• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    A continuous periodic synchronization signal (120) is received. At least two time-spaced signal values (301-303, 311-313) of the synchronization signal (120) are determined. A message is sent which is indicative of the at least two signal values (301-303, 311-313).
    公开号:AT15998U1
    申请号:TGM257/2016U
    申请日:2016-10-21
    公开日:2018-10-15
    发明作者:
    申请人:Tridonic Gmbh & Co Kg；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    SUMMARY Therefore, there is a need for improved techniques for synchronizing various transmission nodes that communicate over a transmission medium. In particular, there is a need for techniques that overcome at least some of the above limitations / 25
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    Fix or alleviate patent office and disadvantages.
    This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. The features of the dependent claims define embodiments.
    [0009] In one example, a transmission node includes an interface. The interface is set up to communicate via a transmission medium. The transmission node also includes at least one logic circuit. The at least one logic circuit is set up to receive a continuous periodic synchronization signal via the interface and to determine at least two time-spaced signal values of the synchronization signal. The at least one logic circuit is also set up to send a message via the interface. The message is indicative of the at least two signal values of the synchronization signal.
    [0010] In another example, a method includes receiving a continuous periodic synchronization signal over a transmission medium. The method also includes determining at least two time-spaced signal values of the synchronization signal. The method also includes sending a message over the transmission medium. The message is indicative of the at least two signal values of the synchronization signal.
    [0011] In a further example, a computer program comprises program code that can be executed by at least one logic circuit. Execution of the program code causes the at least one logic circuit to execute a method. The method includes receiving a continuous periodic synchronization signal over a transmission medium. The method also includes determining at least two time-spaced signal values of the synchronization signal. The method also includes sending a message over the transmission medium. The message is indicative of the at least two signal values of the synchronization signal.
    In another example, a computer program product includes program code that can be executed by at least one logic circuit. Execution of the program code causes the at least one logic circuit to execute a method. The method includes receiving a continuous periodic synchronization signal over a transmission medium. The method also includes determining at least two time-spaced signal values of the synchronization signal. The method also includes sending a message over the transmission medium. The message is indicative of the at least two signal values of the synchronization signal.
    [0013] In a further example, a transmission node comprises an interface. The interface is set up to communicate via a transmission medium. The transmission node also includes at least one logic circuit. The at least one logic circuit is set up to receive a message via the interface. The message is indicative of at least two time-spaced signal values of a continuous periodic synchronization signal. The synchronization signal is communicated via the transmission medium.
    In a further example, a method comprises receiving a message over a transmission medium. The message is indicative of at least two time-spaced signal values of a continuous periodic synchronization signal, which is communicated via the transmission medium.
    In a further example, a computer program comprises program code that can be executed by at least one logic circuit. Execution of the program code causes the at least one logic circuit to execute a method. The method includes receiving a message over a transmission medium. The message is indicative of at least two time-spaced signal values of a continuous periodic synchronization signal, which is communicated via the transmission medium.
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    Patent Office In a further example, a computer program product comprises program code that can be executed by at least one logic circuit. Execution of the program code causes the at least one logic circuit to execute a method. The method includes receiving a message over a transmission medium. The message is indicative of at least two time-spaced signal values of a continuous periodic synchronization signal, which is communicated via the transmission medium.
    In another example, a timer node includes an interface. The interface is set up to communicate via a transmission medium. The timer node also includes at least one logic circuit. The at least one logic circuit is set up to send a continuous periodic synchronization signal via the interface.
    [0018] In another example, a method includes sending a continuous periodic synchronization signal over a transmission medium.
    In a further example, a computer program comprises program code that can be executed by at least one logic circuit. Execution of the program code causes the at least one logic circuit to execute a method. The method includes sending a continuous periodic synchronization signal over a transmission medium.
    In another example, a computer program product includes program code that can be executed by at least one logic circuit. Execution of the program code causes the at least one logic circuit to execute a method. The method includes sending a continuous periodic synchronization signal over a transmission medium.
    The features and features set out above, which are described below, can be used not only in the corresponding explicitly stated combinations, but also in further combinations or in isolation, without leaving the scope of protection of the present invention.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 FIG. 2 FIG. 3 FIG. 4 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a system in accordance with various embodiments with a timer node and a plurality of transmission nodes that communicate over a transmission medium.
    10 is a signal flow diagram and schematically illustrates transit times of signals on the transmission medium according to various embodiments.
    schematically illustrates a synchronization signal and the determination of a plurality of signal values of the synchronization signal according to various embodiments.
    schematically illustrates a lookup table for determining a time stamp based on the signal values of the synchronization signal according to various embodiments.
    schematically illustrates a message according to various embodiments that can be communicated via the transmission medium and that can be indicative of the multiple signal values of the synchronization signal.
    schematically illustrates a transmission protocol stack for communicating the message in accordance with various embodiments.
