RIS Equivalent Off-State for Interference Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communications systems face interference issues due to reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) unintentionally redirecting signals, leading to inefficiencies when switching between active and inactive states, which affects energy efficiency and network performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an equivalent off-state for RIS, where configurable elements direct incoming signals in interference-safe directions or scatter them to minimize interference, using a controller to manage these elements based on capability messages and activity status, allowing the RIS to maintain an active state while reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the RIS is switched to inactive state to reduce interference, then interference to nearby devices is reduced, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to frequent switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the RIS by introducing an equivalent off-state configuration where the configurable elements are set to direct signals in interference-safe directions or scatter them, rather than switching the RIS completely inactive. This parameter change allows the RIS to remain active while minimizing interference, thus resolving the contradiction between reducing interference and maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the configurable elements based on activity status and capability messages. The controller dynamically adjusts the configuration of configurable elements to direct signals in appropriate directions when the RIS is not actively assisting communications, enabling the system to adapt its behavior continuously rather than switching between fixed states, thereby maintaining energy efficiency while reducing interference.
2Productivity
If the RIS directs signals in all directions to maximize coverage, then network performance is improved, but interference to nearby devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different configurable elements of the RIS to have different directional characteristics. Each configurable element can be independently controlled to direct signals in specific directions or scatter them, allowing the RIS to provide targeted coverage where needed while minimizing signal direction in directions that would cause interference to nearby devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the RIS into multiple configurable elements that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the controller to selectively activate and configure specific elements based on communication needs, directing signals in beneficial directions for network performance while preventing signal direction in directions that would cause interference, thus resolving the contradiction between network performance and interference reduction.
3Loss of time
If the RIS remains in active state continuously to maintain readiness, then response time is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the configurable elements with capability messages that define their ability to direct signals in various directions and scatter signals. When the RIS receives an indication that it is not actively assisting communications, the controller quickly reconfigures the elements to the equivalent off-state configuration. This preliminary preparation of configuration options enables rapid transition to low-interference state without full shutdown, reducing both response time and energy consumption.
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 interference, maintains energy efficiency, and enhances network performance by allowing the RIS to direct signals without causing interference to nearby devices, even when not actively assisting in communications.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the one or more configurable elements of the RIS to direct a first signal associated with a first frequency band
Implementation Method 2
a capability to diffuse the signal across multiple directions or frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A controller of a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) may transmit a capability message indicating a capability of one or more configurable elements of the RIS to direct incoming signals in one or more directions for one or more frequency bands. For example, the configurable elements may have an ability to act as transparent to the signal, to direct the signal in an interference safe direction or frequency, and/or to diffuse the signal across multiple directions or frequencies. The controller of the RIS may control the one or more configurable elements in accordance with the capability message and an activity status of the RIS to direct a signal to at least one direction. In some cases, a network entity may transmit an indication of the at least one direction to the RIS controller.