Hybrid Synchronization for RTLS Anchors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Real-time locating systems (RTLS) face challenges in achieving precise synchronization of clock information for accurate location determination, particularly due to nanoscale errors in signal reception and processing.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid synchronization method and apparatus that utilize a clock generator to produce a sync signal, with master and slave anchors performing wired/wireless synchronization, allowing for local and autonomous synchronization of clock information across cells, and a location engine to calculate and apply offset values for precise synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If wireless synchronization is used for all anchors, then system complexity is reduced, but synchronization precision deteriorates due to nanoscale errors
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization system is segmented into two types of anchors: master anchors that perform wired synchronization with the server for high precision, and slave anchors that perform wireless synchronization with master anchors for simplified deployment. This segmentation allows different parts of the system to use different synchronization methods based on their specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different synchronization qualities are applied to different locations in the system. Master anchors located at strategic positions perform wired synchronization with the server to establish high-precision reference time, while slave anchors in remote locations perform wireless synchronization with the nearest master anchor, achieving locally optimized synchronization precision.
2Measurement precision
If all anchors communicate with the server, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but server load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication architecture is segmented into hierarchical levels: master anchors communicate with the server for reference time synchronization, while slave anchors communicate only with master anchors. This segmentation reduces the number of direct server connections, thereby reducing server load while maintaining synchronization accuracy through the master anchor intermediary.
Solution Approach 2:
Master anchors serve as intermediaries between slave anchors and the server. Slave anchors obtain synchronized time from master anchors through wireless communication, eliminating the need for direct server connections. This intermediary mechanism reduces server load while maintaining synchronization accuracy through the trusted master anchor reference.
3Measurement precision
If wired synchronization is used for all anchors, then synchronization precision is improved, but system deployment flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into wired-connected master anchors and wireless-connected slave anchors. Master anchors use wired synchronization for high precision, while slave anchors use wireless synchronization for easy deployment in remote or mobile locations. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high precision where needed and deployment flexibility where required.
Solution Approach 2:
Different synchronization methods are applied locally based on deployment requirements. Locations with stable infrastructure use wired synchronization for maximum precision, while remote or mobile locations use wireless synchronization for ease of deployment. This local differentiation optimizes both precision and flexibility according to specific operational contexts.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a hybrid synchronization method and a hybrid synchronization apparatus for locally and autonomously synchronizing clock information with a master anchor on the basis of a master sync signal for each of a plurality of slave anchors that communicates with the master anchor provided for each cell in order to perform wired/wireless hybrid synchronization for a real-time locating system (RTLS) based on an ultra-wideband (UWB), transmitting a time difference between reception times of the sync signals that are respectively received from the plurality of master anchors only in a multi-slave anchor that communicates with the plurality of master anchors to a location engine so that the location engine generates an offset value for synchronizing the master anchors, and performing wired synchronization between a part of the master anchors.