Distributed Network Synchronization Using Master Node Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network synchronization methods face challenges in achieving high-precision time synchronization across mutually spaced nodes, particularly when direct communication links are not available, and current GNSS-based systems are limited in accuracy and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A distributed network synchronization method that distributes computing and data load from a central processor to master nodes, using GNSS signals to rank nodes based on positional, environmental, and performance data, allowing for accurate time offset determination and flexible adaptation to different network topologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central processor system calculates time offsets for all GNSS receivers, then system-wide synchronization can be achieved, but the computing load and data load of the central processor increase significantly as the number of receivers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the central processor into multiple distributed master nodes, each responsible for synchronizing a specific subset of slave nodes. This segmentation reduces the computational burden on any single node while maintaining system-wide synchronization capability through hierarchical organization.
Solution Approach 2:
Master nodes act as intermediary elements between GNSS receivers and the central synchronization authority. These intermediaries perform local time offset calculations and coordinate synchronization within their domains, reducing the direct computational load on the central processor.
2Measurement precision
If each GPS receiver is connected to a central processor system, then time synchronization computation can be performed, but the time synchronization computation is made on the time estimated by each receiver thereby including any error affecting the Navigation Solution for position determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the time synchronization computation from the position determination process. By separating these functions and using dedicated master nodes for time offset calculations, the system eliminates the propagation of position determination errors into time synchronization results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct connection between receivers and central processor with an intermediary synchronization protocol. This substitution allows time offset calculations to be performed independently of position estimation, using only timing information from common view satellites.
3Area of stationary object
If GNSS receivers are positioned at mutually remote locations, then network coverage can be extended, but the computing and data load of the central processor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple hierarchical levels with master nodes distributed across remote locations. Each master node manages synchronization for its local slave nodes, enabling extensive network coverage while distributing the data processing load across multiple nodes rather than concentrating it at a single central processor.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of and a system for synchronizing a plurality of spaced apart nodes of a network to a reference time of a control center, the method comprising receiving measurement data from each of the plurality of nodes; ranking the plurality of nodes with respect to one another according to the measurement data; selecting one or more master nodes from the plurality of nodes according to the ranking; assigning each of the plurality of nodes to a corresponding master node; determining a first time offset between the local time measured at each node and the local time measured at its corresponding master node and determining a second time offset between each of the master nodes and the reference time such that the time offset between the local time measured at each node and the reference time can be determined.