Rack information provision system and program

Abstract

To provide a rack information providing system and a program that can easily expand the types of rack members for which interference can be determined.SOLUTION: A rack information providing system includes rack identifying means, mounting position designation means, and interference determining means. The interference determining means refers to a database 15b in which a space to be used by each rack member is registered in association with an address obtained by dividing a space available for mounting rack members in a rack into a plurality of areas and by assigning the address to each area, and determines interference with reference to whether a space used by a variable position rack member whose mounting position is designated by the mounting position designation means overlaps with a space used by another rack member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a rack information providing system and a program for providing a customer with information regarding a rack.

Background Art

[0002] Racks (also called cabinets) such as 19-inch racks (server racks) for information communication systems and broadcast video have a wide variety of variations in the rack body (for example, the specifications of the rack body and the types of replacement parts), and the types of rack members that can be attached to each rack body (for example, option parts for adding functions, etc.) also vary widely. Therefore, the work of narrowing down a rack having a configuration suitable for the use, purpose, etc. from a large number of options tends to become difficult. Thus, a system for assisting such narrowing-down work has been conventionally proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when a plurality of rack members interfere with each other, measures such as changing the mounting position, replacing with other members, or giving up adoption are required for at least some of the rack members. As a result, a rack having a desired configuration may not be obtained. Therefore, in the work of narrowing down a rack, it is preferable to determine the presence or absence of interference of as many, ideally all, rack members as possible.

[0005] However, the conventional system has a problem that the rack members for which interference can be determined in a rack are limited.

[0006] The present invention has been made with the above matters in mind, and its purpose is to provide a rack information provision system and program that can easily expand the types of rack components that can be used to determine interference. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the rack information provision system according to the present invention is a rack information provision system comprising a server that provides information about racks to a terminal via a network, wherein the server comprises: rack identification means for identifying a rack body and one or more rack components attached thereto that constitute a rack based on input information from the terminal; mounting position designation means for designating the mounting position of a position-adjustable rack component, which is a rack component identified using the rack identification means and capable of being attached to the rack body or other rack components at multiple mounting positions; and interference determination means for determining whether a position-adjustable rack component attached to a position designated by the mounting position designation means interferes with other rack components. Rack components are not the equipment that will be housed in the rack, The interference detection means refers to a database in which the space used by each rack component is associated with addresses assigned to multiple regions within the space available for mounting rack components in a rack. The database then determines interference based on whether the space used by a position-adjustable rack component, whose mounting position is specified by the mounting position specification means, overlaps with the space used by other rack components. This determination is based on whether or not there is a dispute over the address. (Claim 1).

[0008] The rack information provision system described above includes a drawing creation means that enables the creation of a drawing of the rack body with the rack components identified using the rack identification means attached when the interference determination means does not determine that interference occurs, and the drawing creation means may also enable the creation of a drawing of the position-adjustable rack component with the position-adjustable rack component attached to the specified position, in the case of a position-adjustable rack component whose mounting position is specified by the mounting position specification means (Claim 2).

[0009] On the other hand, in order to achieve the above objective, the rack information provision program according to the present invention is a rack information provision program that operates a computer as a server that provides information about racks to a terminal via a network, wherein the computer functions as a rack identification means for identifying a rack body and one or more rack components attached thereto that constitute a rack, based on input information from a terminal; an attachment position designation means for designating an attachment position for a position-adjustable rack component, which is a rack component identified using the rack identification means and which can be attached to the rack body or other rack components at multiple attachment positions; and an interference determination means for determining whether a position-adjustable rack component attached to a position designated by the attachment position designation means interferes with other rack components. Rack components are not the equipment that will be housed in the rack, The interference detection means refers to a database in which the space used by each rack component is associated with addresses assigned to multiple regions within the space available for mounting rack components in a rack. The database then determines interference based on whether the space used by a position-adjustable rack component, whose mounting position is specified by the mounting position specification means, overlaps with the space used by other rack components. This determination is based on whether or not there is a dispute over the address. (Claim 3).

[0010] The rack information provision program described above may also function as a drawing creation means that enables the computer to create a drawing of the rack body with the rack components identified using the rack identification means attached, when the interference determination means does not determine that interference occurs, and the drawing creation means may also enable the creation of a drawing of the position-adjustable rack component with its mounting position specified by the mounting position specification means, with the position-adjustable rack component attached to the specified position (Claim 4). [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The present invention provides a rack information provision system and program that makes it easy to expand the types of rack components that can be used to determine interference.

[0012] In other words, the rack information provision system and program of the present invention according to claims 1 and 3 refer to an interference determination means that references a database in which the space used by each rack component is linked to addresses assigned to multiple regions, dividing the space available for mounting rack components in a rack into multiple regions. This enables reliable and quick determination of interference between rack components. Furthermore, by appropriately setting how the multiple regions to which addresses are assigned are divided, even rack components with special structures can be included in the interference determination target. This means that the types of rack components for which interference can be determined can be easily expanded, and ultimately, interference of all types of rack components can be determined.

