WO2022228786A1

WO2022228786A1 - Reconfigurable intelligent beamforming systems

Info

Publication number: WO2022228786A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/057671
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zhinong Ying
Original assignee: Sony Group Corporation; Sony Europe B.V.
Priority date: 2021-04-28
Filing date: 2022-03-23
Publication date: 2022-11-03
Also published as: CN117203901A; EP4331124A1

Abstract

Disclosed herein are examples of a reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system comprising a passive fixed array panel configured to receive signals and focus the signals to provide focused signals towards at least one fixed location, and at least one intelligent surface at the at least one fixed location, the at least one intelligent surface configured to receive the focused signals and to control beamforming of the focused signals to provide beamformed signals.

Description

RECONFIGURABLE INTELLIGENT BEAMFORMING SYSTEMS TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure pertains generally to the field of wireless communications. The present disclosure relates to a reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system and methods of operation.

BACKGROUND

High frequency systems, including 5G and 6G mobile systems, utilize high frequency signal spectrums, such as millimeter (mm) wave up to THz. High frequency spectrums need beamforming to overcome link budget issue, reduce scattering, and/or have adequate coverage and mobility. Overcoming link budget issues include, but is not limited to, improving one or more of: link budget, interference levels, coverage and/or system robustness, and multiplexing to have high spectrum efficiency.

However, the current solutions for beamforming are much too expensive for practical use. For example, large intelligent surfaces can be utilized to realize an artificial smart radio environment. These intelligent surfaces useful for high frequency systems are quite large, and thereby prohibitively expensive.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there is a need for cost-effective systems that maintain or improve link budget and/or coverage for high frequency systems. There is a need for systems and related methods which may mitigate, alleviate, or address the existing shortcomings, for example by providing an improved link budget and/or coverage of high frequency systems while maintaining appropriate costs.

Disclosed herein is a reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system comprises a passive fixed array panel. The passive fixed array panel is configured to receive signals. The passive fixed array panel is configured to focus the signals to provide focused signals towards at least one fixed location. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system comprises at least one intelligent surface. The at least one intelligent surface can be at the at least one fixed location. The at least one intelligent surface is configured to receive the focused signals. The at least one intelligent surface is configured to control beamforming of the focused signals to provide beamformed signals.

It is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide an improved link budget and coverage for high frequency systems, while reducing overall costs. For example, the present disclosure can provide improved link budget, system robustness, coverage, and multiplexing. The present disclosure can reduce overall costs by, for example, controlling process complexity of certain components in the system. Further an advantage of the present disclosure includes improving signal strength inside indoor areas, such as buildings, which include surfaces which may reduce or eliminate high frequency signals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the following detailed description of examples thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic of a wireless communication system,

Fig. 2 is a schematic illustrating an example reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system utilizing a passive fixed reflective array panel and a reflective intelligent surface according to this disclosure,

Fig. 3 is a schematic illustrating an example reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system utilizing a passive fixed array reflective panel and a transmissive intelligent surface according to this disclosure,

Fig. 4 is a schematic illustrating an example reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system utilizing a passive fixed transmissive array panel and a reflective intelligent surface according to this disclosure,

Fig. 5 is a schematic illustrating an example reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system utilizing a passive fixed array transmissive panel and a transmissive intelligent surface according to this disclosure,

Fig. 6 is a schematic illustrating an example reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system utilizing one or more intermediate passive fixed array panels according to this disclosure, and

Fig. 7 is a flow-chart illustrating an example method according to this disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various examples and details are described hereinafter, with reference to the figures when relevant. It should be noted that the figures may or may not be drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the examples. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the disclosure or as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. In addition, an illustrated example needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular example is not necessarily limited to that example and can be practiced in any other examples even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

Disclosed herein are systems for beamforming. Specifically, disclosed herein are reconfigurable intelligent beamforming systems. The systems can utilize both passive fixed array panels and intelligent surfaces to improve coverage and beamforming of signals. The disclosed reconfigurable intelligent beamforming systems can provide for an improved link budget and coverage while maintaining reduced costs. The disclosed reconfigurable intelligent beamforming systems can be used for network management.

In one or more example reconfigurable intelligent beamforming systems, the signals disclosed herein can be one or more of: energy, transmission, wave energy, 5G signals, 6G signals, sub-6 GHz, electromagnetic energy, waves, electromagnetic plane waves, electromagnetic signals, plane signals, spherical waves, spherical signals, cylindrical waves, and cylindrical signals. As disclosed herein, waves and signals can be used interchangeably. The particular type of signal is not limiting.

