RIS Control Signaling Format for Lower 5G/6G Overhead

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wireless communication systems face challenges in reducing the overhead of reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) control information, which is necessary for efficient operation in 5G and beyond wireless communication systems, especially in scenarios requiring high transmission rates and low latency.

Innovation Solution

The method involves transmitting a radio resource control (RRC) message with RIS codebook configuration information from a base station to an RIS controller, determining the format of RIS control information based on the number of RIS codeword indexes, and generating and transmitting this information to reduce the overhead of RIS control signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RIS control information is transmitted for all symbols to enable real-time reflection pattern control, then the reliability of RIS operation is improved, but the overhead of control signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRIS operation reliabilityVSAvoidControl signal overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments RIS control information transmission by dividing symbols into two groups: first symbols (e.g., downlink symbols) that receive RIS control information, and second symbols (e.g., uplink symbols) that do not receive RIS control information. This segmentation reduces overall control overhead while maintaining necessary control for downlink transmission where RIS is actively used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic RIS control information transmission aligned with slot structures, where control information is transmitted at specific periodic intervals (e.g., at the beginning of slots or at specific symbol positions) rather than continuously for all symbols. This periodic approach reduces overhead while ensuring timely updates for RIS operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If RIS control information is transmitted frequently to adapt to changing wireless environments, then the adaptability of RIS to real-time conditions is improved, but the loss of time for processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRIS environment adaptabilityVSAvoidProcessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transmits RIS control information in advance at specific timing positions (e.g., at slot boundaries or before downlink transmission begins) so that the RIS controller has sufficient time to process the control information and configure reflection patterns before they are needed. This preliminary action ensures adaptability without causing time loss during actual transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the timing and frequency of RIS control information transmission based on channel conditions and traffic requirements. The network can flexibly determine whether to transmit control information for every slot or only when channel conditions change significantly, optimizing the balance between adaptability and processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20230379913A1Method and apparatus for transmitting control signal in a wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2023.11.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20230379913A1 patent drawing
  • US20230379913A1 patent drawing
  • US20230379913A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate beyond a 4th generation (4G) communication system, such as long term evolution (LTE). The disclosure relates to a method performed by a base station in a wireless communication system, which may include: transmitting a radio resource control (RRC) message including reconfigurable intelligence surface (RIS) codebook configuration information to an RIS controller; determining a format of RIS control information based on the number of RIS codeword indexes; generating the RIS control information based on the determined format; and transmitting the generated RIS control information to the RIS controller.