Reflective Surface Beam Sweeping for Multi-Operator Access Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Controllable reflective surfaces can inadvertently redirect signals or beams from a second operator's scheduling entity, causing communication instability for co-located scheduling entities, particularly during initial access procedures.
Innovation Solution
A first scheduling entity performs a beam sweep and transmits control signals to the controllable reflective surface to minimize the redirection of directional beams from a second scheduling entity, stabilizing access for the second operator's scheduled entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a controllable reflective surface is used to extend coverage area and enhance throughput, then network coverage and signal redirection capability are improved, but communication stability for co-located scheduling entities deteriorates due to inadvertent beam redirection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the second scheduling entity monitors for inadvertent beam redirections caused by the controllable reflective surface. When redirection is detected, the second scheduling entity sends a control signal to the reflective surface to adjust its configuration, thereby eliminating the harmful redirection and restoring communication stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control signal mechanism between the second scheduling entity and the controllable reflective surface. This intermediary allows the second scheduling entity to indirectly control the reflective surface's behavior, preventing harmful beam redirections while maintaining the coverage extension benefits.
2Length of stationary object
If a controllable reflective surface redirects beams to extend coverage, then signal reach is improved, but access stability for scheduled entities deteriorates due to reconfiguration interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback where the second scheduling entity detects when scheduled entities experience access instability caused by reflective surface reconfiguration. The feedback triggers a control signal to adjust the reflective surface configuration, eliminating the instability while preserving the extended signal reach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary detection and correction mechanisms. The second scheduling entity proactively monitors for conditions that may lead to access instability and takes corrective action by sending control signals to the reflective surface before complete access disruption occurs, thereby maintaining stable connections.
3Measurement precision
If directional beams are used in beam sweep for initial access, then access precision is improved, but vulnerability to inadvertent redirection by controllable reflective surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism where the second scheduling entity acts as a mediator between the controllable reflective surface and the directional beams. This intermediary monitors and controls the reflective surface configuration to prevent harmful redirections of precision directional beams while maintaining their access precision benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful inadvertent redirection effect into a beneficial controlled redirection. By implementing feedback-based control signals from the second scheduling entity, the system transforms the uncontrollable harmful redirection into a controllable feature that can be adjusted to eliminate interference while maintaining coverage extension benefits.
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
This approach reduces the likelihood of communication instability by controlling the controllable reflective surface, ensuring stable access for scheduled entities of both operators.
Implementation Method 1
a controllable reflective surface may extend the coverage area of a cell by reflecting or redirecting impinging signals on the surface to given directions
Implementation Method 2
the first operator may inadvertently have its signals or beams redirected by the controllable reflective surface
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to beam sweeping with controllable reflective surfaces in the presence of co-located base stations of different network operators. A first base station that is co-located at a site with a second base station may perform a first beam sweep. The first beam sweep includes transmitting a plurality of directional beams. The first base station further transmits a control signal to a controllable reflective surface to control the controllable reflective surface to reduce a likelihood of a redirection of a directional beam of a potential second beam sweep by the second base station towards a user equipment associated with the second base station. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.