In one or more example systems, the signals can be millimeter waves. In one or more example systems, the signals can have a wavelength of 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1mm or less. In one or more example systems, the signals can have a wavelength of 10, 9, 8,

7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1mm or greater. In one or more example systems, the signals can have a wavelength of between 1mm and 10mm. The particular wavelength of the signal is not limiting.

In one or more example systems, the signals can have a frequency in the range of 1GHz to 100 THz. In one or more example systems, the signals can have a frequency of 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000 GHz or less. In one or more example systems, the signals can have a frequency of 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000 GHz or greater. In one or more example systems, the signals can have a frequency of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 THz or less. In one or more example systems, the signals can have a frequency of 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 THz or greater. The particular wavelength of the signal is not limiting.

The disclosed reconfigurable intelligent beamforming systems can utilize passive components, such as passive fixed array panels, and active components, such as intelligent surfaces. The passive components may be passive or semi-passive components.

Passive components can be configured to receive and provide signals without any control capability or mechanism once the passive component is setup. For example, a passive component may receive a signal and focus the signal in a particular direction to a fixed location. However, the passive component may not be able to adjust the direction and location from the particular direction and the fixed location. The passive components may be static. The passive components may be semi-passive components. The semi-passive components may be static, while maintaining minor adjustability components.

Active components can be configured to receive and provide signals with a control capability or control mechanism. Thus, active components can be variable, controllable, and/or dynamic. For example, an active component may receive a first signal and provide the first signal in a first direction to a first location. A control capability or control mechanism may be used to change one or more of the direction and the location. Thus, an active component may receive a second signal and provide the second signal in a second direction to a second location. Alternatively, an active component may receive a second signal and provide the second signal in a first direction to a second location different than the first direction. An active component may be configured for three- dimensional focusing, such as of a signal.

Components of the disclosed reconfigurable intelligent beamforming systems, such as the active components and passive components, can be advantageous to reflect and/or direct signals. As disclosed herein, reflecting and directing can be used interchangeably. Components of the reconfigurable intelligent beamforming systems can be used to reflect waves and/or signals in the mm wave spectrum. Further, the components of the reconfigurable intelligent beamforming systems can be configured to make reflections of signals which appear in-phase in a certain direction and/or area.

The user equipment disclosed herein can be one of many types of electronic devices, for example one or more of: a user device, a computer, a tablet, a server, and a smart phone. The particular electronic device is not limiting.

Fig. 1 illustrates a wireless communication system. As shown, the wireless communication system can receive signals 12 from a base station 10. The signals from the base station can be received by a user equipment 50 and/or one or more large intelligent surfaces 14. The large intelligent surfaces 14 can reflect the signals as reflective signals 16 towards the user equipment 50.

However, in order to properly provide the signals 12 from the base station 10 to the user equipment 50, the intelligent surfaces 14 need to be large enough to collect the diffused signals from the base station 10 to direct them towards the user equipment 50 for adequate coverage. As the user equipment 50 may be mobile, such as a cellular phone, the intelligent surfaces 14 need to be configurable, such as active and/or controllable, in order to properly direct the reflective signals 16. While there are a number of methods for controlling the intelligent surfaces 14, they quickly become exorbitantly cost prohibitive at sizes that are required to properly provide signals to the user equipment 50. Further, a large number of antenna elements (such as larger than a threshold) are needed to provide proper signal coverage.

A base station may be seen as a radio access network node, such as an eNodeB, and/or a gNB. The term “base station” and “radio access network node” may be used interchangeably in this disclosure.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram illustrating an example reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 100 according to the disclosure, and a base station 10 and user equipment 50. The disclosed reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 100 can greatly reduce costs while providing adequate signal coverage. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 100 can provide for improved link budget and coverage for high frequency systems. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 100 can further provide adequate signal coverage indoors and/or outdoors.

As shown, the reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 100 comprises a passive fixed array panel 102. The passive fixed array panel 102 is configured to receive signals 104. The passive fixed array panel 102 is configured to focus the signals to provide focused signals 106 towards at least one fixed location. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming systems 100 further comprises at least one intelligent surface 108 at the at least one fixed location. The at least one intelligent surface 108 is configured to receive the focused signals 106. The at least one intelligent surface 108 is configured to control beamforming of the focused signals 106 to provide beamformed signals 110.

In one or more example systems, the reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 100 can include one or more passive fixed array panels 102. The passive fixed array panels 102 may be considered a passive component of the reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 100. The passive fixed array panels 102 can be particularly advantageous for directing signals towards areas which have some signal blocking, such as within buildings.

