Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces for Non-LOS Peer Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in object sensing due to the absence of a line-of-sight (LOS) path between wireless nodes, which hampers the effectiveness of sensing technologies like bistatic sensing.
Innovation Solution
The use of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) to reflect waveforms in a desired direction, providing alternative paths for communication and sensing between wireless nodes, even in the absence of a direct LOS path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If simple reflective surfaces are used to provide non-LOS paths, then sensing capability is improved compared to no reflection, but the paths remain stochastic and lack spatial resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) as an intermediary between the wireless node and the target object. The RIS comprises multiple controllable reflective elements that act as mediators to reflect waveforms along controlled non-LOS paths. By positioning and controlling these reflective elements, the system achieves both reliable sensing capability through non-LOS paths and improved spatial resolution through deterministic path control, resolving the contradiction between reliability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the phase, amplitude, and position of individual reflective elements on the RIS. These parameter modifications enable precise control over the reflected waveform characteristics, allowing the system to achieve high spatial resolution while maintaining reliable sensing through non-LOS paths. The controllable parameters transform the stochastic reflection into a deterministic, measurable path.
2Measurement precision
If reconfigurable intelligent surfaces with controllable reflective elements are deployed, then spatial resolution and accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reflective surface into multiple independent controllable elements or clusters. Each element can be individually adjusted in terms of phase, amplitude, and position. This segmentation allows the complex function of spatial resolution control to be distributed across simpler, independent units, making the overall system more manageable while achieving high measurement precision through coordinated control of the segmented elements.
3Measurement precision
If RIS elements are positioned at specific distances and angles to reflect waveforms, then sensing accuracy is improved, but the system requires precise positioning and control infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the RIS elements at specific positions and angles before sensing operations begin. The reflective elements are预先 positioned and calibrated to reflect waveforms along predetermined non-LOS paths. This preliminary setup establishes the geometric relationships needed for high sensing accuracy, while the control system stores the positioning information for automated retrieval during operation, reducing real-time operational complexity.
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
RISs enable improved object sensing with higher spatial resolution and accuracy, overcoming the limitations of stochastic paths and enhancing the reliability of sensing operations in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
An RIS may be an apparatus having a surface with controllable reflective elements distributed thereon. The present disclosure provides various mechanisms for configuring an RIS such that the RIS elements reflect incident radio waveforms in a desired direction
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect of the disclosure, a method, a computer-readable medium, and an apparatus are provided. In some aspects, the apparatus may be a user equipment (UE) or a component thereof; however, in some other aspects, the apparatus may be a base station or a component thereof. The apparatus may be configured as a wireless node that configures an intermediary apparatus to reflect signals for the wireless node and another wireless node. The apparatus may be further configured to communicate a set of sensing signals with the other wireless node using the intermediary apparatus. The apparatus may be further configured to sense an object based on a set of measurements associated with the set of sensing signals.