Wireless Network Clock Synchronization via Centralized Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless network systems lack effective synchronization mechanisms between multiple networks, which can lead to inefficiencies in power management and clock synchronization, particularly in indoor location tracking systems where seamless transitions between networks are required.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a centralized synchronization control apparatus that uses measurement reports to adjust the clocks of nodes across different wireless networks, ensuring synchronization accuracy within milliseconds by exchanging control messages and estimating propagation and processing delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices switch between different wireless networks, then network flexibility and coverage are improved, but clock synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to lack of synchronization mechanisms between networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork switching capabilityVSAvoidclock synchronization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a synchronization master device as an intermediary between different wireless networks. This master device collects timing information from multiple networks, processes it centrally, and distributes synchronized timing data to slave devices. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by providing a central coordination point that enables accurate synchronization across network boundaries without restricting device mobility or network switching capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where slave devices report their timing measurements and offset information back to the synchronization master device. The master device uses this feedback to calculate and adjust timing corrections, which are then communicated back to slave devices. This closed-loop feedback system maintains synchronization accuracy even as devices switch between networks, resolving the contradiction between network flexibility and synchronization precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If centralized synchronization control is implemented across multiple wireless networks, then clock synchronization accuracy is improved, but system complexity and computational overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclock synchronization accuracyVSAvoidsynchronization control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the synchronization system into distinct functional roles: synchronization master devices that perform centralized coordination and slave devices that execute timing adjustments. This segmentation concentrates the computational complexity in the master device while keeping slave devices simple. The system is further segmented into hierarchical levels where master devices coordinate between networks and slave devices operate within their local contexts, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high synchronization accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If devices synchronize to a new network upon switching, then network adaptability is improved, but power consumption increases due to frequent synchronization operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork transition capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption during network switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the synchronization master device provide advance notification to slave devices about upcoming network changes or timing adjustments. Slave devices can prepare for synchronization in advance, entering low-power states during stable periods and activating only when timing updates are announced. This preliminary coordination reduces the frequency and intensity of full synchronization operations, lowering power consumption while maintaining network adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic synchronization actions instead of continuous or event-driven synchronization at every network switch. The master device establishes periodic timing update intervals, and slave devices synchronize at these predetermined intervals rather than continuously monitoring and synchronizing upon every network transition. This periodic approach significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining adequate synchronization accuracy for mobile devices switching between networks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS9730173B2Synchronization between devices of same or different wireless network

Publication Date: 2017.08.08 9SOLUTIONS

AI summary

This document discloses a solution for synchronizing two apparatuses of the same or different wireless network. A synchronization control apparatus may receive measurement reports from a first apparatus and a second apparatus, wherein at least one of the measurement reports comprises at least one information element indicating an offset between clocks of the first apparatus and the second apparatus. The synchronization control apparatus may synchronize the first apparatus and the second apparatus with each other on the basis of the measurement reports.