The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 100 can include a plurality of passive fixed array panels 102. One or more of the plurality of passive fixed array panels 102 can be physically connected to another. One or more of the plurality of passive fixed array panels 102 can be spaced apart from a second passive fixed array panel 102.

The passive fixed array panel 102 may not include any controllable features, thus making the fixed array panel passive and fixed. The passive fixed array panel 102 may be, or may include, a passive radio repeater. The passive fixed array panel 102 may be configured to be positioned in 1 , 2, or 3 positions, such as statuses.

As disclosed herein, the passive fixed array panel 102 may include one or more arrays, such as passive fixed arrays. Each passive fixed array panel 102 can include 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 passive fixed arrays. Each passive fixed array panel 102 can include greater than 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 passive fixed arrays. Each passive fixed array panel 102 can include less than 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 passive fixed arrays. The passive fixed array panel 102 may include one or more printed circuit boards.

In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 can be configured to receive, such as collect, incoming signals 102. For example, the passive fixed array panel 102 can be configured to receive a signal 102 from one or more of: a user equipment 50, a base station 10, and an intermediate component. The passive fixed array panel 102 may include components, such as electronic components, configured to process the signal and/or output the signal. For example, the passive fixed array panel 102 may be configured to output a focused signal 106.

In one or more example systems, one or more passive fixed arrays on a passive fixed array panel 102 may be configured to focus a signal 104 as a focused signal 106 in a fixed direction, such as a first direction. This can be advantageous when the signals 104 are low density. In one or more example systems, one or more passive fixed arrays on a passive fixed array panel 102 may be configured to focus a signal 104 as a focused signal 106 to a fixed location, such as a first location. One or more passive fixed arrays on a passive fixed array panel 102 may be configured to focus a signal 104 as a focused signal 106 in a second fixed direction. One or more passive fixed arrays on a passive fixed array panel 102 may be configured to focus a signal 104 as a focused signal 106 in a second fixed location.

In one or more example systems, a majority (such as all) passive fixed arrays on a passive fixed array panel 102 can be configured to focus a signal 104 as a focused signal 106 to a same fixed location. In one or more example systems, passive fixed arrays on a passive fixed array panel 102 can be configured to focus a signal 104 as a focused signal 106 to different fixed locations. For example, the passive fixed array panel 102 can be configured to focus a signal 104 as a focused signal 106 to 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 different fixed locations.

The passive fixed array panel 102 can be configured to receive, such as collect, incoming signal(s) 104 and focus the signal into a focused signal 106. For example, the passive fixed array panel 102 can provide a focused signal 106 to a fixed location, such as where at least one intelligent surface 108 is located. As used herein, focusing a signal can include receiving a signal and concentrating the signal such as towards a fixed location. As used herein, focus can include receiving a broad, low-density signal and concentrate the signal. A low-density signal can occur as signal power density decreases away from a base station 10, as the signal power density can reduce based on distance from source. Focusing can include concentrating and/or manipulating towards a fixed location, such as, for example, providing for a higher power-density than what has been received. Focusing can include outputting a signal at a particular non-destructive phase. For example, the passive fixed array panel 102 can receive a low-density signal from a base station 10 and provide a focused signal 106 to meet at a single fixed location. The passive fixed array panel 102 can be configured to enhance the signals and focusing. In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 can be configured to transmit the focused signal 106.

As shown in Fig. 2, the passive fixed array panel 102 can be configured to be reflective. In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 can be a passive fixed reflective array panel. The passive fixed array panel 102 can be configured to receive a signal 104 and provide a reflected focused signal 106. For example, the passive fixed array panel 102 can be configured to receive a signal 104 on a first side, such as a first surface, of the passive fixed array panel 102. The passive fixed array panel 102 can then provide the focused signal 106 from the same first side, such as the first surface. The passive fixed array panel 102 may be opaque.

In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 can be flat. In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 can be a curved passive fixed array panel. In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 can be angled. In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 can be one or more of: curved, angled, and flat.

In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 does not comprise a metamaterial. In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 does comprise a metamaterial. In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 can include some passive fixed arrays which include a metamaterial and some passive fixed array panels which do not include a metamaterial.

The particular dimensions of the passive fixed array panel 102 are not limiting. The dimensions can vary depending on the wavelength of the signal. The passive fixed array panel 102 can be configured to receive signals from a range of wavelengths, such as 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 different wavelengths.

In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 can have a height of 0.1 , 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20m. In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 can have a height of greater than 0.1 , 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20m. In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 can have a height of less than 0.1 , 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20m.

