Communication system for wireless transmission of a data signal from a transmitting device of the communication system to at least a first receiving device of the communication system

Abstract

A communication system (10) for wireless transmission of a data signal (34) from a transmitting device (12) of the communication system (10) to at least a first receiving device (16) of the communication system (10), wherein the transmitting device (12) is configured for generating the data signal (34) and transmitting the data signal (34) in a surrounding (36) of the communication system (10), and wherein the receiving device (16, 18, 20, 22) is configured for receiving the transmitted data signal (34), characterized in that the communication system (10) comprises a pyramidal deflection device (24) for deflecting the transmitted data signal (34) from the transmitting device (12) to the receiving device (16, 18, 20, 22), wherein at least one surface (26, 28, 30, 32) of the pyramidal deflection device (24) is configured as a reconfigurable intelligent surface device (58).

Description

[0001] A communication system for wirelessly transmitting data signals from a transmitting device of the communication system to at least a first receiving device of the communication system.

[0002] The present invention relates to a communication system for wirelessly transmitting data signals from a transmitting device of the communication system to at least a first receiving device of the communication system, wherein the transmitting device is configured to generate data signals and transmit data signals around the communication system, and wherein the receiving device is configured to receive the transmitted data signals.

[0003] In the context of radio frequency communications, so-called reconfigurable smart surfaces (RIS) or smart reconfigurable surfaces (IRS) are programmable metamaterials that allow the phase, amplitude, frequency, and / or polarization of an incoming signal to be programmably altered. This means they can be used as programmable reflectors or absorbers.

[0004] To date, reconfigurable smart surfaces have been used to establish communication links between a transmitting device and a receiving device, typically in the absence of line-of-sight propagation paths or strong indirect propagation paths.

[0005] US Publication US20150180120A1 discloses an antenna reflector system designed to extend the scanning range of a steerable antenna by utilizing one or more reflective surfaces within the scanning range. This system allows the antenna to be pointed at the reflective surface, thereby reflecting the beam in directions inaccessible by a single antenna. The scanning range can be extended in azimuth, elevation, or both.

[0006] US Publication US2013229296A1 discloses a multi-beam reflector array, a type of antenna that combines features of both a conventional parabolic reflector and a phased array, comprising an array of two or more elements aligned in a specific direction. In this reflector array, the phase difference of radio waves reflected by two elements in each of a first and second element group is proportional to the product of a trigonometric function of the distance between the elements and the reflection angle. The distance between adjacent elements in the first group is a rational multiple of the distance between adjacent elements in the second group.

[0007] US Publication US6137623A discloses a reflector characterized by having a mechanically deformable portion on at least one reflective surface. Deformation of this portion introduces discontinuities that scatter radiation, thereby attenuating the reflected signal. By selectively deforming this portion, the reflected signal can be modulated to encode data. This deformable portion can typically consist of a monolithically formed plate.

[0008] US Publication US20130038433A1 discloses a method for data transmission in a vehicle-to-vehicle or vehicle-to-infrastructure communication system without requiring direct line-of-sight. Data encoded in electromagnetic radiation is transmitted from a vehicle or transportation infrastructure. A reflector system partially reflects this radiation, directing it towards a receiver in another vehicle or transportation infrastructure. This enables the receiver to acquire data even in the absence of direct line-of-sight communication.

[0009] To date, there is no method to know how to use reconfigurable smart surfaces to create communication links between a transmitting device and multiple receiving devices.

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a communication system for wirelessly transmitting data signals, which enables efficient communication between the transmitting device and at least one receiving device of the communication system.

[0011] This objective is achieved by the communication system according to the independent claim. Advantageous configurations are presented in the dependent claims.

[0012] One aspect of the invention relates to a communication system for wirelessly transmitting data signals from a transmitting device of the communication system to at least a first receiving device of the communication system, wherein the transmitting device is configured to generate and transmit data signals around the communication system, and wherein the receiving device is configured to receive the transmitted data signals. The communication system includes a pyramid-shaped deflection device for deflecting the transmitted data signals from the transmitting device to the receiving device, wherein at least one surface of the pyramid-shaped deflection device is configured as a reconfigurable smart surface device.