[0013] If, for example, a diagram could only be created showing a variable-position rack component, which can be mounted in multiple positions, installed in a fixed position, it would be impossible to visually confirm what the variable-position rack component looks like when installed in a position other than the fixed position. This would likely lead to the discovery of unexpected problems or defects only when the rack is actually delivered. However, the rack information provision system and program of the invention described in claims 2 and 4 can create a diagram showing a variable-position rack component, which can be mounted in multiple positions, installed in any position. This increases the likelihood of detecting such problems or defects in advance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is an overall configuration diagram of a rack information provision system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a basic flowchart of the execution procedure for the process of providing rack information by the aforementioned rack information provision system. [Figure 3] This is an example of a web page to be displayed on the terminal display unit in the aforementioned rack information provision system. [Figure 4] (A) to (C) are perspective views showing the mounting state of rack components in the right-hand diagram, and tables showing the relationship between mounting position and address in the left-hand diagram. [Figure 5] (A) and (B) are perspective views in which the respective lower diagrams show the mounting state of the rack member, and the respective upper diagrams are tables showing the relationship between the mounting position and the address. [Figure 6] (A) is a perspective view in which the lower left diagram shows the mounting state of the rack member, the lower right diagram is a side view showing the mounting state of the rack member, the upper diagram is a table showing the relationship between the mounting position and the address, and (B) is a side view in which the left diagram shows the mounting state of the rack member in the upright posture and the right diagram shows the mounting state in the inverted posture. [Figure 7] (A) and (B) are perspective views in which the respective lower left diagrams show the mounting state of the rack member, the respective lower right diagrams are side views showing the mounting state of the rack member, and the respective upper diagrams are tables showing the relationship between the mounting position and the address. [Figure 8] (A) is an explanatory view showing a state in which a rack member is provided at the rear right side facing the front of the rack, (B) is a horizontal sectional view of the rear right side facing the front of the rack, (C) is a table showing the relationship between the mounting position and the address, and (D) is a table showing the relationship between the interference range and the address. [Figure 9] (A) and (B) are explanatory views showing an example and a modified example of the initial setting of a table for performing a mounting check. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory view showing a specific example of the address associated with the space used by the rack member and the rack member.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the rack information providing system of this example includes a server (server computer) 3 that is communicatively connected to a terminal 2 on the user side via the Internet (an example of a network) 1, and is configured to be able to provide information regarding the rack (rack information) to the terminal 2.

[0017] The terminal 2 can access the server 3 via the Internet 1 through, for example, a wireless or wired LAN, receive and display the web pages stored in the server 3, and exchange information using those web pages with the server 3. Specifically, it can be configured by an information processing device (such as a personal computer, smartphone, PDA, etc.) having a web browser function, an arithmetic unit 4 that performs various calculations, a communication unit 5 that exchanges various information with the server 3 via the Internet 1, an input unit 6 composed of a keyboard, operation buttons, etc., a display unit 7 composed of a monitor, etc., and a storage unit 8 that stores the information necessary for the calculations in the arithmetic unit 4 and the results of the arithmetic processing in the arithmetic unit 4. Note that the terminal 2 may be provided with a touch panel or the like that also serves as the input unit 6 and the display unit 7.

[0018] The server 3 is, for example, a web server operated by a manufacturer of racks or the like, and has a service program that provides objects such as HTML and images through a web browser common to the terminal 2. The service program in this example includes an application (web application program) 15a that provides predetermined rack information according to the conditions input from the terminal 2 through the web browser. Therefore, the user of the terminal 2 can access the application 15a of the server 3 by inputting a predetermined URL and receive a predetermined information providing service using the application 15a by inputting the ID number and password separately notified by the operator of the server 3.

[0019] The server 3 in this example is composed of an information processing device having an arithmetic unit 11 that performs various calculations, a communication unit 12 that exchanges various information with the terminal 2 via the Internet 1, an input unit 13 composed of a keyboard, operation buttons, etc., a display unit 14 composed of a monitor, etc., and a storage unit 15 that stores the information necessary for the calculations in the arithmetic unit 11 and the results of the arithmetic processing in the arithmetic unit 11. Among these, the arithmetic unit 11 may be considered to include one or more microprocessors that comprehensively electronically control the other units 12 to 15, and the storage unit 15 may be considered to include a ROM and a RAM capable of writing and reading various data.

[0020] The arithmetic unit 11 reads and executes the application 15a stored in the memory unit 15, thereby performing processing in response to an HTTP request received from a predetermined terminal 2, and has the communication unit 12 send the resulting HTTP response to the communication unit 12.

[0021] The communication unit 12 consists of a communication interface capable of internet communication, and sends HTTP requests received from terminal 2 to the processing unit 11, and transmits the HTTP response received from the processing unit 11 to a designated terminal 2.

[0022] The memory unit 15 includes a program storage area for storing application 15a and other programs, a temporary storage area for data used, and a database 15b of rack information necessary for the service of application 15a.

