Relay Anchor Synchronization for Accurate UWB Cluster Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UWB networks face inefficiencies in maintaining accurate time bases among clusters due to the need for lengthy synchronization processes and potential interference, leading to network drift and reduced precision in ranging operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method of inter-cluster synchronization using a linked chain of UWB controllers and responders, where time-synchronization events are relayed through SS-TWR sessions to minimize message exchanges and overlap, allowing for efficient propagation of time bases across clusters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional inter-cluster synchronization methods are used in UWB networks, then time base accuracy can be maintained, but synchronization time increases and network drift occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay anchor as an intermediary device that receives time-synchronization events from one cluster and relays them to another cluster. This mediator enables indirect synchronization between clusters without requiring direct communication, thereby reducing synchronization time while maintaining time base accuracy through the relayed time reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the UWB network into multiple clusters, each with its own time-synchronization events, and uses relay anchors to bridge these segmented clusters. This segmentation allows independent synchronization within clusters while the relay mechanism coordinates between clusters, reducing overall synchronization time and preventing network drift.
2Measurement precision
If multiple time-synchronization events are exchanged between clusters, then synchronization accuracy improves, but message overlap and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The relay anchor acts as an intermediary that receives time-synchronization events from one cluster and relays them to another cluster sequentially. This intermediary approach allows synchronization information to propagate across clusters without requiring simultaneous multiple-message exchanges, thereby reducing message overlap and interference while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic time-synchronization events where relay anchors receive and relay synchronization information at scheduled intervals. This periodic action ensures that synchronization updates are transmitted systematically rather than concurrently, minimizing message collision and interference while maintaining accurate time base synchronization across clusters.
3Productivity
If relay anchors are introduced for inter-cluster synchronization, then synchronization efficiency improves, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay anchor performs multiple functions: it acts as a regular anchor for local ranging operations and simultaneously serves as a synchronization relay for inter-cluster time base propagation. This multi-functionality improves synchronization efficiency without requiring separate dedicated relay devices, thereby limiting the increase in network complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the synchronization relay function with existing anchor devices in the UWB network. By merging the relay functionality into standard anchors, the system achieves efficient inter-cluster synchronization without adding separate complex relay infrastructure, thus improving productivity while controlling device complexity.
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
This approach reduces synchronization time and minimizes clock offset errors, enabling more precise and efficient ranging operations while allowing for flexible network configurations in environments with obstructions.
Implementation Method 1
precision ranging capability that is accurate to within a few centimeters. Precision ranging depends on an accurate time base being maintained among the devices in the USB network
Implementation Method 2
relay the first time-synchronization event to one anchor of the second cluster of anchors during a second session
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a system and method for synchronizing a first cluster of anchors with a second cluster of anchors so that anchors in the first and second clusters operate on a time base that is nearly the same among the anchors. An anchor acting in the first cluster starts with a first time-synchronization event, such as a poll request, and awaits responses from anchors in the first cluster. Upon receiving the first synchronization event, one of the anchors in the first cluster relays the event to one of the anchors in the second cluster. That anchor then performs a second time-synchronization event and awaits responses from the anchors in the second cluster. Relaying the synchronization event is a single, short message employing two-way ranging. The relaying avoids transmitting many messages among the anchors, resulting in a more accurate time base among the anchors.