In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 can have a width of 0.1 , 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20m. In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 can have a width of greater than 0.1 , 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20m. In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 can have a width of less than 0.1 , 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20m.

In one or more example systems, the reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 100 can further include at least one intelligent surface 108. For example, the reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 100 can include 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 intelligent surfaces 108. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can be located at a fixed location where the focused signal 106 is being focused to.

As disclosed herein, the at least one intelligent surface (IS) 108 may also come by the name reconfigurable reflective devices (RRDs), reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs), reflect antennas (RAs), controllable meta-surfaces, reflect antenna arrays, and intelligent reflective surfaces (IRSs). The at least one intelligent surface 108 may be “intelligent” as it may be controllable, such as by a user equipment and/or a base station. For example, the at least one intelligent surface 108 may be capable of modifying its frequency and/or radiation properties dynamically, such as in a controlled and/or reversable matter. The at least one intelligent surface 108 may be dynamically controlled. In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be an active device. As disclosed herein, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be considered an active component of the reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 100. In other words, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be an active intelligent surface.

Intelligent surfaces 108 can be used to direct signals to a particular location or in a particular direction. For example, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be used to direct signals, such as focused signals 106, to a location or direction where a user equipment 50, or user device, such as a receiver device may be located. This can improve reception at the user equipment 50 and avoid dead or blind areas where the signals do not reach. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can be particularly advantageous for directing signals towards areas which have some wave and/or signal blocking, such as within buildings. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can be a part of a repeater system, such as part of a smart repeater system.

The at least one intelligent surface 108 is configured to receive, such as collect, the focused signal 106 from the passive fixed array panel 102. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to control beamforming of the focused signals 106. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to provide beamformed signals 110. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to provide beamformed signals 110 to a user equipment 50.

The at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to control beamforming. Beamforming may be seen as spatial filtering, such as modifying a direction or directivity of signal to achieve a directional signal transmission. In other words, controlling beamforming may be seen as controlling and/or applying a spatial filter, and/or controlling a direction or directivity of signal to achieve a particular directional signal transmission. The at least one intelligent surface 108 itself can control the beamforming. A network associated with the at least one intelligent surface 108 can control the beamforming. Sensors, such as radiofrequency sensors, can control the beamforming. Adaptive beamforming can be utilized with the at least one intelligent surface 108.

In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to provide a beamformed signal 110 towards a particular device, such as a user equipment 50. In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to process the focused signals 106. In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to filter the focused signals 106. In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to provide constructive interface of the focused signals 106 for provision of the beamformed signals 110. In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to transmit the beamformed signals 110.

In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to be controlled by a user equipment 50 and/or a base station 10 for controlling the beamforming. In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to be controlled by a user equipment 50 for controlling the beamforming. In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to be controlled by a base station 10 for controlling the beamforming.

In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be controlled manually. In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be controlled automatically. In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be controlled electronically. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to receive input, such as from a user equipment 50 and/or a base station 10, and can be configured to control the beamforming based on the input.

In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to amplify and forward the beamformed signal 110 towards a user equipment 50 and/or towards a base station 10. In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 is configured to amplify and forward the beamformed signal 110 towards a user equipment 50. In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 is configured to amplify and forward the beamformed signal 110 towards a base station 10.

As shown in Fig. 2, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to be reflective. In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be a reflective intelligent surface. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to receive focused signals 106 and provide beamformed signals 110. For example, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to receive focused signals 106 on a first side, such as a first surface, of the at least one intelligent surface 108. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can then provide the beamformed signals 110 from the same first side, such as the first surface. The at least one intelligent surface 108 may be opaque.

In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 can be spaced apart from the at least one intelligent surface 108. The passive fixed array panel 102 may be separated from the at least one intelligent surface 108 such as shown in Fig. 2.

Alternatively, the passive fixed array panel 102 may be attached to the at least one intelligent surface 108. In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 is physically connected with the at least one intelligent surface 108.

In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 can have a larger surface area than a surface area of the at least one intelligent surface 108. In one or more example systems, a surface area of the passive fixed array panel 102 can be 1.1 , 1.2, 1.3,

1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 times greater than a surface area of the at least one intelligent surface 108. In one or more example systems, a surface area of the passive fixed array panel 102 can be greater than 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4,

1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 times greater than a surface area of the at least one intelligent surface 108. In one or more example systems, a surface area of the passive fixed array panel 102 can be less than 1.1 , 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,

1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 times greater than a surface area of the at least one intelligent surface 108.

