Determining a configuration of a reconfigurable smart surface based on measurements made by a mobile device

Abstract

A system for determining a configuration of a reconfigurable intelligent surface (21) capable of changing a propagation environment of wireless signals in a controlled manner is configured to cause the reconfigurable intelligent surface to successively use a plurality of candidate configurations during a plurality of time intervals. Each time interval corresponds to one candidate configuration. The system is further configured to cause a set of mobile devices (31-36) to perform measurements on wireless signals transmitted by one or more base stations (11) in the plurality of time intervals and to report the measurements, to receive measurement reports from the set of mobile devices, to determine a configuration of the reconfigurable intelligent surface based on the measurement reports, and to cause the reconfigurable intelligent surface to use the determined configuration. The measurement reports comprise results of the measurements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for determining the configuration of a reconfigurable smart surface, which is capable of changing the propagation environment of wireless signals in a controlled manner.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for determining the configuration of a reconfigurable smart surface, which is capable of changing the propagation environment of wireless signals in a controlled manner.

[0003] The present invention also relates to computer program products that enable computer systems to execute this method. Background Technology

[0004] Reconfigurable smart surfaces (RIS), also known as smart reflective surfaces (IRS), are network components that can be controlled to alter the propagation environment to achieve communication improvements. Wireless signals transmitted by base stations and / or mobile devices are reflected, refracted, or absorbed by the RIS in a controlled manner. For example, RIS can be deployed on the walls of buildings. The RIS's response can be controlled dynamically and / or semi-statically via control signaling.

[0005] Alternatively, the RIS can be self-configurable. For example, the paper "MARISA: A self-configurable metasurface absorption and reflection solution for 6G" by Albanese, F. Devoti, V. Sciancalepore, M. Di Renzo, and X. Costa-Pérez, published in the INFOCOM '22 conference proceedings, describes a "self-managed" or "autonomous" RIS solution that can be used in part for the "association" process between the RIS and surrounding base stations. This solution relies on RIS intelligence to search for optimal codewords during the probing phase, i.e., identifying surrounding base stations or mobile devices and orthogonal codewords during the communication phase, and is independent of the control channel.

[0006] Communication improvements typically focus on improving the throughput of individual mobile devices or the overall rate throughput of active mobile devices in a cell. Known systems, such as those described in the aforementioned paper, cannot be used to address coverage gaps. For example, if a RIS (Radio Receptacle System) is to be deployed on a building wall to address coverage gaps on a high-frequency carrier, known systems cannot determine the RIS configuration such that most or all current mobile devices experiencing low (i.e., unsatisfactory) signal quality will now be able to receive signals on the high-frequency carrier with sufficiently high (satisfactory) signal quality with the placement of the RIS. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The first object of the present invention is to provide a system capable of determining the configuration of an improved cover reconfigurable smart surface.

[0008] A second object of the present invention is to provide a method for determining the configuration of an improved coverage reconfigurable smart surface.

[0009] In a first aspect of the invention, a system for determining a configuration of a reconfigurable smart surface includes at least one processor, the reconfigurable smart surface being capable of controllingly altering the propagation environment of a wireless signal, the processor being configured to: cause the reconfigurable smart surface to continuously use a plurality of candidate configurations during a plurality of time intervals, each time interval corresponding to one of the candidate configurations; cause a set of mobile devices to perform measurements on and report the measurements of wireless signals transmitted by one or more base stations during the plurality of time intervals; receive measurement reports from the set of mobile devices, the measurement reports including the results of the measurements; determine a configuration of the reconfigurable smart surface based on the measurement reports; and cause the reconfigurable smart surface to use the determined configuration.

[0010] By allowing the RIS to cycle through multiple candidate configurations and determining the RIS configuration based on measurements taken by mobile devices, a RIS configuration that improves coverage (e.g., increases the RSRP of one or more mobile devices) can be determined. Preferably, the determination of the RIS configuration is initiated and performed automatically at RIS “reconfiguration” intervals, when another base station is deployed in the area, and / or when the network triggers the determination when an area with low signal quality is detected. For example, the measurement value may be the RSRP level.

[0011] Instructions given to mobile devices can specify how the mobile device should perform measurements and / or what to report in the measurement report. Instructions regarding how to perform measurements (e.g., instructions passed to the mobile device via a lower frequency band) can include instructions for monitoring higher frequency bands where coverage gaps have been identified. The RIS can be controlled to achieve improvements in coverage, user throughput, spectral efficiency, energy efficiency, sensing, and / or positioning accuracy. For example, the RIS can be controlled based on some coverage or performance-related targets directly or indirectly imposed by the network operator. The set of mobile devices typically includes active mobile devices and optionally includes idle mobile devices.

[0012] Using a RIS configuration means that the RIS is configured to reflect incoming signals in a given / configured manner. From a practical deployment perspective, a given RIS is expected to typically have a finite set of candidate configurations. Therefore, determining the configuration of a reconfigurable smart surface based on measurement reports will typically involve selecting one from a finite set of candidate configurations based on the measurement reports.

[0013] When the RIS supports different frequency bands (e.g., 800 MHz, 1800 MHz, 3.5 GHz) and the RIS can be configured with different configurations in parallel for each individual frequency carrier, the / command RIS can continuously use multiple candidate configurations on the selected frequency carrier in each of the different frequency bands, and may use different configurations in parallel for different frequency bands, and can enable the / command mobile device assembly to perform and report measurements on the selected frequency carrier in each of the different frequency bands.

[0014] Radio signals may include reference signals, such as Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) signals and / or Channel State Information Reference Signals (CSI-RS). Reference signals are also known as pilot signals. Because reference signals are transmitted regardless of whether there are active users in the cell (e.g., always transmit SSB signals, and transmit CSI-RS whenever there are active users in the cell), and because they are transmitted frequently, they can be useful for evaluating the effectiveness of candidate RIS configurations. The advantage of SSB signals is that SSB signals transmitted by the first base station can be easily received by mobile devices served by the second base station (if the mobile device is within some distance of the first base station), and because SSB signals are always transmitted regardless of whether there are active users in the cell, they can also be received by idle mobile devices.

[0015] At least one processor may be configured to command a set of mobile devices to perform further measurements on further wireless signals transmitted by one or more base stations at one or more further time intervals when the reconfigurable smart surface is turned off, the measurement report further including the results of the further measurements. These further measurements are reference measurements that enable the evaluation of the effectiveness of the RIS configuration, and these reference measurements are preferably performed close to the moment when the candidate RIS configuration has been cycled through.

[0016] For proper comparison, the same set of devices should preferably perform measurements on the wireless signal and further wireless signals (i.e., during on and off periods), and the same one or more base stations should transmit the wireless signal and further wireless signals. For proper comparison, the wireless signal and further wireless signals should preferably be different portions of the same signal, with the different portions transmitted at different times.

[0017] One or more further time intervals may include multiple further time intervals between time intervals, and at least one processor may be configured such that the reconfigurable smart surface is turned off during the multiple further time intervals. In this way, reference measurements are performed very close to the moment when the candidate RIS configuration is used.

[0018] At least one processor may be configured to determine, from a measurement report, at least one of the following for each corresponding (RIS) candidate configuration in the candidate configurations: a) a first number of mobile devices in the spatial region, wherein the performance of the mobile devices increases by more than a predetermined amount when the reconfigurable smart surface uses the corresponding candidate configuration, compared to the performance of the mobile devices when the reconfigurable smart surface is off; b) a second number of mobile devices in the spatial region, wherein the performance of the mobile devices decreases by more than a predetermined amount when the reconfigurable smart surface uses the corresponding candidate configuration, compared to the performance of the mobile devices when the reconfigurable smart surface is off; c) a third number of mobile devices in the spatial region, wherein the performance of the mobile devices exceeds a threshold when the reconfigurable smart surface uses the corresponding candidate configuration, and does not exceed the threshold when the reconfigurable smart surface is off; and d) a fourth number of mobile devices in the spatial region, wherein the performance of the mobile devices exceeds the threshold when the reconfigurable smart surface is off, and does not exceed the threshold when the reconfigurable smart surface uses the corresponding candidate configuration, and at least one processor may be configured to determine the configuration of the reconfigurable smart surface by selecting one of the candidate configurations based on at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth numbers.

[0019] The first and third quantities represent the number of mobile devices whose performance is improved, and the second and fourth quantities represent the number of mobile devices whose performance is degraded. Small performance improvements and degradations can be filtered out by using predetermined quantities greater than zero. The spatial area can be unlimited or finite, such as an area limited to a coverage gap. Determining the number of mobile devices in a finite spatial area typically requires first identifying the mobile devices within that area.