    10 is a signal flow diagram and illustrates communicating the message in accordance with various embodiments.
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    [0029] FIG. 8th 10 is a signal flow diagram and illustrates communicating the message in accordance with various embodiments. [0030] FIG. 9 10 is a signal flow diagram and schematically illustrates configuring a common time reference according to various embodiments. [0031] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the timer node according to various embodiments. [0032] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a transmission node according to various embodiments. [0033] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a transmission node according to various embodiments. [0034] FIG. 13 10 is a flow diagram of a method according to various embodiments. [0035] FIG. 14 10 is a flow diagram of a method according to various embodiments. [0036] FIG. 15 10 is a flow diagram of a method according to various embodiments.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS The features, features and advantages of this invention described above, and the manner in which they are achieved, will be more clearly understood in connection with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in connection with the drawings become.
    In the following, the present invention is explained in more detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the figures, the same reference symbols designate the same or similar elements. The figures are schematic representations of various embodiments of the invention. Elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the various elements shown in the figures are reproduced in such a way that their function and general purpose can be understood by the person skilled in the art. Connections and couplings between functional units and elements shown in the figures can also be implemented as an indirect connection or coupling. A connection or coupling can be implemented wired or wireless. Functional units can be implemented as hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.
    Techniques relating to the synchronization of transmission nodes that communicate via a transmission medium are described below. In other words, techniques are described below which make it possible to provide the transmission nodes with a common time reference.
    In various examples, it would be possible to determine time stamps that are associated, for example, with communicated user data. For example, it would be possible for the time stamp to be indicative of a time of sending a message containing the useful data. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be possible for the time stamp to be indicative of a point in time associated with the information content of the useful data: for example, the useful data could contain sensor measurements and the time stamp could be indicative of a point in time of the measurement. The time stamp could be generated in different time reference systems. For example, the time stamp could be generated in a global time reference system such as coordinated universal time (UTC). The time stamp could also be generated in a local time reference system that is specific to the transmission medium.
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    Patent Office In some examples, a system comprising multiple transmission nodes and the transmission medium is described. For example, such a system could form a communication network. Examples of communication networks include wireless networks, wired networks, cellular network networks, powerline communication networks (PLC), etc. In some examples, it would be possible to implement a hierarchy between the various transmission nodes. For example, the communication network could have a control device which communicates with a plurality of end devices. For example, the control device could send control commands as user data to the end devices. For example, the terminals could send status information to the control unit as user data. The status information could, for example, indicate sensor measurements or an operating state of the terminal.
    In principle, the techniques described here can be used in a wide variety of fields of application. Examples include communication between lamps and a light controller. Further examples include the communication between a control device for intelligent living (English, smart home or connected home) and corresponding actuators and / or sensors, such as light sensors, smoke sensors, motion sensors, temperature sensors, etc. For reasons of Simplicity is referred to in the following in particular to exemplary implementations in which the communication between lamps and a light control unit takes place. However, the techniques described in connection with such exemplary implementations are not limited to communication between lamps and the light controller.
    Appropriate techniques can also be used in other areas of application.
    [0044] In various examples, a synchronization signal is communicated via the transmission medium. For example, a timer node can be set up to send the synchronization signal. The synchronization signal can be periodic. For example, the synchronization signal could be described by a sine function or a cosine function. In some examples, the synchronization signal is sent continuously. This can mean that the synchronization signal is transmitted continuously over many periods of the synchronization signal. In particular, this can mean that the synchronization signal is transmitted continuously during the intended operation of a corresponding communication network.
    In various examples, communicating a message over the transmission medium may be associated with a phase relationship with respect to the synchronization signal. The phase position can then be indicative of the time at which the message was sent. In some examples it would be possible for the phase position to be determined based on at least two time-spaced signal values of the synchronization signal.
    [0046] In some examples, access to the transmission medium could be regulated based on a time reference derived from the synchronization signal.
    [0047] In some examples, it would optionally also be possible for transit times of signals via the transmission medium to be taken into account in the synchronization. In this context it would be possible, for example, that the runtime of the synchronization signal from the timer to the transmission node sending the message is taken into account. For example, the transit time of the signals could be determined in a reference measurement. For example, the reference measurement could include determining a round trip time (RTT) of signals between a timer node and the respective transmission node.
    [0048] FIG. 1 illustrates aspects related to a system 100 that includes a timer node 101 and transmission nodes 102, 103. The timer node 101 and the transmission nodes 102, 103 can communicate with one another via a transmission medium 110. To this extent, the system 100 implements a communication network.
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    Patent Office In the various examples described herein, it is possible for the transmission medium 110 to be implemented wired or wireless. For example, transmission medium 110 could use a copper cable. Communication via the transmission medium 110 can take place via a data channel implemented on the transmission medium 110. Examples of data channels include OFDM-based data channels; Packet data oriented data channels; Data channels with transmission frames; TDM-based data channels, etc.