[0023] The following provides a more detailed explanation of the rack information provision system in this example, and describes the procedure for performing the process of providing rack information in the system. Figure 2 shows the basic flowchart, in which the left side shows the operations performed on terminal 2, and the right side shows the processing performed on server 3.

[0024] (Rack unit selection step S1) The user of terminal 2 launches the web browser on terminal 2, enters a designated URL to access application 15a on server 3, and logs in by entering the ID number and password separately notified by the server 3 operator. Server 3 then sends designated data (such as rack unit list data) to terminal 2, and a web page for selecting the specifications of the rack unit (purpose, size, color, etc.) is displayed on the display unit 7 of terminal 2. The user uses this web page to select the specifications of the rack unit.

[0025] Specifically, the user first selects the intended use (series name) of the rack. Examples of uses include mounting network equipment or servers. The rack is available in numerous sizes depending on its intended use, and the user selects the desired size (width, height, depth). The system may also allow the user to select the color of the rack, as well as other specifications such as the standards (JIS, EIA, etc.) and materials to which the rack conforms. This is how the rack specifications are selected. Of course, the system doesn't necessarily allow users to select each element of the rack specifications (intended use, size, etc.) individually; for example, the user could enter the model number of a rack they've selected separately from a catalog and then select all the specifications for that rack at once.

[0026] (Step S2 for extracting replacement parts) In the rack unit selection step S1, when the user selects the specifications of the rack unit and the specification information is sent to the server 3, the processing unit 11 of the server 3, upon receiving the specification information, executes a predetermined program (application 15a) and extracts replacement parts information corresponding to the specification information from the database 15b, and sends predetermined data such as replacement parts list data to the terminal 2.

[0027] (Selection of replacement parts step S3) A webpage (see Figure 3) for selecting replacement parts for the rack body (in this example, the front door, rear panel or rear door, side panels, top panel, front panel mounting frame, and rear guide frame) is displayed on the display unit 7 of terminal 2. The user uses this webpage to select the replacement parts as needed.

[0028] In other words, in this example, for each specification of the rack body, the standard configuration is to cover the front, back, left, right, front, and top surfaces of the rack body with panels. Of these, the front is a door that can be opened and closed (front door), and the bottom is left open for wiring. The inside of the rack body is equipped with frames at the front and rear, each with numerous mounting holes for attaching rack components, arranged vertically at a predetermined pitch. However, there are various requirements for the rack body. For example, whether the front door opens to the right or left, whether the rear panel is a door that can be opened and closed, whether each panel is designed for ventilation, whether or not wiring holes and fans are provided on the top panel, etc. Since these requirements usually differ from user to user, multiple interchangeable parts are provided for the standard rack body configuration, and users can select them as they see fit to meet diverse requirements.

[0029] (Rack component extraction step S4) In the replacement parts selection step S3, the user selects replacement parts as needed, and the replacement parts information (information such as which replacement parts were selected or not selected for each part that can be replaced with replacement parts in the standard configuration) is sent to the server 3. Upon receiving the replacement parts information, the arithmetic unit 11 of the server 3 executes a predetermined program (application 15a) and extracts rack component information corresponding to the replacement parts information from the database 15b, and sends predetermined data such as rack component list data to the terminal 2.

[0030] (Rack component selection step S5) A webpage for selecting rack components is displayed on the display unit 7 of terminal 2. This webpage displays a list of rack components (optional parts) that are compatible with the rack body (specifications and interchangeable parts) selected by the user in the steps up to step S5. The user uses this webpage to select the necessary rack components from the list.

[0031] (Step S6: Remove incompatible rack components) In step S5, each time the user selects a rack component, the information about that rack component is sent to the server 3. The arithmetic unit 11 of the server 3, upon receiving the rack component information, executes a predetermined program (application 15a) and extracts incompatible rack component information corresponding to the rack component information from the database 15b. This program then sends predetermined data, such as the incompatible rack component list data, to the terminal 2. The predetermined rack components (rack components that cannot be used in combination with the rack component selected by the user) are then removed from the rack component list displayed on the display unit 7 of the terminal 2. This prevents the user from selecting incompatible rack components.

[0032] For example, casters attached to the underside of the rack to allow movement of the rack body and a support frame with anchor bolt fastening attached to the underside of the rack body to fix it to the floor are rack components that cannot be used together. If the user selects the former, the latter will be automatically removed from the list of rack components accordingly.

[0033] Furthermore, regarding steps S5 and S6, it is preferable that the user be able to cancel the selection of rack components that has already been made, and that, in conjunction with this cancellation operation, the rack components that were removed from the list in connection with the selection of rack components subject to the cancellation operation are re-added to the list.

[0034] (Quotation, weight calculation request step S7) After the selection of rack components is complete, the user operates terminal 2 to send a quotation and weight calculation request signal to server 3, which will include information on the rack body and rack components selected by the user.