[0013] Therefore, the data signal transmitted by the transmitting device is separated and reflected by at least one surface of the pyramid-shaped deflector, especially in the direction of the receiving device.

[0014] In particular, each surface of the pyramid consists of reconfigurable smart surface devices, allowing for individual control of the deflection angle. This allows for the creation of point-to-multipoint communication links using highly directional antennas. This communication could be useful for bidirectional communication, such as point-to-multipoint or multipoint-to-point communication.

[0015] Therefore, point-to-multipoint communication (or vice versa) with highly directional transmitters can be provided, which can be used for, for example, mmW, THz, and laser-based communication. Furthermore, this communication system can be used to overcome the lack of line-of-sight propagation. Further still, infrastructure cost savings are offered, as a single refractive index can be used to create multiple communication links in opposite directions. Reconfigurable smart surface devices are passive and potentially cheaper than using multiple transmitters to achieve the same communication link network. A fixed refractive index can be used to multiply mobile transmitters, for example, in time-division duplex. Furthermore, more devices are provided per area, where highly directional communication reduces ambient interference for each receiver.

[0016] The communication system includes at least a second receiving device, wherein a first surface of a deflecting device is configured to deflect a data signal to the first receiving device, and a second surface of the deflecting device is configured to deflect the data signal to the second receiving device. Therefore, a transmitting device can transmit data signals to the first receiving device and second receiving devices at different locations. Specifically, the surface of the pyramid-shaped deflecting device points towards the receiving device. Thus, by controlling the reconfigurable smart surface, the beam of the transmitting device can be reflected to the receiving device. Obviously, more than two receiving devices can also be arranged around it. For example, the pyramid-shaped deflecting device can include a third reconfigurable smart surface device on a third surface, and this surface can be pointed towards the third receiving device. More than three surfaces can also be arranged on the pyramid-shaped deflecting device.

[0017] In a communication system, data signals are directed to the apex of a pyramid-shaped deflector. This allows data signals arriving from the apex of the pyramid (pointing towards the transmitting device) to be separated and reflected in, for example, n directions.

[0018] In another embodiment, the deflection device includes a control device for controlling the deflection of the reconfigurable smart surface device. The control device may be, for example, an electronic computing device with electronic components. The control device may be connected to a power supply to generate control signals for controlling the deflection of the reconfigurable smart surface device. For example, the reflection angle of the reconfigurable smart surface device may be controlled by the control device.

[0019] In another embodiment, the reflection angle of the data signal at the reconfigurable smart surface device is adapted by controlling the deflection of the reconfigurable smart surface device. Therefore, by utilizing the adapted reflection angle to mirror the data signal on the reconfigurable smart surface device, an efficient method for transmitting data signals from a transmitting device to a receiving device is provided.

[0020] In another embodiment, the pyramid-shaped deflection device includes at least four surfaces for deflecting data signals. Therefore, for example, the data signals can be transmitted to four different receiving devices.

[0021] In another embodiment, the antenna of the transmitting device is configured as a horn device or a beamforming array. Therefore, the data signal can be directed towards a pyramid-shaped deflector, particularly in the direction of the apex, to deflect the transmitted data signal.

[0022] In another embodiment, the transmitting device is configured as a ceiling-mounted device. Therefore, the communication system can be used, for example, in workshops, garages, and warehouses, where numerous receiving devices can be arranged in the area, while only one transmitting device can be used on the ceiling of that area.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the transmitting device is configured as a mobile device; in particular, the transmitting device can be configured as a satellite or a drone. Therefore, mobile communication can also be achieved through this communication system.

[0024] According to another advantageous form, the pyramid deflection device includes mechanical components for providing movement of the pyramid deflection device. For example, if the receiving device is also movable, the deflection device can be rotated, for example, by the mechanical components, so as to transmit data signals directly to the receiving device.

[0025] In another embodiment, the data signal is generated by a transmission module such that the beam energy distribution of the data signal is asymmetric. This means that the transmitting device may transmit a beam with an asymmetric energy distribution toward the apex of the pyramid. This is advantageous, for example, if the location of the receiving device has changed, and the asymmetric beam is configured, for example, to transmit more energy toward the selected transmitting device because the transmitting device is farther away.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the surface of the pyramid-shaped deflector is configured as a free-form surface. Therefore, additionally, a reflection angle can be provided by the free-form surface to accommodate changes in the direction of data signals or to provide a higher energy density in the provided direction.

