Wireless Clock Synchronization via Gong Signals and Skew Learning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless magnetic navigation systems face synchronization issues due to the potential loss of clock signals, leading to desynchronization among clocks in the system.
Innovation Solution
A method employing a 'flywheel mechanism' that calculates and adjusts clock times using gong signals, even when signals are missed, by learning the skew through statistical analysis and Gaussian distribution fitting to maintain synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gong signals are sent at fixed intervals to synchronize clocks, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to signal loss causing desynchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by sending multiple gong signals at fixed intervals before complete desynchronization occurs. Each received gong signal allows the receiving device to recalculate and update the skew value, preparing the system for potential future signal losses by continuously maintaining the most accurate skew measurement available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the arrival times of gong signals and recalculating the skew value each time a signal is received. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain synchronization accuracy despite intermittent signal loss, as the skew is continuously updated based on the latest received signals.
2Measurement precision
If the system waits for gong signals to arrive before adjusting clock time, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but time is lost when signals are missed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously calculating and updating the skew value whenever a gong signal is received, rather than waiting for missed signals to be detected. This ensures the skew value is always current based on the latest received signal, allowing the system to quickly compensate when signals are lost without significant time penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamic adjustment by continuously updating the skew value based on the latest gong signal received, rather than using a fixed or periodically updated skew. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing transmission conditions and minimize time loss by always using the most current skew measurement for clock time adjustments.
3Reliability
If multiple gong signals are sent to ensure reception, then reliability of synchronization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically calculating the skew value and adjusting clock times without requiring complex external intervention or manual configuration. Each receiving device independently processes the gong signals it receives, calculates its own skew, and performs self-correction, simplifying the overall system architecture despite sending multiple signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes by varying the timing intervals between multiple gong signals to optimize reception reliability. By sending signals at different fixed intervals and continuously monitoring which signals are received, the system can adaptively determine the optimal skew value without requiring overly complex signal processing or additional hardware components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures continuous synchronization of clocks within the wireless system, even when gong signals are not received, by estimating and adjusting clock times based on learned skews, thereby preventing loss of synchronization.
Implementation Method 1
the receiver part comprising a magnetic field sensor within the distal end of a tool to be navigated, the sensor generating electrical signals in response to the magnetic fields
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for synchronization among clocks within a wireless system is presented. The method can comprise sending a gong signal comprising a gong signal time to the clocks when a fixed amount of time elapses; at each clock, when the gong signal is received and when the gong signal time is not equal to the clock time, setting the clock time to the gong signal time; and at each clock, when the gong signal is not received, setting the clock time to an estimated time; and learning a skew. In one aspect, a Gaussian distribution fitting technique is used for learning and for calculating the estimated time.