Master-Less Clock Synchronization for Location Positioning Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synchronizing internal clocks of communication devices in a wireless communication system is complex and costly due to the need for network time protocol (NTP) servers and gateway servers, increasing system complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
Communication devices synchronize their internal clocks using messaging with other devices to adjust sync-times based on received timing information, eliminating the need for additional hardware like GPS clocks, and employing algorithms to converge on a common sync-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If NTP servers and gateway servers are used to synchronize internal clocks of communication devices, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but system complexity and total cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the time synchronization function from centralized NTP servers and gateway servers, allowing each communication device to independently synchronize its internal clock by receiving timing information from other devices directly. This eliminates the need for complex server infrastructure while maintaining synchronization accuracy through peer-to-peer time adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
Each communication device performs self-synchronization by autonomously receiving timing information from other devices and adjusting its own internal clock accordingly. The devices independently determine their sync-time without requiring external server intervention, reducing system complexity while achieving accurate time synchronization across the network.
2Measurement precision
If NTP servers and gateway servers are deployed for clock synchronization, then time synchronization is achieved, but total cost of the communication system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for expensive NTP servers and gateway servers from the system architecture. Time synchronization is achieved through direct peer-to-peer communication where each device uses its existing transceiver and processor to exchange timing information, eliminating hardware costs associated with specialized synchronization servers.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication devices utilize their own existing hardware resources (transceivers, processors, and internal clocks) to perform time synchronization autonomously. No additional specialized hardware or expensive server infrastructure is required, as each device serves its own synchronization needs using readily available components.
3Measurement precision
If centralized time synchronization servers are used, then clock synchronization is maintained, but the number of required hardware components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronization function from dedicated hardware servers and distributes it across all communication devices. Each device uses its existing transceiver and processor to receive and process timing information from peers, eliminating the need for separate NTP servers and gateway servers while maintaining clock synchronization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing transceiver and processor in each communication device are made multi-functional by enabling them to perform both data communication and time synchronization tasks. This universalization eliminates the need for dedicated synchronization hardware, reducing the total quantity of hardware components while maintaining synchronization functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device including a clock, a memory, and at least one processor is disclosed. The at least one processor is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory that cause the at least one processor to perform operations including receiving at least one message from a second communication device of a plurality of communication devices over a preconfigured time duration, determining a first local time of the clock of the communication device at which the at least one message from the second communication device is received, and determining a sync-time of the second communication device based on the at least one message from the second communication device. The operations include mapping the sync-time of the second communication device based on the first local time and the determined sync-time of the second communication device and adjusting a sync-time of the communication device based on the second local time.