LAN Timestamp Calibration for Multi-Device Data Acquisition Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clock synchronization methods for multi-host computer systems in human-machine-environment data acquisition rely on Internet-based solutions, which are unreliable in environments without Internet connectivity and suffer from precision issues due to poor network conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method for clock synchronization within a local area network environment, where devices interact to calibrate their clocks using timestamps and time offsets, allowing them to align data acquisition moments without relying on Internet connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Internet-based clock synchronization is used, then clock calibration can be performed using a centralized server, but the system becomes dependent on Internet connectivity and network conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclock synchronization reliabilityVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the clock synchronization function into two modes: Internet-based centralized synchronization (using NTP server) and local area network-based distributed synchronization. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different network environments by selecting the appropriate mode, resolving the contradiction between reliability and environmental adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between Internet-based and local area network-based clock synchronization modes based on network availability and conditions. This dynamic adaptation ensures continuous operational reliability while accommodating varying environmental constraints, effectively resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If Internet-based clock synchronization is used, then centralized clock management is achieved, but synchronization precision deteriorates due to poor network conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentralized clock managementVSAvoidclock synchronization precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments clock synchronization into two distinct approaches: Internet-based NTP server synchronization for centralized management, and local area network-based peer-to-peer synchronization for high-precision requirements. This segmentation allows each method to be optimized for its specific use case, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary mechanism that determines whether to use Internet-based or local area network-based synchronization based on current network conditions and precision requirements. This intermediary layer enables the system to maintain centralized clock management capabilities while achieving high synchronization precision when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If local area network-based clock synchronization is implemented, then Internet dependency is eliminated and precision is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclock synchronization precisionVSAvoidsynchronization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the clock synchronization functionality into clearly defined modules: Internet-based NTP synchronization module and local area network-based peer-to-peer synchronization module. This segmentation manages complexity by organizing the sophisticated local synchronization logic into distinct, manageable components that can be independently implemented and maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a universal clock synchronization framework that can operate in multiple modes (Internet-based and local area network-based) through a unified architecture. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by providing a single, flexible solution that adapts to different requirements rather than requiring separate systems for each mode.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4687314A1Method, system and device for clock synchronization in human-machine-environment data acquisition and medium
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 KINGFAR INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP4687314A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4687314A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4687314A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided are a method, system and device for clock synchronization in human-machine-environment data acquisition and a medium. According to the method, after acquiring the first human-machine-environment data acquisition task initiated by the second device, the first device within the local area network performs message interaction with the second device, and calibrates an acquisition moment of the first human-machine-environment data using clock information of the second device as a calibration clock, thereby realizing clock synchronization between multiple devices within a local area network environment. Finally, after binding the first human-machine-environment data with the calibrated acquisition moment, the first device sends it to the second device. In this way, the second device can align the first human-machine-environment data with the second human-machine-environment data according to the calibrated acquisition moment, thereby aligning human-machine-environment data collected by different data collectors according to the calibration moment.