    In the example of FIG. 1, the transmission node 102 implements a control unit. The control unit 102 can send control commands to the transmission node 103, which is implemented by a lamp. Examples of control commands include: ON / OFF signal; Setting the dimmer level; Emergency power operation, etc. For example, it would be possible for the luminaire 103 to comprise a light source such as a light-emitting diode, a halogen lamp, a gas discharge lamp, etc. The luminaire 103 can in turn send status information to the control unit 102. The status information could e.g. indicate an operating state of the lamp 103, etc.
    In the example of FIG. 1, the communication network 100 only includes the two transmission nodes 102, 103. In other examples, it would be possible for the communication network 100 to comprise more than two transmission nodes.
    In the example of FIG. 1, the timer node 101 sends a continuous and periodic synchronization signal 120. The synchronization signal 120 is distributed over the transmission medium 110. The synchronization signal 120 can be received by the transmission nodes 102, 103. The synchronization signal 120 serves to provide a common time reference for the transmission nodes 102, 103 and generally for all transmission nodes 102, 103 connected to the communication network 100.
    [0053] FIG. 2 illustrates aspects related to communication network 100. In particular, FIG. 2 aspects relating to a runtime 202, 203 of signals via the transmission medium 110. FIG. 2 is a signal flow diagram.
    In FIG. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the timing node 101 sends a signal 280 to the control unit 102. For example, signal 280 could be a reference signal (pilot signal) with a known signal form. The communication of the signal 280 requires a certain runtime 202. The runtime 202 corresponds to the time period between sending and receiving the signal 280.
    To determine the runtime 202, the roundtrip time between the timer node 101 and the control unit 102 is determined. For this purpose, the control unit 102 sends a further signal 281 to the timer node 101 in response to the reception of the signal 280. In the example of FIG. 2 also the runtime 202 (reciprocal transmission medium 110). The timer node 101 may then use the time period between sending the signal 280 and receiving the signal 281 (round trip time) to determine the signal run time 202. This corresponds to a reference measurement.
    In FIG. FIG. 2 also shows how the signal delay 203 between the timer node 101 and the luminaire 103 can be determined. The determination of the signal delay 203 can be carried out based on the signals 282, 283 in accordance with the determination of the signal delay 202.
    Based on the signal propagation times 202, 203 in each case between the timer node 101 and the control unit 102 or the lamp 103, the signal propagation time between the control unit 102 and the lamp 103 can be deduced, for example, by forming a difference.
    In one example, it would be possible for the timer node 101 to be set up to determine the transit times 202, 203 and, for example, to subsequently save them. It would be
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    Patent office also possible that the timer node 101 is set up to inform the transmission nodes 102, 103 of the determined transit times 202, 203 by sending a corresponding configuration message (not shown in FIG. 2).
    [0059] For example, a reference measurement of the signal propagation times 202, 203 could be carried out repeatedly at a specific repetition rate. The reference measurement could e.g. take into account a position of the transmission nodes 102, 103 which varies as a function of time.
    [0060] FIG. 2 further illustrates aspects relating to the synchronization signal 120. From the example of FIG. 2 shows that the signal propagation times 202, 203 are shorter than the period durations 121 of the synchronization signal 120. For example, this can be achieved by appropriately dimensioning the frequency of the synchronization signal 120. In some examples, the synchronization signal 120 has a frequency that is not greater than 1 MHz, optionally not greater than 500 kHz, further optionally not greater than 1 kHz. For example, the timer node 101 could be set up to determine the frequency of the synchronization signal 120 based on the signal propagation times 202, 203. In general, the frequency of the synchronization signal 120 could be dimensioned such that the transit times 202, 23 are not longer than three times the period 121 of the synchronization signal 120, optionally not longer than the period 121, and optionally not longer than half the period 121 Corresponding dimensioning of the frequency or period 121 of the synchronization signal 120, so that the signal propagation times 202, 203 are shorter than the period 121 of the synchronization signal 120, can be achieved that ambiguities can be avoided when determining the common time reference. In particular, it can be avoided that, due to long signal propagation times 202, 203, it can no longer be assigned in which period of the synchronization signal 120 a specific message was sent.
    [0061] FIG. 3 illustrates aspects relating to the determination of time-spaced signal values 301-303, 311-313 of the synchronization signal 120. In FIG. 3 shows the waveform of the synchronization signal 120 as a function of time.
    From FIG. 3 it can be seen that the synchronization signal 120 is periodic and is communicated continuously - that is to say for many periods 121 over the transmission medium 110.
    In the example of FIG. 3, the synchronization signal 120 is implemented in a sine shape; however, other functional forms would also be conceivable.
