Intelligent Reflecting Surface Beam Configuration for Reliable Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployment methods for intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRS) in 5G and 6G wireless networks fail to maximize performance due to uncontrollable radio propagation environments, leading to poor connectivity and connectivity issues between base stations and user devices.
Innovation Solution
The method involves configuring an IRS by estimating the direction of transmission and reception using discovery signals, identifying beam formed reference signals, and enabling reflecting elements based on time division intervals, allowing for improved connectivity and signal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IRS is deployed based on passive signal reflection to minimize distance path loss, then signal transmission between base station and user device is improved, but deployment flexibility and maximum performance achievement are limited due to uncontrollable radio propagation environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the IRS to dynamically switch between passive reflection mode and active signal transmission mode. The IRS can adapt its operation based on channel conditions, switching to active mode when passive reflection is insufficient, thereby achieving both communication reliability and deployment flexibility in uncontrollable radio environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the IRS from purely passive reflection to active signal transmission with configurable beamforming. By adjusting transmission power, beam directions, and signal patterns, the IRS can adapt to different deployment scenarios and maximize performance regardless of radio propagation conditions
2Ease of operation
If conventional discovery process is used to establish connection between base station and user device, then connection establishment is achieved, but connectivity performance is poor due to inability to identify optimal IRS-reflected beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the IRS transmit discovery signals and beamformed reference signals before actual data transmission. This allows the base station and user device to pre-identify optimal beam directions and IRS configurations, ensuring high connectivity performance from the start of communication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the base station measures reference signals reflected from the IRS, determines optimal beam directions, and provides feedback to configure the IRS accordingly. This closed-loop approach ensures continuous optimization of connectivity performance during connection establishment and maintenance
3Ease of operation
If IRS transmits discovery signals continuously to enable connection establishment, then device discovery and connection setup are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by configuring the IRS to transmit discovery signals and beamformed reference signals at specific time intervals rather than continuously. The base station schedules these transmissions during connection establishment phases, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective device discovery and connection setup capabilities
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 communication reliability and system performance by optimizing the deployment of IRS, ensuring efficient connection establishment between base stations and user equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The IRS can be deployed at the distributed side of the user to enhance the communication performance with the nearing base station and the user device by minimizing/reducing the severe distance path loss over the links
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments herein disclose methods and systems for configuring an reflecting surface. A method by a base station comprises: receiving at least one discovery signal from the reflecting surface; estimating a direction of a panel of the reflecting surface for transmission and reception using at least one spatial information based on the received at least one discovery signal; identifying a set of beam formed reference signals transmitted in the direction of the panel of the reflecting surface; and configuring at least one reference signal to the reflecting surface based on the identified set of beam formed reference signals.