Signal Synchronization Using Domain Knowledge Without Time Stamps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current machine control systems lack an interface to enable high-precision, temporal mapping of machine signals from internal and external sensors, preventing effective synchronization and analysis of independent, non-synchronized data sources.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for synchronizing signals by recording data from multiple independent data sources, using domain knowledge to analyze and temporally link signal traces without time stamps, enabling real-time synchronization and analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If data is recorded from multiple independent data sources without time synchronization, then data recording simplicity is improved, but temporal alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata recording simplicityVSAvoidtemporal alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining domain knowledge models that describe expected temporal relationships between signals from different data sources. These models are established before actual data recording occurs, enabling post-hoc temporal alignment without requiring synchronized clocks during data collection. The domain knowledge models serve as pre-prepared reference frameworks that guide the temporal linking process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces domain knowledge models as an intermediary between raw signals from independent data sources and the temporal alignment process. These models act as mediators that translate physical domain understanding into temporal relationship constraints, enabling the system to synchronize signals without direct time synchronization hardware. The intermediary models bridge the gap between independent data sources and unified temporal analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If time synchronization interfaces are added to machine control systems, then temporal alignment capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemporal alignment capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/time-synchronization hardware interfaces with a software-based solution using domain knowledge models. Instead of adding physical synchronization interfaces to machine control systems, the invention uses computational models that represent temporal relationships based on physical domain understanding. This substitution eliminates the need for additional hardware while achieving temporal alignment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by using its own domain knowledge models to automatically establish temporal relationships between signals. The analysis device autonomously applies pre-defined physical models to align signals from independent data sources without requiring external synchronization infrastructure. The system serves its own temporal alignment needs through embedded domain knowledge rather than external control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If domain knowledge models are used for signal analysis, then error detection accuracy is improved, but analysis complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection accuracyVSAvoidanalysis complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms complex physical domain knowledge into standardized model parameters that can be systematically applied to signal analysis. By representing domain knowledge as configurable parameters within formal models, the system enables accurate error detection through parameter-based analysis rather than complex custom algorithms. The parameterized models allow flexibility in adapting to different machine contexts while maintaining analytical rigor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4078308B1Method and system for synchronising signals
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 TRUMPF WERKZEUGMASCHINEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4078308B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2c
  • EP4078308B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c
  • EP4078308B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for synchronising signals which are related to a technical system, in particular a machine and/or a machining process, which method comprises the following method steps: a. recording data from a first data source in order to obtain a first signal track (8), b. recording data from at least a second data source, which is independent of the first data source, in order to obtain at least a second signal track (9), characterised by c. analysing the signal tracks (8, 9) on the basis of previously known domain knowledge, d. temporally linking the signal tracks (8, 9).