Rate Optimization Algorithm for IRS-Assisted UAV Communication Systems

In this paper, an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) is equipped to assist an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in communication. Our system designed to address the need for widespread connectivity and high-speed services in future urban settings. The UAV in the system faces constraints related to its position, acceleration, and quality of service (QoS) requirements during flight. We propose a method for jointly optimizing the user scheduling, IRS reflection coefficients, and UAV trajectory to maximize system throughput. Due to the complex optimization problem is non-convex, it is decomposed into three separate sub-problems, and then each are addressed using linear programming (LP) and successive convex approximation (SCA) techniques. A closed-form solution for the IRS reflection coefficients is derived. Simulation results indicate that IRS support can significantly enhance system rates, and the velocity profile of an acceleration-constrained UAV shows notable deviations from the ideal scenario.