[0035] (Quotation, weight calculation execution step S8) Upon receiving the quotation and weight calculation request signal, the calculation unit 11 of the server 3 executes a predetermined program (application 15a), extracts information corresponding to the signal from the database 15b, performs predetermined calculations, and transmits predetermined data such as the calculation results to the terminal 2. The estimated price and weight of the rack are then displayed on the display unit 7 of the terminal 2.

[0036] (Information input step S9 for drawing creation) If the user wishes to create a drawing of the selected rack, after step S8 (however, it may be possible to skip steps S7 and S8 after, for example, the operation related to step S5, in which case, after step S5), the user can perform a predetermined operation on terminal 2 to display a drawing creation input screen for inputting drawing creation information on terminal 2.

[0037] This input screen for drawing creation displays button icons and other elements for requesting drawing creation. When a user requests drawing creation, drawing creation information, including the rack body, rack components, and other information necessary for drawing creation (however, information already available and stored on server 3 may be omitted), is sent to server 3.

[0038] Here, if the rack components selected by the user include a position-adjustable rack component, which is a rack component that can be mounted at multiple mounting positions on the rack body or other rack components, then an input element for specifying the mounting position, such as a text box or pull-down menu, will be displayed on the drawing creation input screen (terminal 2). If the user has already performed an input operation to specify the mounting position before performing the drawing creation request operation, then the drawing creation information sent to the server 3 by the drawing creation request operation will include the mounting position information related to the mounting position specified by the user. If the input element for specifying the mounting position is displayed on the drawing creation input screen (terminal 2) but the user does not perform an input operation to specify the mounting position, the system may be configured to automatically select a pre-set mounting position (default value) and allow the user to proceed to the next step, or it may be configured so that the user cannot proceed to the next step (cannot perform the drawing creation request operation) unless the input operation is performed. Furthermore, if the rack components selected by the user do not include a position-adjustable rack component, it is preferable that the input element for specifying the mounting position is not displayed on the drawing creation input screen (terminal 2).

[0039] On the other hand, the input screen for drawing creation (terminal 2) displays input elements for specifying cross-sectional positions, such as text boxes and pull-down menus, which allow input operations to specify one or more cross-sectional positions, regardless of whether the above-mentioned input elements for specifying mounting positions are displayed. If a user wishes to create a cross-sectional drawing, they perform an input operation on terminal 2 to specify the cross-sectional position for which they wish to create the drawing before performing the above-mentioned drawing creation request operation. As a result, the drawing creation information sent to server 3 by the above-mentioned drawing creation request operation will include cross-sectional position information related to the cross-sectional position specified by the user. If the drawing creation request operation is performed without performing an input operation to specify the cross-sectional position, the drawing creation information sent to server 3 will not include cross-sectional position information.

[0040] (Interference detection step S10) Upon receiving drawing creation information from terminal 2, the calculation unit 11 of server 3 executes a predetermined program (application 15a). If the drawing creation information includes mounting position information, it determines whether the variable-position rack component mounted at the specified position interferes with other rack components. The specific method for determining this interference will be described later.

[0041] (Drawing, error log creation and transmission step S11) If it is determined in step S10 that no interference occurs, the arithmetic unit 11 of the server 3 executes a predetermined program (application 15a) and creates a drawing of the rack body with each rack component selected by the user attached (for variable-position rack components with specified mounting positions, this is a drawing of the variable-position rack component attached to the specified position, and if the drawing creation information received in step S9 includes cross-sectional position information, it also includes a cross-sectional view at the cross-sectional position related to that cross-sectional position information), and sends it to the user, for example, by email.

[0042] Drawing creation can be performed, for example, by calculating the drawing placement coordinates based on the mounting position and loading pre-drawn CAD drawings. The coordinates and CAD drawing information necessary for drawing creation should be registered in database 15b. The drawings to be created can be, for example, six-view drawings (front, rear, top, left and right side views, bottom view), five-view drawings including only one side view if the left and right side views are symmetrical, or drawings showing the inner surfaces of the front and rear sections. When creating exterior drawings, it is preferable to implement hidden line processing so that hidden lines are automatically converted to dashed lines.

[0043] On the other hand, if interference is determined to occur in step S10, the interfering rack component is excluded from the drawing, and a drawing is created that includes the rest of the rack body and rack components. An error log is also created for the interfering rack component, which is sent to the user, for example, by email, and predetermined information is sent to terminal 2, and a warning is displayed on display unit 7. This prompts the user to specify another mounting location where no interference occurs.

[0044] (Data saving step S12) After step S11, server 3 automatically performs data saving processing to save information about the rack selected by the user, and even if the user logs out afterward, they can read the information when they log in again. Note that step S12 does not necessarily have to be performed only after step S11, and may be performed automatically at any time.

[0045] Next, we will explain the specific details of the interference determination method in the interference determination step S10 described above.

[0046] First, server 3 refers to database 15b, which is a database in which the space used by each rack component is associated with addresses assigned to multiple regions, and the space available for mounting rack components in the rack is divided into several areas. Server 3 then determines interference based on whether the space used by a position-adjustable rack component with a specified mounting position overlaps with the space used by other rack components.

