Fractional Timestamp Synchronization With Low Packet Overhead

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing precision timing systems are inefficient and costly, lacking the ability to provide high-accuracy synchronization across data networks with minimal intrusion and resource overhead.

Innovation Solution

The Generalized Timing Synchronization (GTS) system uses fractional timestamping and metadata packets to synchronize nodes non-intrusively, employing proxy processors to calculate correction factors for local oscillators, allowing efficient synchronization with minimal packet usage and high accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional precision timing systems are used to synchronize network nodes, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces metadata packets as an intermediary carrier that transports timing information between network nodes. These packets contain timestamps and synchronization data that enable precise timing without requiring direct complex hardware connections between nodes, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional hardware-based timing synchronization mechanisms with software-based processing of metadata packets. By using proxy processors to calculate correction factors and adjust local oscillators through software control, the system achieves precise synchronization with reduced hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional timing synchronization methods are used, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but network packet overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidpacket overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges timing synchronization information with existing network data traffic by embedding timestamps and synchronization metadata within standard network packets. This approach allows timing data to be transmitted alongside regular network communications without requiring separate dedicated timing channels, thereby minimizing additional packet overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The metadata packets serve multiple functions simultaneously: they carry timing synchronization information, identify data packets for correlation, and enable both one-way and two-way timing measurements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized packets for each timing operation, minimizing overall packet overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If intrusive synchronization methods are used, then timing accuracy is improved, but network intrusion and resource overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming accuracyVSAvoidnetwork intrusion
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables network nodes to autonomously perform timing synchronization by using their own local oscillators and processing metadata packets locally. Each node independently calculates its own timing correction factors and adjusts its local timing without requiring continuous external control or intervention, thereby reducing network intrusion while maintaining accurate synchronization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3224789B1Relative fractional timing system
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 RADULESCU CODRUT RADU
  • EP3224789B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP3224789B1 patent drawingFigure 7~12
  • EP3224789B1 patent drawingFigure 13~15

AI summary

A method for synchronous processing exchange orders, comprising : creating a first batch of orders by accumulating exchange orders received within a first time period, TP1; creating a second batch of orders by accumulating exchange orders received within a second time period, TP2; and processing the orders from the first batch within the second time period, TP2.