[0020] Performance can be determined based on indicative performance metrics, indicating whether it is increasing, decreasing, exceeding a threshold, or not exceeding a threshold. When a performance metric becomes higher, a first-type performance metric indicates better performance. When a performance metric becomes lower, a second-type performance metric indicates better performance. Using the second-type performance metric, performance can exceed the threshold while remaining below it, and performance can remain below the threshold while exceeding it.

[0021] If the mobile device is able or may be able to report multiple performance metrics, the instructions given to the mobile device can specify which one or more performance metrics to report. If the mobile device determines for itself whether a performance increase or decrease exceeds a predetermined amount, the instructions given to the mobile device can specify the predetermined amount. If the mobile device determines for itself whether the performance exceeds a threshold, the instructions given to the mobile device can specify the threshold.

[0022] At least one processor can be configured to determine the score of each corresponding candidate configuration among the candidate configurations by applying weights to multiple quantities and summing the multiple weighted quantities, and to select the candidate configuration with the best score from the candidate configurations, wherein the multiple quantities include at least two of a first quantity, a second quantity, a third quantity, and a fourth quantity. Which quantities to use and / or which weights to use can be specified in the operator strategy. For example, an operator strategy can be defined to select a RIS configuration that ensures coverage for the maximum number of mobile devices, or to select a RIS configuration that does not degrade the performance of mobile devices outside the coverage gap.

[0023] The performance of a given mobile device within a set of mobile devices for a given candidate configuration can be represented by the best performance metric among several performance metrics for that mobile device. Each of these metrics is determined based on measurements performed on different wireless signals within the wireless signal set. For example, if an SSB signal is used, the best performance metric would typically be determined based on measurements performed on the SSB signal that the mobile device would report as the best SSB signal during normal operation, and the best performance metric would therefore most accurately represent the performance during normal operation.

[0024] The performance of a particular mobile device within a set of mobile devices for a particular candidate configuration within a set of candidate configurations can be determined based on the received power and / or received quality of at least one wireless signal. For example, performance can be indicated by the received power (e.g., RSRP) or received quality (e.g., RSRQ) of at least one wireless signal. Higher received power and / or received quality generally result in better coverage, user throughput, spectral efficiency, energy efficiency, and positioning accuracy. Performance can be determined based on multiple performance metrics and / or composite performance metrics that are combinations of multiple performance metrics.

[0025] Each (RIS) candidate configuration may include a different phase vector, each phase vector specifying the phase shift applied to wireless signals received from one or more base stations at each element of the reconfigurable smart surface during corresponding time intervals across multiple time intervals. The phase vector is typically the most important or only part of the RIS configuration. The phase vector preferably specifies a phase shift that is applied to any signal received at each element of the reconfigurable smart surface during a corresponding time interval, or to any signal received at each element at a certain carrier frequency during a corresponding time interval.

[0026] At least one processor can be configured to determine a target area whose estimated or measured performance does not exceed a threshold, select one or more base stations based on that spatial area, and cause the set of mobile devices to perform measurements on the wireless signal by instructing each of the one or more base stations to transmit instruction messages to one or more mobile devices covered by that base station. This can be used to cause the most relevant mobile devices to perform measurements. At least one processor can be configured to determine the target area, for example, by determining coverage gaps. For example, at least one processor can be configured to determine the target area, for example, by determining coverage gaps on a high-frequency carrier.

[0027] Coverage gaps can be used as a driving factor for RIS configuration. The existence of coverage gaps can be identified using radio network planning tools, or it can be determined based on reports from mobile devices, delivered, for example, via a low-frequency carrier or, in some cases (locations) where the mobile device does have high-frequency coverage, via the same high-frequency carrier. For example, at least one processor can also be configured to determine candidate configurations to be continuously used by the reconfigurable smart surface based on the target area.

[0028] At least one processor can be configured to instruct each of one or more base stations to broadcast the instruction message and / or individually transmit the instruction message to one or more mobile devices served by that base station. The broadcast message can be used to cause idle mobile devices, and optionally active mobile devices, to perform measurements. The individual instruction message can be used to cause active mobile devices to perform measurements.

[0029] Individual instruction messages can be transmitted only to mobile devices within a target area and optionally near that area. Instruction messages broadcast by one or more base stations can specify the target area, and mobile devices can be configured to perform and report measurements only when they are within that target area. Instruction messages broadcast by one or more base stations may include filtering mechanisms, such as coin toss probabilities, which mobile devices can use to determine whether to perform and report measurements. This can be used to prevent too many mobile devices from performing and reporting measurements.

[0030] In a second aspect of the invention, a mobile device includes at least one processor configured to: receive an instruction message from a base station, the instruction message including a schedule determined by a system, the schedule defining a plurality of time intervals and an index for each of the plurality of time intervals, instructing the mobile device to perform measurements on wireless signals transmitted by one or more base stations via one or more beams during the time intervals, performing measurements on the wireless signals during the plurality of time intervals, creating at least one measurement report including the result of the measurement, determining the result by averaging a plurality of measurements over a combination of beams and indices, measuring the plurality of measurements during the time intervals associated with the index, or the result enabling the system to average the plurality of measurements over a combination of beams and indices; and transmitting the at least one measurement report to a base station or different base stations for system use.

[0031] For example, the results may include a subset (e.g., one) of indices selected based on the average, or an average of indices selected based on the average. For example, one or more beams may be reference beams identified by beam IDs, such as SSB beams. The mobile device enables the system to average multiple measurements by including multiple measurements in the results and indicating the combination of beams and indices for each of the multiple measurements.

[0032] The first wireless signal can be transmitted through a beam at a first moment, and the second wireless signal can be transmitted through the same beam (with the same beam characteristics) at a second moment. If the measurements performed on the two wireless signals involve the same index, for example, performed in the same time interval or in different time intervals with the same index, they are grouped into the same measurement set for (statistical) averaging by the mobile device or by the system.

[0033] These indices can correspond to candidate RIS configurations. In this case, the mobile device needs to statistically process measurements from the same index and does not need to know the actual RIS configuration corresponding to a particular index. If an OFF configuration is not a candidate configuration, an index not associated with a candidate configuration can be associated with that OFF configuration. For example, a minimum number of measurement reports can be very limited (e.g., the best RSRP over the measured time interval) or extensive (e.g., RSRP measured for each time interval).

[0034] In a third aspect of the invention, a reconfigurable smart surface capable of controllingly altering the propagation environment of a wireless signal includes at least one processor configured to: receive a configuration message from a system or another system, the configuration message including a schedule determined by the system and indicating a plurality of candidate configurations, the schedule specifying a plurality of time intervals in which the reconfigurable smart surface is commanded to continuously use the plurality of candidate configurations, each time interval corresponding to one of the candidate configurations; and, continuously using the plurality of candidate configurations during the plurality of time intervals. Off-configurations may be included in the plurality of candidate configurations or excluded from the plurality of candidate configurations. If an off-configuration is excluded from the plurality of candidate configurations, the schedule may still specify one or more time intervals in which the reconfigurable smart surface is commanded to use the off-configuration, for example, to allow the performance of a reference measurement.

[0035] In a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for determining a configuration of a reconfigurable smart surface, the reconfigurable smart surface being capable of controllingly altering the propagation environment of wireless signals, the method comprising: causing the reconfigurable smart surface to continuously use a plurality of candidate configurations during a plurality of time intervals, each time interval corresponding to one of the candidate configurations; causing a set of mobile devices to perform measurements on wireless signals transmitted by one or more base stations during the plurality of time intervals and report the results of the measurements; receiving measurement reports from the set of mobile devices, the measurement reports including the measurement results; determining a configuration of the reconfigurable smart surface based on the measurement reports; and causing the reconfigurable smart surface to use the determined configuration. The method can be executed by software running on a programmable device. The software can be provided as a computer program product.

[0036] In a fifth aspect of the invention, a method of performing measurements at a mobile device includes: receiving, at the mobile device, an instruction message from a base station, the instruction message including a schedule determined by a system, the schedule specifying a plurality of time intervals and an index for each of the plurality of time intervals, during which the mobile device is instructed to perform measurements on wireless signals transmitted by one or more base stations via one or more beams; performing measurements on the wireless signals during the plurality of time intervals; creating at least one measurement report including the results of the measurements, the results being determined by averaging a plurality of measurements over a combination of beams and indices, the plurality of measurements being measured during the time intervals associated with the indexes, or the results enabling the system to average the plurality of measurements over a combination of beams and indices; and transmitting the at least one measurement report to a base station or different base stations for use by the system.