[0047] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, a pair of mounting frames 21 extending vertically are provided on the front interior side of the rack, and as shown in Figure 4(A), multiple mounting holes 21a are formed in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the front of the mounting frame 21. Here, the storage space of the rack and the equipment housed in the rack are standardized so that they can be used in units called units (U) in the height direction, and the number and pitch of the mounting holes 21a are also designed to be usable in units corresponding to that standard.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 4(A), the rack body, which has an effective height equivalent to 10 units, is assigned addresses 1U, 2U...10U from bottom to top. Additionally, the front part of the mounting frame 21 of the rack body is assigned an address called "mounting surface" (M1 in Figure 6(A)).

[0049] On the other hand, the rack component (blank panel) 22 shown in Figure 4(A) has a height equivalent to three units and utilizes the mounting surface of the space available for mounting rack components in the rack, allowing its mounting position to be changed within the range of 1U to 10U. In other words, it can be mounted as long as the lower end of the rack component 22 is in a position corresponding to 1U to 8U, meaning its mounting position can be changed in eight different ways.

[0050] Then, when this rack component 22 is installed as shown in the right-hand diagram of Figure 4(A), the rack component 22 will utilize the space from 4U to 6U on the mounting surface. Therefore, if the model number of this rack component 22 is "RPE-133N-3", it can be represented as shown in the table on the left side of Figure 4(A).

[0051] On the other hand, when the rack component 22 is installed as shown in the right-hand diagram of Figure 4(B), this rack component 22 will utilize the space from 8U to 10U on the mounting surface. Therefore, if the model number of this rack component 22 is "RPE-133N-3", it can be represented as shown in the table on the left side of Figure 4(B).

[0052] Here, when attaching two rack components 22 to the rack body, if we specify the mounting position of one to be in the position shown in Figure 4(A) and the other to be in the position shown in Figure 4(B), then in reality they will be attached in the state shown in the right diagram of Figure 4(C). As is clear from the fact that the two rack components 22 in this state can be represented as shown in the table on the left side of Figure 4(C), there is no overlap in addresses (overlap of usable space), so we can conclude that the two rack components 22 do not interfere with each other and can be installed together.

[0053] However, if we attempt to attach yet another rack component 22 to the two rack components 22 attached in this manner (see also Figure 5(A)) at the position shown in Figure 5(B), an address conflict (overlap of usable space) will occur at position 4U on the mounting surface. Therefore, due to interference, it can be determined that the rack component 22 shown in Figure 5(B) cannot be attached.

[0054] The rack components 22 shown in Figures 4(A)-(C) and 5(A) and (B) interfere in the range of 1U to 10U on the mounting surface. Therefore, assigning addresses to the mounting surface and 1U-10U in a matrix is ​​sufficient for interference detection. However, there are various types of rack bodies and rack components, and various interference patterns can occur when rack components are attached to the rack body. Therefore, depending on the interference patterns that may occur between rack components or between the rack body and rack components to be included in the interference detection, the space available for attaching rack components in the rack should be divided into multiple regions, and addresses should be assigned to each region.

[0055] The rack component 23 shown in Figure 6(A) is a support angle with the model number "NPSAF-32," and is attached across the mount frame 21 and the vertically extending guide frames 24 (see also Figure 3), which are provided in pairs on the left and right sides of the rear inside of the rack. When this rack component 23 is attached to the 9U position (apparently or actually at the 8U position, as described later) with address "S1," the relationship between the attachment position and the address can be expressed as shown in the table in the upper part of Figure 6(A). Here, the addresses "S_L" and "S_R" in this table indicate the left and right sides of the support angle surface (SA surface), which is the attachment surface of the support angle in the mount angle. In this example, the screw holes on the left and right sides of the 8U SA surface are used, so the corresponding addresses are checked (■). Also, the address "W" in the above table indicates the area inside the SA surface in the left and right directions. In this example, the rack component 23 is located inside the 8U SA surface, so the corresponding address is checked (■).

[0056] Incidentally, the rack member 23, which is an L-shaped support angle in a vertical cross-section having a vertical surface and a horizontal surface, is usually attached to the frames 21 and 24 in an upright position with the horizontal surface extending from the upper side of the vertical surface, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 6(B). However, even if this upright rack member 23 is attached to the lowest position (1U position) of the frames 21 and 24, the equipment placed on the rack member 23 will be located in a range of 2U or more, and the lowest position cannot be effectively utilized. Therefore, the rack member 23 attached to the lowest position (1U position) may be attached not only in the upright position shown in the left diagram of Figure 6(B), but also in the inverted position (with the horizontal surface extending from the lower side of the vertical surface) shown in the right diagram. Therefore, in this example, with respect to the address "S1" (see the table in the upper part of Figure 6(A)) indicating the mounting position of the rack component 23, when it is mounted in an inverted position at the bottom as shown in the right part of Figure 6(B), it is defined as being at position 1U (check the position for 1U), and when it is mounted in an upright position at the bottom (position 1U) as shown in the left part of Figure 6(B), it is defined as being at position 2U (check the position for 2U). Furthermore, rack components 23 mounted at positions other than the bottom (positions of 2U or higher) are to be mounted in an upright position, and the address "S1" for these is defined as being at a position 1U added to the apparent mounting position. That is, when the rack component 23 is mounted as shown in the lower left and lower right parts of Figure 6(A), as shown in the table in the upper part of the same figure, the address "S1" is checked (■) at position 9U (position 1U added to the apparent mounting position) instead of 8U (apparent mounting position).

