Tone Signal Time Synchronization for Wireless Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current time synchronization methods in communication networks are energy inefficient due to the use of long packets that include headers and multiple bytes of time information, which can lead to increased energy consumption and delayed synchronization, especially in power-constrained wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting a short tone signal that ends at a predefined time, allowing receivers to set their local time based on the occurrence of a predefined aspect of the signal, such as the start or end of the tone, eliminating the need for additional time information headers and reducing transmission time and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If long packets with headers and time information are used for synchronization, then time information can be accurately conveyed, but energy consumption increases and synchronization delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential time synchronization information from the conventional long packet format, using a simplified tone signal that conveys time data without requiring extensive headers and metadata. This extraction principle reduces the message length from multiple bytes to a compact tone representation, directly lowering energy consumption while preserving the core time synchronization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the time information concept by representing time data as a tone signal with specific characteristics (frequency, duration, position) rather than transmitting the actual time values as data bytes. This copying approach maintains the essential time synchronization information while using a more efficient physical representation that consumes less energy.
2Measurement precision
If long packets with headers and time information are used for synchronization, then time information can be accurately conveyed, but synchronization delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential time synchronization information from the conventional long packet format, using a simplified tone signal that conveys time data without requiring extensive headers and metadata. This extraction principle reduces the message length from multiple bytes to a compact tone representation, directly lowering energy consumption while preserving the core time synchronization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the conventional packet processing steps (header parsing, data validation, extraction) by using a tone signal that can be directly measured and timed. The receiver can determine time information by measuring the tone's arrival time and characteristics, bypassing the need to wait for and process long data packets, thus reducing synchronization delay.
3Use of energy by moving object
If short tone signals are used for synchronization, then energy consumption and transmission time are reduced, but the ability to convey detailed time information may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used to encode time information from data bytes to physical tone characteristics. By varying the tone's frequency, duration, amplitude, or temporal position, the system can convey multiple time-related parameters (such as absolute time, relative time offsets, or synchronization status) using a short signal, thereby preventing information loss while maintaining energy efficiency.
4Loss of information
If conventional packet-based synchronization is used, then comprehensive time information can be transmitted, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential time synchronization information from the conventional long packet format, using a simplified tone signal that conveys time data without requiring extensive headers and metadata. This extraction principle reduces the message length from multiple bytes to a compact tone representation, directly lowering energy consumption while preserving the core time synchronization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the time information concept by representing time data as a tone signal with specific characteristics (frequency, duration, position) rather than transmitting the actual time values as data bytes. This copying approach maintains the essential time synchronization information while using a more efficient physical representation that consumes less energy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of synchronizing a network includes transmitting a tone signal to convey time information and setting a local time according to the conveyed time information. The method may also include detecting an occurrence of a predefined aspect of the tone signal, and setting a local time based on the occurrence of the predefined aspect of the signal.