Communication Time Calculation Using Relay Module Timer Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring communication time between devices in cloud systems are inadequate, especially when applications lack measurement functions, and current techniques require special mechanisms or high-precision time synchronization, which can be impractical or inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates communication time by adding timer information to packets and using a relay module to transmit and process this information, allowing devices to measure communication time without adding a special mechanism to the application, using timer and calendar time information synchronized between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If special mechanisms are added to applications to enable communication time measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay module as an intermediary component that handles the complexity of communication time measurement. The relay module receives packets from applications, adds timer information, and manages the measurement process, thereby isolating the application from the complex measurement mechanisms while maintaining high measurement precision through systematic timer information collection and processing
2Measurement precision
If high-precision time synchronization mechanisms are implemented between devices, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where each device independently generates and manages its own timer information based on its local activation time. Devices autonomously calculate elapsed times without requiring external synchronization signals or complex inter-device time synchronization protocols, thereby achieving accurate communication time measurement while minimizing device complexity
3Measurement precision
If timer information is added to every packet, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to processing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the relay module add timer information to packets at the point of reception, immediately capturing the activation time. This early timestamping eliminates the need for repeated time calculations or queries during packet processing, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while minimizing additional processing time overhead
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calculating a communication time between a first and second devices includes: adding, to a first packet, first timer information indicating an elapsed time from activation of the first device, and transmitting the first packet; transmitting notification information including the first timer information and second timer information indicating an elapsed time from activation of the second device; transmitting a second packet including the first and second timer information, third timer information indicating an elapsed time from activation of the second device, and first time information indicating a time in the second device; and calculating a communication time from the first device to the second device based on the first timer information, the second timer information, the third timer information, and the first time information, fourth timer information indicating an elapsed time from activation of the first device, and second time information indicating a time in the first device.