[0057] Thus, the rack member 23, which is a support angle, can take both an upright and inverted position at its lowest point, and the mounting pattern changes depending on the position. However, it is difficult and time-consuming to recognize (determine) whether or not a rack member is a support angle from the mounting pattern. Therefore, in this example, as shown in the table in the upper diagram of Figure 6(A), the model number of the support angle is displayed in conjunction with the address "S1 display" (next to the "S1 display").

[0058] Furthermore, the table may only display the model numbers for special rack components, such as support angles, which can assume multiple orientations and whose mounting patterns change depending on the orientation, making identification difficult. Alternatively, the table may display the model numbers for all rack components. In the former case, the amount of information to be handled can be reduced, while in the latter case, it may be easier to identify, for example, interfering rack components.

[0059] The rack component 25 shown in Figure 7(A) is a storage shelf with the model number "RSE-3U35-BN1" and is mounted across a pair of left and right mounting frames 21. When this rack component 23 is mounted in the positions shown in the lower left and lower right of Figure 7(A), the relationship between the mounting position and the address can be represented as shown in the table in the upper part of Figure 7(A). In this example, for address "W", rack components 25 are available in 6U to 8U, so the corresponding addresses are checked (■). However, for 8U, the check is left off because there is a notch on the side of the rack component 25 that allows for the installation of support angles, etc.

[0060] When the rack component 23 shown in Figure 6(A) and the rack component 25 shown in Figure 7(A) are attached to the same rack body, as can be clearly seen from the state shown in Figure 7(B), there is no overlap in addresses (overlap of usable space), so it can be determined that the two rack components 23 and 25 do not interfere with each other and can be installed together.

[0061] Figures 8(B) to 8(D) illustrate the method for determining interference in a horizontal cross-section when the rack components 26 are mainly wiring bars or outlet bars for power supplies and wiring (long components installed with their longitudinal direction facing up and down). In this example, the rack components 26 are positioned to extend vertically to the right when viewed from the front of the rear of the rack, as shown in Figure 8(A). In this case, as shown in Figure 8(B), a mesh is cut from an arbitrary position slightly forward of the rear of the rack body toward the front, and in the illustrated example, addresses 1 to 47 are assigned from the rear side toward the front side. At addresses 1 to 2, interference occurs with the rear of the rack body, and at addresses 45 to 47, interference occurs with the rack body (guide frame 24). Therefore, the rack components 26 cannot be installed in these positions. The table in Figure 8(D) illustrates this. In this table, the address "D_ID" is the address of the mesh mentioned above, "D_dim" is the position of the screws that secure the rack components such as power supplies, and "D_R" indicates the usable space of the rack component 26 to be installed.

[0062] Here, when installing rack component 26, which is a power outlet bar (power duct) with model number "DZ-2003008CP", the usable space for rack component 26 is within the range of "-4, +5" or "-5, +5" in terms of mesh count from the mounting screw position. The reason this range is not constant is due to the uneven width of the mesh.

[0063] Then, if the rack component 26 is screwed in at address 6 (position "D_D6(D_dim54.5)"), the usable space becomes the range of "-4, +5" from that position, i.e., addresses 2 to 11 (see the table in the lower left of Figure 8). In this case, it can be determined that installation is not possible because it interferes with the rack body.

[0064] If the rack component 26 is screw-fixed at address 27 (the position "D_D27(D_dim162.5)"), the usable space will be within the range of "-5, +5" from that position, i.e., addresses 22 to 32 (see table in Figure 8(C)). In this case, it will not interfere with the rack body, so it can be determined that it can be installed without any problems.

[0065] If the rack component 26 is screw-fixed at address 42 (position "D_D42(D_dim237.5)"), the usable space becomes the range of "-5, +5" from that position, i.e., addresses 37 to 47 (see table in Figure 8(C)). In this case, it can be determined that installation is not possible because it interferes with the rack body (guide frame 24).

[0066] The rack components 26, which are subject to interference detection as shown in Figure 8, may be configured so that the user can specify their mounting position as described above. However, since they are mounted on the left and right rear sides inside the rack body, the difference in mounting position is unlikely to significantly affect user satisfaction, and in many cases it is sufficient as long as no interference occurs. Therefore, they may be configured to automatically determine the mounting position by specifying the mounting direction or quantity, and a similar configuration may be applied to other rack components.

