Motion-Triggered Peer-to-Peer Time Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Independent and free-running oscillators in digital cameras make it challenging to synchronize time stamps across multiple cameras without a network-based time reference, which is essential for reconstructing scenes with moving objects.
Innovation Solution
A peer-to-peer time synchronization method using sensors to detect movement, allowing mobile devices to synchronize their clocks without network infrastructure support, by exchanging time synchronization requests and replies with random delay periods to avoid collisions, and calculating clock offsets based on movement signatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If network-based time reference is used for synchronization, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and dependency on external infrastructure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables cameras to autonomously synchronize their internal clocks using motion detection triggers and peer-to-peer communication, eliminating dependency on external network infrastructure. Each camera detects its own motion state and initiates synchronization requests based on its autonomous determination of motion events.
Solution Approach 2:
Motion detection events serve as an intermediary trigger mechanism that initiates the synchronization process. The motion sensor detects physical movement and converts it into a synchronization trigger, mediating between the physical world and the time synchronization protocol.
2Measurement precision
If frequent time synchronization is conducted, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic synchronization triggered by motion events rather than continuous or fixed-interval synchronization. The camera conducts time synchronization only during motion-triggered intervals, combining periodic action with event-driven triggering to reduce overall energy consumption while maintaining synchronization accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera autonomously determines when synchronization is needed based on its own motion detection state, eliminating the need for continuous polling or external scheduling commands, thereby reducing energy consumption through intelligent, self-directed synchronization timing.
3Ease of operation
If motion-triggered synchronization is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor serves multiple functions: it detects user intent for synchronization, triggers the synchronization process, and potentially assists in scene analysis. This multi-functionality justifies the added component while providing operational benefits across different system functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically initiates synchronization based on motion detection without requiring user intervention or complex configuration, making it easy to operate despite the added complexity of motion-triggered mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and accurate time synchronization between mobile devices, allowing for the reconstruction of time-dependent scenes and image capture applications without relying on a common time reference, and reduces the need for frequent resynchronization due to high clock accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor to detect a movement of a first mobile device
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of synchronizing devices may include detecting a movement of a first mobile device and conducting a time synchronization procedure with respect to a second mobile device in response to the movement of the two mobile devices. The time synchronization can be conducted without network infrastructure support at the mobile devices.