[0027] In another embodiment, the pyramid deflector is configured as an equilateral and / or isosceles device. Therefore, depending on the operating region of the communication system, the pyramid deflector can take different forms, with different forms configured to deflect data signals to the receiving device.

[0028] Individuals with male or female gender identities are also included in this term, independent of the use of grammatical terms.

[0029] Further features of the invention are derived from the claims, drawings, and description of the drawings. The features and combinations thereof mentioned in the foregoing description, as well as the features and combinations thereof mentioned in the following description of the drawings and / or shown separately in the drawings, can be used not only in the combinations indicated in each case, but also in other combinations, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0030] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to preferred examples of embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0031] therefore,

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram according to an embodiment of a communication system is shown; and

[0033] Figure 2 A schematic top view of an embodiment of the pyramid-shaped deflection device is shown.

[0034] In each figure, the same elements are shown with the same reference symbols.

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram according to an embodiment of communication system 10 is shown. Communication system 10 includes at least one transmitting device 12 having an antenna 14. Furthermore, communication system 10 includes at least one receiving device 16, 18, 20, 22. Further still, communication system 10 is shown to include a pyramidal deflection device 24, wherein at least one surface 26, 28, 30, 32 is configured as a reconfigurable smart surface device.

[0036] therefore, Figure 1 A communication system 10 is shown for transmitting data signals 34 from a transmitting device 12 of the communication system, wherein the transmitting device 12 is configured to generate data signals 34 and transmit data signals 34 around the communication system 10 36, and wherein receiving devices 16, 18, 20, 22 are configured to receive the transmitted data signals 34.

[0037] In an embodiment, the communication system 10 includes a pyramid deflection device 24 for deflecting the transmitted data signal 34 from the transmitting device 12 to the receiving devices 16, 18, 20, 22, wherein at least one surface 26, 28, 30, 32 of the pyramid deflection device 24 is configured as a reconfigurable smart surface device.

[0038] As further shown, the transmitting device 12 may include a controller 56, for example, to generate a data signal 34. Therefore, the transmitting device 12 may further include a power supply 38. As further shown, the antenna 14 may be configured as a horn device or a beamforming array.

[0039] Furthermore, Figure 1 The deflection device 24 may include a controller 40 for generating a control signal 42, wherein the control signal 42 is configured to control, for example, the reflection angle of at least one surface 26, 28, 30, 32. Therefore, the deflection device 24 may further include a power supply 44 for the controller 40.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, a first receiving device 16, a second receiving device 18, a third receiving device 20, and a fourth receiving device 22 are illustrated. Therefore, the data signal 34 is separated into four data signals 34, and each signal is directed to one of the receiving devices 16, 18, 20, and 22. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the pyramid-shaped deflection device 24 may include four surfaces, specifically the first surface 26, the second surface 28, the third surface 30, and the fourth surface 32. Figure 1 It is shown that the reflection angle of the data signal 34 at the reconfigurable smart surface device 24 can be adjusted by controlling the deflection of the reconfigurable smart surface device 24.

[0041] The launching device 12 can be configured as a ceiling-mounted device. Furthermore, the launching device 12 can be configured as a mobile device, specifically, the launching device 12 can be configured as a satellite or a drone.

[0042] It is also shown that the pyramid-shaped deflection device 24 may include a mechanical component 46 for providing movement of the pyramid-shaped deflection device 24.

[0043] In particular, Figure 1 The data signal 34 is shown to be transmitted by the transmitting device 12 and separated at the apex 48 of the deflection device 26. Each surface 26, 28, 30, 32 consists of a reconfigurable smart surface device 24, allowing individual control of the reflection angle. This device enables the creation of point-to-multipoint communication links (or vice versa) using highly directional antennas.