The at least one intelligent surface 108 can have relatively small dimensions, which can allow for simpler controls, such as simpler control algorithms. For example, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can have a surface area of 5-10cm by 5-10cm. This can allow for an antenna gain that is about 20dB at 28GHz. The total gain of this sized at least one intelligent surface 108 compared with no repeater is more than 30dB.

The at least one intelligent surface 108 can have a height of 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50cm. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can have a height of less than 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50cm. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can have a height of less than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50cm. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can have a width of 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50cm. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can have a width of less than 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50cm. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can have a width of less than 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50cm.

In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 includes a metamaterial. Metamaterials can include one or more of: microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), liquid crystal (LC), ferro-metamaterials, and indium-tin-oxide (ITO). In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 does not comprise a metamaterial.

In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can include one or more of: a metamaterial, a mechanical steering component, and a reconfigurable array. In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can include a metamaterial. In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can include a mechanical steering component. In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can include a reconfigurable array.

The at least one intelligent surface 108 can be moveable, such as translatable. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can include a mechanical steering component and/or an electro-mechanical steering component. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can include a plurality of moveable components, such as laminae. The moveable components of the intelligent surface 108 can be individually controlled. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to provide phase control of the beamformed waves 110. The angle and/or position of the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be adjusted, such as automatically, by a user equipment 50, or by a base station 10.

The at least one intelligent surface 108 can include a small tunable reflect array with patches and/or switches. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can be a small tunable meta-surface, such as including liquid crystal or ferro materials.

The at least one intelligent surface 108 can be located outdoors. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can be located indoors. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can be located on one or more of: a wall, a ceiling, and a floor. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can be mounted on a surface. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can be stand-alone.

The at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to provide dual polarity. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to respond to a single polarization. For example, an electromagnetic wave can be decomposed into components, such as two polarizations. One of the polarizations can be reflected, while the other is absorbed.

In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to receive signal(s) from the user equipment 50. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can be configured to control beamforming of the signals. The at least one intelligent surface 108 can provide, such as output, the signals towards the passive fixed array panel 102. The passive fixed array panel 102 can be configured to focus the signals from the at least one intelligent surface 108 to an external system, such as base station 10. For the signals moving in this direction, the reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 100 can utilize any and/or all of the above disclosure with respect to Fig. 2.

In one or more systems, the reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 100 can be configured to provide signals from the base station 10 to the user equipment 50. In one or more systems, the reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 100 can be configured to provide signals from the user equipment 50 to the base station 10.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram illustrating an example reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 200 according to the disclosure, and a base station 10 and a user equipment 50. As shown, the reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 200 can be the same as the reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 100 of Fig. 2, except that the at least one intelligent surface 208 can be transmissive instead of reflective. In one or more example systems, the at least one intelligent surface 208 can be a transmissive intelligent surface. The at least one intelligent surface 208 can include any and all features discussed above with respect to the at least one intelligent surface 108.

For example, the at least one intelligent surface 208 can be partially or fully transparent. The at least one intelligent surface 208 can be and/or can include one or more lenses, such as an electromagnetic lens. The lens can be, for example, a focus lens or a divergence lens, and the type of lens is not limiting. The at least one intelligent surface 208 can be and/or can include electromagnetic lens antennas. The at least one intelligent surface 208 can be configured to receive focused signals 106 and provide beamformed signals 110. For example, the at least one intelligent surface 208 can be configured to receive focused signals 106 on a first side, such as a first surface, of the at least one intelligent surface 208. The at least one intelligent surface 208 can then provide the beamformed signals 110 from a second side, such as a second surface. The second side, such as the second surface, may be opposite the first side, such as the first surface. Fig.

4 shows a schematic diagram illustrating an example reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 300 according to the disclosure, and a base station 10 and a user equipment 50. As shown, the reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 300 can be the same as the reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 100 of Fig. 2, except that the passive fixed array panel 202 can be transmissive instead of reflective. In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 202 can be a passive fixed transmissive array panel. The passive fixed array panel 202 can include any and all features discussed above with respect to the passive fixed array panel 102.

For example, the passive fixed array panel 202 can be partially or fully transparent. The the passive fixed array panel 202 can be and/or can include one or more lenses. The passive fixed array panel 202 can be configured to receive signals 104 and provide focused signals 106. For example, the passive fixed array panel 202 can be configured to receive signals 104 on a first side, such as a first surface, of the passive fixed array panel 202. The passive fixed array panel 202 can then provide the focused signals 106 from the second side, such as the second surface. The second side, such as the second surface, may be opposite the first side, such as the first surface.

In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 202 can be mounted. For example, the passive fixed array panel 202 can be mounted on a door 60, such as shown in Fig. 4. The passive fixed array panel 202 may be transparent, and may act as a window for a user. The passive fixed array panel 202 can be configured as a window in a building, such as in a wall or a door.