    [0064] In various examples, the transmission nodes 102, 103 are set up to derive a common time reference from the synchronization signal 120. For this purpose, the transmission nodes 102, 103 can each determine signal values 301-303, 311-313 of the synchronization signal 120 at a specific time 371.372. Time stamps can then be derived from the signal values 301-303, 311-313, which identify the specific point in time 371, 372 in the common time reference.
    By using a plurality of signal values 301-302, 311-313, the current phase of the synchronization signal 120 can be inferred without ambiguity. In this context, for example, a change in the various signal values could be taken into account in particular.
    In the example of FIG. 3, three signal values 301 303, 311-313 are used for each time 371, 372. In other examples, however, it would also be possible for a larger or smaller number of signal values 301-303, 311-313 to be used per point in time 371, 372.
    In FIG. 3 also shows a time period 350 over which the signal values 301 303 are distributed. This means that the time period 350 corresponds to the time period between the first signal value 301 and the last signal value 303. In some examples it can
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    Patent office may be that the shorter the time period is dimensioned, the greater the resolution of the common time reference.
    In the example of FIG. 3, the time period 350 is significantly shorter than the period times 121 of the synchronization signal 120. For example, it would be possible that the time period 350 is not longer than 30% of the period times 121, optionally not longer than 10%, further optionally not longer than 4%. Such a technique can avoid ambiguities between successive periods of the synchronization signal 120. In particular, it is possible to index a large number of times 371, 372 per period of the synchronization signal 120 by suitable determination of the signal values 301-303, 311-313.
    For example, it would be possible for the transmission nodes 102, 103 to sample the synchronization signal 120 to determine the signal values 301-303, 311-313 with a predetermined sampling frequency. In other words, this can mean that the time intervals between adjacent signal values 301-303, 311-313 are fixed and known. In such an example, it may be possible to determine a corresponding time stamp in a particularly simple manner, for example on the basis of a predefined lookup table.
    For example, it would be possible for the transmission nodes 102, 103 to comprise a logic circuit which is set up to sample a coherent series 380 of signal values at the sampling frequency and then those signal values 301-303, 311-313 which are indicative of a particular one Events 371, 372 are to be selected from this series 380. In other words, it would be possible for the synchronization signal 120 to be continuously sampled. Such techniques make it possible to determine the signal values 301-303, 311-313 particularly quickly and promptly in relation to the corresponding times 371, 372.
    [0071] FIG. 4 illustrates aspects related to time stamp 400. In particular, FIG. 4 aspects relating to the determination of the time stamp 400 based on the signal values 301-303, 311-313.
    In FIG. 4, the signal values 301-303, 311-313 assigned to three different time stamps 400 (designated by A, B and C in FIG. 4) are shown in tabular form. In particular, the corresponding dependency between the time stamp 400 and the signal values 301-303, 311-313 could be represented by a corresponding look-up table 410. Lookup table 410 could e.g. be stored in a memory. The time stamp 410 could then be determined based on the lookup table 410. Then, by comparing the measured signal values 301-303, 311-313 with the entries in the look-up table 410, the respective time stamp 400 could be determined particularly efficiently and with little computation or quickly.
    Lookup table 410 may e.g. be constructed based on the following equation:
    Δ0 = 2π x f x At, where At is the resolution of the common time reference and f is the frequency of the synchronization signal 120. Typically, the more entries the lookup table 410 has, the greater the resolution of the time reference.
    From FIG. 4 that the sampling frequency of the signal values 301-303, 311-313 has a fixed value x. It is therefore particularly easy to use the lookup table 410: the lookup table 410 can then have entries corresponding to the sampling frequency.
    Instead of an implementation based on the lookup table 410, it would also be possible to determine the time stamp 400 mathematically. For this purpose, techniques of curve fitting could be used, whereby the functional form of the synchronization signal 120 can be predetermined. In such an example in particular, it would also be possible for the signal values 301-303, 311-313 not to be determined with a fixed sampling frequency
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    become.
    [0078] FIG. 5 illustrates aspects related to a message 501. For example, the message 501 could be communicated between the control unit 102 and the lamp 103 via the transmission medium 110, or vice versa.
    The message 501 comprises header data 511 and user data 512. The header data 511 can contain control information. The control information could e.g. include a length of the message, a sequence number of the message 501, a checksum of the message, origin and destination of the message, etc. For example, the header data 511 can be indicative of the signal values 301-303, 311-313 of the synchronization signal 120. In this way, a time 371, 372 can be indicated by the message 501, which in turn is associated with the user data 512. In one example, the signal values 301-303, 311-313 could be associated with a time 371, 372 that corresponds to the sending of the message 501. Such techniques can therefore be used to place the message 501 or the user data in relation to a common time reference.
    FIG. 6 illustrates aspects related to communicating message 501. In particular, FIG. 6 aspects related to a transmission protocol stack 601 that implements a data channel on the transmission medium 110. For example, the transmission protocol stack 601 could be defined in the OSI model, see FIG. ISO / IEC 7498-1 (1996-06-15).
