IoT Device Synchronization via Latency Calibration Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
In IoT networks, the asynchronicity in the operation of multiple devices due to varying network latencies and control signal pathways can diminish the user experience by making device interactions perceptibly asynchronous.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a calibration module and control module in a smart gateway to send calibrating control signals to IoT devices, determine synchronizing control signals based on device activation timing, and adjust these signals to ensure perceptively synchronous activation of network devices, thereby synchronizing operations across devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices are connected to the network with different network latencies, then device connectivity and network coverage are improved, but device operation synchronicity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by sending calibration control signals to each device and measuring their activation timing before actual operation. This preliminary action captures the inherent latency differences of each device, which are then compensated for during normal operation to achieve synchronous device activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the timing parameters of control signals dynamically. By adjusting the send timing of control signals to each device based on their measured latency characteristics, the system compensates for network latency differences and achieves synchronous device activation despite varying network conditions.
2Ease of operation
If standard control signals are sent to multiple devices, then control simplicity is improved, but device activation timing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by customizing control signals for each individual device based on its specific latency characteristics. Instead of using a uniform control signal for all devices, the system adjusts timing parameters locally for each device to compensate for its unique network latency, achieving precise synchronous activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by measuring the actual activation timing of each device in response to calibration signals, then using this feedback information to adjust subsequent control signal timing. This closed-loop approach ensures precise device activation synchronization while maintaining control simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and storage media for synchronizing network devices are disclosed herein. An embodiment may include sending a control signal to each of multiple devices that have device operations that are perceptible together, the control signal to control the perceptible device operation of each device. Timing information may be received from each device indicating timing of perceptible operation of the device relative to the control signal. Synchronizing control signals may be determined from the timing information to control the device operations to be perceptibly synchronous, and the synchronizing control signals may be sent to the devices to provide perceptibly synchronous operation of them.