, a memory 1530, and a processor 1535. These components may communicate electronically via one or more buses (e.g., bus 1545).

[0220] The communication manager 1510 may receive one or more reference signals from the base station according to a reference signal configuration for communication between the base station and the UE, the reference signal configuration indicating a first parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device, relay the one or more reference signals from the base station according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration, and, based on relaying the one or more reference signals, relay communication between the base station and the UE according to a second parameter set associated with the one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device.

[0221] I / O controller 1515 can manage input and output signals for device 1505. I / O controller 1515 can also manage peripheral devices that are not integrated into device 1505. In some cases, I / O controller 1515 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some cases, I / O controller 1515 can utilize a computer such as or another known operating system. In other cases, I / O controller 1515 may represent or interact with a modem, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or similar device. In some cases, I / O controller 1515 may be implemented as part of a processor. In some cases, a user may interact with device 1505 via I / O controller 1515 or via hardware components controlled by I / O controller 1515.

[0222] The transceiver 1520 can communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired or wireless links, as described above. For example, the transceiver 1520 can represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1520 can also include a modem for modulating packets and providing the modulated packets to the antenna for transmission, and demodulating packets received from the antenna.

[0223] In some cases, a wireless device may include a single antenna 1525. However, in some cases, a device may have more than one antenna 1525, which may be capable of transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions simultaneously.

[0224] Memory 1530 may include RAM and ROM. Memory 1530 may store computer-readable computer executable code 1540, which includes instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform the various functions described herein. In some cases, memory 1530 may contain, among other things, a BIOS that may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0225] Processor 1535 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof). In some cases, processor 1535 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into processor 1535. Processor 1535 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 1530) to cause device 1505 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks that support the technology of using reference signals for intelligent reflective surface systems).

[0226] The code 1540 may include instructions for implementing aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions for supporting wireless communications. The code 1540 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other types of memory. In some cases, the code 1540 may not be directly executed by the processor 1535, but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein.

[0227] Figure 16 A flow chart illustrating a method 1600 for supporting techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by a base station 105 or components thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by a base station 105 or components thereof as described herein. Figures 8 to 11 The communication manager described herein is executed. In some examples, the base station may execute an instruction set to control functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the base station may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0228] At 1605, the base station may identify a smart reflective surface device for communicating with the UE. The operations of 1605 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1605 may be as described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 The IRS identifier is used to perform

[0229] At 1610, the base station may determine a reference signal configuration based on the identified smart reflective surface device, the reference signal configuration including a first parameter set associated with the smart reflective surface device. The operations of 1610 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1610 may be performed as described in reference to Figures 8 to 11 The configuration component is executed.

[0230] At 1615, the base station may send one or more reference signals according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration. The operations of 1615 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1615 may be performed by reference signal configuration. Figures 8 to 11 The reference signal transmitter is used to perform the above operation.

[0231] At 1620, the base station may identify a second set of parameters associated with one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device. The operations of 1620 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1620 may be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 The parameter component is executed.

[0232] Figure 17A flow chart illustrating a method 1700 for supporting techniques for using a reference signal for a smart reflective surface system according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 1700 may be implemented by an IRS device or components thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1700 may be implemented by a reference signal as described herein. Figures 12 to 15 In some examples, the IRS device may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the IRS device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the IRS device may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the functions described below.

[0233] At 1705, the IRS device may receive one or more reference signals from a base station according to a reference signal configuration for communication between the base station and the UE, the reference signal configuration indicating a first parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements of a smart reflective surface device. The operations of 1705 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1705 may be performed by reference to Figures 12 to 15 The reference signal receiver is used to perform the above operation.

[0234] At 1710, the IRS device may relay one or more reference signals from a base station according to a first parameter set of a reference signal configuration. The operations of 1710 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1710 may be performed by reference to Figures 12 to 15 The reference signal relay component is used to perform the above operation.

[0235] At 1715, the IRS device may relay communications between the base station and the UE based on relaying one or more reference signals according to a second parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device. The operations of 1715 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1715 may be performed by reference to Figures 12 to 15 The communication relay component is used to execute.

[0236] Figure 18 A flow chart illustrating a method 1800 for supporting techniques for using reference signals for smart reflective surface systems according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 1800 may be implemented by a UE 115 or components thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1800 may be implemented by a UE 115 or components thereof as described herein. Figures 4 to 7 The communication manager described herein performs. In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0237] At 1805, the UE may receive one or more reference signals according to a first parameter set of a reference signal configuration, the first parameter set being associated with receiving one or more reference signals using a smart reflective surface device. The operations of 1805 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1805 may be performed by a reference signal. Figures 4 to 7 The reference signal receiver is used to perform the above operation.