[0067] As described above, by dividing the space available for mounting rack components in a rack into multiple areas in the vertical and horizontal directions, assigning addresses to each area, and determining whether or not there will be interference with the rack body or other rack components for each address, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not there will be interference between rack components with complex shapes or between the rack body and rack components.

[0068] As can be understood from the above explanation, Server 3 has, based on the input information from Terminal 2, a rack identification means (configuration for executing steps S1 to S6) for identifying the rack body and one or more rack components to be attached thereto that constitute the rack, an attachment position specification means (configuration for executing step S9) for specifying the attachment position of a variable-position rack component, which is a rack component identified using the rack identification means and can be attached to the rack body or other rack components at multiple attachment positions, an interference determination means (configuration for executing step S10) for determining whether the variable-position rack component attached to the position specified by the attachment position specification means interferes with other rack components, and a drawing creation request operation (step S11) which is performed when the interference determination means does not determine that there is interference. Based on this, the system includes a drawing creation means (configuration for executing step S12) that enables the creation of a drawing of the rack body with the rack components identified using the rack identification means attached. The interference determination means refers to a database in which the space used by each rack component is associated with addresses assigned to multiple regions, and determines interference based on whether the space used by a position-adjustable rack component whose mounting position is specified by the mounting position specification means overlaps with the space used by other rack components. The drawing creation means can be understood as enabling the creation of a drawing of a position-adjustable rack component with its mounting position specified by the mounting position specification means, showing the component mounted at the specified position.

[0069] From another perspective, Server 3 is a computer operated by a rack information provision program to provide information about racks to terminals via the network. The rack information provision program operates the computer based on input information from terminals and includes: rack identification means for identifying the rack body and one or more rack components attached thereto that constitute the rack; mounting position specifying means for specifying the mounting position of a variable-position rack component, which is a rack component identified using the rack identification means and can be attached to the rack body or other rack components at multiple mounting positions; interference determination means for determining whether a variable-position rack component attached to a position specified by the mounting position specifying means interferes with other rack components; and if the interference determination means does not determine that there is interference, Based on the drawing creation request operation, the drawing creation means functions to create a drawing of the rack body with the rack components identified using the rack identification means attached. The interference determination means refers to a database in which the space used by each rack component is associated with addresses assigned to multiple regions, and determines interference based on whether the space used by the variable-position rack component whose mounting position is specified by the mounting position specification means overlaps with the space used by other rack components. The drawing creation means can be understood as being able to create a drawing of the variable-position rack component with its mounting position specified by the mounting position specification means, showing it mounted at that specified position.

[0070] Furthermore, the rack information provision system and program described above can reliably determine interference between rack components by using an interference determination means that references a database in which the space used by each rack component is linked to addresses assigned to multiple regions, dividing the space available for mounting rack components in a rack into several areas. In addition, by appropriately setting how the multiple regions to which addresses are assigned are divided, even rack components with special structures can be included in the interference determination target. In other words, it is easy to broaden the types of rack components for which interference can be determined, and ultimately it becomes possible to determine interference between all types of rack components.

[0071] If, for example, it were only possible to create drawings of a variable-position rack component that can be installed in multiple locations, but is only installed in a fixed position, it would be impossible to visually confirm what the variable-position rack component looks like when installed in a different position. This would likely lead to the discovery of unexpected problems or issues only when the rack is actually delivered. However, the rack information provision system and program described above can create drawings of a variable-position rack component that can be installed in multiple locations, but is installed in any position. This increases the likelihood of detecting such problems or issues in advance.

[0072] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited in any way to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the following modifications can be given.

[0073] For example, functions to realize at least part of each step S1 to S12 shown in Figure 2 can be performed using circuits or processing circuits, including general-purpose processors, dedicated processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), conventional circuits, and combinations thereof, configured or programmed to perform those functions. A processor is considered a processing circuit or circuit because it includes transistors and other circuits. The circuits and means described herein are either hardware that performs the enumerated functions or hardware programmed to perform the enumerated functions. The hardware may be hardware disclosed herein, or other known hardware that is programmed or configured to perform the enumerated functions. If the hardware is a processor, which can be considered a type of circuit, then the means or circuit is a combination of hardware and software, and the software is used to configure the hardware and / or the processor.

[0074] The system according to the above embodiment, which enables the execution of steps S1 to S6, can be said to have rack selection support means that assists in the task of selecting one rack body that satisfies predetermined conditions and one or more rack components that are compatible therewith from among multiple types of rack bodies and multiple types of rack components. For example, the system may also be configured so that the user can independently select the rack configuration by inputting the model numbers of the rack body and rack components that they have separately selected from a catalog.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the interference determination step S10 is performed after the drawing creation information input step S9. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, each time the user performs an input operation to specify the mounting position of the variable-position rack member in the drawing creation information input step S9, the mounting position information related to that mounting position is sent to the server 3. The calculation unit 11 of the server 3, upon receiving the mounting position information, executes a predetermined program (application 15a) and performs the interference determination related to the interference determination step S10. This allows interference determination to be performed in real time. Furthermore, if interference is determined to occur, the server 3 can send predetermined information to the terminal 2 and issue a warning on the display unit 7, prompting the user to specify another mounting position where no interference occurs.

