LC Window RIS for Transparent Beam Steering and Dual-Mode Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) for 5G mobile communication face challenges such as creating shadow zones due to strong radio wave straightness, limited indoor usage, and complexity in structure and manufacturing, which restricts their application and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a reconfigurable intelligent surface using liquid crystal (LC) phase shifters between substrates in a transparent window configuration, allowing for selective operation between outdoor reflect mode and indoor transmit mode, reducing volume and complexity, and enabling beam steering without obstructing light or vision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional RIS elements with phase shifters are used, then beam steering capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex phase shifter component from the RIS element structure. Instead of using traditional phase shifters with multiple components (diodes, capacitors, transmission lines), the invention uses a simplified antenna-ground structure where the ground plane configuration directly provides the phase control function, eliminating unnecessary components and reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional design approach by making the ground plane the active phase control element rather than adding phase shifters between antenna and ground. The ground plane's position, shape, and configuration are optimized to provide the required phase shift, reversing the conventional wisdom that phase control must be implemented through series components
2Area of stationary object
If RIS is installed on wall surface for indoor use, then indoor coverage is improved, but path loss occurs and obstacles cannot be placed in front of the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the RIS element with universal functionality that works effectively in both indoor and outdoor environments. The simplified antenna-ground structure with optimized ground plane configuration provides consistent performance across different deployment scenarios, allowing the same RIS design to be used on walls for indoor coverage or on buildings for outdoor coverage without significant performance degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the local electromagnetic properties of the RIS element by carefully designing the ground plane configuration, antenna geometry, and spacing. These local optimizations enhance the element's ability to control beam direction and reduce path loss, making the RIS effective for indoor coverage while maintaining low loss characteristics
3Measurement precision
If RIS elements with phase shifters are used, then phase control is achieved, but volume and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the phase shifter assembly (diodes, capacitors, transmission lines) from the RIS element structure. Phase control is achieved through the geometric configuration of the ground plane and antenna, which can be manufactured using standard PCB or printed antenna techniques, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining phase control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves phase control by changing geometric parameters of the ground plane (position, size, shape, spacing from antenna) rather than using electronic phase shifters. This approach allows precise phase control through dimensional adjustments that are easier to manufacture and more stable than electronic components, improving both manufacturing ease and phase control precision
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 LC-based RIS enhances RF signal coverage by allowing seamless operation in both reflect and transmit modes, reducing path loss and facilitating mass production, while maintaining transparency and reducing manufacturing difficulties.
Implementation Method 1
an LC phase shifter disposed between the antenna and the ground to change a phase of the RF signal entering
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an RIS with LC. According to an embodiment, an RIS includes: a plurality of RIS elements; and an RIS controller configured to control the RIS elements to steer an RF signal entering, and the RIS element includes: a first substrate; a second substrate; an antenna disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a ground disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; and an LC phase shifter disposed between the antenna and the ground to change a phase of the RF signal entering. Accordingly, a phase shifter for changing a phase of an RF signal entering is implemented by using LC, so that an RIS may be implemented on a transparent window without obstructing light or a field of vision, and also, an outdoor reflect mode and an indoor transmit mode may be supported by one RIS.