UAV Intelligent Reflecting Surface Joint Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
UAV communication systems face challenges in energy efficiency due to increased transmission delay and energy consumption, particularly when used as relays, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for maximizing energy efficiency in air-ground wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
A method is proposed that jointly optimizes the beamforming of the base station antennas, the phase shift matrix of the intelligent reflecting surface, and the flight trajectory of the UAV to maximize energy efficiency by constructing a reflection link between the base station, intelligent reflecting surface, and ground user, using a combination of active and passive beamforming techniques and successive convex approximation methods to solve a non-convex optimization problem.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If UAV is used as relay to extend transmission range, then coverage area is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS) as an intermediary component attached to the UAV. The IRS passively reflects and redirects communication signals between the base station and ground users, enabling extended coverage without requiring the UAV to actively process or regenerate signals, thereby avoiding the energy consumption associated with traditional relay operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the active signal processing mechanism (which consumes energy) with a passive electromagnetic reflection mechanism. The IRS uses programmable meta-elements to control signal phase and amplitude through electromagnetic field manipulation rather than active electronic processing, significantly reducing energy requirements while maintaining extended coverage capability
2Reliability
If UAV flies to optimal position for communication, then transmission quality is improved, but propulsion energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic trajectory optimization that adapts the UAV's flight path based on real-time channel conditions, user locations, and energy efficiency objectives. The trajectory is continuously adjusted to balance transmission quality requirements with propulsion energy consumption, allowing the UAV to achieve optimal communication performance while minimizing energy expenditure through intelligent path planning rather than exhaustive exploration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters including UAV flight altitude, horizontal position, IRS phase shift patterns, and base station beamforming vectors to maximize energy efficiency. By dynamically adjusting these parameters in response to changing channel conditions and user demands, the system achieves high transmission quality while minimizing the propulsion energy required to maintain optimal UAV positioning
3Productivity
If active beamforming is used to improve signal strength, then communication rate is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges active beamforming at the base station with passive beamforming at the IRS to create a hybrid system. The base station uses active beamforming to focus signals toward the IRS, while the IRS uses passive phase shifting to redirect signals to ground users. This combination achieves high communication rates through coordinated beamforming while the passive IRS component contributes to energy efficiency by avoiding active signal processing
Solution Approach 2:
The IRS serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a passive beamforming element to focus signals, provides spatial diversity to improve communication reliability, and extends coverage to users in blocked locations. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high communication rates through a single passive component rather than requiring multiple active relay nodes, thereby reducing overall energy consumption
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a design method of a high energy efficiency Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) communication system assisted by an intelligent reflecting surface, and belongs to the technical field of UAV communication network energy efficiency optimization. A communication process comprises two transmission links, one link is directly sent from an information source to an information sink, and the other link is reflected and transmitted by an intelligent reflecting surface attached to a UAV. The two links exist simultaneously. Based on an idea of block iteration, an original problem is decomposed into three sub-problems, and a non-convex optimization problem is transformed into solvable concave-convex fractional program problems by a continuous convex approximation technique. The present invention provides a design method for joint optimization of a passive beamforming of the intelligent reflecting surface, an active beamforming of a base station and a flight trajectory of the UAV.