18322950. Reflective Devices for Conveying Radio-Frequency Signals simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)

Reflective Devices for Conveying Radio-Frequency Signals

Organization Name

Apple Inc.

Inventor(s)

Stefan Meyer of Hoechstadt (DE)

Jan Ellenbeck of Gruenwald (DE)

Bertram R Gunzelmann of Koenigsbrunn (DE)

Norman Goris of Dortmund (DE)

Reflective Devices for Conveying Radio-Frequency Signals - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18322950 titled 'Reflective Devices for Conveying Radio-Frequency Signals

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a wireless access point (AP) that uses a reflective device with an array of reflectors to communicate with a user equipment (UE) device. The AP can illuminate different areas by pointing a signal beam to different reflectors or rotating them. It can calibrate the reflective device's position and establish wireless communications by sweeping signal beams or reflector orientations. The AP can track the movement of the UE device and maintain communication by sweeping the AP beam over a subset of reflectors.

• Wireless access point (AP) communicates with a user equipment (UE) device via reflection off a reflective device with an array of reflectors.
• AP can illuminate different areas by pointing signal beams to different reflectors or rotating them.
• AP calibrates the position of the reflective device and establishes wireless communications by sweeping signal beams or reflector orientations.
• AP tracks the movement of the UE device over time.
• AP maintains communication by sweeping the AP beam over a subset of reflectors as the UE device moves.

Potential Applications

• Wireless communication in areas with obstacles or limited line-of-sight.
• Improved coverage and connectivity in large indoor spaces or outdoor environments.
• Tracking and communication with moving devices or vehicles.

Problems Solved

• Overcoming obstacles or limited line-of-sight for wireless communication.
• Ensuring continuous connectivity in dynamic environments.
• Efficiently tracking and communicating with moving devices.

Benefits

• Enhanced wireless coverage and connectivity.
• Improved flexibility and adaptability in challenging environments.
• Seamless communication with moving devices or vehicles.

Original Abstract Submitted

A wireless access point (AP) may communicate with a user equipment (UE) device via reflection off a reflective device having an array of fixed or adjustable reflectors in different orientations. The AP may illuminate different portions of an area by pointing a signal beam to different reflectors and/or by controlling the reflective device to electrically rotate the reflectors. The AP may calibrate the position of the reflective device and may establish wireless communications with the UE device by performing a sweep of signal beams over the reflectors and/or by controlling the reflective device to sweep over different reflector orientations. The AP may track movement of the UE device over time. The AP may sweep the AP beam over a subset of the reflectors around an active reflector to maintain communications with the UE device even as the UE device moves over time.