    In the example of FIG. 6, the control unit 102 sends the message 501 and the lamp 103 receives the message 501. In the example of FIG. 6 implements both the control unit 102 and the luminaire 103 the transmission protocol stack 601. The message 501 in the control unit 102 first passes through the various layers 613-611 of the transmission protocol stack 601 and is then sent via the transmission medium 110. For example, layer 611 could be referred to as a physical layer.
    The data channel associated with transmission protocol stacks 601 uses transmission frames 660. For example, transmission frames 660 may include a number of time-frequency resources on transmission medium 110. The individual resources can e.g. Correspond to symbols and / or sub-carriers of an OFDM modulation scheme. For example, transmission frames 660 may have a well-defined length, i.e. Duration. The message 501 can be distributed to one or more transmission frames 660 by the various layers 611-613 (in the example of FIG. 6 those transmission frames 660 which contain the message 501 are shown hatched and filled). Such a process is sometimes referred to as segmentation or aggregation.
    [0083] For example, the data channel can use one or more carrier frequencies. In order to avoid interference between the synchronization signal 120 and the one or more carrier frequencies of the data channel, it would be possible for the frequency of the synchronization signal 120 to be arranged outside a bandwidth of the data channel. In particular, it would be different if the carrier frequency of the corresponding carrier signal or the carrier frequencies of the corresponding carrier signals of the data channel are different from the frequency of the synchronization signal. Such techniques can reduce interference between synchronization signal 120 and communicating on the data channel.
    In the example of FIG. 6, a point 650 of the transmission protocol stack 601 is marked in the control unit 102. If the processing of the message 501 takes place at the point 650, the signal values 301 303, 311-313 associated with the corresponding time 371, 372 can be determined. In this way it is possible that the message 501 is indicative of signal values 301-303, 311-313, which describe the time 371, 372 when the message 501 was sent. In the example of FIG. 6, point 650 is located comparatively deep in the transmission protocol stack 601 of the control unit. This means that there is a time lag between the
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    Editing message 501 at point 650 and finally sending message 501 at the bottom edge of bottom layer 611 is comparatively small. This means that the message 501 is particularly precisely indicative of signal values 301-303, 311-313, which describe the time 371, 372 when the message 501 was sent.
    In the example of FIG. 6, aspects relating to synchronization signal 120 are also shown. In particular, in the example of FIG. 6 shows the period 121 of the synchronization signal 120 significantly longer than the duration of a data frame 660. For example, in various implementations it would be possible for the duration of the data frames 660 to be no longer than 30% of the period 121, optionally not longer than 10%, further optionally not greater than 4%. By dimensioning the period duration 121 in this way, it is possible to avoid ambiguities with regard to the time 371, 372 indicated by the message 501 on the basis of the signal values 301-303, 311-313.
    FIG. 7 illustrates aspects related to communicating message 501. FIG. 7 is a signal flow diagram. FIG. 7 illustrates communication between the timing node 101 and the transmission nodes 102, 103.
    First, the timer node 101 sends the synchronization signal 120. The synchronization signal 120 is received in particular by the lamp 103. The synchronization signal 120 could be sent continuously.
    Based on the received synchronization signal 120, the light fixture in block 1001 determines a plurality of signal values 301-303, 311-313 of the synchronization signal 120. Then the light fixture 103 sends the message 501 to the control unit 102. The message 501 is indicative of that in block 1001 determined signal values 301-303, 311-313. For example, it would be possible for the signal values 301-303, 311-313 to be included in digital form in the header data 511 of the message 501.
    The control unit 102 then determines the time stamp 400, block 1002, based on the message 501. For this purpose, the control unit 102 could, for example, use the lookup table 410. The time stamp 400 can, for example, be indicative of the time at which the message 501 was sent. Alternatively or additionally, the time stamp 400 could be indicative of a point in time which is associated with the information content of the useful data 512 of the message 501.
    [0090] FIG. 8 illustrates aspects related to communicating message 501. FIG. 8 is a signal flow diagram. FIG. 8 illustrates the communication between the timing node 101 and the transmission nodes 102, 103.
    The example of FIG. 8 basically corresponds to the example of FIG. 7. However, in the example of FIG. 8 the logic relating to the determination of the time stamp 400 is not arranged in the control unit 102 but rather in the light 103. For this purpose the light 103 determines the time stamp 400, block based on the signal values 301-303, 311-313 determined in block 1011 1012. Message 501 is then sent to control unit 102, where message 501 may include time stamp 400 from block 1012. The message 501 is again indicative of the signal values determined in block 1011, because the time stamp 400 determined in block 1012 was derived from these signal values 301-303, 311-313.
    When determining the time stamp 400 (see FIGS. 7 and 8, blocks 1002, 1012), the signal propagation time 202, 203 of the synchronization signal 120 from the timer node 101, for example to the luminaire 103, could also be taken into account in the various examples described herein. In particular, the delay between the timer node 101 and the luminaire 103 can be compensated for in this way due to the signal propagation time of the synchronization signal 120.
