RIS Reservation and Beam Training for Reliable Sidelink Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved methods to reserve and utilize reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) for sidelink communications between user equipment (UEs) in wireless networks, as multiple UEs may not simultaneously access the same RIS due to limited resources, leading to challenges in extending network coverage with minimal power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method for sidelink UE to receive a reservation confirmation message for an assigned RIS, followed by a communication window message, and then transmit a beam training sequence to identify a beam index that satisfies selection criteria, allowing data transmission through the RIS to another UE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple UEs simultaneously access the same RIS, then resource utilization is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to resource conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reservation mechanism where UEs perform preliminary actions to secure RIS resources before actual communication. The first UE transmits a reservation message and receives confirmation, establishing exclusive rights to use the RIS for a specific time period. This preliminary reservation prevents resource conflicts while allowing efficient resource allocation, as the RIS controller can inform other UEs of the reserved resources and direct them to alternative resources.
2Area of stationary object
If RIS is used to extend network coverage, then coverage area is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a RIS system that operates with minimal power consumption by reflecting signals passively without requiring active signal generation or complex processing. The RIS controller manages resource allocation and beam training sequences, but the actual signal reflection function is performed passively by the intelligent surface itself, reducing the need for high-power active components and enabling coverage extension with low energy expenditure.
3Reliability
If beam training sequence is transmitted to identify optimal beam index, then communication quality is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beam training as a preliminary action that occurs within a reserved communication window before actual data transmission. The first UE transmits a beam training sequence to the RIS, which identifies the optimal beam index by evaluating different beam directions. This preliminary beam training establishes the best communication path in advance, ensuring high communication quality while confining the time consumption to a predetermined window that does not extend the overall communication delay.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for wireless communication by a first sidelink (SL) user equipment (UE) includes receiving a reservation confirmation message indicating an assignment of a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) to the first SL UE. The method also includes receiving a communication window message indicating a period of time associated with the assignment. The method further includes transmitting, within the period of time, a beam training sequence for beam training the RIS to identify a beam index, of multiple beam indices, that satisfies one or more beam selection criteria. The method still further includes transmitting, within the period of time via a beam associated with the beam index, data intended for transmission to a second SL UE via the RIS.