Connected Node Synchronization Using Quality-Weighted References
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing synchronization methods fail to adequately address misalignment and drift among nodes in a network, leading to issues such as communication failures and manufacturing defects, without considering both the synchronization quality and propagation medium quality of connected nodes.
Innovation Solution
A method that updates a specific node's synchronization reference by incorporating both the synchronization quality and propagation medium quality of other nodes, assigning weights based on their trustworthiness and reliability, allowing nodes to converge to a consensus synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional synchronization methods are used to align nodes in a network, then basic synchronization is achieved, but misalignment and drift persist leading to communication failures and manufacturing defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where nodes continuously exchange synchronization quality values and adjust their local synchronization references based on received feedback from neighboring nodes. This iterative feedback process enables nodes to converge toward consistent synchronization states, resolving the contradiction between basic synchronization reliability and precise alignment by continuously correcting drift and misalignment through quality-based feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the synchronization parameter from simple time alignment to a quality-weighted synchronization reference that incorporates propagation medium quality. By introducing synchronization quality values as a new parameter dimension, the system achieves both reliable synchronization and precise alignment, as nodes adjust their references based on quality metrics rather than just temporal coordination.
2Device complexity
If nodes synchronize without considering propagation medium quality, then synchronization process is simple, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to unaccounted medium variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having nodes pre-measure and evaluate propagation medium quality between themselves and neighboring nodes before performing synchronization. This preliminary quality assessment allows nodes to weight their synchronization updates appropriately, improving accuracy without significantly increasing overall process complexity since the measurement step is integrated into the existing synchronization protocol.
3Ease of operation
If all nodes are treated equally in synchronization, then the process is straightforward, but well-synchronized and well-connected nodes cannot provide better reference quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different synchronization quality values to different nodes based on their individual synchronization performance and connection quality. Instead of treating all nodes uniformly, the system allows high-quality nodes (those with good synchronization and reliable connections) to provide more weight in the consensus process, thereby improving overall reference quality while maintaining operational simplicity through automated quality-based weighting.
Data Source
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AI summary
Example implementations relate to a method for synchronizing a specific node connected to a plurality of other nodes. The method comprises receiving a respective synchronization quality value for a transmitting other node. The method also comprises measuring a respective propagation medium quality value with the transmitting other node. The method further comprises updating a specific synchronization reference of the specific node, whereby the updating comprises assigning to a respective contribution of the transmitting other node a respective weight of the transmitting other node, the respective weight being a function of the respective synchronization quality value of the transmitting other node and of the respective propagation medium quality value with the transmitting other node. The method also comprises revising a specific synchronization quality value and emitting to a receiving other node the revised specific synchronization quality value.