[0037] This method can be executed by software running on a programmable device. This software can be provided as a computer program product. As described above, the instructions given to the mobile device, i.e., instruction messages, can specify how the mobile device should perform measurements (e.g., what measurements and under what circumstances) and / or what should be reported in the measurement report (e.g., in what format).

[0038] In a sixth aspect of the invention, a method for configuring a reconfigurable smart surface capable of controllingly altering the propagation environment of a wireless signal is provided. The method includes: receiving a configuration message from a system or another system, the configuration message including a schedule determined by the system and indicating a plurality of candidate configurations, the schedule specifying a plurality of time intervals during which the reconfigurable smart surface is commanded to continuously use the plurality of candidate configurations, each time interval corresponding to one of the candidate configurations; and continuously using the plurality of candidate configurations during the plurality of time intervals. The method can be executed by software running on a programmable device. The software can be provided as a computer program product.

[0039] Furthermore, a computer program for performing the methods described herein is provided, as well as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing the computer program. For example, the computer program may be downloaded or uploaded to an existing device, or stored during the manufacture of these systems.

[0040] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores at least a first software code portion that, when executed or processed by a computer, is configured to perform executable operations for determining the configuration of a reconfigurable smart surface capable of controlling the propagation environment of wireless signals.

[0041] The executable operations include: causing the reconfigurable smart surface to continuously use a plurality of candidate configurations during a plurality of time intervals, each time interval corresponding to one of the candidate configurations; causing a set of mobile devices to perform measurements on and report the measurements of wireless signals transmitted by one or more base stations during the plurality of time intervals; receiving measurement reports from the set of mobile devices, the measurement reports including the results of the measurements; determining the configuration of the reconfigurable smart surface based on the measurement reports; and causing the reconfigurable smart surface to use the determined configuration.

[0042] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores at least a second software code portion that, when executed or processed by a computer, is configured to perform executable operations for performing measurements at a mobile device.

[0043] The executable operations include: receiving, at a mobile device, an instruction message from a base station, the instruction message including a schedule determined by the system, the schedule specifying multiple time intervals and an index for each of the multiple time intervals; instructing the mobile device to perform measurements on wireless signals transmitted by one or more base stations via one or more beams during the multiple time intervals; performing measurements on the wireless signals during the multiple time intervals; creating at least one measurement report including measurement results determined by averaging multiple measurement values ​​by a combination of beams and indexes, measuring the multiple measurement values ​​during the time intervals associated with the indexes, or the result enabling the system to average the multiple measurement values ​​by a combination of beams and indexes; and transmitting the at least one measurement report to a base station or different base stations for system use.

[0044] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores at least a third software code portion that, when executed or processed by a computer, is configured to perform executable operations for configuring a reconfigurable smart surface capable of changing the propagation environment of wireless signals in a controlled manner.

[0045] The executable operations include: receiving a configuration message from the system or from another system, the configuration message including a schedule determined by the system and indicating multiple candidate configurations, the schedule specifying multiple time intervals in which the command can reconfigure the smart surface to continuously use multiple candidate configurations, each time interval corresponding to one of the candidate configurations; and continuously using multiple candidate configurations during the multiple time intervals.

[0046] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, some aspects of the invention can be embodied as an apparatus, method, or computer program product. Therefore, some aspects of the invention can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” The functionality described in this disclosure can be implemented as an algorithm executed by a computer’s processor / microprocessor. Furthermore, some aspects of the invention can take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program code embodied thereon (e.g., stored thereon).

[0047] Any combination of one or more computer-readable media can be used. A computer-readable medium can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or apparatuses, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to, electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. In the context of this invention, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium capable of containing or storing a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, device, or apparatus.

[0048] Computer-readable signal media may include propagated data signals having computer-readable program code embodied therein, such as in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such propagated signals may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium may be any computer-readable medium that is not a computer-readable storage medium and may be transmitted, propagated, or transported for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, device, or apparatus.

[0049] Program code embodied on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to: wireless, wired, fiber optic, cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof. Computer program code used to perform operations of some aspects of this invention may be written in one or more programming languages ​​in any combination of the following: object-oriented programming languages, such as Java™, Smalltalk, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet provided by an Internet service provider).

[0050] Some aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, particularly a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU), to produce a machine that, when executed via the processor of the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other means, creates components for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams.

[0051] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing device or other apparatus to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of writing comprising instructions that implement the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0052] Computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device, thereby producing a computer-implemented process, such that when the instructions are executed on the computer or other programmable device, they provide a process for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0053] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of apparatus, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this respect, each block in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing one or more specified logical functions.

[0054] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the boxes may not appear in the order shown in the diagram. For example, two boxes shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these boxes may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each box in the block diagram and / or flowchart illustration, as well as combinations of boxes in the block diagram and / or flowchart illustration, may be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs the specified functions or actions. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Referring to the accompanying drawings, these and other aspects of the invention will be further illustrated by example, and will be apparent from them, in which: Figure 1 An example of a coverage gap is shown; Figure 2 These are block diagrams of embodiments of the system, embodiments of the RIS, and embodiments of the mobile device; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a first embodiment of a method for determining the configuration of a reconfigurable smart surface; Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a second embodiment of a method for determining the configuration of a reconfigurable smart surface; Figure 5 Show Figure 2 The RIS uses multiple candidate configurations consecutively; Figure 6 This illustrates a first implementation of the RIS configuration search process; Figure 7 A second implementation of the RIS configuration search process is shown; Figure 8 An example of a measurement performed by a mobile device is shown; Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a third embodiment of a method for determining the configuration of a reconfigurable smart surface; and Figure 10 This is a block diagram of an exemplary data processing system for performing the methods of the present invention.

[0056] Corresponding components in the figure are indicated by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The method of the present invention can be used to improve coverage, for example, by increasing RSRP. Figure 1 An example of RIS 21 being used to resolve coverage gap 17 on a high-frequency carrier is shown. In other examples, RIS can be used to resolve coverage gaps on low-frequency or mid-frequency carriers, or to improve coverage in the absence of coverage gaps. The presence of coverage gap 17 can be identified using radio network planning tools or based on reports from mobile devices, delivered, for example, via a low-frequency carrier or via the same high-frequency carrier (at the time and location where the mobile device does have high-frequency coverage).

[0058] When base station 11 transmits its best possible beam toward mobile device 33 directly or indirectly (via reflection from some default object in the environment) on a high-frequency carrier, and it does not reach mobile device 33 with sufficient signal strength (in the former case, due to signal attenuation caused by obstacle 15), mobile device 33 is said to be in a coverage gap on the high-frequency carrier. Figure 1In this example, the coverage gap 17 exists only on the high-frequency carrier, while on the low-frequency carrier, base station 11 is able to transmit beam 54, which reaches mobile devices 33 and 32 with sufficient signal strength (i.e., a sufficiently high RSRP). On the low frequency, beam 54 reaches mobile devices 33 and 32 with sufficient signal strength, either directly (through obstacle 15) or indirectly (via reflection from some default object in the environment). This is just one example; other examples are possible.

[0059] Due to obstacle 15, mobile device 33 is located in the coverage gap 17 of the high-frequency carrier. Mobile device 32 is also located in this high-frequency carrier coverage gap. Mobile devices 31 and 34-36 are not located in this coverage gap. By using a properly configured RIS 21, base station 11 is able to transmit a beam 51 reflected by the reconfigurable smart surface 21, such that mobile device 33 receives a reflected beam 52 with a sufficiently high RSRP.

[0060] Similarly, base station 11 can transmit another beam reflected by reconfigurable smart surface 21. Figure 1 (not shown in the image), so that the mobile device 32 receives a reflected beam with a sufficiently high RSRP ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). For example, RIS 21 can be deployed on a building wall. For example, to address coverage gap 17 on a high-frequency carrier, RIS 21 can be deployed in some feasible locations.

[0061] However, the configuration of RIS 21 best suited for mobile device 33 may not be best suited for mobile device 32. It is possible to adapt the RIS configuration in a highly dynamic way, such as optimizing for specific mobile devices and even potentially “following” them as they move around. This dynamic user-specific adaptation of the RIS configuration would be (close to) optimal, but would likely require (many) more measurements and / or (many) more measurement feedback signaling. Therefore, it might be beneficial to configure RIS 21 in a (semi-)static manner, such as based on feedback from numerous mobile devices that may be in the area during a certain period of time. Figure 1 In the examples, these mobile devices may include mobile device 32 and mobile device 33.

[0062] The example above with high-frequency coverage gaps is just one example of the network issues driving RIS deployment and configuration. Improving coverage to improve user throughput is another example of a network problem.

