Apple inc. (20240097745). Distributed Configuration of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces simplified abstract

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Distributed Configuration of 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)

Distributed Configuration of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240097745 titled 'Distributed Configuration of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a system that includes an access point (AP), a user equipment (UE) device, and a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) with antenna elements and phase shifters. The RIS forms signal beams using phase settings, which are calculated by the AP and transmitted to the RIS. The RIS includes processors that generate phase settings and distribute them to the phase shifters, minimizing power consumption and re-configuration time.

  • Access Point (AP) calculates a first portion of phase settings and transmits it to the RIS.
  • Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) includes processors that generate the remaining phase settings and distribute them to the phase shifters.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in wireless communication systems, smart buildings, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

Problems Solved

1. Minimizes power consumption in the system. 2. Reduces the time required to re-configure signal beams.

Benefits

1. Efficient utilization of resources. 2. Faster beam re-configuration. 3. Improved signal quality and coverage.

Potential Commercial Applications

Optimized Beamforming System for Wireless Communication Networks

Possible Prior Art

There are existing systems that use beamforming techniques in wireless communication networks, but the specific method of distributing calculation of phase settings between the AP and RIS may be novel.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology compare to traditional beamforming systems in terms of performance and efficiency?

This article does not provide a direct comparison between this technology and traditional beamforming systems. Further research and testing would be needed to evaluate the performance and efficiency differences.

What are the potential limitations or challenges in implementing this technology on a larger scale?

The article does not address potential limitations or challenges in scaling up this technology. Factors such as cost, compatibility with existing systems, and deployment in real-world environments could pose challenges that need to be explored further.


Original Abstract Submitted

a system may include an access point (ap), a user equipment (ue) device, and a reconfigurable intelligent surface (ris). the ris may have antenna elements and phase shifters programmed using phase settings to form signal beams. the ap may calculate a first portion of the phase settings and may transmit the first portion to the ris. the ris may include a first processor that generates a second portion of the phase settings. the ris may include a second processor coupled to the first processor over a bus. the second processor may generate the phase settings based on the second portion. the second processor may distribute the phase settings to the phase shifters. by distributing calculation of the phase settings between the ap and the ris, power consumption of the system may be minimized while also minimizing the time required to re-configure the beams of the ris.