[0238] At 1810, the UE may send channel state information to at least one of a base station, a smart reflective surface device, or a combination thereof based on the received one or more reference signals. The operations of 1810 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1810 may be performed as described in reference to Figures 4 to 7 The CSI transmitter is used to perform the above steps.

[0239] At 1815, the UE may communicate with the base station using the smart reflective surface device based on the channel state information. The operations of 1815 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1815 may be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7 The communication component is used to perform the above operations.

[0240] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified, and other implementations are possible. Additionally, aspects from two or more methods may be combined.

[0241] The following provides an overview of aspects of the present disclosure:

[0242] Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication at a base station, comprising: identifying a smart reflective surface device for communicating with a UE; determining a reference signal configuration based at least in part on the identified smart reflective surface device, the reference signal configuration comprising a first parameter set associated with the smart reflective surface device; sending one or more reference signals according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration; and identifying a second parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device.

[0243] Aspect 2: The method of aspect 1, further comprising: identifying a quantity of one or more reference signals based at least in part on the identified smart reflective surface device.

[0244] Aspect 3: The method according to aspect 2, further comprising: identifying a first portion of the number of one or more reference signals and a second portion of the number of one or more reference signals.

[0245] Aspect 4: The method according to aspect 3, wherein the first part corresponds to the number of layers of multiple-input multiple-output communication with the UE, and the second part corresponds to the number of one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device.

[0246] Aspect 5: The method according to aspect 4, wherein the first portion comprises a first reference signal set associated with a first parameter in a first parameter set, and the second portion comprises a second reference signal set associated with the first parameter set.

[0247] Aspect 6: The method according to any one of aspects 2 to 5 further includes: identifying a transmission order of the number of one or more reference signals, wherein sending one or more reference signals includes: sending one or more reference signals according to the identified transmission order.

[0248] Aspect 7: The method according to aspect 6, wherein the reference signal configuration indicates the transmission order.

[0249] Aspect 8: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, further comprising: sending an indication of the identified second parameter set to the smart reflective surface device.

[0250] Aspect 9: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, further comprising: receiving an indication of a smart reflective surface device from a UE, wherein the smart reflective surface device is identified based at least in part on the received indication.

[0251] Aspect 10: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 9 further includes: receiving feedback for the one or more reference signals from the UE in response to transmitting the one or more reference signals; and estimating channel state information based on the received feedback.

[0252] Aspect 11: The method of aspect 10, wherein the second set of parameters is identified based at least in part on estimated channel state information.

[0253] Aspect 12: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11 further includes: communicating with the UE using the smart reflective surface device based on a second parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements and a third parameter set associated with one or more antennas of the UE, wherein the communication includes multiple-input multiple-output data transmission.

[0254] Aspect 13: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, further comprising: sending a reference signal configuration to at least one of a UE, a smart reflective surface device, or a combination thereof.

[0255] Aspect 14: A method for wireless communication at a smart reflective surface device, comprising: receiving one or more reference signals from a base station according to a reference signal configuration for communication between the base station and a UE, the reference signal configuration indicating a first parameter set associated with one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device; relaying the one or more reference signals from the base station according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration; and relaying communication between the base station and the UE based at least in part on relaying the one or more reference signals according to a second parameter set associated with the one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device.

[0256] Aspect 15: The method according to aspect 14, further comprising: identifying a second parameter set for communication between the relay base station and the UE.

[0257] Aspect 16: The method of aspect 15, further comprising: receiving an indication of the second parameter set from the base station, wherein the second parameter set is identified based at least in part on the received indication.

[0258] Aspect 17: The method according to any one of aspects 14 to 16, further comprising: identifying a quantity of the one or more reference signals based at least in part on the reference signal configuration.

[0259] Aspect 18: The method according to Aspect 17, further comprising: identifying a first portion of the number of one or more reference signals and a second portion of the number of one or more reference signals.

[0260] Aspect 19: The method of aspect 18, wherein the first portion corresponds to the number of layers of multiple-input multiple-output communication, and the second portion corresponds to the number of one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device.

[0261] Aspect 20: The method according to aspect 19, wherein the first portion comprises a first reference signal set associated with a first parameter in the first parameter set, and the second portion comprises a second reference signal set associated with the first parameter set.

[0262] Aspect 21: The method according to any one of aspects 18 to 20 further comprises: identifying a transmission order of the number of one or more reference signals, wherein relaying the one or more reference signals comprises: relaying the one or more reference signals according to the identified transmission order.

[0263] Aspect 22: The method according to any one of aspects 14 to 21 further includes: adjusting one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device according to the second parameter set, wherein relaying communication includes relaying communication using the adjusted one or more reflective elements, wherein the communication includes multiple-input multiple-output data transmission.

