Wireless Node Command Synchronization via Controlled Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless nodal networks, particularly in large installations like big-box stores, the simultaneous execution of commands across multiple nodes, such as turning lights on or off, is often asynchronous, leading to undesirable visual effects like the 'popcorn effect', which is unacceptable in applications like stage or TV lighting. Existing wireless networking methods fail to ensure that command execution appears simultaneous to observers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a controlled delay technique by propagating a message with a timestamp or countdown delay through a nodal network, synchronizing software clocks across nodes to ensure that all nodes execute a command within a timing error tolerance, thereby achieving substantially simultaneous execution of commands, such as controlling light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If commands are propagated node-to-node through a wireless nodal network using normal network procedures, then the system maintains wireless communication flexibility and ease of operation, but command execution becomes asynchronous across nodes causing the popcorn effect
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and embedding delay values or timestamps in command messages before propagation. Each node calculates its expected reception time and sets an execution time that compensates for propagation delays, ensuring all nodes execute commands simultaneously despite asynchronous message arrival.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (gateway or controller) that coordinates command distribution. The intermediary calculates propagation delays to various nodes and inserts appropriate delay instructions, acting as a mediator that transforms asynchronous wireless propagation into synchronous execution across distributed nodes.
2Productivity
If commands are executed immediately upon receipt at each node, then the system responds quickly and maintains high productivity, but the execution appears non-synchronous creating unwanted visual effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of propagation delays and embeds delay compensation values in commands. Nodes execute commands at pre-calculated times rather than immediately, eliminating the popcorn effect while maintaining overall system responsiveness through efficient delay computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic synchronization mechanisms where nodes adjust their execution timing based on synchronized timestamps or delay values. This periodic timing adjustment ensures that despite varying propagation paths, all nodes execute commands in a coordinated manner that eliminates visual distortion.
3Manufacturing precision
If hard-wiring all luminaires to a power source is used, then simultaneous command execution is achieved, but the system loses wireless communication capability and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system that achieves equivalent synchronization results. By using calculated delay compensation in wireless messages, the system substitutes physical hard-wiring with intelligent software-based timing control, maintaining simultaneous execution without complex wiring infrastructure.
4Manufacturing precision
If delay values are calculated and embedded in command messages, then simultaneous execution is achieved, but the message propagation time and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs delay calculations in advance during system initialization or command preparation, embedding pre-computed delay values in messages. This preliminary action avoids real-time calculation overhead during command execution, minimizing processing time while maintaining precise timing accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides an example of a system and a method for command execution synchronization in a nodal network. In one example, the method includes starting at a first time, propagating a message including an instruction and timestamp, in a nodal network including a plurality of wireless communication nodes (nodes). The timestamp identifies a second time later than the first time by an amount of time equal to or greater than a period of delay expected for propagation of the message through the nodal network to all of the nodes. The method also includes running a software (soft) clock in each of the nodes, the soft clocks being synchronized to within a timing error tolerance value of the soft clocks in other of the nodes and executing, by each respective one of the nodes, the instruction when the soft clock of the respective nodes reaches the second time identified by the timestamp.