[0063] Figure 2This is a block diagram of System 1, RIS 21, and mobile devices 31-33. System 1 is an embodiment of a system for determining the configuration of a reconfigurable smart surface. RIS 21 is an embodiment of a reconfigurable smart surface used by the system. The reconfigurable smart surface is capable of controlling the propagation environment of wireless signals. Mobile devices 31-33 are embodiments of mobile devices used by the system.

[0064] exist Figure 2 In the example, mobile devices 31-33 are served via base station 11. System 1 can communicate with mobile devices 31-33 via base station 11. For example, base station 11 may include multiple distributed units sharing a common centralized unit in a centralized RAN (C-RAN) architecture. Figure 2 In the example, not shown Figure 1 Mobile devices 34-36. Figure 1 Mobile devices 34-36 can be configured in a similar manner to mobile devices 31-33.

[0065] System 1 includes a receiver 3, a transmitter 4, a processor 5, and a memory 7. Processor 5 is configured to cause RIS 21 to continuously use multiple candidate configurations during multiple time intervals. Each time interval corresponds to one candidate configuration. Processor 5 is also configured to cause mobile devices 31-33 to perform measurements on wireless signals transmitted by at least base station 11 during the multiple time intervals and report the measurements, receive measurement reports from mobile devices 31-33, determine the configuration of RIS 21 based on the measurement reports, and cause RIS 21 to use the determined configuration. The measurement reports include the measurement results. Other mobile devices (e.g., [missing information]) may or may not be commanded. Figure 1 The mobile devices 34-36) perform the measurement. The configuration of RIS 21 can be included in or excluded from multiple candidate configurations.

[0066] The RIS 21 includes a processor / controller 25, a memory 27, and multiple discrete elements on the surface of the RIS 21, including elements 211, 212 through 219. For example, the RIS 21 can be a two-dimensional surface of engineered material whose properties are reconfigurable rather than static. The phase vector to be used can be selected at the level of each element or group of elements. Therefore, the scattering, absorption, reflection, and diffraction characteristics of the entire RIS 21 can change over time.

[0067] For example, processor 25 can be configured to originate from system 1 or from another system ( Figure 2(Not shown) Receives a configuration message. The configuration message includes a schedule determined by System 1 and indicates multiple candidate configurations. The schedule specifies multiple time intervals in which command RIS 21 continuously uses multiple candidate configurations. Each time interval corresponds to one candidate configuration. Processor 25 is also configured to continuously use multiple candidate configurations during the multiple time intervals according to the schedule. In order to use the candidate configurations, processor 25 is configured to map the candidate configurations (e.g., phase vectors) to attributes of elements 211-219.

[0068] Mobile devices 31-33 each include a receiver 43, a transmitter 44, a processor 45, and a memory 47. The processor 45 is configured to receive instruction messages from a base station, perform measurements on wireless signals at multiple time intervals according to the instruction messages, create at least one measurement report, and transmit the at least one measurement report to base station 11 or different base stations for use by system 1. The at least one measurement report includes the results of the measurements.

[0069] The instruction message may include a schedule determined by System 1, which specifies multiple time intervals and an index for each of the multiple time intervals, during which the mobile device is instructed to perform measurements on wireless signals transmitted by one or more base stations via one or more beams. Processor 45 may be configured to perform measurements on the wireless signals in the multiple time intervals according to the schedule.

[0070] In this case, the processor 45 is configured to determine the result by averaging multiple measurements taken in a time interval associated with the index by a combination of beam and index, or to determine the result that enables the system 1 to average multiple measurements by a combination of beam and index.

[0071] For example, the results may include a subset (e.g., one) of the indices selected based on the average, or an average of the indices selected based on the average. For example, one or more beams may be reference beams identified by beam IDs, such as SSB beams. The mobile device enables the system to average multiple measurements by including multiple measurements in the results and indicating the combination of beams and indices for each of the multiple measurements.

[0072] The first wireless signal can be transmitted through a beam at a first moment, and the second wireless signal can be transmitted through the same beam (with the same beam characteristics) at a second moment. If the measurements performed on these two wireless signals involve the same index, for example, performed in the same time interval or in different time intervals with the same index, then they are averaged by the mobile device or by the system (statistically).

[0073] These indices can correspond to candidate RIS configurations. In this case, the mobile device needs to statistically process measurements from the same index and does not need to know the actual RIS configuration corresponding to a particular index. If the off configuration is not a candidate configuration, an index not associated with a candidate configuration can be associated with the off configuration. For example, at least one measurement report can be very limited (e.g., the best RSRP in a measurement time interval) or extensive (e.g., RSRP measured for each time interval).

[0074] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, system 1 includes a processor. In alternative embodiments, system 1 includes multiple processors. Processor 5 may be a general-purpose processor (e.g., an Intel or AMD processor) or a dedicated processor. For example, processor 5 may include multiple cores. For example, processor 5 may run a Unix-based operating system or a Windows operating system. Memory 7 may include solid-state storage, such as one or more solid-state drives (SSDs) made of flash memory, or one or more hard disks.

[0075] Receiver 3 and transmitter 4 can use one or more wired or wireless communication technologies to communicate with base station 11 and RIS21. For example, receiver 3 and transmitter 4 can use one or more communication technologies (wired or wireless) to communicate with other systems in the radio access network or core network. Receiver 3 and transmitter 4 can be combined in a transceiver. System 1 may include other components typical of components in a mobile communication network, such as a power supply. Figure 2 In one embodiment, system 1 is a standalone system. In an alternative embodiment, system 1 coordinates with a base station (e.g., base station 11) for localization.

[0076] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, RIS 21 includes a single processor. In alternative embodiments, RIS 21 includes multiple processors. Processor 25 may be a general-purpose processor (e.g., an Intel or AMD processor) or a dedicated processor. For example, processor 25 may include multiple cores. For example, processor 25 may run a Unix-based operating system or a Windows operating system. For example, memory 27 may include solid-state memory.

[0077] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, mobile devices 31-33 include a processor 45. In alternative embodiments, one or more of mobile devices 31-33 may include multiple processors. Processor 45 may be a general-purpose processor (e.g., an ARM or Qualcomm processor) or a dedicated processor. For example, processor 45 may run Google Android or Apple iOS as an operating system.

[0078] The receiver 43 and transmitter 44 of mobile devices 31-33 can use one or more wireless communication technologies, such as Wi-Fi, LTE, and / or 5G New Radio, to communicate with a base station. The receiver 43 and transmitter 44 can be combined in a transceiver. Mobile devices 31-33 may include other components typical of user equipment, such as a battery and / or a power connector.

[0079] Mobile devices may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, wireless terminal, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal (AT), mobile terminal, remote terminal, mobile phone, terminal, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable terminology.

[0080] Figure 3 The first embodiment of a method for determining the configuration of a reconfigurable smart surface is shown. The reconfigurable smart surface is capable of changing the propagation environment of wireless signals in a controlled manner. For example, the method for determining the configuration of the reconfigurable smart surface may be... Figure 2 System 1 executes.

[0081] Step 101 involves enabling the reconfigurable smart surface to continuously use multiple candidate configurations over multiple time intervals. Each time interval corresponds to one candidate configuration. For example, each candidate configuration may include a different phase vector. Each phase vector specifies a phase shift to be applied to any wireless signals received at each element of the reconfigurable smart surface during the corresponding time intervals of the multiple time intervals.

[0082] Step 103 includes causing the set of mobile devices to perform measurements on wireless signals transmitted by one or more base stations at multiple time intervals and reporting the measurements. The set of mobile devices typically includes active mobile devices and optionally includes idle mobile devices. For example, the measurement may be the RSRP level. The wireless signals may include a reference signal, such as an SSB signal.

[0083] Step 105 includes receiving a measurement report from the collection of mobile devices. The measurement report includes the results of the measurement. Step 107 includes determining the configuration of the reconfigurable smart surface based on the measurement report received in step 105. Step 109 includes enabling the reconfigurable smart surface to use the configuration determined in step 107.

[0084] For example, steps 107 and 109 may include processing the collected measurement reports when the RIS configuration search process terminates, and subsequently deriving and implementing the selected optimal configuration to the RIS, which is found to best mitigate the identified “high-frequency coverage gap” while having a tolerable or minimal negative impact on the SSB / CSI-RS signal strength received, for example, by mobile devices outside the area of ​​the high-frequency coverage gap.

[0085] The RIS can be controlled to achieve certain improvements in coverage, user throughput, spectral efficiency, energy efficiency, sensing and / or positioning accuracy. For example, the RIS can be controlled according to certain coverage or performance-related goals directly or indirectly imposed by the network operator.

