Reconfigurable Relay Control for Wireless Blindspot Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly those using high-frequency bands like 5G mm-wave, face challenges such as blind spots due to signal absorption by materials, and existing technologies lack efficient methods for controlling and integrating reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) to optimize communication paths.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling reconfigurable relay devices, including RISs, that allows for registration, path establishment, and redirection pattern control within wireless networks, enabling external control of RISs to modify electromagnetic waves' angle, polarization, and amplification, and integrating these devices into communication systems to improve signal coverage and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) are deployed to improve signal coverage and eliminate blind spots, then communication coverage and signal quality are improved, but device complexity and integration control challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism where the RIS device is controlled by an external controller (such as a base station or network controller) rather than requiring autonomous decision-making. The controller receives channel state information and communication requirements, then generates appropriate control signals to configure the RIS elements. This intermediary approach simplifies the RIS device itself while maintaining system-wide optimization through centralized or distributed control intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capability where the RIS can adapt its configuration in real-time based on changing communication conditions. The control system dynamically adjusts the phase shift, amplitude, and polarization of individual RIS elements according to channel state information and traffic requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal performance as users move or environmental conditions change, resolving the contradiction between providing reliable coverage and managing complexity through adaptive rather than static configurations.
2Ease of operation
If external control mechanisms are implemented to manage RIS devices, then path establishment and redirection control are improved, but system complexity and control overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the controller obtain channel state information and determine optimal communication paths before actually establishing the connection. The system performs channel estimation, identifies suitable RIS devices, and pre-calculates the configuration needed for optimal signal routing. This preliminary preparation simplifies the actual path establishment process and reduces control overhead during active communication by having decisions made in advance based on channel measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller receives channel state information, communication quality metrics, and configuration status from RIS devices and user equipment. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt configurations based on actual performance, optimize resource allocation, and make informed decisions about path establishment. The feedback principle reduces control overhead by enabling intelligent, data-driven decisions rather than trial-and-error approaches, thereby improving ease of operation while managing system complexity.
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 proposed solution enables secure, efficient, and optimized communication path establishment and management, particularly in environments with multiple networks and complex obstructions, by allowing external control of RISs to redirect and amplify signals effectively, reducing interference and improving coverage.
Implementation Method 1
a reconfigurable relay device... configured to control a redirection pattern for relaying at least one received wireless signal... comprise at least one of a reflection with a given reflection angle
Implementation Method 2
it naturally refracts the beam into a desired direction... refraction with a given refraction angle
Implementation Method 3
Metasurfaces may be composed of periodic subwavelength metal/dielectric antennae that resonantly couple to the electric or magnetic or both components of the incident electromagnetic fields
Data Source
AI summary
The invention proposes a system and method for determining and controlling a reconfigurable relay device (e.g., a reconfigurable intelligent surface, RIS, or a smart repeater), wherein the reconfigurable relay device is registered and a wireless communication path is established from a network (e.g. access device) via the reconfigurable relay device to a terminal device. The network registers the reconfigurable relay device and determines parameters needed for its control. The control may be achieved by validated and accepted commands and queries. A relay state of the relay device may be set so that a beam for the wireless communication path is correctly redirected at the terminal device.