RIS Muting Bitmaps for 5G Interference Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wireless communication systems, particularly in the context of 5G networks, face challenges in optimizing spectral efficiency, reducing latency, and managing interference in heterogeneous networks, especially with the introduction of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) that require efficient time and frequency resource management.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system for time and frequency resource level muting of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) to optimize communication efficiency by dynamically controlling the reflection and transmission of signals, thereby enhancing spectral efficiency and reducing latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If reconfigurable intelligent surfaces are deployed to enhance spectral efficiency and reduce latency in 5G networks, then network performance is improved, but interference management and resource allocation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidresource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the RIS resource management into time-domain muting patterns and frequency-domain muting patterns. Time-domain muting divides the time resources into active and muted periods, while frequency-domain muting divides frequency resources into active and muted subcarriers. This segmentation allows independent optimization of time and frequency resources, reducing the overall management complexity while maintaining spectral efficiency improvements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic muting patterns where the RIS can switch between different time-domain muting patterns and frequency-domain muting patterns based on network conditions. The gNB can dynamically configure which muting pattern to use, allowing the system to adapt to changing interference conditions and traffic demands, thereby managing resource allocation complexity dynamically rather than statically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If reconfigurable intelligent surfaces are used to optimize signal reflection and transmission, then latency is reduced, but interference management difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harmful effect of RIS reflections causing interference into a beneficial feature by implementing controlled muting patterns. Instead of trying to eliminate all RIS reflections, the system strategically mutes specific time and frequency resources where interference would occur, while allowing reflections to proceed in resources where they provide benefit. This transforms the interference problem into an opportunity for selective signal enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces muting patterns as an intermediary mechanism between the RIS and the wireless channel. The gNB configures muting patterns that act as a mediator to control when and where the RIS should reflect signals, thereby managing interference without directly controlling the physical RIS elements. This intermediary approach simplifies the interference management by providing a structured framework for coordinating RIS behavior with network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The proposed system enhances spectral efficiency and reduces latency by effectively managing interference and resource allocation in 5G networks using RIS, improving overall network performance.

Implementation Method 1

reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) that require efficient time and frequency resource management

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4272333B1Time and frequency resource level muting of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4272333B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4272333B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4272333B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Disclosed are techniques for wireless communication. In an aspect, a method of wireless communication performed by a base station (BS) includes obtaining a resource-level muting bitmap for a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), wherein the resource-level muting bitmap identifies sets of time and frequency resources during which the RIS should be enabled to reflect a transmission beam or disabled from reflecting a transmission beam, and requesting the RIS to be enabled or disabled according to the resource-level muting bitmap.