    [0093] FIG. 9 illustrates aspects related to configuring the transmission nodes 102, 103 with respect to the common time reference. FIG. 9 is a signal flow diagram. FIG. 9 illustrates communication between the timing node 101 and the transmission node
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    102, 103.
    In the example of FIG. 9, the timer node 101 sends a configuration message 901 both to the control unit 102 and to the luminaire 103. The control message 901 is indicative of the transit times 202, 203 of signals, for example between the timer node 101 and the transmission nodes 102, 103. As a result, it can when determining the time stamp 400, it may be possible to compensate for a time offset due to the transmission of the synchronization signal 120 from the timer node 101 to the respective transmission node 102, 103. For example, the transmission nodes 102, 103 could be set up to store the transit times 202, 203 in a memory.
    [0095] The configuration message 901 could, for example, alternatively or additionally be indicative of the frequency of the synchronization signal 120. Communicating the frequency of the synchronization signal 120 can enable the frequency to be dimensioned dynamically by the timer node 101, for example as a function of the determined transit times 202, 203.
    FIG. 10 illustrates aspects related to timer node 101. Timer node 101 includes logic circuits 1011. For example, logic circuit 1011 could include analog components and / or digital components. For example, logic circuit 1011 could be implemented by a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a processor (CPU), etc. Logic circuit 1011 may be configured to implement various techniques related to providing a common time reference as described herein. For example, logic circuit 1011 could be configured to continuously transmit the periodic synchronization signal. The timer node 101 comprises an interface 1012 for communication via the transmission medium 110. The timer node 101 also comprises a memory 1013. For example, the memory 1013 could store control instructions that can be executed by the logic circuit 1011. For example, memory 1013 could store transit times 202, 203 of signals over transmission medium 110.
    FIG. 11 illustrates aspects related to the control unit 102. The control unit 102 includes a logic circuit 1021. For example, the logic circuit 1021 could include analog components and / or digital components. For example, logic circuit 1021 could be implemented by a microprocessor, an ASIC, a CPU, etc. Logic circuit 1021 may be configured to implement various techniques related to providing a common time reference as described herein. For example, logic circuit 1021 could be configured to receive synchronization signal 120. Logic circuit 1021 could be set up to determine signal values 301-303, 311-313 of synchronization signal 120. Logic circuit 1021 could be set up to determine a time stamp 400 based on signal values 301-303, 311-313. Logic circuit 1021 could be configured to send a message 501 indicative of signal values 301-303, 311-313. Control unit 102 includes an interface 1022 for communication via transmission medium 110. Control unit 102 also includes a memory 1023. For example, memory 1023 could store control instructions that can be executed by logic circuit 1021. For example, memory 1023 could store transit times 202, 203 of signals over transmission medium 110.
    FIG. 12 illustrates aspects related to luminaire 103. Luminaire 103 includes a logic circuit 1031. For example, logic circuit 1031 could include analog components and / or digital components. For example, logic circuit 1031 could be implemented by a microprocessor, an ASIC, a CPU, etc. Logic circuit 1031 may be configured to implement various techniques related to providing a common time reference as described herein. For example, logic circuit 1031 could be configured to receive synchronization signal 120. The logic circuit 1031 could be set up to signal values 301-303, 311-213 of the Syn11 / 25
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    Patent office to determine chronization signal 120. Logic circuit 1031 could be set up to determine a time stamp 400 based on signal values 301-303, 311-313. Logic circuit 1031 could be configured to send a message 501 indicative of signal values 301-303, 311-313. For communication via the transmission medium 110, the luminaire 103 comprises an interface 1032. In addition, the luminaire 103 comprises a memory 1033. For example, the memory 1033 could store control instructions that can be executed by the logic circuit 1031. For example, memory 1033 could store transit times 202, 203 of signals over the transmission medium.
    FIG. 13 illustrates a method according to various examples. FIG. 13 is a flowchart. For example, the method according to FIG. 13 are executed by the timer node 101.
    In block 5001, a continuous, periodic synchronization signal is sent over a transmission medium. For example, more than ten periods, optionally more than 100 periods, and optionally more than 1000 periods of the synchronization signal could be transmitted continuously or without interruption. The synchronization signal can have a frequency that is in the range of kilohertz or megahertz.
    [00101] FIG. 14 illustrates a method according to various examples. FIG. 14 is a flowchart. For example, the method according to FIG. 14 are executed by one of the transmission nodes 102, 103.
    [00102] In block 5011, a continuous, periodic synchronization signal is received over a transmission medium. For example, in block 5011, that in block 5001 of FIG. 13 sent synchronization signal can be received.