In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 202 can be configured to receive the signals 104 from outdoors and provide the focused signals 106 indoors. Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram illustrating an example reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 400 according to the disclosure, and a base station 10 and a user equipment 50. As shown, the reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 400 can be the same as the system 300 of Fig. 4, except that the at least one intelligent surface 208 can be transmissive instead of reflective. As shown, both the at least one intelligent surface 208 and the passive fixed array panel 202 are transmissive.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram illustrating an example beamforming system 500 according to the disclosure, a base station 10 and user equipment 50, 50A, 50B. Dashed lines in Fig. 6 represent optional features. While Fig. 6 shows a passive fixed reflective array panel 102, a passive fixed transmissive array panel 202 can be used as well. Further, while Fig. 6 shows a transmissive intelligent surface 208, a reflective intelligent surface 108 can be used as well.

In one or more example systems, the reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 500 can further comprise an intermediate passive fixed array panel 302, 302A. The intermediate passive fixed array panel 302, 302A can be configured to receive base station signals 304. The intermediate passive fixed array panel 302, 302A can be configured to focus the base station signals 304. The intermediate passive fixed array panel 302, 302A can be configured to focus the base station signals 304 towards the passive fixed array panel 102. The base station signals 304 can be the same as the signals 104 discussed above. The base station signals 304 can be different from the signals 104 discussed above. The intermediate passive fixed array panel 302, 302A may be configured to provide the signals 104.

The intermediate passive fixed array panel 302, 302A can include any and all features of the passive fixed array panels 102, 202 discussed above. For example, the intermediate passive fixed array panel 302, 302A can be reflective. The intermediate passive fixed array panel 302, 302A can be transmissive. One intermediate passive fixed array panel 302 can be reflective and another intermediate passive fixed array panel 302A can be transmissive.

As shown, a base station 10 can provide base station signals 304 which can be received by the intermediate passive fixed array panel 302. Optionally, a second intermediate passive fixed array panel 302A can receive the base station signals 304 as well. The intermediate passive fixed array panels 302, 302A can be configured to provide the base station signals 304, such as signals 104, to the passive fixed array panel 102. The passive fixed array panel 102 can be configured to focus the signals 104, 304 and provide focused signals 106.

As shown, the passive fixed array panel 102 can be configured to provide the focused signals 106 towards a fixed location with at least one intelligent surface 208. In one or more example systems, the passive fixed array panel 102 can be configured to provide the focused signals 106 toward a plurality of intelligent surfaces 208, 208A, 208B. Optionally, the passive fixed array panel 102 can be configured to provide the focused signals 106 towards a plurality of fixed locations, each having at least one intelligent surface 208, 208A, 208B.

Each of the plurality of at least one intelligent surfaces 208, 208A, 208B can be configured to control beamforming of the focused signals 106 and provide beamformed signals 110 to a user equipment 50, 50A, 50B. Multiple intelligent surfaces 208, 208A can provide beamformed signals 110 to a same user equipment 50. Each intelligent surface 208,

208A, 208B can provide beamformed signals 110 to different user equipment 50, 50A, 50B.

Fig. 7 shows a flow diagrams of an example method 600 of the disclosure. The method 600 can be performed by a system, such as reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 disclosed herein.

In one or more example methods, the method for reconfigurable intelligent beamforming 600 includes focusing S602, via a passive fixed array panel 102, 202, signals 104 received by the passive fixed array panel. In one or more example methods, the method 600 includes providing S604, via the passive fixed array panel 102, 202, focused signals 106 towards at least one fixed location. In one or more example methods, the method 600 includes receiving S606, via at least one intelligent surface 108, 208 at the at least one fixed location, the focused signals 106. In one or more example methods, the method 600 includes beamforming S608, via the at least one intelligent surface, the focused signals 106. The method 600 includes providing S610, via the at least one intelligent surface 108, 208, beamformed signals 110. In one or more example methods, the passive fixed array panel 102, 202 can be a passive fixed reflective array panel. In one or more example methods, the passive fixed array panel 102, 202 can be a passive fixed transmissive array panel.

In one or more example methods, the at least one intelligent surface 108, 208 can be a reflective intelligent surface. In one or more example methods, the at least one intelligent surface 108, 208 is a transmissive intelligent surface.

In one or more example methods, providing S604, via the passive fixed array panel 102, 202, the focused signals 106 towards the at least one fixed location can include providing S604A the focused signals 106, via the passive fixed array panel 102, 202, toward a plurality of intelligent surfaces 108, 208.

