Boundary Clock Selection for PTP Synchronization Under Network Jitter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing PTP compatible devices struggle with time synchronization in poor network environments due to unsuitable network characteristics, and there is a lack of defined criteria for selecting optimal devices based on network line quality, leading to synchronization failures and inaccuracies.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that associate boundary clock function devices with network environment resistance index information, allowing for the determination of master/slave relationships and domain changes based on network environment resistance index information, including packet transfer jitter and delay, to optimize time synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the BC function is enabled in a PTP compatible device, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but the device cannot perform synchronization in poor network environments due to unsuitable network characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime synchronization accuracyVSAvoidsynchronization reliability in poor network environment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces network environment resistance index information that characterizes a device's ability to perform time synchronization in specific network conditions. By evaluating and matching device characteristics with network environment characteristics, the system dynamically determines whether to enable the BC function, thus adapting the synchronization parameters to suit the actual network conditions rather than using fixed settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary evaluation of network environment resistance index information before enabling the BC function. The management device determines device characteristics in advance and uses this information to decide whether the BC function should be activated, preventing synchronization failures before they occur in poor network environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If PTP compatible devices are selected without considering network line quality characteristics, then device deployment is simplified, but synchronization performance deteriorates in poor network environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice deployment simplicityVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables devices to self-evaluate their network environment resistance characteristics and automatically determine their suitability for BC function operation. The management device collects and evaluates this information, allowing the system to automatically optimize synchronization performance without requiring manual configuration or expert intervention, thus maintaining ease of deployment while improving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the BC function is enabled without evaluating device characteristics, then time synchronization can be performed in ideal network conditions, but synchronization fails in poor network environments with high packet drop rate or large delay jitter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime synchronization capabilityVSAvoidsynchronization reliability in poor network environment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the management device continuously evaluates network environment resistance index information and uses this feedback to determine whether to enable or disable the BC function. This closed-loop control ensures that the BC function is only activated when network conditions and device characteristics are suitable, preventing synchronization failures while maintaining high productivity in ideal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12562831B2Information processing apparatus and information processing method, and computer program

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

There is provided an information processing apparatus that processes information regarding network environment resistance when performing time synchronization of devices. The information processing apparatus includes a control unit that associates a boundary clock function retaining device having a boundary clock function with network environment resistance index information indicating resistance to a network environment related to time synchronization of the boundary clock function retaining device. The network environment resistance index information is information indicating accuracy of the time synchronization of the boundary clock function retaining device corresponding to network environment information indicating the network environment.