    In block 5012, at least two time-spaced signal values of the in block
    5011 received synchronization signal determined. For this purpose, it is possible for the received synchronization signal to be sampled by means of an analog-digital converter, for example with a fixed sampling frequency and / or continuously in a series. For example, the signal values can then be selected from a series of sampled signal values. The signal values can be indicative of a phase position of the synchronization signal and thus describe a specific point in time. Optionally, it would be possible to determine a time stamp based on the determined signal values.
    [00104] In block 5013, a message is sent. The message is sent over the same transmission medium on which the synchronization signal was also received in block 5011. The message can include header data and user data, for example. The message is indicative of the at least two signal values. In this way, the message indicates the point in time that corresponds to the corresponding phase position of the synchronization signal. For example, the message could explicitly index the signal values from block 5012 and include them in the header data, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the message could block the signal values
    Index 5012 implicitly and include, for example, a time stamp determined in the header data based on the signal values.
    [00105] FIG. 15 illustrates a method according to various examples. FIG. 15 is a flowchart. For example, the method according to FIG. 15 are carried out by one of the transmission nodes 102, 103.
    [00106] In block 5021, a message is received. The message is indicative of at least two time-spaced signal values of a continuous synchronization signal. For example, block 5021 could be the block 503 of FIG. 14 sent message can be received.
    [00107] Optionally, a time stamp could then be determined based on the signal values from block 5021.
    [00108] In summary, techniques have been described above by means of which a common time reference can be provided. A periodic synchronization signal 12/25
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    Patent office, for example, a sine or cosine - can be used as a common synchronization signal for all transmission nodes of a communication network in order to generate a common time reference. This periodic synchronization signal can be sent to all transmission nodes connected to the communication network via a transmission medium.
    A specific transmission node sends, for example, a message together with a specific number of signal values of the synchronization signal. The signal values can be sampled using an analog-digital converter, for example. Another transmission node sends another message together with a certain number of other signal values of the synchronization signal.
    [00110] In some examples, a lookup table can be used. A time stamp can then be derived from the signal values based on the look-up table. The signal values can be checked for agreement with a specific entry in the lookup table.
    For example, the information content, which is communicated by means of the various messages, can be arranged in ascending or descending order based on the time stamp or the common time reference determined in this way.
    A high resolution for the common time reference can be achieved using the techniques described herein. For example, a resolution in the range of 1 ns can be achieved if a frequency of the synchronization signal of 100 kHz is used and an accuracy for the signal values of 12 bits. Such accuracy can be achieved, for example, by suitable dimensioning of the analog-digital converter, which implements the sampling of the synchronization signal.
    [00113] Using the techniques described herein, a single timer can be used in the timer node. In particular, it is not necessary for the various transmission nodes to have their own timers. In this way, a drift between different timers can be avoided.
    [00114] In some examples, it is possible that the corresponding techniques are software implemented. In this way, the retrofitting of such techniques to provide a common time reference can be carried out comparatively easily.
    [00115] The techniques described herein are not limited to indoor applications. Especially in comparison to GPS-based techniques, an exact time reference can also be provided in indoor areas of application.
    [00116] For example, the invention can be used to locate individual transmission nodes. The position or spatial arrangement of the transmission nodes can be determined since the transit time between transmission nodes and the speed of the synchronization signal in the transmission medium are known or can be determined. In this way, for example in the event of an error such as a short circuit or failure, it can be determined which consumer, such as a sensor, control gear or lamp, the error has occurred by determining the location or spatial arrangement of the corresponding transmission node.
    Of course, the features of the previously described embodiments and aspects of the invention can be combined with one another. In particular, the features can be used not only in the combinations described, but also in other combinations or on their own without leaving the field of the invention.
    For example, different implementations other than a control unit and a lamp can be implemented in various implementations. For example, other waveforms can be used for the synchronization signal.
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    权利要求:
    Claims (10)
    [1]
    Expectations
    1. transmission node (102, 103) comprising:
    - an interface (1022, 1023) which is set up to communicate via a transmission medium (110), and
    - at least one logic circuit (1021, 1031), which is set up to receive a continuous periodic synchronization signal (120) via the interface (1022, 1023) and by at least two time-spaced signal values (301-303, 311-313) of the synchronization signal ( 120), wherein the at least one logic circuit (1021, 1031) is also set up to send a message (501) via the interface (1022, 1023), the message (501) being indicative of the at least two signal values (301- 303, 311-313) of the synchronization signal (120).
    [2]
    2. Transmission node (102, 103) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one logic circuit (1021, 1031) is set up to the at least two signal values (301-303, 311-313) by sampling the synchronization signal (120) with a predetermined sampling frequency to investigate.
    [3]
    3. Transmission node (102, 103) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one logic circuit (1021, 1031) is set up to a coherent series (380) of signal values (301-303, 311-313) of the synchronization signal (120) with the Sampling frequency and to determine the at least two signal values (301-303, 311-313) by selection from the series of signal values (301-303, 311313).
