Mesh Network Time Synchronization via BLE and Sleep Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing time synchronization systems for devices in organizations face challenges due to restrictions on communication frequencies and the inability to perform two-way communication, leading to difficulties in maintaining synchronized time across different devices within a single organization.
Innovation Solution
A mesh network using the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication protocol allows devices to synchronize time through a peer-to-peer network with a bridge device, enabling communication with a remote server and adapting communication paths based on signal strength, reducing the need for licensing and configuration compliance with local regulations, and allowing self-healing and self-learning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated communication frequency is used for time device synchronization, then synchronization reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to required transmitters and receivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling standard wireless communication interfaces (WiFi, Bluetooth) to serve dual purposes: both general data communication and time synchronization. This eliminates the need for dedicated synchronization transmitters and receivers, reducing device complexity while maintaining synchronization reliability through the use of existing robust communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization system performs self-service by allowing time devices to automatically synchronize using existing communication networks without requiring specialized dedicated communication hardware. The devices utilize their own standard wireless interfaces to establish synchronization, eliminating the need for separate synchronization infrastructure
2Reliability
If a dedicated communication frequency is used for time device synchronization, then synchronization reliability is improved, but licensing and configuration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables time synchronization to function through universal standard wireless networks (WiFi, Bluetooth) that are already licensed and configured for general use. This approach maintains synchronization reliability while eliminating the need for additional licensing and configuration, as the system leverages existing regulatory-approved communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cloud-based time server as an intermediary that manages synchronization coordination. This mediator handles the complexity of time synchronization protocols over standard wireless networks, allowing devices to synchronize reliably without each device needing to independently manage licensing and frequency configuration
3Measurement precision
If devices remain awake continuously for synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic synchronization actions where devices wake up at scheduled intervals to exchange time data with the cloud server, then return to sleep mode. This periodic approach maintains synchronization accuracy by ensuring regular time updates while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to continuous wakefulness
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the cloud server provides time correction data to devices during periodic wake periods. The server can adjust synchronization timing based on observed drift patterns, allowing devices to maintain accurate synchronization with optimized wake schedules that balance precision requirements against power consumption constraints
4Stability of the object's composition
If communication paths are fixed for mesh network synchronization, then network stability is improved, but reliability decreases when devices fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication paths in the mesh network where routing between devices can change based on current network conditions and device availability. When a device fails or becomes unavailable, the network automatically reroutes synchronization messages through alternative paths, maintaining both stability through consistent synchronization functionality and reliability by adapting to failures
Data Source
AI summary
Synchronizing devices in a network. In one example, a first communication interface of a first communication device transmits a first message through a first communication path in a mesh network. The first communication path includes the first device, a second device, and a remote server. The first message includes a status of the first device. The first communication interface is switched to a sleep mode after transmission of the first message. Subsequently, the communication interface switches from the sleep mode to an awake mode. While the first communication interface is in the awake mode, the first communication interface transmits a second message through a second communication path in the mesh network. The second communication path includes the first device, a third device, and the remote server.