RIS Composite Beamwidth Multiplexing for Near and Far UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently multiplexing signals across varying distances using reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), leading to increased overhead and resource inefficiencies when serving both close and far User Equipments (UEs) simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) that produces a composite signal with a narrower beamwidth for closer UEs and a wider beamwidth for farther UEs, using the same resources, by configuring the RIS to redirect signals based on a phase matrix and aperture size, allowing for opportunistic multiplexing of data and non-data signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the RIS uses the same resources to serve both close and far UEs, then resource utilization improves, but signal beamwidth control becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different portions of the RIS aperture with different phase shifts to create distinct beamwidths for different spatial regions. Specifically, the RIS applies a first set of phase shifts to a first portion of the aperture to generate a narrow beamwidth for far UEs, and a second set of phase shifts to a second portion of the aperture to generate a wide beamwidth for close UEs, allowing differentiated service quality in different spatial locations while using the same time-frequency resources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the RIS aperture into multiple portions, each configured to serve different UE distance groups. By dividing the aperture and applying independent phase shift configurations to each segment, the system can simultaneously create multiple beams with different beamwidths characteristics, resolving the complexity of controlling a single unified beam for diverse distance requirements
2Productivity
If the RIS creates distance-dependent beamwidths, then communication efficiency improves, but overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the RIS with distance-dependent beamwidth patterns before actual communication occurs. The network node determines the distances of UEs from the RIS and pre-establishes the appropriate phase shift configurations for different distance groups, so that when communication occurs, the RIS is already optimized for the specific spatial configuration, reducing the need for dynamic reconfiguration and associated overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the beamwidth parameter dynamically based on UE distance by adjusting the phase shift values applied to different portions of the RIS aperture. The system determines distances, groups UEs by distance, and applies corresponding phase shift patterns that automatically adjust beamwidth according to the spatial configuration, achieving adaptive communication efficiency without complex real-time control overhead
3Productivity
If the RIS serves multiple UEs with different distances using same resources, then resource efficiency improves, but signal precision for individual UEs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures signal precision for individual UEs by applying local quality differentiation through spatially selective phase shifts. Each UE receives a signal with beamwidth optimized for its specific distance from the RIS, maintaining high signal quality and precision. The network node determines individual UE distances and configures the RIS to apply appropriate phase shifts to specific aperture portions, ensuring that each UE experiences a beamwidth tailored to its location while sharing the same time-frequency resources with other UEs
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 overhead and enhances resource utilization by enabling the RIS to serve multiple UEs using the same time and frequency resources, improving communication efficiency and coverage in wireless networks.
Implementation Method 1
configuring the RIS to redirect signals based on a phase matrix and aperture size
Implementation Method 2
receive, via a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), at least one composite signal
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may establish a connection with a network node. The UE may receive, via a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), a signal that includes at least one composite signal that includes at least one multiplexed non-data signal, wherein a first beamwidth of the at least one composite signal at a first location is narrower than a second beamwidth of the at least one composite signal at a second location that is closer to the RIS than the first location. Numerous other aspects are described.