Large Intelligent Surface Reflection Control for mmWave Pathloss

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Solution Overview

Problem

The large free space loss and pathloss in millimeter wave and terahertz frequency bands necessitate the minimization of pathloss to secure a line-of-sight communication in beyond-5G communication systems.

Innovation Solution

A communication system utilizing a large intelligent surface (LIS) that adjusts the angle of reflection of incident radio waves using meta-surfaces, controlled by an LIS server to optimize signal delivery to terminals, minimizing pathloss by forming additional multipaths and enhancing signal reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If millimeter wave or terahertz frequency is used to secure larger frequency bandwidth, then communication capacity is improved, but free space loss and pathloss increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capacityVSAvoidfree space loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a meta-surface as an intermediary component between the base station and terminal. This meta-surface actively manipulates electromagnetic wave propagation by adjusting reflection and refraction angles, creating additional signal paths and concentrating energy to compensate for the high free space loss inherent in millimeter wave and terahertz frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the propagation medium by applying stimuli to the meta-material, which transforms the wavelength form of the signal according to a generalized Snell's law. This allows dynamic adjustment of signal characteristics to optimize transmission at high frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If line-of-sight communication is secured to minimize pathloss, then signal strength is improved, but communication flexibility and coverage area are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strengthVSAvoidcommunication flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic communication system where the meta-surface can real-time adjust signal reflection and refraction based on terminal positions and channel conditions. This allows the system to adapt between line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight modes, maintaining signal strength while improving communication flexibility and coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new spatial dimension for signal propagation by using the meta-surface to create reflected and refracted paths. This allows signals to reach terminals through multiple dimensions (direct path, reflected path, refracted path), enhancing coverage without requiring strict line-of-sight conditions.

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

3Loss of energy

If meta-surface is used to adjust reflection and refraction, then pathloss is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepathlossVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the meta-surface to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it reflects signals, refracts signals, and dynamically adjusts propagation characteristics all through a single device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the advanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 LIS system effectively reduces pathloss and improves communication performance in high-frequency bands by securing line-of-sight communication and enhancing signal delivery efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The largest difference between the meta-surface and a normal surface lies in that it is possible to adjust a reflection and a refraction by adjusting a density of a medium by applying a stimulus to the meta material and by transforming a wavelength form of a signal according to a generalized Snell's law

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The largest difference between the meta-surface and a normal surface lies in that it is possible to adjust a reflection and a refraction by adjusting a density of a medium by applying a stimulus to the meta material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12470947B2Communication system and method using large intelligent surface
Publication Date: 2025.11.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US12470947B2 patent drawing
  • US12470947B2 patent drawing
  • US12470947B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless communication method using a large intelligent surface (LIS) is provided. The method includes transmitting preamble signals each with a different transmission time and transmission direction, receiving preamble signals through an LIS through which an incident radio wave is received and reflected and determining a reference angle of incidence for the preamble signals, receiving the preamble signals that are delivered through a multipath from the terminal, transmitting identification information of a preamble signal having the largest reception power among the received preamble signals to the LIS server, and when the preamble signals includes a preamble signal corresponding to the identification information received from the base station, controlling the LIS such that an angle of reflection at which a data service signal transmitted from the base station is reflected by the LIS corresponds to the reference angle of incidence determined for the preamble signal of the identification information.