Adaptive Clock Synchronization via Function-Specific Time Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock synchronization methods, such as Network-time Protocol (NTP), are susceptible to unpredictable time delays due to network and system load, leading to network congestion and potential failures when designated servers become unavailable, and can adversely affect system functionality by directly updating global system time.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for adaptive clock/time synchronization that allows devices to act as either requesters or providers of network-time information, enabling adaptive collection and generation of function-specific system time, reducing network load while maintaining accuracy, by determining availability of functionality-specific system time information from servers and generating local system time when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If NTP client-server synchronization requests are transmitted through various network and system elements, then clock synchronization can be achieved, but unpredictable time delays occur due to network and system load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary devices (routers, switches, firewalls) as time stamping points that add time stamps to synchronization packets at various network levels. These intermediaries enable measurement of transmission delays through each network element without requiring direct client-server communication for each measurement point, thus improving time measurement accuracy while maintaining synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where time stamp data collected from multiple network elements is analyzed to calculate actual transmission delays. This feedback information is then used to adjust synchronization timing calculations, compensating for unpredictable delays and improving both measurement precision and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If frequent heart beat messages are sent for clock synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is maintained, but network congestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic synchronization requests with adaptive intervals. Instead of continuous or fixed-frequency heart beat messages, the system sends synchronization requests at optimized intervals based on network conditions and required accuracy levels. This reduces unnecessary traffic while maintaining synchronization accuracy through strategically timed periodic measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial synchronization by measuring time delays at selective network points rather than requiring complete round-trip measurements for each synchronization event. This partial measurement approach reduces the frequency and volume of synchronization messages while still achieving adequate synchronization accuracy.
3Reliability
If multiple servers receive and respond to heart beat messages, then redundancy is provided, but network congestion is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization process by assigning different functions to different servers. Some servers act as primary time sources while others serve as intermediate time stamping points or backup sources. This segmentation allows multiple servers to participate in the synchronization process without all of them exchanging complete synchronization packets, reducing overall network traffic while maintaining redundancy.
4Measurement precision
If global system time is directly updated for clock synchronization, then time accuracy is improved, but system functionality is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by updating only the specific time-related parameters that require synchronization (such as application-specific time stamps or selected system time components) rather than globally updating all system time functions. This allows time accuracy improvement in critical areas while preserving the operation of local time-dependent functions that should not be affected by synchronization adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to systems and methods for functionality-specific system time synchronization. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed, which comprises determining whether functionality-specific system time information is available from a first server. If the functionality-specific system time information is available from the first server, a first request for functionality-specific system time information is transmitted to the first server. A first functionality-specific system time is received from the first server. A second functionality-specific system time can then be generated based on the first functionality-specific system time. If the functionality-specific system time information is not available from the first server, after a second request for functionality-specific system time information is received from a second device, the method further comprises determining whether to provide a local functionality-specific system time to the second device.