Reconfigurable Reflective Surfaces for Blocked Millimeter-Wave Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly those utilizing millimeter waves, face challenges in establishing effective communication due to blockages and lack of clear line of sight, and existing methods do not effectively utilize reconfigurable reflective surfaces to create pseudo-line of sight channels for multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A control signaling channel is established between a network node and a reconfigurable reflective surface, allowing the network node to determine and configure the surface's reflection settings to establish pseudo-line of sight communication with wireless devices, using different frequencies for control and data transmission, and adjusting reflection angles based on device location and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reconfigurable reflective surface is used to reflect signals, then communication can be established in blocked environments, but the reflection angle must be precisely adapted to track moving wireless devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation of the reconfigurable reflective surface by continuously adjusting reflection coefficients based on real-time wireless device positions. The network node determines device locations and calculates appropriate reflection angles, dynamically reconfiguring the surface elements to maintain reliable communication as devices move through the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the network node receives position information from wireless devices, processes this data to determine optimal reflection configurations, and sends control signals to adjust the reflective surface. This closed-loop feedback enables the surface to adapt its reflection pattern in response to changing device locations, maintaining communication reliability without requiring complex manual intervention.
2Productivity
If the reconfigurable reflective surface adapts to multiple wireless devices, then network capacity increases, but controlling reflection angles for multiple devices becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control of the reconfigurable reflective surface by dividing it into multiple independently controllable elements or zones. Each segment can be configured with different reflection coefficients tailored to specific wireless devices. This segmentation allows the network node to manage multiple devices simultaneously by controlling different surface segments, thereby increasing network capacity while keeping the control complexity manageable through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node is designed with universal control capabilities that can handle multiple wireless devices through a single integrated system. The same network node performs location determination, reflection angle calculation, and control signal generation for all connected devices, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms for each device. This multi-functional approach increases network capacity while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent control systems.
3Device complexity
If present communication methods are used without intelligent surfaces, then system simplicity is maintained, but communication fails in blocked environments with no line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reconfigurable reflective surface as an intermediary element between the network node and wireless devices. This intermediate component actively reflects and directs radio signals around obstacles, enabling communication in environments where direct line-of-sight paths are blocked. The reflective surface acts as a mediator that bridges the communication gap without requiring complex changes to the fundamental network architecture, maintaining relative system simplicity while dramatically improving communication reliability in blocked environments.
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 enhances network capacity and efficiency by enabling flexible, multi-device communication, improving power utilization and user experience by leveraging reconfigurable reflective surfaces to create pseudo-line of sight channels.
Implementation Method 1
a reconfigurable reflective surface, the reconfigurable reflective surface being controllable by a controller to controllably reflect signals exchanged between the network node and the WD
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, controller and network node for using intelligent surfaces in a wireless communication system are disclosed. According to one aspect, method in a network node configured to communicate with a wireless device (WD), via a reconfigurable reflective surface, the reconfigurable reflective surface being controllable by a controller and being applied to a structure to controllably reflect signals exchanged between the network node and the WD. The method includes determining a configuration of the reconfigurable reflective surface associated with the WD, the determined configuration being associated with a particular reflection coefficient, transmitting to the controller of the reconfigurable reflective surface, an indication of the determined configuration, and receiving signals from the WD at least partially via reflection at the reconfigurable reflective surface.