[0264] Aspect 23: The method according to any one of aspects 14 to 22, further comprising: receiving an indication of a reference signal configuration from a base station.

[0265] Aspect 24: A method for wireless communication at a UE, comprising: receiving one or more reference signals according to a first parameter set of a reference signal configuration, the first parameter set being associated with receiving the one or more reference signals using a smart reflective surface device; sending channel state information to at least one of a base station, a smart reflective surface device, or a combination thereof based at least in part on the received one or more reference signals; and communicating with the base station using the smart reflective surface device based at least in part on the channel state information.

[0266] Aspect 25: The method according to aspect 24, further comprising: identifying a smart reflective surface device for communicating with the base station; and sending an indication of the identified smart reflective surface device to the base station.

[0267] Aspect 26: The method according to any one of aspects 24 to 25, further comprising: identifying a quantity of the one or more reference signals based at least in part on the received reference signal configuration.

[0268] Aspect 27: The method according to Aspect 26, further comprising: identifying a first portion of the number of one or more reference signals and a second portion of the number of one or more reference signals.

[0269] Aspect 28: The method according to aspect 27, wherein the first part corresponds to the number of layers of multiple-input multiple-output communication with the base station, and the second part corresponds to the number of one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device.

[0270] Aspect 29: The method according to aspect 28, wherein the first portion comprises a first reference signal set associated with a first parameter in the first parameter set, and the second portion comprises a second reference signal set associated with the first parameter set.

[0271] Aspect 30: The method according to any one of aspects 26 to 29 further comprises: identifying a transmission order of the number of one or more reference signals, wherein receiving the one or more reference signals comprises: receiving the one or more reference signals according to the identified transmission order.

[0272] Aspect 31: The method according to any one of aspects 24 to 30, wherein the communication with the base station comprises receiving a multiple-input multiple-output data transmission.

[0273] Aspect 32: An apparatus for wireless communication at a base station, comprising a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of aspects 1 to 13.

[0274] Aspect 33: An apparatus for wireless communication at a base station, comprising at least one component for performing the method of any one of aspects 1 to 13.

[0275] Aspect 34: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a base station, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method of any one of aspects 1 to 13.

[0276] Aspect 35: An apparatus for wireless communication at a smart reflective surface device, comprising a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of Aspects 14 to 23.

[0277] Aspect 36: An apparatus for wireless communication at a smart reflective surface device, comprising at least one means for performing the method of any one of aspects 14 to 23.

[0278] Aspect 37: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a smart reflective surface device, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method of any one of aspects 14 to 23.

[0279] Aspect 38: An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE, comprising a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of aspects 24 to 31.

[0280] Aspect 39: An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE, comprising at least one component for performing the method of any one of aspects 24 to 31.

[0281] Aspect 40: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a UE, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method of any one of aspects 24 to 31.

[0282] Although aspects of LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR systems may be described for example purposes, and LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR terminology may be used in most of the description, the techniques described herein are applicable to networks other than LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR networks. For example, the described techniques may be applicable to various other wireless communication systems, such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, and other systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0283] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout this specification may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0284] The various illustrative blocks and components described in conjunction with the disclosure herein may be implemented or executed using a general purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a CPU, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in combination with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0285] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted through a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or codes. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or any combination thereof. Features that implement the functions may also be physically located at various locations, including being distributed so that portions of the functions are implemented at different physical locations.

[0286] Computer readable medium includes both non-transitory computer storage medium and communication medium, and computer storage medium and communication medium include any medium that helps to transmit computer program from one place to another place.Non-transitory storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by general or special-purpose computer.As an example and not limitation, non-transitory computer readable medium can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disc (CD) ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or can be used for carrying or storing required program code components in the form of instruction or data structure and can be accessed by general or special-purpose computer or general or special-purpose processor any other non-transitory medium.In addition, any connection is appropriately referred to as computer readable medium.For example, if software is sent from website, server or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio and microwave), coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio and microwave) are included in the definition of computer readable medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes CDs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0287] As used herein, including in the claims, "or" as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items beginning with a phrase such as "at least one of..." or "one or more of...") indicates an inclusive list, so that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step described as "based on condition A" can be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "based at least in part on."

[0288] In the drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference label. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a dash and a second label that distinguishes between similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description applies to any similar component having the same first reference label, regardless of the second or other subsequent reference labels.

[0289] The description set forth herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describes example configurations and does not represent all examples that may be implemented or within the scope of the claims. The term "example" as used herein means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration," rather than "preferred" or "superior to other examples." For the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques, the detailed description includes specific details. However, these techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form.