[0086] Preferably, the operation is performed automatically when the RIS is deployed and activated, when another base station is deployed in the area, periodically at RIS “reconfiguration” intervals, and / or when triggered by the network when an area with low signal quality is detected. Figure 3 This is a method. The RIS configuration can be adjusted after deployment and activation, for example, on relatively high timescales such as days, weeks, or months.

[0087] When the RIS supports different frequency bands (e.g., 800 MHz, 1800 MHz, 3.5 GHz) and the RIS can be configured with different configurations in parallel for each individual frequency carrier, it is possible to command the RIS to use multiple candidate configurations continuously on the selected frequency carrier in each of the different frequency bands, and it is possible to use different configurations in parallel for different frequency bands, and it is possible to command the mobile device assembly to perform and report measurements on the selected frequency carrier in each of the different frequency bands.

[0088] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a second embodiment of a method for determining the configuration of a reconfigurable smart surface, a first embodiment of a method for performing measurements at a mobile device, and a first embodiment of a method for configuring a reconfigurable smart surface. The reconfigurable smart surface can controllably alter the propagation environment of wireless signals.

[0089] For example, it can be made by Figure 2 System 1 executes a method to determine the configuration of the reconfigurable smart surface. For example, it can be performed by... Figure 2 The mobile devices 31-33 execute a method for performing measurements at the mobile device. For example, it can be performed by... Figure 2 The reconfigurable smart surface 21 executes the method for configuring the reconfigurable smart surface.

[0090] Figure 4Step 100 includes the system determining parameters for the configuration search process. Step 100 may, for example, include determining the duration of the RIS configuration search process, determining the duration / periodity of continuous on / off periods, determining a predetermined range of RIS configurations, and / or determining the set of mobile devices to be commanded to participate in the configuration search process. For example, RIS configurations may correspond to different reflection directions. Step 100 is not always required. For example, step 100 is only required when the RIS is configured for the first time, and parameters can be stored for subsequent reconfiguration of the RIS.

[0091] Step 101 involves the system, based on the parameters determined in step 100, causing the reconfigurable smart surface to continuously use multiple candidate configurations over multiple time intervals. Each time interval corresponds to one candidate configuration. It is assumed that the base station, mobile device, and reconfigurable smart surface are time-synchronized with each other. In step 101, for example, the system may directly command the reconfigurable smart surface, or it may command another system, such as the controller of the reconfigurable smart surface, to command the reconfigurable smart surface.

[0092] These candidate configurations correspond to the configurations when the reconfigurable smart surface is turned on, and these time intervals are also referred to as on periods. Step 101 may also include the system causing the reconfigurable smart surface to turn off during one or more further time intervals. These further time intervals are also referred to as off periods. The turned-off reconfigurable smart surface (also referred to as the off configuration) may be considered as a further candidate configuration. Alternatively or additionally, measurements performed when the reconfigurable smart surface is off may be used as a reference for evaluating measurements performed when the reconfigurable smart surface is turned on.

[0093] For example, step 101 could involve instructing RIS 21 to sweep across different candidate configurations during on and off periods while reflecting high-frequency signals from one or more surrounding base stations. The configuration search process could include a single off period or multiple off periods. If the configuration search process includes multiple off periods, these off periods could be interleaved between on periods. Different candidate configurations could take the form of phase vectors specifying the phase shift applied to the incoming RF signal (e.g., incoming RF signals from surrounding base stations) at each RIS element. For example, the RIS could have N different phase vectors corresponding to different reflection angles of the incoming RF signal.

[0094] For RIS, what "off" means is not a trivial matter. It doesn't usually mean the RIS is shut down, but rather that the RIS uses its default configuration. For example, this might mean a RIS configuration where the RIS absorbs all incoming signals (i.e., RIS reflectivity is "off"). Alternatively, for example, a RIS "off" configuration could also be a situation where the reflection of RF signals is only "randomly" reflected by the RIS.

[0095] The duration / period of the continuous on / off periods and the duration Tconfig_period of the search configuration process can be determined in step 100. Here is an example of how these values ​​are determined. If a network operator has already configured seven SSBs for its base station, the scan period for transmitting all seven SSBs can be configured, for example, to be 20 milliseconds. If a mobile device needs to receive five SSB transmissions to make its RSRP measurement sufficiently reliable, this means that the mobile device can average its RSRP measurement and generate an RSRP value within 5 × 20 milliseconds = 100 milliseconds. This means that the duration of each on / off period can be configured to be 5 × 20 milliseconds.

[0096] Tconfig_period depends on the number of different RIS configurations to be used consecutively and whether off periods are interleaved between on periods. Figure 5 The N different reflection angle configurations α1 to α21 are shown. N Reflected beam 84 is the result of using RIS configuration α1 on one or more incoming beams 51 from base station 11; reflected beam 85 is the result of using RIS configuration α2 on one or more incoming beams 51 from base station 11; reflected beam 88 is the result of using RIS configuration α2 on one or more incoming beams 51 from base station 11. N-1 As a result, and the reflected beam 89 is configured using RIS for one or more incoming beams 51 from base station 11. N The result. The RIS configuration is also used to reflect other devices in the surrounding area ( Figure 5 (not shown in the image) beam.

[0097] Figure 6 A first implementation of the RIS configuration search process is shown, wherein a shutdown period occurs once before an on period. Figure 6 In the example, Tconfig_period 71 includes a RIS off period 73 lasting 5 × 20 milliseconds, followed by N RIS on periods 74 to 79, where a different RIS configuration is used in each on period. N is the number of different RIS configurations to be used consecutively. This number can be determined in step 100. N may depend on the granularity of the RIS configuration capabilities. Tconfig_period can then be calculated as (N+1) x 5 x 20 milliseconds.

[0098] Figure 7 A second implementation of the RIS configuration search process is shown, in which off time periods are interleaved between on time periods. Figure 7In the example, Tconfig_period 91 includes N off periods 73, which are interleaved with N on periods 74 to 79. Tconfig_period can then be calculated as (2 x N) x 5 x 20 milliseconds. Figure 6 and 7 In one example, a disabled RIS is not considered a configuration; that is, it is not one of the candidate configurations that can be selected for normal operation. In another example, a disabled configuration can be one of the candidate configurations that can be selected for normal operation.

[0099] When the mobile device is commanded to perform the measurement in step 103, this instruction can specify the on and off structure of Tconfig_period (e.g., according to...). Figure 6 or Figure 7 Alternatively, the on / off structure can be pre-configured in the mobile device, so that the mobile device can measure corresponding RSRP samples (e.g., belonging to samples using a given configuration α). N The time periods (either closed or open) are grouped together for statistical processing purposes.

[0100] exist Figure 4 In one embodiment, in step 101, the system transmits a configuration message that includes a schedule determined by the system and indicates multiple candidate configurations. The schedule specifies multiple time intervals during which commands can reconfigure the smart surface to continuously use multiple candidate configurations. The time intervals and (one or more) further time intervals are aligned and synchronized with the mobile device. For example, the on / off duration and the number of configurations N can be delivered by the system to both the RIS and the mobile device.

[0101] Step 121 includes the reconfigurable smart surface receiving a configuration message from the system or another system. In an alternative embodiment, the reconfigurable smart surface does not receive scheduling, but is instead commanded by the system or another system to use one of several candidate configurations just before it is about to need to use that candidate configuration. The reconfigurable smart surface does not need to be aware that it is using multiple candidate configurations consecutively.

[0102] Step 103 includes the system, based on the parameters determined in step 100, causing the set of mobile devices to perform measurements on wireless signals transmitted by one or more base stations via one or more beams at multiple time intervals and to report the measurements. If a schedule is transmitted to the mobile device, and the mobile device cannot determine the start and end times of the process from the schedule, the start and / or end times can be specified separately in the instruction message transmitted to the mobile device.

[0103] exist Figure 4In one embodiment, step 103 includes instructing one or more base stations to command a set of mobile devices to perform measurements. For example, when the RIS is busy with the RIS configuration search process, the mobile devices can be instructed to listen for and report high-frequency signal levels, and this instruction can be provided via a broadcast message or via a unicast signaling message. Although Figure 4 It is shown that step 101 is executed before step 103, but step 101 may also be executed after step 103, or these steps may be executed in parallel.

[0104] Step 103 may include causing the mobile device set to perform further measurements on further wireless signals transmitted by one or more base stations in one or more further time intervals when the reconfigurable smart surface is turned off. The measurement report also includes the results of the further measurements. These one or more further time intervals (off periods) have been described in more detail above.

