Millimeter-wave communications using a reflector
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A reflector, comprising:
- an attachment mechanism connecting to a mounting point on an object or surface;
a reflecting surface that is reflective to millimeter-wave (mmWave) radiation;
an adjustable pivot connected between the attachment mechanism and the reflecting surface configured to permit directional positioning of the reflecting surface relative to the attachment mechanism such that a non-line-of-sight connection between an mmWave transmitter and an mmWave receiver is formed;
a motor disposed in a joint of the adjustable pivot, configured to adjust the pivot to change the directional position of the reflecting surface relative to the attachment mechanism;
a signal strength detector configured to measure the intensity of the mmWave radiation at the reflector; and
a broadcast device, disposed within the reflecting surface with respect to the mmWave transmitter and receiver, configured to electromagnetically broadcast link status information for the mmWave transmitter and receiver at a frequency low enough to pass through obstacles that absorb mmWave frequencies,wherein the signal strength detector and the broadcast device are disposed within apertures in the reflecting surface.
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Abstract
Methods and systems for establishing a non-line of sight millimeter wave connection that include a transmitter unit having beam-steering capability, a receiver unit having beam-steering capability, and a reflecting unit in a position having a line-of-sight path to the transmitter unit and the receiver unit. The reflecting unit includes an attachment mechanism configured to attach to a mounting point on an object or surface, a reflecting surface that is reflective to millimeter-wave radiation, and an adjustable pivot connected between the attachment mechanism and the reflecting surface configured to permit directional positioning of the reflecting surface relative to the attachment mechanism.
27 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A reflector, comprising:
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an attachment mechanism connecting to a mounting point on an object or surface; a reflecting surface that is reflective to millimeter-wave (mmWave) radiation; an adjustable pivot connected between the attachment mechanism and the reflecting surface configured to permit directional positioning of the reflecting surface relative to the attachment mechanism such that a non-line-of-sight connection between an mmWave transmitter and an mmWave receiver is formed; a motor disposed in a joint of the adjustable pivot, configured to adjust the pivot to change the directional position of the reflecting surface relative to the attachment mechanism; a signal strength detector configured to measure the intensity of the mmWave radiation at the reflector; and a broadcast device, disposed within the reflecting surface with respect to the mmWave transmitter and receiver, configured to electromagnetically broadcast link status information for the mmWave transmitter and receiver at a frequency low enough to pass through obstacles that absorb mmWave frequencies, wherein the signal strength detector and the broadcast device are disposed within apertures in the reflecting surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A communication system, comprising:
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a millimeter-wave (mmWave) transmitter unit configured to perform beam-steering; an mmWave receiver unit configured to perform beam-steering; and a reflecting unit disposed in a position having a line-of-sight path to the transmitter unit and the receiver unit, comprising; a reflective surface; a flexible mount for positioning the reflective surface to form a non-line-of-sight path between the transmitter unit and the receiver unit; a motor disposed in a joint of the flexible mount, configured to change the directional position of the reflecting surface relative to an attachment mechanism; a signal strength detector configured to detect mmWave radiation; and a broadcast device configured to electromagnetically broadcast link status information for the mmWave transmitter and receiver at a frequency low enough to pass through obstacles that absorb mmWave frequencies, wherein the broadcast device and the signal strength detector are disposed within apertures in the reflective surface. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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13. A method for establishing a non-line-of-sight connection comprising:
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providing a reflector having a flexible mount at a location in a line-of-sight path from both a transmitter unit and a receiver unit, the reflector further detecting signal strength using a signal strength detector; adjusting the transmitter unit to steer a beam toward the reflector; adjusting the receiver unit to steer a receiving pattern toward the reflector; if the receiver unit cannot form a connection with the transmitter unit through the reflector, adjusting the flexible mount of the reflector, using a motor in the flexible mount, into a direction that forms a non-line-of-sight path between the transmitter unit and the receiver unit; and electromagnetically broadcasting link status information for the transmitter and the receiver using a broadcast device at a frequency low enough to pass through obstacles that absorb mmWave frequencies, wherein the signal strength detector and the broadcast device are disposed within apertures in the reflector. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A computer readable storage medium comprising a computer readable program, wherein the computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to perform the steps of:
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adjusting a flexible mount of a reflector having a reflective surface until a signal from a transmitter is detected; determining a link state between the transmitter and a receiver by way of the reflector using a signal strength detector; adjusting the flexible mount, using a motor in the flexible mount, into a direction that forms a non-line-of-sight path between the transmitter unit and a receiver unit based on the determined link state; and electromagnetically broadcasting link status information for the transmitter and the receiver from the reflector using a broadcast device at a frequency low enough to pass through obstacles that absorb mmWave frequencies, wherein the signal strength detector and the broadcast device are disposed within apertures in the reflector.
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Specification