[0290] The description herein is provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication at a base station, comprising: identifying a smart reflective surface device for communicating with a user equipment UE; determining a reference signal configuration based at least in part on the identified smart reflective surface device, the reference signal configuration comprising a first set of parameters associated with the smart reflective surface device; sending one or more reference signals according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration; as well as A second set of parameters associated with one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device is identified.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A quantity of the one or more reference signals is identified based at least in part on the identified smart reflective surface devices.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: A first portion of the number of the one or more reference signals and a second portion of the number of the one or more reference signals are identified.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The first portion corresponds to the number of layers of multiple-input multiple-output communication with the UE, and the second portion corresponds to the number of the one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The first portion includes a first set of reference signals associated with a first parameter in the first set of parameters, and wherein the second portion includes a second set of reference signals associated with the first set of parameters.

6. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: identifying an order in which to transmit the number of the one or more reference signals, wherein transmitting the one or more reference signals comprises: The one or more reference signals are transmitted according to the identified transmission order. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the reference signal configuration indicates the transmission order.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: An indication of the identified second parameter set is sent to the smart reflective surface device.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: An indication of the smart reflective surface device is received from the UE, wherein the smart reflective surface device is identified based at least in part on the received indication.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to transmitting the one or more reference signals, receiving feedback from the UE for the one or more reference signals; as well as Channel state information is estimated based on the received feedback.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The second set of parameters is identified based at least in part on estimated channel state information.

12. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Communicating with the UE using the smart reflective surface device according to the second set of parameters associated with the one or more reflective elements and a third set of parameters associated with one or more antennas of the UE, wherein the communicating includes multiple-input multiple-output data transmission.

13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The reference signal configuration is transmitted to at least one of the UE, the smart reflective surface device, or a combination thereof.

14. A method for wireless communication at a smart reflective surface device, comprising: receiving one or more reference signals from a base station according to a reference signal configuration for communication between the base station and a user equipment (UE), the reference signal configuration indicating a first set of parameters associated with one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device; relaying the one or more reference signals from the base station according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration; as well as The communication between the base station and the UE is relayed according to a second set of parameters associated with the one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device based at least in part on relaying the one or more reference signals.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: The second set of parameters for relaying the communication between the base station and the UE is identified.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: An indication of the second set of parameters is received from the base station, wherein the second set of parameters is identified based at least in part on the received indication.

17. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: A quantity of the one or more reference signals is identified based at least in part on the reference signal configuration.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: A first portion of the number of the one or more reference signals and a second portion of the number of the one or more reference signals are identified.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein The first portion corresponds to the number of layers of multiple-input multiple-output communication, and the second portion corresponds to the number of the one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The first portion includes a first set of reference signals associated with a first parameter in the first set of parameters, and wherein the second portion includes a second set of reference signals associated with the first set of parameters.

21. The method of claim 18, further comprising: identifying an order in which to transmit the number of the one or more reference signals, wherein relaying the one or more reference signals comprises: The one or more reference signals are relayed according to the identified transmission order.

22. The method of claim 14, further comprising: The one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device are adjusted according to the second set of parameters, wherein relaying the communication comprises relaying the communication using the adjusted one or more reflective elements, wherein the communication comprises multiple-input multiple-output data transmission.

23. A method for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving one or more reference signals according to a first parameter set of a reference signal configuration, the first parameter set associated with receiving the one or more reference signals using a smart reflective surface device; transmitting channel state information to at least one of a base station, the smart reflective surface device, or a combination thereof based at least in part on the received one or more reference signals; as well as Communicating with the base station using the smart reflective surface device is performed based at least in part on the channel state information.

24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising: identifying the smart reflective surface device for communicating with the base station; as well as An indication of the identified smart reflective surface device is sent to the base station.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising: A quantity of the one or more reference signals is identified based at least in part on the received reference signal configuration.

26. The method according to claim 25, further comprising: A first portion of the number of the one or more reference signals and a second portion of the number of the one or more reference signals are identified.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein The first portion corresponds to the number of layers of multiple-input multiple-output communication with the base station, and the second portion corresponds to the number of one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device.

28. The method according to claim 26, wherein The first portion includes a first set of reference signals associated with a first parameter in the first set of parameters, and wherein the second portion includes a second set of reference signals associated with the first set of parameters.

29. The method of claim 25, further comprising: identifying an order in which to transmit the number of the one or more reference signals, wherein receiving the one or more reference signals comprises: The one or more reference signals are received according to the identified transmission order.

30. An apparatus for wireless communication at a base station, comprising: processor, a memory coupled to the processor; as well as instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: identifying a smart reflective surface device for communicating with a user equipment UE; determining a reference signal configuration based at least in part on the identified smart reflective surface device, the reference signal configuration comprising a first set of parameters associated with the smart reflective surface device; sending one or more reference signals according to the first parameter set of the reference signal configuration; as well as A second set of parameters associated with one or more reflective elements of the smart reflective surface device is identified.

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