Time of Day Synchronization Gateway for Heterogeneous Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronizing the time of day (TOD) in terminals within a network are inefficient, leading to increased processor throughput and complexity, along with higher costs due to the need for extensive data processing and conversion by the terminal itself.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a TOD synchronization adjusting and storage unit, such as a gateway or host PC, to register and store terminal identification and TOD information, calculate and apply path delay times to compensate for transmission delays, and transmit delay-compensated TOD information to terminals in a lower OSI layer model, reducing the terminal's processing load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal processes TOD information using application software, then TOD synchronization is achieved, but processor throughput increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway as an intermediary device between the time server and the terminal. The gateway performs TOD information processing functions that would otherwise require complex application software in the terminal. This mediator handles the conversion and processing of TOD data, simplifying the terminal's structure while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex TOD processing functions from the terminal and relocates them to the gateway. By separating the processing responsibilities, the terminal no longer needs sophisticated application software, thereby reducing its device complexity while the gateway assumes the processing burden.
2Reliability
If the terminal processes TOD information using application software, then TOD synchronization is achieved, but processing delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as a dedicated intermediary for TOD processing, handling conversions and calculations in real-time. This eliminates the need for the terminal to execute complex application software, thereby reducing processing delay while maintaining synchronization accuracy through the gateway's efficient processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway performs TOD information processing in advance before transmitting the processed data to the terminal. By pre-processing the TOD information and converting it to the appropriate format, the terminal receives ready-to-use data, eliminating the need for additional processing time at the terminal side.
3Reliability
If the terminal performs TOD information processing, then synchronization is achieved, but terminal cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as a centralized processing unit that handles all complex TOD operations. Terminals can be manufactured with simpler, less expensive hardware and software since they only need to receive and display pre-processed TOD information from the gateway, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining synchronization functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts expensive processing capabilities from the terminal design and consolidates them in the gateway. This allows terminals to be produced with simpler components, reducing manufacturing costs, while the gateway handles the sophisticated processing requirements for accurate TOD synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method and apparatus for synchronizing a time of day (TOD) in a convergent network, wherein the TOD is received from a time server connected in the convergent network and is provided to a terminal connected in a wired or wireless network, specifically a terminal connected in a heterogeneous network, that requires TOD information. The apparatus includes a time server that provides standard TOD information, a gateway or a host personal computer (PC) that provides the standard TOD information of the time server to the terminal in a 3rd layer or lower instead of an upper layer of the open system interconnection (OSI) 7 layer model, and the terminal that adjusts a local clock according to the provided standard TOD information. According to the method and apparatus, the terminal not only maintains a very precise TOD by obtaining TOD information of the time server periodically or when required, but also obtains the TOD information without using application software for processing the TOD information. Accordingly, power consumption of the terminal is decreased.