Bluetooth Master Device Timing Offset Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Bluetooth (BT) technology lacks a specified procedure for efficiently providing timing information from one master device to another during a handoff, which complicates the synchronization of slave devices with new master devices, affecting the efficiency of handoffs in wireless communication networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for distributing BT master device timing offset information, where local clocks are generated based on a free-running global clock, and offset information is shared among master devices to facilitate seamless handoffs by ensuring synchronization between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a slave device moves from one master device to another (handoff), then the slave can switch between different master devices, but the slave must re-synchronize its timing with the new master device which complicates the handoff process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the new master device obtain timing information from the old master device before the slave device actually hands off. This advance preparation allows the new master to be ready with the correct timing parameters, eliminating the need for the slave to re-synchronize from scratch and thus reducing handoff time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses timing information as an intermediary element that is transferred between master devices during handoff. Instead of the slave directly re-synchronizing with the new master, the timing information acts as a mediator that conveys the necessary synchronization parameters from the old master to the new master, facilitating a smoother transition.
2Productivity
If the new master device uses the old master's timing information, then handoff efficiency is improved, but the new master device must obtain and process additional timing data which increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having each master device automatically generate and distribute its own timing information to other master devices. This self-contained mechanism allows the system to manage timing complexity autonomously without requiring external intervention or complex centralized coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes timing information a universal resource that all master devices use for handoff operations. By standardizing the timing information format and distribution mechanism, the system can handle multiple handoff scenarios uniformly, reducing the overall complexity of managing timing across different master-device pairs.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, Bluetooth master device offset information is determined and distributed among the master devices within a Bluetooth network. The system either provides an offset to each master device or determines master device offsets and distributes this information to master devices within the system to allow or efficient hand-offs of a slave between master devices.