[0105] For proper comparison, the same set of devices should preferably perform measurements on the wireless signal and further wireless signals (i.e., during on and off periods), and the same one or more base stations should transmit the wireless signal and further wireless signals. For proper comparison, the wireless signal and further wireless signals should preferably be different portions of the same signal transmitted at different times.

[0106] Such as about Figure 7 The multiple further time intervals can be located / interleaved between the time intervals. In this case, step 101 includes causing the reconfigurable smart surface to turn off during the multiple further time intervals. The lengths of the RIS off and on time intervals (including interleaved or uninterleaved) and the number N of different configurations can be provided to the mobile device (via control signaling) to allow the mobile device to calculate the corresponding RSRP values ​​for (one or more) off periods and individual on periods.

[0107] Instructions to a mobile device can specify how the mobile device should perform measurements and / or what to report in the measurement report. Instructions on how to perform measurements (e.g., instructions transmitted to the mobile device via a carrier in a lower frequency band) can include instructions on listening to a carrier in a higher frequency band.

[0108] Instructions on what to report in a measurement report may include what to report (e.g., RSRP of SSB and / or CSI-RS signals received on a high-frequency carrier), the format of the measurement report, and / or how / when to submit the measurement report. For example, a mobile device may be instructed to submit a measurement report: When a mobile device experiences no high-frequency coverage in the absence of RIS (i.e., RIS is off), but does experience high-frequency coverage under RIS configuration settings.

[0109] When mobile devices experience significant coverage changes When, under a specific RIS configuration setting and relative to when the RIS is off and / or relative to when the RIS is on compared to the last reported case, the change can be an improvement (i.e., an increase in RSRP) or a deterioration (i.e., a decrease in RSRP).

[0110] These instructions can specify whether mobile devices should provide minimal or detailed reporting. This is illustrated with examples. Figure 8 As shown, a mobile device can measure two cells, cell A (labeled 201) and cell B (labeled 203), each configured with seven Service Blocks (SSBs) labeled A1 to A7 and B1 to B7 respectively. The mobile device can measure some of the SSBs and draw the following conclusions: During the RIS off period, the strongest RSRP measured came from SSB A2 (RSRPA2) from cell A.

[0111] With configuration α1...α N-1 During the RIS open period, the strongest RSRP measured came from SSB A3 (RSRPA3) from cell A.

[0112] With configuration α N During the RIS open period (i.e. the last RIS open configuration), the strongest RSRP comes from SSB B1 (RSRPB1) from cell B.

[0113] Overall, the strongest measured RSRP value among all measured RSRP values ​​came from SSBA3 (RSRPA3) from cell A, where RIS had an open time period with configuration α2.

[0114] A minimal report might only involve reporting the preferred / preferred configuration of the mobile device. In this example, this would be α2, the configuration with the strongest measured RSRP value, i.e., RSRPA3. A detailed report might involve reporting the measured RSRP values ​​for each time period / candidate configuration (i.e., for individual off time periods and individual on time periods): (OFF, RSRPA2); (ONα1, RSRPA3); (ONα2, RSRPA3); ... (ONαN, RSRPB1). ONαi represents the configuration corresponding to the on configuration α. i The index.

[0115] Report RSRP values ​​during the off-period and only report RSRP values ​​that fall outside the X dB range of the measured RSRP values ​​during the off-period (e.g., if the absolute RSRP change). This reduces the need for detailed reporting. In this way, having, for example, X=0.5dB will filter out open periods with insignificant increases / decreases in RSRP values ​​that are not worth reporting. Measurement instructions can specify certain SSB IDs and instruct mobile devices to only listen for and report SSB signals with those SSB IDs.

[0116] exist Figure 4 In one embodiment, the system transmits an instruction message including a schedule determined by the system. The schedule specifies multiple time intervals during which mobile devices are instructed to perform measurements on wireless signals transmitted by one or more base stations. The instruction message also includes an index (e.g., ONαi) for each of the multiple time intervals. Step 111 includes the mobile device(s) receiving the instruction message from a base station. In an alternative embodiment, the mobile device(s) does not receive a schedule but is instead instructed to begin performing measurements just before the time interval begins.

[0117] Step 123 includes the reconfigurable smart surface continuously using multiple candidate configurations over multiple time intervals based on the schedule received in step 121. Figure 5 Show Figure 2 The RIS 21 uses multiple candidate configurations α1 to α2 consecutively. N .exist Figure 5 In the example, N configurations are used consecutively on the incoming beam 51, with only four configurations having reflected beams indicated by arrows: beam 84 (configuration α1), beam 85 (configuration α2), beam 88 (configuration α... N-1 ) and beam 89 (configuration α) N ).

[0118] These beams 84-89 are different reflections of a reference signal (e.g., an SSB signal) transmitted by base station 11 and reflected by RIS 21. Although Figure 5 Not shown in the diagram, but these different configurations (α1…α) N This will affect reflections on all incoming beams from base station 11 (or other surrounding base stations) to RIS 21. For simplicity, this is not shown in... Figure 5 As shown in the image.

[0119] Step 113 includes one or more mobile devices performing measurements of the wireless signal at multiple time intervals according to the instructions and schedule received in step 111. Step 115 includes one or more mobile devices creating at least one measurement report, such as as described with respect to step 103. The at least one measurement report includes the results of the measurements. The results are determined by averaging multiple measurements taken at time intervals associated with a beam and index, or by a result that enables the system to average multiple measurements at a beam and index combination.

[0120] As described with respect to step 103, for example, the result may include a subset (e.g., one) of the indices selected based on the average, or an average of the indices selected based on the average. For example, one or more beams may be reference beams identified by beam IDs, such as SSB beams. One or more mobile devices may enable the system to average multiple measurements by including multiple measurements in the result and indicating the combination of beam and index for each of the multiple measurements.

[0121] Step 117 includes one or more mobile devices transmitting at least one measurement report to the base station for system use. Step 105 includes the system receiving the measurement report from the set of mobile devices. The measurement report includes the measurement results.

[0122] Step 107 involves the system determining the configuration of the reconfigurable smart surface based on the measurement reports received in step 105. Based on the collected measurements, such as minimum or detailed reports, the system determines which RIS configuration improves coverage the most, for example, best addresses identified coverage gaps. The knowledge of the actual SSB and corresponding cell / base station used to measure the (strongest) RSRP is not itself required to determine the optimal RIS configuration. In the case of minimum reporting, for example, when each mobile device reports its given preferred / preferred RIS configuration, the RIS configuration with the most votes can be selected. If more than one RIS configuration ends up with the same highest number of votes, then the RIS configuration can be randomly selected from these options. In the case of minimum reporting, preferably, the off configuration is one of the candidate configurations, and mobile devices are allowed to report the off configuration as their preferred / preferred configuration.

[0123] In the case of a detailed report, step 107 may include determining the score of each corresponding candidate configuration by applying weights to multiple quantities and summing the multiple weighted quantities, and selecting the candidate configuration with the best score from the candidate configurations. For example, the multiple quantities may include two or more of the following: 1. The number of mobile devices in the space area, compared with the performance indicators of these mobile devices when the reconfigurable smart surface is off, the performance of these mobile devices increases by more than a predetermined amount when the reconfigurable smart surface uses the corresponding candidate configuration; 2. The number of mobile devices in the space area, compared with the performance indicators of these mobile devices when the reconfigurable smart surface is off, the performance of these mobile devices decreases by more than a predetermined amount when the reconfigurable smart surface uses the corresponding candidate configuration; 3. The number of mobile devices in the space region whose performance exceeds a threshold when the reconfigurable smart surface is using the corresponding candidate configuration, and does not exceed that threshold when the reconfigurable smart surface is off; 4. The number of mobile devices in the space region whose performance exceeds a threshold when the reconfigurable smart surface is off, and does not exceed that threshold when the reconfigurable smart surface is using the corresponding candidate configuration.

[0124] The performance of a given mobile device in the set of mobile devices for a given candidate configuration can be represented by the best performance metric among multiple performance metrics for that mobile device, for example, in the example above for α1…α N-1 RSRPA3. Based on measurements performed on different wireless signals in the wireless signal, each of several performance metrics is determined.

[0125] For example, the performance of a given mobile device in a set of mobile devices for a given candidate configuration can be determined based on the received power and / or received quality of at least one wireless signal. Higher received power and received quality result in better coverage, user throughput, spectral efficiency, energy efficiency, and positioning accuracy.

