Hyper-precise Time Framework Using Laser Interferometry

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing time accuracy methods, such as optical clocks, international atomic time (TAI), and coordinated universal time (UTC), face challenges including frequent coordination and adjustments, reliance on Earth's rotation, and limited precision, which hinder efficient and accurate provision of precise time data for modern technologies.

Innovation Solution

The disclosed hyper-precise time (HPT) framework provides sub-nanosecond time accuracy using Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technology, enabling precise positioning, ambiguity resolution, and continuous tracking, while mitigating signal delays and improving convergence for accurate solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing time accuracy methods (optical clocks, TAI, UTC) are used, then time synchronization is maintained, but measurement precision is limited and frequent coordination adjustments are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime accuracyVSAvoidcoordination and adjustments
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical and atomic timekeeping systems with an optical-based measurement system using laser interferometry. This substitution enables hyper-precise time interval measurements (sub-nanosecond accuracy) without requiring frequent coordination adjustments, as the optical method directly measures time intervals through light propagation rather than relying on mechanical oscillators or atomic transitions that drift over time.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical signals and laser interferometry as intermediary mechanisms to measure time intervals. By using light as a mediator between timing events, the system achieves high precision measurements without direct mechanical or electronic counting, thereby reducing the need for coordination adjustments and improving overall measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If existing time accuracy methods are used, then time data is provided, but precision is limited and reliability is reduced for modern technologies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy and reliabilityVSAvoidtime accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical and atomic timekeeping systems with an optical-based measurement system using laser interferometry. This substitution enables hyper-precise time interval measurements (sub-nanosecond accuracy) without requiring frequent coordination adjustments, as the optical method directly measures time intervals through light propagation rather than relying on mechanical oscillators or atomic transitions that drift over time.

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

3Productivity

If traditional timekeeping systems are used, then operation is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to frequent coordination and adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency in providing precise time dataVSAvoidtime for coordination and adjustments
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical and atomic timekeeping systems with an optical-based measurement system using laser interferometry. This substitution enables hyper-precise time interval measurements (sub-nanosecond accuracy) without requiring frequent coordination adjustments, as the optical method directly measures time intervals through light propagation rather than relying on mechanical oscillators or atomic transitions that drift over time.

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

Data Source

PatentUS20250184943A1Systems and methods for hyper-precise time operations
Publication Date: 2025.06.05 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC
  • US20250184943A1 patent drawing
  • US20250184943A1 patent drawing
  • US20250184943A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are systems and methods for a computerized Hyper-precise time (HPT) framework that accurately and efficiently provides precise time data for all sorts of network-based and local operations. The disclosed HPT framework can, among other benefits, provide sub-nanosecond time accuracy for operations involving, but not limited to, precise positioning, ambiguity resolution, mitigation of signal delays, maintaining continuous and accurate tracking for dynamic applications, improved convergence for accurate solutions, and the like. The framework can be utilized for Real-Time Kinematic (RTK), such that the determined HPT can directly contribute to achieving the high levels of accuracy and reliability required in RTK applications.