Passive Device Link Measurement via Reference Signal Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately measuring links associated with passive devices, such as reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), which are used to enhance signal reflection and improve communication efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting and measuring reference signals across multiple links involving a passive device, allowing for the determination of path losses and ranks of individual links. This information is used to optimize the configuration of the passive device and improve communication quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple reference signals are transmitted and measured to accurately determine path losses and ranks of individual links, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and processing resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into distinct phases: first reference signal transmission from base station to passive device, second reference signal transmission from passive device to UE, and third reference signal transmission from base station to UE. This segmentation allows systematic measurement of individual link path losses while organizing complexity into manageable steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive device serves as an intermediary element that facilitates measurement of multiple links. By having the passive device transmit second reference signals after receiving first reference signals, the system can measure path losses of both the base station-to-passive device link and the passive device-to-UE link, effectively using the intermediary to enable comprehensive measurement without requiring direct complex measurements between all nodes.
2Measurement precision
If multiple reference signals are transmitted and measured to accurately determine path losses and ranks of individual links, then measurement precision is improved, but processing and signaling resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where UEs report measurements of reference signals back to the base station. The base station uses these feedback measurements to determine path losses and ranks of individual links, enabling resource optimization without requiring the UE to perform complex processing itself. This feedback approach shifts processing burden to the base station while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transmits multiple reference signals (first, second, and third reference signals) to gather sufficient measurement data for accurate path loss determination. While this appears excessive, the measurements are designed to be minimal yet sufficient - capturing the necessary path loss information for link optimization without requiring exhaustive measurement of all possible signal paths, thus balancing precision with resource consumption.
3Reliability
If passive devices are used to reflect reference signals for enhancing communication efficiency, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent determines path losses and ranks of individual links as key parameters that characterize the communication environment. By calculating these parameters from reference signal measurements, the system can adaptively configure the passive device and select optimal communication paths. This parameter-based approach enables intelligent passive device configuration without requiring complex built-in intelligence in the passive device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic configuration of passive devices based on measured path losses and ranks. The system can switch between different passive device configurations or select different passive devices for reflection based on real-time measurement results, allowing the system to adapt to changing communication conditions. This dynamic approach improves reliability while keeping individual passive device complexity low through external control.
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
By accurately measuring link path losses and ranks, the method enables more efficient use of passive devices, improves communication reliability, and conserves processing and signaling resources.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a first measurement that is based at least in part on a first reference signal, from a base station, that is to be reflected via a passive device
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a receiving user equipment (UE) may transmit a first measurement that is based at least in part on a first reference signal, from a base station, that is to be reflected via a passive device. The receiving UE may transmit a second measurement that is based at least in part on a second reference signal, from a transmitting UE, that is to be reflected via the passive device and a third reference signal from the transmitting UE. Numerous other aspects are described.