[0126] For example, the performance metric could be the reported RSRP. Alternatively, performance could be determined based on multiple performance metrics and / or a composite performance metric that is a combination of multiple performance metrics. The spatial area can be unlimited or finite, such as an area limited to a coverage gap. Determining the number of mobile devices in a finite spatial area typically requires first identifying the mobile devices in that finite spatial area.

[0127] Performance can be determined based on indicative performance metrics, indicating whether performance is increasing, decreasing, exceeding a threshold, or not exceeding a threshold. When a performance metric becomes higher, a first-type performance metric indicates better performance. When a performance metric becomes lower, a second-type performance metric indicates better performance. Using the second-type performance metric, performance can exceed the threshold while remaining below it, and performance can remain below the threshold while exceeding it.

[0128] If the mobile device is able or may be able to report multiple performance metrics, the instructions given to the mobile device can specify which one or more performance metrics to report. If the mobile device determines for itself whether a performance increase or decrease exceeds a predetermined amount, the instructions given to the mobile device can specify that predetermined amount. If the mobile device determines for itself whether the performance exceeds a threshold, the instructions given to the mobile device can specify the threshold.

[0129] The operator's strategy can specify which quantities and / or weights to use. For example, an operator's strategy can be defined to select a RIS configuration that ensures coverage for the maximum number of mobile devices, or to select a RIS configuration that does not degrade the performance of mobile devices outside the coverage gaps.

[0130] The above quantities can be used to calculate, for example, one or more of the following proportions: a) The proportion of UEs that have high-frequency coverage under a given RIS configuration but do not have high-frequency coverage without RIS; b) The percentage of UEs that have increased with the best RSRP under a given RIS configuration compared to the case without RIS; c) The proportion of UEs for which the optimal RSRP has been reduced under a given RIS configuration compared to the case without RIS.

[0131] Step 109 includes the system causing the reconfigurable smart surface to use the configuration determined in step 107. Step 109 may include transmitting a further configuration message to the reconfigurable smart surface, or commanding another system to transmit a further configuration message to the reconfigurable smart surface. This further configuration message specifies the configuration determined in step 107. Step 125 includes the reconfigurable smart surface receiving a further configuration message from the system or from another system. Step 127 includes the reconfigurable smart surface using the configuration specified in the further configuration message, which typically has an undefined end time.

[0132] Figure 9 A third embodiment of a method for determining the configuration of a reconfigurable smart surface is shown. Figure 9 The third embodiment is Figure 4 An extension of the second embodiment. In Figure 9 In the embodiments, Figure 4 Step 100 includes steps 141 and 143, while Figure 4 Step 103 includes step 145.

[0133] Step 141 includes the system identifying a target area where the estimated or measured performance does not exceed a threshold, fed, for example, by measurements from an MDT (Minimum Drive Test) system. The target area, i.e., the problem area, may correspond, for example, to a coverage gap on a high-frequency carrier. In step 141, the existence, approximate location, and nature of the problem area are identified. This can be accomplished by mobile devices experiencing a lack of coverage on a high-frequency carrier and reporting it (e.g., via a covered low-frequency carrier) to their serving base station, along with the (approximate or precise) user location reported by the mobile device or determined by the network. Mobile devices can be instructed to measure their coverage status via SSB and / or CSI-RS RSRP measurements across all frequencies or a selected set thereof. For example, a mobile device with a lack of coverage on a high-frequency carrier (e.g., an RSRP that is too low or unmeasurable) may have coverage on a low-frequency carrier (e.g., a sufficiently high RSRP) in the area of ​​the aforementioned high-frequency coverage gap.

[0134] Another way to identify target / problem areas involves using radio network planning tools or ray-tracing tools to predict areas of poor coverage. In response to identifying coverage gaps, the RIS can be deployed in feasible and promising locations (where the location is estimated to have good potential to resolve the identified coverage gaps). When the system performs step 141, the system typically knows the location of the RIS and its potential to improve coverage in the target area. For example, the system may know its potential to resolve identified coverage gaps on high-frequency carriers across the entire coverage area of ​​one or more base stations.

[0135] Step 143 includes the system selecting one or more base stations based on the target area determined in step 141. Step 145 includes instructing each of the one or more base stations selected in step 143 to transmit an instruction message to one or more mobile devices covered by the corresponding base station. For example, each corresponding base station may be instructed to broadcast and / or individually transmit instruction messages to one or more mobile devices served by the corresponding base station.

[0136] One possibility is to command all mobile devices covered by the selected base station via, for example, a broadcast message. Another possibility is to command only selected mobile devices within the coverage area of ​​the selected base station via broadcast (for idle mobile devices) or via separate transmission (for active mobile devices), which may arrive via reflected signals from the RIS.

[0137] For example, measurements of mobile devices located near the RIS location and / or near identified high-frequency coverage gaps are most relevant. Active mobile devices located near the RIS location and / or near the target / problem area can be selected by the system itself. For idle mobile devices, the measurement command can specify the RIS location and / or the target area, allowing the mobile device to determine itself whether to perform and report the measurement. Therefore, not all devices receiving broadcasts are commanded to perform measurements.

[0138] To mitigate identified high-frequency coverage gaps, for example, by instructing all relevant mobile devices to measure high-frequency signals, such as those from surrounding base stations (i.e., not just mobile devices within the coverage gap), the system can derive the broader impact of configuring the RIS. For instance, mobile devices not within the coverage gap may also be affected by changes in the RIS configuration.

[0139] To prevent too many mobile devices from receiving broadcast instructions to perform and report measurements, measurement instructions can include coin bias, allowing mobile devices to determine for themselves whether to perform and report measurements based on the flipping of the biased coin.

[0140] Figure 10 The description shows that it can be performed as referenced. Figure 3 , 4 A block diagram of an exemplary data processing system for the method described in 9.

[0141] like Figure 10 As shown, the data processing system 300 may include at least one processor 302 coupled to a memory element 304 via a system bus 306. Thus, the data processing system can store program code within the memory element 304. Furthermore, the processor 302 can execute program code accessed from the memory element 304 via the system bus 306. In one aspect, the data processing system may be implemented as a computer suitable for storing and / or executing program code. However, it should be understood that the data processing system 300 may be implemented in the form of any system including a processor and memory capable of performing the functions described herein.

[0142] Memory element 304 may include one or more physical memory devices, such as local memory 308 and one or more mass storage devices 310. Local memory may refer to random access memory or one or more other non-persistent memory devices that are typically used during the actual execution of the program code. Mass storage devices may be implemented as hard disk drives or other persistent data storage devices. Processing system 300 may also include one or more cache memories (not shown) that provide temporary storage for at least some of the program code to reduce the number of times the program code must be retrieved from mass storage device 310 during execution.

[0143] The input / output (I / O) devices, depicted as input device 312 and output device 314, may optionally be coupled to the data processing system. Examples of input devices may include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a clicking device such as a mouse, etc. Examples of output devices may include, but are not limited to, a monitor or display, a speaker, etc. The input and / or output devices may be coupled to the data processing system directly or through an intermediate I / O controller.

[0144] In embodiments, the input and output devices can be implemented as combined input / output devices (in... Figure 10 (Seen in the diagram with dashed lines surrounding input device 312 and output device 314). An example of such a combined device is a touch-sensitive display, sometimes also called a "touchscreen display" or simply a "touchscreen". In such embodiments, input to the device can be provided by moving a physical object (such as a user's finger or stylus) on or near the touchscreen display.

[0145] Network adapter 316 can also be coupled to the data processing system to enable it to couple to other systems, computer systems, remote network devices, and / or remote storage devices via an intermediate private or public network. The network adapter may include a data receiver for receiving data transmitted to the data processing system 300 from the systems, devices, and / or networks, and a data transmitter for transmitting data from the data processing system 300 to the systems, devices, and / or networks. Modems, cable modems, and Ethernet cards are examples of different types of network adapters that can be used with the data processing system 300.

[0146] like Figure 10 As shown, memory element 304 can store application 318. In various embodiments, application 318 can be stored in local memory 308, one or more mass storage devices 310, or separately from local memory and mass storage devices. It should be understood that data processing system 300 can further execute an operating system (…). Figure 10 (Not shown in the image), the operating system can facilitate the execution of application 318. Application 318, implemented as executable program code, can be executed by data processing system 300, for example, by processor 302. In response to executing the application, data processing system 300 can be configured to perform one or more operational or method steps described herein.

