AI Time Synchronization Step Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In artificial intelligence devices, time synchronization accuracy is compromised in blocking scenarios like tunnels or city canyons due to loss of satellite timing signals, leading to system time hopping and instability in intelligent control processes.

Innovation Solution

A time synchronization method that adjusts system time based on a preset step value when the time difference exceeds a threshold, avoiding direct alignment and ensuring progressive synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the system directly uses accurate time obtained from satellite timing signal as system time when satellite signal is re-obtained, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but system time hopping occurs causing instability in intelligent control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime synchronization accuracyVSAvoidsystem time stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the time adjustment process adaptive rather than static. When satellite signal is available, the system directly synchronizes time. When satellite signal is lost for extended periods, the system dynamically switches to gradual time adjustment through multiple steps, preventing time hopping while maintaining synchronization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the time adjustment parameter from direct alignment (single large jump) to incremental adjustment (multiple small steps). By modifying how the time difference is applied - either directly or through intermediate steps based on signal availability - the system resolves the contradiction between accuracy and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the internal clock is used as system time when satellite timing signal is lost, then system continuity is maintained, but time difference accumulates causing large synchronization error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem continuityVSAvoidtime synchronization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the internal clock as a warm standby during satellite signal loss. The internal clock continues running in advance, ensuring system continuity, while the system prepares for re-synchronization when satellite signal becomes available again, preventing both complete time drift and abrupt corrections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system cushions against time synchronization errors by having the internal clock run independently during satellite signal loss. This preliminary preparation ensures that when satellite signal returns, the time difference can be corrected gradually through multiple steps rather than causing immediate system instability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If progressive time adjustment is used when time difference is large, then system time stability is improved, but time synchronization takes longer to complete

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem time stabilityVSAvoidsynchronization time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the time adjustment strategy dynamic based on satellite signal availability. When satellite signal is continuously available, direct time alignment is used for fast synchronization. When satellite signal is lost for extended periods causing large time differences, the system dynamically switches to gradual multi-step adjustment to maintain stability, accepting longer synchronization time as necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system cushions against the need for extremely fast but unstable time correction by using gradual adjustment steps. This beforehand preparation through incremental changes ensures stability while completing synchronization, preventing system time hopping even though it takes longer than direct alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4020855B1Time synchronization method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 YINWANG INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGIES CO LTD
  • EP4020855B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4020855B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4020855B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of this application disclose a time synchronization method and apparatus, and relate to the artificial intelligence field, to improve accuracy of time synchronization in the artificial intelligence field. A specific solution is as follows: determining a time difference between reference time and system time of the artificial intelligence device, where the reference time is timed by an internal clock of the artificial intelligence device and is aligned based on a satellite timing signal, or the reference time is timed by an internal clock of the artificial intelligence device; and adjusting the system time based on a preset step value if the time difference is greater than a preset value.