In one or more example methods, the method 600 can further include controlling S612 the beamforming by a user equipment 50 and/or a base station 10.

In one or more example methods, the method 600 can further include amplifying S614, via the at least one intelligent surface 108, 208, the beamformed signals 110 towards a user equipment 50 and/or towards a base station 10.

In one or more exemplary methods, the at least one intelligent surface 108, 208, can be configured to receive a signal from the user equipment 50. The at least one intelligent surface 108, 208 can be configured to control beamforming of the signal and provide it to the passive fixed array panel 102, 202. The passive fixed array panel 102, 202 can be configured to focus the signal towards a base station 10.

Examples of methods and products (reconfigurable intelligent beamforming systems) according to the disclosure are set out in the following items:

Item 1. A reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system comprising: a passive fixed array panel configured to receive signals and focus the signals to provide focused signals towards at least one fixed location; and at least one intelligent surface at the at least one fixed location, the at least one intelligent surface configured to receive the focused signals and to control beamforming of the focused signals to provide beamformed signals. Item 2. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of Item 1 , wherein the passive fixed array panel is a passive fixed reflective array panel.

Item 3. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of Item 1 , wherein the passive fixed array panel is a passive fixed transmissive array panel. Item 4. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of Items 1-3, wherein the at least one intelligent surface is a reflective intelligent surface.

Item 5. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of Items 1-3, wherein the at least one intelligent surface is a transmissive intelligent surface.

Item 6. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of Items 1-5, wherein the passive fixed array panel is spaced apart from the at least one intelligent surface.

Item 7. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of Items 1-5, wherein the passive fixed array panel is physically connected with the at least one intelligent surface. Item 8. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of Items 1-7, wherein the passive fixed array panel is a curved passive fixed array panel.

Item 9. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of Items 1-8, wherein the passive fixed array panel has a larger surface area than a surface area of the at least one intelligent surface. Item 10. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of Items 1-9, wherein the passive fixed array panel is configured to provide the focused signals toward a plurality of intelligent surfaces.

Item 11. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of Items 1-10, wherein the passive fixed array panel does not comprise a metamaterial. Item 12. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of Items 1-11, wherein the reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system further comprises: an intermediate passive fixed array panel configured to receive base station signals and focus the base station signals towards the passive fixed array panel. Item 13. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of Items 1-12, wherein the signals are millimeter waves.

Item 14. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of Items 1-12, wherein the signals have a frequency in the range of 1GHz to 100 THz. Item 15. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of Items 1-14, wherein the at least one intelligent surface is configured to be controlled by a user equipment and/or a base station for controlling the beamforming.

Item 16. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of Items 1-14, wherein the at least one intelligent surface is configured to amplify and forward the beamformed signal towards a user equipment and/or towards a base station.

Item 17. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of the preceding Items, wherein the at least one intelligent surface comprises one or more of: a metamaterial, a mechanical steering component, and a reconfigurable array.

Item 18. A method for reconfigurable intelligent beamforming, the method comprising: focusing, via a passive fixed array panel, signals received by the passive fixed array panel; providing, via the passive fixed array panel, focused signals towards at least one fixed location; receiving, via at least one intelligent surface at the at least one fixed location, the focused signals; beamforming, via the at least one intelligent surface, the focused signals; and providing, via the at least one intelligent surface, beamformed signals.

Item 19. The method of Item 18, wherein the passive fixed array panel is a passive fixed reflective array panel. Item 20. The method of Item 18, wherein the passive fixed array panel is a passive fixed transmissive array panel. Item 21. The method of any one of Items 18-20, wherein the at least one intelligent surface is a reflective intelligent surface.

Item 22. The method of any one of Items 18-20, wherein the at least one intelligent surface is a transmissive intelligent surface.

Item 23. The method of any one of Items 18-22, wherein providing, via the passive fixed array panel, the focused signals towards the at least one fixed location comprises providing the focused signals, via the passive fixed array panel, toward a plurality of intelligent surfaces.

Item 24. The method of any one of Items 18-23, further comprising controlling the beamforming by a user equipment and/or a base station.

Item 25. The method of any one of Items 18-23, further comprising amplifying, via the at least one intelligent surface, the beamformed signals towards a user equipment and/or towards a base station.

The use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. does not imply any particular order, but are included to identify individual elements. Moreover, the use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”,

“secondary”, “tertiary” etc. does not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Note that the words “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. are used here and elsewhere for labelling purposes only and are not intended to denote any specific spatial or temporal ordering. Furthermore, the labelling of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element and vice versa.

