Active Reflector Beam Steering for NLOS Millimeter Wave Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional reflector devices in millimeter wave communication systems fail to provide optimal non-line-of-sight (NLOS) coverage due to the need for dynamically programmed devices that can effectively handle multiple reflections and obstructions in advanced fifth-generation communication networks.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a combination of passive and active reflector devices, where passive reflectors provide deflection without amplitude or phase shift adjustments, and active reflectors adjust amplitude gain and phase shift to steer beams through obstructing objects, using dual-polarized antenna elements and low-noise amplifiers, phase shifters, and power amplifiers to ensure optimal NLOS coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If passive reflector devices are used for NLOS coverage, then device complexity is reduced, but NLOS coverage optimality deteriorates due to inability to dynamically adjust beam steering and amplitude

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereflector device complexityVSAvoidNLOS coverage reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamically programmable reflector devices that can adjust their reflection characteristics in real-time. The reflector array elements are controlled by a processor that dynamically adjusts phase shifters and amplifiers to steer beams and adjust amplitude based on detected obstruction types and locations, transforming a static passive reflector into a dynamic adaptive system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the reflector devices by introducing programmable phase shifters and variable gain amplifiers. These components allow the reflector to dynamically adjust phase and amplitude parameters of reflected signals, enabling optimal NLOS coverage adaptation to different obstruction scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If active reflector devices with dynamic programming are deployed, then NLOS coverage optimality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNLOS coverage reliabilityVSAvoidreflector device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the reflector system into multiple independent array elements, each with its own phase shifter and amplifier. This segmentation allows the complex functionality to be distributed across simpler modular units, making the overall system more manageable and easier to manufacture while maintaining dynamic programming capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs universal reflector array elements that can perform multiple functions: signal reflection, phase shifting, amplitude adjustment, and beam steering. Each element is multi-functional, reducing the need for separate specialized components and simplifying the overall system architecture despite the advanced capabilities required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple reflector devices are used to handle multiple reflections, then NLOS coverage is improved, but the quantity of devices and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNLOS coverage reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of reflector devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple reflector array elements into a single integrated programmable reflector device. By merging the functionality of multiple devices into one unified system with centralized control, the patent reduces the total quantity of devices required while maintaining the capability to handle multiple reflections and provide optimal NLOS coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances communication reliability by dynamically selecting reflector devices based on location and obstruction type, providing effective beam steering and amplitude adjustments to maintain signal quality through obstructed paths, thereby improving overall millimeter wave communication performance.

Implementation Method 1

passive reflectors provide deflection without amplitude or phase shift adjustments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

active reflectors adjust amplitude gain and phase shift to steer beams through obstructing objects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase shift:

Implementation Method 3

using dual-polarized antenna elements and low-noise amplifiers, phase shifters, and power amplifiers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAmplification:

Data Source

PatentUS11659409B2Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) coverage for millimeter wave communication

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 MOVANDI CORP

AI summary

A system, in an active reflector device, adjusts a first amplification gain of each of a plurality of radio frequency (RF) signals received at a receiver front-end from a first equipment via a first radio path of an NLOS radio path. A first phase shift is performed on each of the plurality of RF signals with the adjusted first amplification gain. A combination of the plurality of first phase-shifted RF signals is split at a transmitter front-end. A second phase shift on each of the split first plurality of first phase-shifted RF signals is performed. The plurality of RF signals as a directed beam is transmitted to a second equipment via a second radio path of the NLOS radio path.