Wireless Time Synchronization via Separated Timing and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in achieving high accuracy time synchronization between devices due to unique hardware configurations, high costs, and uncertainties in communication timing, particularly in wireless standards like wireless LAN, where autonomous waiting and automatic retransmission control cause deviations in clock synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system that separates timing information from time information, allowing for accurate clock synchronization by transmitting timing information and time information separately, with a correction unit that adjusts the clock based on reference times and transmission times, and records history information to correct deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a built-in module based on real-time OS is used for time synchronization, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but device cost increases and versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses software-based time synchronization that copies the functionality of expensive real-time OS modules through standard network protocols and processing, eliminating the need for specialized hardware while achieving comparable synchronization accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/hardware-based real-time OS module with a software-based solution using standard network protocols and general-purpose processors, substituting physical specialized components with virtual software mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If NTP is used for time synchronization, then device versatility is improved, but time synchronization accuracy deteriorates to merely tens of milliseconds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time synchronization process into distinct phases: beacon signal reception for timing reference, separate time information transmission, and dedicated correction processing, allowing each segment to be optimized for accuracy while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the terminal calculates time differences between received timing information and local clock, then applies corrections based on this feedback to achieve microsecond-level accuracy while using versatile standard devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless LAN MAC layer protocols are used, then device versatility is improved, but time synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to autonomous waiting and retransmission control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the time synchronization function from the general-purpose MAC layer protocols, creating a dedicated timing mechanism using beacon signals that operates independently from autonomous waiting and retransmission control, thereby achieving high accuracy while maintaining protocol versatility
Data Source
AI summary
A time synchronization system includes a first wireless device and a second wireless device. A wireless unit of the first wireless device wirelessly transmits timing information and time information separately, the time information being acquired from a first clock and relating to a transmission time when the timing information was transmitted. A wireless unit of the second wireless device receives the wirelessly transmitted timing information and time information separately. A correction unit of the second wireless device corrects s a second clock on the basis of a reference time indicated by the second clock at a time when the wireless unit received the timing information, and a transmission time obtained from the time information.