Wireless Clock Synchronization Accuracy and Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock synchronization methods in wireless networks, particularly in wearable devices, often fail to achieve the required accuracy for applications that demand precise timing, such as physiological measurements, due to variable system configurations and device components affecting synchronization precision.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a process that evaluates and synchronizes clock accuracy between devices using protocols like Bluetooth, where devices exchange clock information during service discovery, and switch roles if necessary to ensure synchronization meets application requirements, thereby maintaining accurate clock synchronization throughout services and reducing power consumption by switching synchronization on and off as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If clock synchronization is continuously performed to maintain high accuracy, then synchronization precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic clock synchronization by evaluating synchronization accuracy at specific intervals (e.g., when services are initiated) rather than continuously. The system determines whether synchronization is needed based on periodic assessments of clock drift and service requirements, thereby maintaining accuracy when needed while reducing power consumption during idle periods.
2Measurement precision
If clock synchronization is performed with high accuracy requirements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables devices to autonomously evaluate their own clock synchronization accuracy by comparing local clock values with received timing information from other devices. Each device independently determines whether synchronization meets required accuracy thresholds and initiates synchronization actions only when necessary, eliminating the need for complex centralized control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If clock synchronization is maintained for all services, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts clock synchronization based on service requirements and current synchronization status. The system evaluates whether synchronization is needed for each service initiation and modifies synchronization behavior accordingly, maintaining reliability for time-sensitive services while avoiding unnecessary synchronization for services with relaxed timing requirements, thereby optimizing power consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
This document discloses a solution for performing clock synchronization between two apparatuses. According to an aspect, a method comprises: storing, in a first apparatus, information representing synchronization accuracy required by at least one function of the apparatus; carrying out, by the first apparatus, a service discovery procedure with a second apparatus, and receiving clock information from the second apparatus during the service discovery procedure; determining, by the first apparatus on the basis of the received clock information and said stored information, whether or not synchronization accuracy is sufficient for the at least one function; and upon determining that the synchronization accuracy is sufficient for the at least one function, synchronizing a clock of the first apparatus with a clock of the second apparatus.