Network Time Synchronization via Centralized Delay Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems face challenges in reducing differences in time information among communication devices connected to a network, due to individual device differences, transmission delays, and synchronization errors.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device is configured to receive communication data from multiple devices, specify event communication data, calculate time delay amounts based on event sensor data and time information, and correct time information using these delay amounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is mounted on each communication device to correct time information, then time information accuracy is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a collection device as an intermediary that centralizes the time information correction function. Instead of each communication device having its own GPS, the collection device receives sensor data from multiple devices, calculates delay amounts, and transmits correction information back to the devices. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by achieving accurate time correction system-wide without adding GPS hardware to individual devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses event sensor data as a reference copy to establish synchronized time information across all devices. By detecting simultaneous events (like button presses) and using the sensor data timestamps as a reference, the system creates a virtual time synchronization mechanism that replaces the need for physical GPS hardware in each device, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining accuracy.
2Reliability
If error calculation from sensing start signal is performed to correct time information, then synchronization is improved, but transmission delay differences remain unresolved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the collection device calculates delay amounts based on event sensor data and transmission timestamps, then transmits this correction information back to the communication devices. The devices use this feedback to adjust their time information. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by continuously improving synchronization accuracy while accounting for varying transmission delays, unlike one-way error calculation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the time information parameter based on calculated delay amounts. Instead of using fixed error corrections from sensing start signals, the system changes the time parameter by adding or subtracting calculated delay amounts derived from actual transmission data and event sensor data. This parameter adjustment approach resolves the contradiction by adapting to actual transmission conditions while maintaining synchronization reliability.
3Ease of operation
If time information correction is performed without considering transmission delay, then processing simplicity is maintained, but time information difference remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by recording transmission timestamps when sensor data is sent from each communication device to the collection device. These timestamps are stored and later used in delay amount calculations. By preparing this transmission timing data in advance, the system enables accurate delay correction without complicating the real-time processing, thus resolving the contradiction between processing simplicity and time information accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device according to one embodiment includes a hardware processor. The hardware processor functions to receive, from each of communication devices, communication data including sensor data and time information. The sensor data indicates a result of measurement by a sensor of each communication device. The time information indicates a measurement time of the sensor data. The hardware processor functions to specify, as event communication data, the communication data including event sensor data being the sensor data of an event simultaneously occurring in the network. The hardware processor functions to calculate a time delay amount among the communication devices on the basis of the event sensor data and the time information, each being included in the event communication data of each communication device. The hardware processor functions to correct the time information included in the communication data on the basis of the delay amount.