Common Time Master for Multi-Network Wireless Sensor Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Time synchronization across multiple wireless networks operating on different channels is complex due to the need for individual time masters, which complicates the system design and requires synchronization between them, especially in low-power low-rate radio technologies like IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee, where bandwidth limitations necessitate partitioning into separate networks.
Innovation Solution
A common time master is used to broadcast synchronization messages to all networks, eliminating the need for individual time masters and allowing sensor nodes to operate seamlessly across multiple networks without protocol changes, with messages sent periodically and adapted to each network's requirements on their respective channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common time master is used for all networks, then device complexity is reduced, but synchronization reliability across different radio channels may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single time master that can synchronize multiple wireless networks operating on different radio channels. The time master is configured to broadcast synchronization messages that can be received and processed by sensor nodes across multiple networks, eliminating the need for separate time masters for each network while maintaining synchronization reliability through adaptive message transmission on respective channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses gateway nodes as intermediaries between the common time master and sensor nodes in different networks. The gateway receives synchronization messages from the time master and forwards them to the appropriate networks, ensuring reliable synchronization across different radio channels while keeping the time master design simple and unified.
2Reliability
If individual time masters are used for each network, then synchronization reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual time masters into a single common time master that serves all wireless networks. By combining the time master functions into one centralized entity, the system reduces device complexity while maintaining synchronization reliability through the gateway intermediary mechanism that ensures proper message delivery to each network.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor nodes are modified to support multiple networks, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-network synchronization functionality into two parts: the common time master that handles cross-network coordination, and the sensor nodes that maintain their simple single-network protocol implementation. This segmentation allows sensor nodes to remain unchanged and easy to manufacture, while the time master and gateway handle the complexity of multi-network support.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor nodes perform self-service by receiving synchronization messages through their existing single-network protocol interface. They automatically synchronize with the common time master via the gateway without requiring any modifications to their protocol implementation, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving multi-network adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for time synchronization of a plurality of different wireless networks A, B, each wireless network (A, B) comprising at least one data sensor (A.1, A.2, A.3, A.4, B.1, B.2, B.3, B.4) for measuring data and a gateway (A.0, B.0) to which the measured data is sent, wherein a common time master (TM) is used which broadcasts time synchronization messages to all networks (A, B) involved. This way, a possibility of time synchronization of a plurality of different wireless networks (A, B) in an easy, efficient and reliable manner is achieved.