| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20090086766 | Method for transmitting synchronization messages in a communication network - There is described a method for transmitting synchronization messages in a communication network, the communication network comprising a plurality of network nodes communicating with one another, each containing an internal clock, which is timed with a node clock frequency assigned to the respective network node. The synchronization messages transmitted in the communication network serve to synchronize the times of the internal clocks of the network nodes and contain the pulse counter status of a synchronization clock operating at a predefined synchronization clock frequency. The pulse counter status is estimated by each network node and updated in the synchronization message. Changes in the synchronization clock frequency are taken into account when estimating the pulse counter status. Precise determination of the pulse counter status is achieved with the aid of an approximation of the change over time in the pulse ratio between synchronization clock frequency and node clock frequency by means of a function, with the result that the pulse ratio on transmission of a new synchronization message can be predicted and a precise current pulse counter status can be determined on the basis of the predicted pulse ratio. The method is particularly suitable for use in a communication network of an industrial automation system, whose components communicate with one another for example according to the Profinet standard. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20110064177 | Device and Method for Time Synchronization in a Communication Network - A device and method for time synchronization in a communication network, wherein a virtual clock is produced by a controller in each network node based on the PROFINET-Standard and/or the Precision Transparent Clock Protocol. In contrast to known methods for estimating the time, the time of the virtual clock does not undergo sudden changes. The virtual clock includes a controlled, continuous path. As a result, the virtual clock is particularly suitable for time-critical applications. Here, the estimation of the time of a reference clock is improved by 18-35%. Accordingly, a markedly greater number of network nodes may be synchronized with a predetermined level of accuracy for the time synchronization. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110161524 | METHOD FOR SYNCHRONIZING CLOCKS IN A COMMUNICATION NETWORK - The invention refers to a method for synchronizing clocks in a communication network, wherein a first clock of a first network element (MA) which is a master element is used for synchronizing second clocks of one or more second network dements which are slave elements. According to the method of the invention, a first sequence of first messages transmitted from the first network element to the second network element and/or a second sequence of second messages transmitted from the second network element to the first network element is recorded. First messages and/or second messages out of those sequences are identified by using an appropriate threshold function with respect to the transmission delays of those messages. Those identified messages have the same constant minimum delay, and based on those messages clock synchronization between the first clock and the second clock is performed. The invention has the advantage that clock synchronization is possible even if an intermediate switch causing an unknown delay is located in the transmission path between the first and the second network element. This is because most of the messages are transmitted within a minimum constant delay via such an intermediate switch and, by identifying those messages, a line delay between the first network element and second network element can be estimated and used for synchronizing the second clock with the first clock. The synchronization method of the invention is preferably used for synchronizing clocks in a DECT network. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the first and second messages are messages according to the standard IEEE 1588. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110313591 | Method and system for controlling a power production entity - A method for controlling a power production entity is provided. The method includes generating a plurality of electric power signals by a plurality of power production entities, measuring a plurality of power levels of the plurality of power signals, modifying the plurality of power signals, supplying the plurality of modified power signals at a common node, and adjusting an operation voltage of at least one power production entity of the plurality of power production entities based on the plurality of measured power levels such that a power loss of the power signals caused by the modifying and/or supplying is minimized. Also a system for controlling a power production entity is described. | 12-22-2011 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20090152343 | AUTHENTICATION METHODS FOR USE IN FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS AND INFORMATION BANKING - A method for conducting a financial transaction can be used by a person using a mobile device to conduct the transaction. The mobile device receives information related to the person that can be used for authentication purposes, such as a PIN or biometric data. The mobile device then authenticates the person by verifying the information received. If the person is authenticated, the transaction is completed using the mobile device, and if the person is not authenticated, the transaction is prevented. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090157454 | TRANSACTION CONTROL METHODS FOR USE IN FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS AND INFORMATION BANKING - A method for conducting a financial transaction involves a person using a mobile device. The mobile device accesses information regarding the proposed financial transaction and determines, based on that information, whether the proposed transaction is permissible according to pre-set preferences associated with the person. Some of these preferences may be controllable by the person, and other preferences may be only partially controllable or not controllable by the person. The proposed transaction is denied if it is determined not to be permissible, and the proposed transaction is allowed if it is determined to be permissible. If the transaction is denied, the person may be presented with the option of changing the preferences, and authentication may be necessary to do so. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090157560 | INFORMATION BANKING AND MONETIZATION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION - Information related to a person can be processed and monetized according to several methods. The person is provided control over monetization of information that is related to him or her. This information may be received and stored by a storage entity, such as an information bank. Upon confirmation of a purchase agreement between the person and a purchaser, the information is made available to the purchaser, and the person receives value in exchange for the information. The information may be collected and stored for later bulk or incremental monetization at the control of the person. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20110313872 | INFORMATION BANKING - A method for conducting a financial transaction can be used by a person using a mobile device to conduct the transaction. The mobile device receives information related to the person that can be used for authentication purposes, such as a PIN or biometric data. The mobile device then authenticates the person by verifying the information received. If the person is authenticated, the transaction is completed using the mobile device, and if the person is not authenticated, the transaction is prevented. | 12-22-2011 |