Dynamic RIS and Ambient Backscatter Nodes for Spatial Spectrum Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing the electromagnetic spectrum, particularly in coexisting smart radio environments, where interference management and spatial spectrum efficiency are critical for next-generation wireless networks like 6G.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves the use of repositionable dynamic reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) and coordinated ambient backscatter communication (ABC) nodes, assisted by machine learning (ML) for control mechanisms, to form a smart radio environment. This system shapes electromagnetic energy in the spatial domain, creating radiation rejection zones and coverage extension areas, thereby enhancing spectral-spatial efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple wireless systems operate in the same geographical area, then spectrum utilization increases, but electromagnetic interference between systems worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating spatially differentiated radiation control zones within the geographical area. The system divides the space into primary use regions and secondary use regions, with different electromagnetic radiation characteristics in each zone. This allows spectrum sharing while maintaining localized quality of service and minimizing interference through spatial segmentation of radiation patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional spectrum management (frequency and time) to three-dimensional spatial-spectrum management. By introducing spatial dimension control through coordinated beamforming and radiation shaping across multiple wireless systems, the patent enables efficient spectrum utilization in 3D space while maintaining interference protection through dimensional separation of communication layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If electromagnetic radiation is controlled to protect primary use regions, then interference to primary systems improves, but spectrum capacity in secondary regions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference to primary systemsVSAvoidspectrum capacity in secondary regions
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful electromagnetic radiation from secondary systems into a beneficial resource for primary systems through coordinated radiation control. By shaping the radiation patterns of secondary systems to create coverage extension zones that complement primary system coverage, the patent transforms potential interference into enhanced spectrum capacity, allowing both primary and secondary systems to coexist efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a centralized or distributed control mechanism as an intermediary that coordinates radiation control between primary and secondary wireless systems. This mediator optimizes the radiation patterns of secondary systems to protect primary regions while maximizing secondary capacity, acting as an intelligent intermediary that balances competing demands through real-time spectrum map analysis and coordinated beamforming adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If repositionable dynamic RISs are deployed to extend coverage, then capacity in secondary areas increases, but system complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacity in secondary areasVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the repositionable dynamic RISs to autonomously adjust their positions and radiation patterns based on real-time spectrum map data and coordination signals from the control mechanism. The RISs self-optimize their deployment to extend coverage to secondary areas without requiring complex manual configuration, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high capacity through autonomous adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The approach achieves improved spectral efficiency and reduced interference by dynamically controlling electromagnetic radiation, allowing for 15% more capacity in secondary use areas and effectively managing coexistence in highly overloaded wireless systems.

Implementation Method 1

repositionable dynamic reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) to create a coverage extension zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

coordinated ambient backscatter communication (ABC) nodes to create a radiation rejection zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBackscatter communication: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS12309614B1System and method for controlling electromagnetic radiation in a geographical area
Publication Date: 2025.05.20 UNIV OF SOUTH FLORIDA
  • US12309614B1 patent drawing
  • US12309614B1 patent drawing
  • US12309614B1 patent drawing

AI summary

System and method for controlling electromagnetic spatial radiation over a region by coordination the utilization of multiple ambient backscatter (ABC) nodes and repositionable dynamic reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs). Multiple coordinated ABCs are used to protect the region of primary use against the radiation due to the secondary users. Repositionable dynamic RISs provide more robustness to shadowing and power fluctuations in short time frame.