Wireless Clock Synchronization Using Server-Based Timestamp Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock synchronization methods for electronic devices are complex, costly, and lack scalability and robustness, particularly in wireless communication environments, with prior art being prone to device failures and delays.
Innovation Solution
A method for clock synchronization that utilizes wireless communication among multiple devices, transmitting and receiving measurement packets with local timestamps, and calculating clock rates and offsets centrally by a server, without requiring device calibration or pair-wise synchronization, allowing for parallel synchronization and reduced device complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wired distribution of master clock signal is used, then clock synchronization precision is improved, but installation cost and physical configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired distribution system with a wireless communication system. Devices exchange measurement packets containing timestamps over wireless channels, eliminating the need for physical cable connections while achieving clock synchronization. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining synchronization capability without the installation complexity of wired systems.
2Measurement precision
If pair-wise synchronization methods are used, then clock synchronization is achieved, but system complexity and synchronization time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pair-wise synchronization operations into a single centralized synchronization process. A central device collects measurement packets from all devices and performs unified clock rate and offset calculations, combining what would otherwise be numerous separate synchronization tasks into one coordinated operation. This reduces system complexity and synchronization time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central device as an intermediary that coordinates synchronization across all devices. This mediator collects timestamps, performs calculations, and distributes synchronization parameters, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to direct peer-to-peer pair-wise synchronization between all device combinations.
3Reliability
If multiple measurement packets are transmitted, then robustness against packet loss is improved, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transmits multiple measurement packets (excessive action) to ensure that enough valid packets are received despite potential packet loss in wireless channels. By sending more packets than the minimum single packet, the system guarantees sufficient data for accurate clock synchronization while accepting the trade-off of increased communication volume to achieve reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for clock synchronization of a plurality of electronic devices, wherein each of the devices comprises a respective local clock having a respective clock rate and a respective clock offset; wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving packets to and from the other devices; second communication means for connecting to a server; said method comprising the steps of: for each respective of the devices, controlling the device to transmit at least two respective measurement packets via said wireless connection means and generate respective local transmission timestamps based on the respective local clock of the device; for each respective of said transmitted measurement packets, controlling at least one device different from the transmitting device to, upon receipt of the transmitted measurement packet via said wireless connection means, generate a respective local reception timestamp based on the respective local clock of the respective device; and further steps relating to transmitting of the local transmission and reception timestamps to the server, and to calculating, by the server, the clock rates and the clock offsets.