Waveform Synchronization Using Sequence Numbers and Timestamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network transmission latencies cause waveform data from medical devices to become desynchronized, leading to reduced performance in analysis algorithms, as existing systems fail to achieve precise synchronization within milliseconds.
Innovation Solution
A waveform synchronization system that uses sequence numbers and timestamps to correct for time skews and clock inconsistencies, synchronizing data across devices by unwrapping sequence numbers and calculating adjusted timestamps, and applying these to achieve millisecond-level alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data is transmitted over the network from multiple sensors, then data collection capability is improved, but synchronization precision deteriorates due to network latencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by calculating the linear relationship between sequence numbers and timestamps in advance, before synchronization is needed. This pre-computed relationship model is then used to adjust timestamps and achieve synchronization, allowing the system to compensate for network latencies proactively rather than reactively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sequence numbers as an intermediary element that mediates between the transmitted data packets and the synchronization process. These sequence numbers serve as a reference that allows the receiving system to track and correct timestamp deviations caused by network latencies, enabling precise synchronization despite variable transmission delays
2Duration of action of stationary object
If sequence number bit width is increased, then sequence number period is extended, but data transmission efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the sequence number bit width parameter based on the specific application requirements and network conditions. By allowing this parameter to be configurable, the system can optimize between having a longer sequence number period (which requires more bits) and maintaining high data transmission efficiency (which requires smaller packet sizes), enabling flexible adaptation to different operational scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
A system that synchronizes waveforms received over a network from one or more devices, such as medical devices. Because of network delays or losses, waveforms can arrive at varying rates and times. Precise post-synchronization of the received data, to within a few milliseconds, is needed for accurate analysis. Applications include automatic classification of waveforms, such as detection of myocardial infraction from heart monitor waveforms. Synchronization uses sequence numbers assigned by each device, but must also account for sequence number wraparounds. Waveforms may also be synchronized across devices, by calculating the bias between within-device synchronized times and a common time source or common disturbance. Waveform data may also be stored data in a database or data warehouse; embodiments may index the data using a key with a date-time prefix and a hash code suffix, to support distributed indexing while reducing the chance of hash collisions to a very small probability.