Terminal-to-Terminal Synchronization via Dynamic Timing Offsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
In terminal-to-terminal communication systems, synchronizing terminals without external timing reference signals is challenging, especially for devices outside network coverage or without receivers, leading to potential desynchronization and increased power consumption due to frequent timing synchronization signal broadcasts.
Innovation Solution
Terminals configured to receive and broadcast timing synchronization signals, adjusting transmission rates based on observed signal rates, and using relayed signals to maintain synchronization, allowing for flexible timing offsets and rates to ensure accurate synchronization without constant reliance on external references.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If terminals broadcast timing synchronization signals frequently to maintain synchronization accuracy, then synchronization reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic timing synchronization signal broadcasts at configurable intervals. Terminals can adjust the broadcast frequency based on network conditions, performing synchronization updates periodically rather than continuously. This allows the system to maintain synchronization accuracy while reducing power consumption by entering lower-power states between broadcast cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of timing synchronization signal transmission rates based on observed signal rates from other terminals and network conditions. Terminals can adaptively increase or decrease broadcast frequency to maintain synchronization accuracy while optimizing power consumption, transitioning between different operational states based on real-time network requirements.
2Measurement precision
If terminals rely on external timing reference signals for synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but adaptability to areas without external references deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables terminals to perform self-synchronization by selecting timing offsets relative to their own periodic transmission frames and using their own timing synchronization signals as references. Terminals can autonomously establish and maintain synchronization without external references by listening to and coordinating with other terminals in the network, making the system self-sufficient in areas without external timing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces relayed timing synchronization signals as intermediaries between terminals and external timing references. When external references are unavailable, terminals can receive timing synchronization signals from other terminals that may have external reference access, using these relayed signals to achieve synchronization indirectly. This mediator approach extends synchronization capability to areas without direct external reference access.
3Device complexity
If terminals use fixed timing offsets for synchronization, then system complexity is reduced, but flexibility in adapting to different network conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic timing offset selection where terminals can adjust their timing offsets relative to periodic transmission frames based on observed signal rates and network conditions. The system maintains a set of configurable timing offset options and can adaptively select appropriate offsets to optimize synchronization performance for different network scenarios, balancing complexity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows adjustment of timing synchronization signal transmission rates and timing offsets as configurable parameters. Terminals can modify these parameters based on network conditions, signal quality, and power availability, enabling the system to adapt to different operational environments while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through standardized parameter adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a terminal-to-terminal network may include one or more terminals each configured to receive a timing reference signal. The one or more terminals may be further configured to select a timing offset relative to a periodic transmission frame of the terminal-to-terminal network. The timing offset may be associated with a time relative to the periodic transmission frame at which a timing synchronization signal is broadcast. The timing synchronization signal may be based at least in part on the timing reference signal. The one or more terminals may be further configured to select a timing synchronization signal transmission rate. The one or more terminals may be further configured to broadcast the timing synchronization signal at the timing offset and at the timing synchronization signal transmission rate.