20240088987.Communication via Multiple Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces simplified abstract (apple inc.)

Communication via Multiple Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Stefan Meyer of Hoechstadt (DE)

Jan K. Ellenbeck of Gruenwald (DE)

Bertram R. Gunzelmann of Koenigsbrunn (DE)

Communication via Multiple Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240088987 titled 'Communication via Multiple Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces

Simplified Explanation

The communication system described in the patent application involves the use of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS's) to establish a communication path between an access point (AP) and a user equipment (UE). The RIS's have beams that can be configured to point to previous and next nodes in the communication path, allowing for wireless data transmission via reflections off the RIS's.

• Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS's) are used to create a communication path between an access point (AP) and user equipment (UE).
• Each RIS has beams that can be directed towards previous and next nodes in the communication path.
• Wireless data is transmitted via reflections off the RIS's, enabling communication between the AP and UE.
• Beam discovery is performed by the UE with the end user RIS, and beams can be calibrated using retroreflection and beam variation.

Potential Applications

The technology described in the patent application could be applied in various fields such as:

• Wireless communication systems
• Internet of Things (IoT) devices
• Smart home automation

Problems Solved

This technology addresses the following issues:

• Enhancing wireless communication reliability and efficiency
• Improving data transmission in challenging environments
• Increasing network coverage and connectivity

Benefits

The use of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces offers several benefits, including:

• Enhanced signal strength and quality
• Reduced interference and latency
• Increased network capacity and scalability

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology has potential commercial applications in:

• Telecommunications industry
• Smart city infrastructure
• Industrial automation

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art related to this technology is the use of beamforming techniques in wireless communication systems to improve signal quality and coverage.

How does the calibration process work for the beams of the RIS's in the communication path?

The calibration process involves retroreflection and beam variation for each pair of RIS's up the communication path to ensure accurate beam alignment and data transmission.

What are the specific steps involved in the beam discovery process between the UE and the end user RIS?

The beam discovery process includes the UE sending signals to the end user RIS and receiving responses to determine the optimal beam direction for data transmission.

Original Abstract Submitted

a communication system may include an access point (ap), a user equipment (ue), and a communication path between the ap and the ue having a series of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (ris's). each ris may have a first beam pointing to a previous node and a second beam pointing to a next node in the communication path. beams of routing ris's and a beam from an end user ris towards a last routing ris may be set during calibration. the ue may perform beam discovery with the end user ris. the ue and the ap may convey wireless data via reflections off each of the ris's in the communication path. the beam of the end user ris may be updated to track the ue device while the other the beams remain fixed. the beams may be calibrated using retroreflection and beam variation for each pair of ris's up the communication path.