    [4]
    4. Transmission node (102, 103) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one logic circuit (1021, 1031) is set up to select the at least two signal values (301-303, 311-313) depending on the processing of the message (501) at a predetermined point (650) of a transmission protocol stack (601) of the interface (1022, 1023).
    [5]
    5. transmission node (102, 103) comprising:
    - an interface (1022, 1023) which is set up to communicate via a transmission medium (110), and
    - at least one logic circuit (1021, 1031), which is set up to receive a message (501) via the interface (1022, 1023), the message (501) being indicative of at least two time-spaced signal values (301-303, 311- 313) of a continuous periodic synchronization signal (120), which is communicated via the transmission medium (110).
    [6]
    6. Transmission node (102, 103) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one logic circuit (1021, 1031) is set up to generate a time stamp (400) associated with the transmission of the message (501) based on the at least two signal values (301 -303, 311 -313).
    [7]
    The transmission node (102, 103) of claim 6, further comprising:
    - at least one memory (1023, 1033), which is set up to store predetermined transit times (202, 203) of signals between transmission nodes (102, 103) of the transmission medium (110), the at least one logic circuit (1021, 1031) being set up to determine the time stamp (400) based on the transit times (202, 203).
    [8]
    8. Transmission node (102, 103) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the interface (1022, 1023) is set up to communicate the message (501) modulated on a carrier signal, a frequency of the carrier signal being different from a frequency of the synchronization signal (120).
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    [9]
    9. timer node (101) comprising:
    - an interface (1012) which is set up to communicate via a transmission medium (110), and
    - At least one logic circuit (1011), which is set up to send a continuous periodic synchronization signal (120) via the interface.
    [10]
    10. Procedure that includes:
    Receiving a continuous periodic synchronization signal (120) via a transmission medium (110),
    - Determining at least two time-spaced signal values (301-303, 311-313) of the synchronization signal (120), and
    - Sending a message (501) via the transmission medium (110) that is indicative of the at least two signal values (301-303, 311-313) of the synchronization signal (120).
    10 sheets of drawings
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    1.10
    FIG.1
    -100
    10 120 λλ / λ timer 102control unit 1 :i lamp
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    2.10
    FIG. 2
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    3.10
    FIG. 3
    380 - C ^^ t ^ OWWCWOOOSXXXXJIXXXXXXXXÄOOOOOOCiOOOOOOOOOQOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
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    4.10
    FIG. 4
    301.311 302.312 303.313 i t l Signal values 400 time stamp number 1 No. 2 No. 3 A sin (0) sin (x) sin (2x) B δίη (ΔΦ) $ Ίη (ΔΦ + χ) 8Ϊη (ΔΦ + 2χ) C είη (2ΔΦ) 8ίη (2ΔΦ + x) 8ίη (2ΔΦ + 2x) (...) (...) (...) (...)
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    5.10
    FIG. 5
    501
    511 512
    FIG. 6
    102
    103
    650-F '' 501
    Layer ^ -601
    613 ^ 01
    layer
    layer
    Ή12 611
    110
    501-
    layer layer layer
    '612' 611
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    6.10
    FIG. 7
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    7.10
    FIG. 8th
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    8.10
    FIG. 9
    101 102 103
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    9.10
    FIG. 10
    101
    1011 1012Ü logic IF 1013- I MEM timer
    FIG. 11
    FIG. 12
    1021i 1922 logic IF 1023 _ MEM control unit 1p3 1 ^ 31 1932 >logic IF 1033- I MEM lamp
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    10/10
    FIG. 13
    Sending a continuous periodic synchronization signal
    FIG. 14
    FIG. 15
    Receive a message that is indicative of at least two time-spaced signal values of a continuous periodic synchronization signal
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    DE102016217683A1|2018-03-15|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    EP2693586A1|2012-07-31|2014-02-05|ABB Research Ltd.|Clock synchronization for line differential protection|
    US20150263785A1|2014-03-14|2015-09-17|Farrokh Farrokhi|Synchronized slotted power line communication|
    US4719505A|1986-09-19|1988-01-12|M/A-Com Government Systems, Inc.|Color burst regeneration|
    US7801258B2|2007-04-02|2010-09-21|National Instruments Corporation|Aligning timebases to share synchronized periodic signals|
    WO2016191929A1|2015-05-29|2016-12-08|深圳市银信网银科技有限公司|Lending method, and data interaction processing method, device and system|CN111405723A|2020-02-21|2020-07-10|赛尔富电子有限公司|Synchronous lighting system, time service device, lighting device and synchronous lighting control method|
    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    DE102016217683.8A|DE102016217683A1|2016-09-15|2016-09-15|Synchronization of transmission nodes|PCT/EP2017/071958| WO2018050454A1|2016-09-15|2017-09-01|Synchronization of transmission nodes|
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