Photometric Stellar Phase Timing Without Atomic Clock Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to independently derive precise current time measurements from celestial sources without relying on a reference atomic clock, especially in locations where synchronization with such a clock is interrupted or unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A method involving photometric measurements of variable-intensity celestial sources, including creating phase-folded light curves and comparing intensity measurements to derive phase differences, which are then analyzed to determine the current astrophysical time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If synchronization with reference atomic clock is used, then time measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates when synchronization is interrupted or unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces celestial sources (variable stars, pulsars) as intermediary time reference objects between the atomic clock and the user system. These celestial sources serve as a mediating layer that can be observed independently of direct atomic clock synchronization, allowing time determination to continue even when direct synchronization is unavailable. The photometric observations of these celestial intermediaries provide an alternative time reference path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service time determination by using locally observable celestial sources as time references. Instead of requiring continuous external synchronization with atomic clocks, the system can independently derive time measurements by observing and analyzing the periodic photometric variations of celestial sources, making the timekeeping function self-sufficient and independent of external infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple celestial sources are measured, then time estimation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time determination process into independent measurement channels, each dedicated to observing a specific celestial source. Each celestial source provides an independent time reference signal through its periodic photometric variation. By dividing the overall time determination task into multiple parallel, independent measurement segments, the system can improve accuracy through combination while maintaining manageable complexity in each individual segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multiple celestial sources that all serve the same universal function of providing time reference signals. Different celestial sources (variable stars, pulsars) can all be used for time determination, allowing the system to select from multiple functional equivalents. This universality provides redundancy and accuracy improvement without requiring fundamentally different measurement approaches for each source.
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
Enables independent and precise time estimation using celestial sources, providing a universal time source that can be synchronized from anywhere, with improved accuracy through multiple celestial source measurements.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an intensity of the celestial source at a subsequent time
Data Source
AI summary
A method for deriving an independent current time estimate from celestial sources comprising: providing a reference measurement for a variable-intensity celestial source, wherein the reference measurement comprises the celestial source's photometric structure at a known time, at a known stellar period, and at a known periodic phase; creating a phase-folded light curve for the celestial source; measuring an intensity of the celestial source at a subsequent time; comparing the measured intensity of the celestial source to the phase-folded light curve to derive a set of possible phase differences, wherein each possible phase difference corresponds to a potential derived time based on the known time and the known stellar period of the reference measurement; and analyzing the set of possible phase differences to derive the current astrophysical time.