Network Node Clock Ratio Dynamics for Synchronization Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fluctuations in synchronization clock frequency lead to inaccurate estimation of clock ratio and erroneous determination of clock count status in network nodes, causing imprecise synchronization of internal clocks in communication networks.

Innovation Solution

Network nodes detect changes in clock ratio over time and approximate its development using a mathematical function, allowing for precise prediction of clock ratio at the time of message transmission, thereby updating clock count status accurately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If network nodes estimate clock ratio based on fixed synchronization clock frequency, then synchronization messages can be transmitted at fixed clock intervals, but fluctuations in synchronization clock frequency cause inaccurate estimation of clock ratio and erroneous determination of clock count status

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization message transmission efficiencyVSAvoidclock ratio estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static clock ratio estimation approach to a dynamic one. Network nodes continuously monitor and adapt the clock ratio based on actual synchronization message timing differences, allowing the system to respond to frequency fluctuations in real-time. This dynamic adjustment mechanism ensures accurate clock count status determination despite changes in synchronization clock frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by having network nodes measure the actual time difference between receiving and transmitting synchronization messages, then use this measured information to adjust and refine the clock ratio estimation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism continuously improves the accuracy of clock count status determination by correcting estimation errors based on observed timing deviations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If network nodes use fixed clock ratio estimation, then the system is simple to operate, but fluctuations in synchronization clock frequency lead to erroneous determination of clock count status

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling network nodes to automatically detect and compensate for synchronization clock frequency fluctuations without external intervention. Each node independently monitors timing differences, calculates actual clock ratios, and adjusts its own clock count status determination accordingly. This autonomous self-adjustment mechanism maintains high synchronization reliability while preserving operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If network nodes continuously monitor and adjust clock ratio, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclock count status determination accuracyVSAvoidnetwork node complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing clock ratio monitoring and adjustment only at necessary points in the synchronization message transmission process, rather than continuously throughout all operations. Nodes perform measurements and calculations only when synchronization messages are exchanged, reducing computational overhead while maintaining adequate accuracy for synchronization purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2034642B1Method for transmitting synchronisation messages in a communications network
Publication Date: 2011.10.26 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2034642B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2034642B1 patent drawing
  • EP2034642B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The method involves detecting time variation of a clock ratio (RCF) between a synchronization clock frequency (fm) and a node clock frequency (fs) by network nodes at preset time interval based on synchronization messages. Temporary change of the clock ratio is approximated by a function e.g. linear function, using the network nodes on basis of the detected time variation of the clock ratio. A clock cycle rate of the received synchronization message is updated by the network nodes when transmitting the message to the network nodes based on the approximated changes of the clock ratio.