| 摘要 |
Improvements in means for synchronizing remotely positioned timing devices including means to provide multiple error correction factors which are functions of the time error or time difference between the time keeping means in spaced systems or units being synchronized, said means being particularly useful in group synchronization by providing time convergence to a common synchronizing base. The use of multiple error correction factors restricts or limits relative timing errors between systems or units especially when in the process of changing from one reference time base location to another, and it provides means to bring timing devices at remote locations into closer synchronization on a continuing basis. The present means provide correction factors which are directly proportional to the synchronizing error including those cases where the correction versus error proportion is other than in a one-to-one relationship. This is especially advantageous in situations where there is a ground or master station responsibility that is shared on a rotating, shifting or location basis with other stations that are or may be synchronized but on a different time schedule or time base. Partial corrections in such situations can cause convergence of the synchronizing operation on a global or regional basis to a common time synchronization base and on a continuous and uninterrupted basis. The present means are also able to provide time synchronization of remotely located timing devices or units with or without the need to designate specific units or stations, or sets of units or stations, as masters and slaves. This means that the need for master or central accurately synchronized time references or stations which has characterized prior art time synchronized systems is no longer necessary. |
