Time Synchronization Manager for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices face disruptions and inefficiencies due to conflicts arising from inconsistent data values when multiple sources attempt to update the device's time value simultaneously, leading to costly downtime and errors.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for facilitating time synchronization in mobile devices, which includes a processor coupled to memory that maintains a time value and interfaces with multiple communication entities, prioritizing which entities are allowed to update the time value based on user preferences and schemas, thereby preventing conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication entities are allowed to update the time value simultaneously, then the adaptability and versatility of the system is improved, but conflicts and disruptions occur leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a time synchronization manager as an intermediary component that mediates between multiple communication entities (time sources) and the device's time value. This manager receives time update requests from various sources (WAN, WLAN, GPS, NTP servers) and selectively applies them based on predetermined criteria, preventing direct conflicts while maintaining adaptability to multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of time value update authorization by introducing a selection mechanism that evaluates multiple time sources against predefined criteria (such as source reliability, current network conditions, user preferences) and dynamically selects which source's time value to apply, thus maintaining reliability while accepting multiple sources.
2Reliability
If only one communication entity is allowed to update the time value, then conflicts are avoided and reliability is improved, but the system loses adaptability and versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic selection mechanism where the authorized time synchronization source is not fixed but changes based on current conditions. The system continuously evaluates multiple time sources against predefined criteria and dynamically determines which source should update the time value, allowing the system to adapt to changing network conditions and source availability while maintaining conflict-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the time synchronization function by separating the selection logic from the update execution. The time synchronization manager divides the task of time value updates into discrete selectable options, allowing one source to be selected at a time for updates while others remain available for future selection based on criteria evaluation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple time synchronization applications are allowed to operate freely, then the versatility of the system is improved, but disruptions and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The time synchronization manager serves as a mediator that intercepts and coordinates updates from multiple time synchronization applications. Instead of allowing these applications to directly update the device time value and cause conflicts, the manager receives their update requests, evaluates them against predefined criteria, and selectively applies updates in a coordinated manner, thus enabling coexistence while preventing harmful conflicts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potential harm of multiple competing time sources into a benefit by using the diversity of sources as input for a selection process. The presence of multiple time synchronization applications, which would normally cause conflicts, is transformed into an opportunity to select the most appropriate source based on current conditions and predefined criteria, improving overall system adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to systems and or methodologies for enabling cooperative coexistence of multiple time synchronization applications in handheld devices. More particularly, a time component that maintains a time value for a computing device, and a time synchronization component that interfaces with one or more communication entities, and selects one of the communication entities to set the time value in the computing device based on a set of criteria.