[0147] Various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a program product for use with a computer system, wherein one or more programs of the program product define the functionality of the embodiments (including the methods described herein). In one embodiment, one or more programs may be contained on a variety of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, wherein, as used herein, the expression “non-transitory computer-readable storage media” includes all computer-readable media, with the sole exception of transient propagation signals. In another embodiment, one or more programs may be contained on a variety of transient computer-readable storage media. Illustrative computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: (i) non-writable storage media on which information is permanently stored (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer, such as CD-ROM discs readable by a CD-ROM drive, ROM chips, or any type of solid-state non-volatile semiconductor memory); and (ii) writable storage media storing variable information (e.g., flash memory, floppy disks or hard disk drives in a floppy disk drive, or any type of solid-state random access semiconductor memory). The computer program may run on the processor 302 described herein.

[0148] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used in this specification specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0149] All components or steps plus functional elements in the following claims are intended to include corresponding structures, materials, actions, and equivalents for performing functions in conjunction with other claimed elements, as specifically claimed. The description of embodiments of the invention is given for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to implementations of the disclosed forms. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the invention and some practical applications, and to enable others skilled in the art to understand that various embodiments of the invention with various modifications are suitable for the particular intended use.

Claims

1. A system (1) for determining the configuration of a reconfigurable smart surface (21), the reconfigurable smart surface (21) being capable of controllingly altering the propagation environment of a wireless signal, the system (1) comprising at least one processor (5) configured to: - This enables the reconfigurable smart surface (21) to continuously use multiple candidate configurations during multiple time intervals, each of which corresponds to one of the candidate configurations. - This causes the mobile device set (31-36) to perform measurements on wireless signals transmitted by one or more base stations during the plurality of time intervals, and to report the measurements. - Receive a measurement report from the mobile device set (31-36), the measurement report including the results of the measurement. - Based on the measurement report, determine the configuration of the reconfigurable smart surface (21), and - This enables the reconfigurable smart surface (21) to use the determined configuration.

2. The system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor (5) is configured to cause the mobile device set (31-36) to perform further measurements on further wireless signals transmitted by the one or more base stations (11) in one or more further time intervals when the reconfigurable smart surface (21) is turned off, and wherein the measurement report further includes the results of the further measurements.

3. The system (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The one or more further time intervals include a plurality of further time intervals between the time intervals, and the at least one processor (5) is configured to cause the reconfigurable smart surface (21) to be turned off during the plurality of further time intervals.

4. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The at least one processor (5) is configured to: - For each corresponding candidate configuration in the candidate configurations, determine at least one of the following from the measurement report: a) A first number of mobile devices (31-36) in the spatial region, compared with the performance index of the mobile devices when the reconfigurable smart surface (21) is closed, such that the performance of the mobile devices increases by more than a predetermined amount when the reconfigurable smart surface (21) uses the corresponding candidate configuration. b) A second number of mobile devices (31-36) in the spatial region, whose performance is reduced by more than a predetermined amount when the reconfigurable smart surface (21) is used with the corresponding candidate configuration, compared to the performance indicators of the mobile devices when the reconfigurable smart surface (21) is closed. c) A third number of mobile devices (31-36) in the spatial region, the performance of which exceeds a threshold when the reconfigurable smart surface (21) is used with the corresponding candidate configuration, and does not exceed the threshold when the reconfigurable smart surface (21) is turned off, and d) A fourth number of mobile devices (31-36) in the spatial region, the performance of which exceeds the threshold when the reconfigurable smart surface (21) is off, and does not exceed the threshold when the reconfigurable smart surface (21) is using the corresponding candidate configuration, and - The configuration of the reconfigurable smart surface (21) is determined by selecting one of the candidate configurations based on at least one of the first quantity, the second quantity, the third quantity, and the fourth quantity.

5. The system (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The performance of a corresponding mobile device in the set of mobile devices (31-36) for a corresponding candidate configuration in the candidate configuration is represented by the best performance metric among a plurality of performance metrics of the corresponding mobile device, each of the plurality of performance metrics being determined based on measurements performed on different wireless signals in the wireless signals.

6. The system (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, Based on the received power and / or received quality of at least one of the wireless signals, determine the performance of the respective mobile device in the set of mobile devices (31-36) for the respective candidate configuration in the candidate configuration.

7. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The wireless signal includes a reference signal.

8. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each of the candidate configurations includes a different phase vector, each phase vector specifying a phase shift applied at each of the elements of the reconfigurable smart surface (21) as received from the one or more base stations during the corresponding time intervals of the plurality of time intervals.

9. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one processor (5) is configured to determine a target area (17) where the estimated or measured performance does not exceed a threshold, select one or more base stations (11) based on the target area, and transmit instruction messages to one or more mobile devices covered by the one or more base stations by commanding each of the one or more base stations to perform measurements on the wireless signal by the set of mobile devices (31-36).

10. The system (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one processor (5) is configured to instruct each of the one or more base stations (11) to broadcast the instruction message to one or more mobile devices served by the corresponding base station and / or transmit the instruction message individually.

11. The system (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The at least one processor (5) is configured to determine the target area by determining the coverage gap (17).

12. The system (1) according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one processor (5) is configured to determine the target area by determining the coverage gap (17) on the high-frequency carrier.

13. A mobile device (31-33) for use with the system (1) of any one of claims 1 to 12, the mobile device (31-33) comprising at least one processor (45) configured to: - Receive instruction messages from base stations (11), the instruction messages including a schedule determined by the system (1), the schedule specifying a plurality of time intervals and an index of each of the plurality of time intervals, in which the mobile device (31-33) is commanded to perform measurements on wireless signals transmitted by one or more base stations (11) via one or more beams. - Perform the measurement on the wireless signal during the plurality of time intervals. - Create at least one measurement report, the at least one measurement report including the results of the measurement, the results being determined by averaging multiple measurements over a combination of beam and index, the multiple measurements being measured over time intervals associated with the index, or the results enabling the system to average the multiple measurements over a combination of beam and index, and - Transmit at least one measurement report to the base station (11) or different base stations for use by the system (1).

14. A reconfigurable smart surface (21) for use with the system (1) of any one of claims 1 to 12, the reconfigurable smart surface (21) being capable of controllingly altering the propagation environment of a wireless signal and comprising at least one processor (25) configured to: - Receive a configuration message from the system (1) or from another system, the configuration message including a schedule determined and indicated by the system (1) for a plurality of candidate configurations, the schedule specifying a plurality of time intervals in which the reconfigurable smart surface (21) is commanded to continuously use the plurality of candidate configurations, each of the time intervals corresponding to one of the candidate configurations, and - The multiple candidate configurations are used continuously during the multiple time intervals.

15. A method for determining the configuration of a reconfigurable smart surface, the reconfigurable smart surface being capable of controllingly altering the propagation environment of a wireless signal, the method comprising: - This enables the reconfigurable smart surface (101) to continuously use multiple candidate configurations during multiple time intervals, each of which corresponds to one of the candidate configurations; - This enables (103) the mobile device assembly to perform measurements on wireless signals transmitted by one or more base stations during the plurality of time intervals and to report the measurements; - Receive a measurement report (105) from the set of mobile devices, the measurement report including the results of the measurement; - Based on the measurement report, determine the configuration of the reconfigurable smart surface (107); as well as - This enables the reconfigurable smart surface described in (109) to use the determined configuration.

16. A method for performing a measurement at a mobile device, the method comprising: - Receive (111) an instruction message from a base station at the mobile device, the instruction message including a schedule determined by the system, the schedule specifying a plurality of time intervals and an index of each of the plurality of time intervals, in which the mobile device is instructed to perform measurements on wireless signals transmitted by one or more base stations via one or more beams. - Perform (113) measurements on the wireless signal during the plurality of time intervals; - Create (115) at least one measurement report, the at least one measurement report including the result of the measurement, the result being determined by averaging a plurality of measurements by a combination of beams and indices, measuring the plurality of measurements in a time interval associated with the indices, or the result enabling the system to average the plurality of measurements by a combination of beams and indices; as well as - Transmit the at least one measurement report (117) to the base station or different base stations for use by the system.

17. A method for configuring a reconfigurable smart surface, the reconfigurable smart surface being capable of controllingly altering the propagation environment of a wireless signal, the method comprising: - Receive a configuration message (121) from the system or from another system, the configuration message including a schedule determined by the system and indicating a plurality of candidate configurations, the schedule specifying a plurality of time intervals, during which the reconfigurable smart surface is commanded to continuously use the plurality of candidate configurations, each of the time intervals corresponding to one of the candidate configurations; and - The multiple candidate configurations (123) are used continuously during the multiple time intervals.

18. A computer program or computer program suite comprising at least one software code portion, or a computer program product storing at least one software code portion, said software code portion being configured, when run on a computer system, to perform the method according to claim 15, 16 or 17.

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