Beam Relay Reflection for Non-Terrestrial Coverage Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G communication systems face challenges in providing reliable coverage in oceanic and sparsely populated areas, as well as in scenarios where terrestrial infrastructure is unavailable, due to issues such as beam coverage loopholes, weak signal reception, and short coverage duration, which are not effectively addressed by current multi-satellite solutions that complicate terminal design and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing intelligent reflection surfaces (IRS) in non-terrestrial networks to enhance beam coverage, strengthen signals, and extend coverage duration by reflecting beams from satellites or high-altitude platforms to target areas or terminals, using passive or active modes, and optimizing beam processing through control-side devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multi-satellite systems are deployed to improve coverage in oceanic and sparsely populated areas, then coverage area is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) as an intermediary component that reflects satellite beams to target areas. The IRS consists of multiple reflecting elements that can be independently controlled to adjust beam direction and coverage area, thereby extending coverage to oceanic and sparsely populated regions without requiring complex multi-satellite terminal designs
2Speed
If satellite beam direct transmission is used, then signal transmission speed is fast, but coverage duration is short due to satellite movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic beam tracking mechanism where the intelligent reflecting surface adjusts its reflecting elements in real-time to follow the moving satellite beam. The control device continuously updates the phase and amplitude of each reflecting element to maintain optimal signal reflection, thereby extending coverage duration while preserving fast signal transmission speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the control device receives information about satellite position and beam characteristics, then adjusts the intelligent reflecting surface configuration accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures continuous coverage by dynamically adapting to satellite movement, thereby extending coverage duration without compromising transmission speed
3Device complexity
If traditional terrestrial communication infrastructure is used, then system complexity is low, but coverage availability in remote areas is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent reflecting surface serves multiple functions: it reflects satellite beams to extend coverage area, adjusts beam direction to track satellite movement, and can be configured for different frequency bands. This multi-functional component provides universal coverage enhancement for various remote scenarios including oceanic areas, mountains, and sparsely populated regions without requiring complex infrastructure
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
Enhances coverage in challenging areas, strengthens signal reception, and extends beam duration, thereby improving communication reliability and reducing the need for complex multi-satellite systems, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Implementing intelligent reflection surfaces (IRS) in non-terrestrial networks to enhance beam coverage, strengthen signals, and extend coverage duration by reflecting beams from satellites or high-altitude platforms to target areas or terminals
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and method in a wireless communication system. Proposed is a beam relay/reflection device in a non-terrestrial wireless communication network. The beam relay/reflection device comprises a processing circuit, which is configured to receive a beam transmitted from a beam source in the non-terrestrial wireless communication network and, on the basis of configuration information of a target object, transmit the received beam to the target object, the beam source being an aerial device that is in the non-terrestrial wireless communication network and is capable of transmitting beams.