Convex Intelligent Reflective Surface for NLOS Path Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G NR technology faces challenges in optimizing communication efficiency and reducing power consumption in wireless communication systems, particularly in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) communications and high-frequency bands, due to increased propagation losses and diffraction issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a non-planar reflective surface architecture with a convex cross-section, which can be configured for either broadcast or UE-specific modes, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the surface phase to optimize signal reflection and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a planar reflective surface is used for signal reflection, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the path loss in non-line-of-sight conditions is high and communication efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the reflective surface by using a convex lens structure with a positive focal length. This curved surface focuses reflected electromagnetic waves more effectively than a planar surface, reducing path loss in NLOS conditions while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized lens components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the reflective surface from flat to convex with a specific focal length. This parameter modification optimizes the reflection pattern to concentrate energy toward the receiver, thereby reducing path loss without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
2Productivity
If the reflective surface is configured for multiple UEs specifically, then the communication efficiency for those UEs is improved, but the device complexity and configuration overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The convex reflective surface is designed with a positive focal length that can serve multiple user equipment simultaneously. By positioning multiple UEs at or near the focal point, a single convex surface configuration provides focused reflection benefits to all these UEs, eliminating the need for individualized configurations for each UE and thereby reducing system complexity.
3Loss of energy
If the reflective surface area is increased to reduce path loss, then the signal reflection capability is improved, but the device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a convex lens shape with optimized focal length to achieve effective signal focusing without requiring a large surface area. The curved geometry concentrates reflected energy more efficiently per unit area compared to a planar surface, allowing path loss reduction with a compact structure that minimizes both size and manufacturing cost.
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 solution enhances communication efficiency by reducing path loss and power usage, especially in NLOS conditions, while minimizing surface phase variations for focused beams, thereby improving overall wireless communication performance.
Implementation Method 1
a non-planar reflective surface architecture with a convex cross-section, which can be configured for either broadcast or UE-specific modes, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the surface phase to optimize signal reflection
Data Source
AI summary
A node including a non-planar reflective surface is disclosed. The node may receive, from a base station, an indication of a surface configuration of at least one convex reflective surface of the node. The indication may indicate that the surface configuration corresponds to at least one of a broadcast configuration or a UE-specific configuration. The node may configure, upon receiving the indication of the surface configuration, the at least one convex reflective surface based on the surface configuration. The surface configuration may correspond to at least one of the broadcast configuration or the UE-specific configuration. The node may forward communication received from, or forward communication to, the base station based on the surface configuration of the at least one convex reflective surface.