It may be appreciated that the figures comprise some circuitries or operations which are illustrated with a solid line and some circuitries or operations which are illustrated with a dashed line. Circuitries or operations which are comprised in a solid line are circuitries or operations which are comprised in the broadest example. Circuitries or operations which are comprised in a dashed line are examples which may be comprised in, or a part of, or are further circuitries or operations which may be taken in addition to circuitries or operations of the solid line examples. It should be appreciated that these operations need not be performed in order presented. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that not all of the operations need to be performed. The example operations may be performed in any order and in any combination.

It is to be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed.

It is to be noted that the words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

It should further be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that the examples may be implemented at least in part by means of both hardware and software, and that several "means", "units" or "devices" may be represented by the same item of hardware.

The various example methods, devices, nodes and systems described herein are described in the general context of method steps or processes, which may be implemented in one aspect by a computer program product, embodied in a computer- readable medium, including computer-executable instructions, such as program code, executed by computers in networked environments. A computer-readable medium may include removable and non-removable storage devices including, but not limited to, Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVD), etc. Generally, program circuitries may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specified tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program circuitries represent examples of program code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

Although features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed disclosure, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed disclosure. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed disclosure is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

Claims

1. A reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) comprising: a passive fixed array panel (102, 202) configured to receive signals (104) and focus the signals (104) to provide focused signals (106) towards at least one fixed location; and at least one intelligent surface (108, 208) at the at least one fixed location, the at least one intelligent surface (108, 208) configured to receive the focused signals (106) and to control beamforming of the focused signals (106) to provide beamformed signals (110).

2. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of claim 1 , wherein the passive fixed array panel (102) is a passive fixed reflective array panel.

3. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of claim 1 , wherein the passive fixed array panel (202) is a passive fixed transmissive array panel.

4. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one intelligent surface (108) is a reflective intelligent surface.

5. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one intelligent surface (208) is a transmissive intelligent surface.

6. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the passive fixed array panel (102, 202) has a larger surface area than a surface area of the at least one intelligent surface (108, 208).

7. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the passive fixed array panel (102, 202) is configured to provide the focused signals toward a plurality of intelligent surfaces (108,208).

8. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the at least one intelligent surface (108, 208) is configured to be controlled by a user equipment (50) and/or a base station (10) for controlling the beamforming.

9. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the at least one intelligent surface (108, 208) is configured to amplify and forward the beamformed signal (110) towards a user equipment (50) and/or towards a base station

(10).

10. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one intelligent surface (108, 208) comprises one or more of: a metamaterial, a mechanical steering component, and a reconfigurable array.

11. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the passive fixed array panel (102, 202) is spaced apart from the at least one intelligent surface (108, 208).

12. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the passive fixed array panel (102, 202) is physically connected with the at least one intelligent surface (108, 208).

13. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the passive (108, 208) fixed array panel (102, 202) is a curved passive fixed array panel.

14. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the passive fixed array panel (102, 202) does not comprise a metamaterial.

15. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system further comprises: an intermediate passive fixed array panel (302, 302A) configured to receive base station signals and focus the base station signals (304) towards the passive fixed array panel (102, 202).

16. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the signals (104) are millimeter waves.

17. The reconfigurable intelligent beamforming system of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the signals (104) have a frequency in the range of 1GHz to 100 THz.

18. A method (600) for reconfigurable intelligent beamforming, the method comprising: focusing (S602), via a passive fixed array panel, signals received by the passive fixed array panel; providing (S604), via the passive fixed array panel, focused signals towards at least one fixed location; receiving (S606), via at least one intelligent surface at the at least one fixed location, the focused signals; beamforming (S608), via the at least one intelligent surface, the focused signals; and providing (S610), via the at least one intelligent surface, beamformed signals.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the passive fixed array panel is a passive fixed reflective array panel.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the passive fixed array panel is a passive fixed transmissive array panel.

21. The method of any one of claims 18-20, wherein the at least one intelligent surface is a reflective intelligent surface.

22. The method of any one of claims 18-20, wherein the at least one intelligent surface is a transmissive intelligent surface.

23. The method of any one of claims 18-22, wherein providing (S604), via the passive fixed array panel, the focused signals towards the at least one fixed location comprises providing (S604A) the focused signals, via the passive fixed array panel, toward a plurality of intelligent surfaces.

24. The method of any one of claims 18-23, further comprising controlling (S612) the beamforming by a user equipment and/or a base station.

25. The method of any one of claims 18-23, further comprising amplifying (S614), via the at least one intelligent surface, the beamformed signals towards a user equipment and/or towards a base station.