[0044] Communication system 10 can be used for bidirectional communication, such as point-to-multipoint or multipoint-to-point communication. The top and bottom positions are not important. The important point is that the apex 48 of deflection device 24 is oriented towards transmitting device 12. Transmitting device 12 can be movable, and deflection device 24 can be fixed. Alternatively, transmitting device 12 can be fixed, and deflection device 24 can be movable. Furthermore, both can be fixed or both can be movable. Deflection device 24 may include mechanical components 46 for positioning / tilting. The antenna involved should be highly directional. For example, antenna 14 can be a horn or a beamforming array. In the case of a beamforming array, transmitting device 12 can calculate the shape of the transmitted data signal based on a subset of information. Specifically, the data signal can be shaped according to the position of transmitting device 12, the position of deflection device 24, the last known position of one of receiving devices 16, 18, 20, 22, the shape and current configuration of deflection device 24 (e.g., via digital twin), and / or through physical-based real-time simulation. Mobile receiving devices 16, 18, 20, and 22 can communicate with control device 40 via a central controller or a separate front phase controller to adjust the reflection angle so that the reflected data signal 34 tracks its own trajectory.

[0045] Figure 2 A top view of the deflection device 24 is shown. Specifically, Figure 2 The diagram shows that the data signal 34 is generated by the transmitting device 12, such that the energy distribution 50, 52, 54 of the data signal 34 beam is asymmetric. Figure 2 Three different energy distributions 50, 52, and 54 are shown. For example, the first energy distribution 50 has lower energy than the second energy distribution 52, which in turn has a lower energy density than the third energy distribution 54. Specifically, based on the last known positions of the receiving devices 16, 18, 20, and 22 (which can receive data signal 34), the asymmetric beam is configured to transmit more energy to the selected receiving devices 16, 18, 20, and 22, as they may be, for example, further away. In particular, this means that the transmitting device 12 can transmit beams with asymmetric energy distributions 50, 52, and 54, especially towards vertex 48.

[0046] Furthermore, surfaces 26, 28, 30, and 32 can be configured as free-form surfaces. Furthermore, the pyramidal deflection device 24 can be configured as an equilateral and / or isosceles device.

Claims

1. A communication system (10) for wirelessly transmitting a data signal (34) from a transmitting device (12) of the communication system (10) to at least a first receiving device (16) of the communication system (10), wherein the transmitting device (12) is configured to generate the data signal (34) and transmit the data signal (34) around (36) the communication system (10), and wherein the receiving device is configured to receive the transmitted data signal (34). The communication system (10) includes a pyramid deflection device (24) for deflecting the transmitted data signal (34) from the transmitting device (12) to the receiving device, wherein at least one surface of the pyramid deflection device (24) is configured as a reconfigurable smart surface device (58); and The communication system (10) includes at least a second receiving device (18), wherein a first surface (26) of the pyramidal deflection device (24) is configured to deflect the data signal (34) to the first receiving device (16), and a second surface (28) of the pyramidal deflection device (24) is configured to deflect the data signal (34) to the second receiving device (18); and The data signal (34) is directed to the apex (48) of the pyramid-shaped deflection device (24).

2. The communication system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the pyramid-shaped deflection device (24) includes a control device (40) for controlling the deflection of the reconfigurable smart surface device.

3. The communication system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reflection angle of the data signal (34) at the reconfigurable smart surface device (58) is adapted by controlling the deflection of the reconfigurable smart surface device (58).

4. The communication system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pyramid-shaped deflection device (24) includes at least four surfaces for deflecting the data signal (34).

5. The communication system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna (14) of the transmitting device (12) is configured as a horn device or a beamforming array.

6. The communication system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmitting device (12) is configured as a ceiling-mounted device.

7. The communication system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmitting device (12) is configured as a mobile device.

8. The communication system (10) according to claim 7, wherein the transmitting device (12) is configured as a satellite or a drone.

9. The communication system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pyramid-shaped deflection device (24) is configured as a mobile device.

10. The communication system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pyramid deflection device (24) includes a mechanical component (46) for providing movement of the pyramid deflection device (24).

11. The communication system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data signal (34) is generated by the transmitting device (12) such that the energy distribution (50, 52, 54) of the beam of the data signal (34) is asymmetric.

12. The communication system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the surface of the pyramid-shaped deflection device (24) is configured as a freeform surface.

13. The communication system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the sides of the pyramid-shaped deflection device (24) are configured as isosceles triangles.

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