Apple inc. (20240097744). Systems and Methods for Controlling Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces simplified abstract

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Systems and Methods for Controlling Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Ankit Bhamri of Bavaria (DE)

Danila Zaev of Munich (DE)

Bertram R Gunzelmann of Koenigsbrunn (DE)

Sharad Sambhwani of San Diego CA (US)

Systems and Methods for Controlling Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240097744 titled 'Systems and Methods for Controlling Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a system with an access point (AP), user equipment (UE), and a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) that can reflect signals in different directions based on control modes.

  • The RIS includes an array of elements coupled to adjustable devices controlled by the AP, UE, or RIS itself.
  • The system can operate in three modes: AP control mode, UE control mode, and RIS control mode.
  • The mode selection is based on signals transmitted by the AP and UE, measurements performed on the RIS, and distances between the AP/UE and the RIS.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in:

  • Wireless communication systems
  • Smart buildings
  • Internet of Things (IoT) networks

Problems Solved

  • Signal interference
  • Limited coverage areas
  • Inefficient signal reflection

Benefits

  • Improved signal quality
  • Enhanced network coverage
  • Flexible control options

Potential Commercial Applications

  • Telecommunications companies
  • Smart home device manufacturers
  • IoT solution providers

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be the use of beamforming technology in wireless communication systems to control signal direction and quality.

Unanswered Questions

How does the system handle interference from other devices in the vicinity?

The patent application does not specify how the system mitigates interference from other devices operating in the same frequency range.

What is the power consumption of the RIS in different control modes?

The patent application does not provide information on the power consumption of the RIS when operated in different control modes.


Original Abstract Submitted

a system may include an access point (ap), user equipment (ue), and a reconfigurable intelligent surface (ris). the ris may include an array of elements coupled to adjustable devices controlled to cause the array to reflect signals in different directions. the ris may be controlled in a first mode in which the ap controls the adjustable devices, a second mode in which the ue controls the adjustable devices, and a third mode in which the ris controls the adjustable devices. the ris, ap, or ue may determine which mode to place the ris in based on a downlink signal transmitted by the ap, an uplink signal transmitted by the ue, measurements of the signals performed on the ris, a first distance or round trip time between the ap and the ris, and/or a second distance or round trip time between the ue and the ris.