[0076] Figure 9(A) shows an example of the initial settings for a table prepared according to the specifications of the rack body, which is used to perform mounting checks (checking whether the variable-position rack components interfere with the rack body or other rack components, and whether the variable-position rack components can be mounted on the rack body within their effective mounting range). This table allows for interference checks between rack components, as well as interference checks and effectiveness checks (checking whether the variable-position rack components can be mounted on the rack body within their effective mounting range).

[0077] In other words, in this example, the effective mounting range of the rack body is 1U to 19U, and the table is set up in a range of ±1U (0U to 20U). If an attempt is made to specify the mounting position of a rack component (e.g., a panel) that is 3U high as 19U or higher, the appropriate program will determine that it is outside the effective mounting range, and an error will be displayed regarding the specification of that mounting position. Similarly, if an attempt is made to specify the mounting position below 1U, the appropriate program will determine that it is outside the effective mounting range. However, this is not the only example. For example, in the example in Figure 9(B), all addresses at the 20U position, which is outside the effective mounting range, are checked, so that it is determined that any rack component mounted at that position will interfere. In this way, a table can be set up that covers U positions outside the effective mounting range of the rack body, and all addresses at U positions outside the effective mounting range are checked, so that it is determined that any rack component mounted at those positions will interfere.

[0078] If the rack components have a shape that protrudes from the front of the rack body, there is a risk of interference with the door latch. This interference can be checked by comparing the addresses "FDR_R" and "FDR_L" in Figure 9(A). In other words, in the example in Figure 9(A), the door latches use addresses "FDR_L" for 10U and 11U, so it will be determined that mounting rack components using this address will cause interference.

[0079] Furthermore, interference checks with the side frames of the rack body can be performed using the addresses "SF_R" and "SF_L" in Figure 9(A).

[0080] In the above embodiment, only some rack components and the addresses set for interference checking have been specifically described. However, various other rack components can be used, and various addresses can be set for interference checking. Some examples are shown in Figure 10. For example, the top table in Figure 10 shows that a rack component mounted on the front (mounting surface) of the rack body has the model number "RBP-1348F-NO" (see "F1_2 display"), utilizes the space associated with address "M1" (see check "■"), and has a height of 3U. The contents of rack components and the addresses they utilize can be similarly obtained from the other tables in Figure 10.

[0081] As described above, when a user specifies a mounting position for a variable-position rack component, if that mounting position interferes with the rack body or other rack components, or is outside the effective mounting range, an error message may be displayed after the specification. However, the system is not limited to this; for example, it may be configured so that the user cannot specify a mounting position that interferes with the rack body or other rack components, or a mounting position that is outside the effective mounting range.

[0082] It goes without saying that the modifications described herein may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1. Internet 2 terminals 3 servers 4 Arithmetic section 5 Communications Department 6 Input section 7 Display section 8 Memory section 11 Arithmetic section 12 Communications Department 13 Input section 14 Display section 15 Storage section 15a Application 15b Database 21 Mounting Frame 21a Mounting hole 22. Rack components (blank panels) 23. Rack components (support angles) 24 Guide Frames 25. Rack components (storage shelves) 26. Rack components (power strip)

Claims

1. A rack information provision system comprising a server that provides information about racks to terminals via a network, The server is A rack identification means for identifying the rack body and one or more rack components attached thereto that constitute the rack, based on input information from a terminal, A position-adjustable rack component, which is a rack component identified using rack identification means and can be attached to the rack body or other rack components at multiple mounting positions, is provided with mounting position designation means for specifying its mounting position, The system comprises an interference determination means for determining whether a position-adjustable rack member mounted at a position specified by the mounting position specification means interferes with other rack members, Rack components are not the equipment that will be housed in the rack, The interference determination means refers to a database in which the space used by each rack component is associated with addresses assigned to multiple regions, and the space available for mounting rack components in a rack is divided into several areas. The system determines interference based on whether the space used by a position-adjustable rack component whose mounting position is specified by the mounting position specification means overlaps with the space used by other rack components. This determination is made based on whether or not there is an address conflict.

2. If the interference detection means does not determine that interference occurs, the system includes a drawing creation means that enables the creation of a drawing of the rack body with the rack components identified using the rack identification means attached. The rack information provision system according to claim 1, wherein the drawing creation means is capable of creating a drawing of a variable-position rack member installed at the specified position, for a variable-position rack member whose mounting position is specified by the mounting position specification means.

3. A rack information provision program that operates a computer as a server that provides information about racks to terminals via a network, Computers, A rack identification means for identifying the rack body and one or more rack components attached thereto that constitute the rack, based on input information from a terminal, A position-adjustable rack component, which is a rack component identified using rack identification means and can be attached to the rack body or other rack components at multiple mounting positions, is provided with mounting position designation means for specifying its mounting position, The position-adjustable rack member, mounted at a position specified by the mounting position specification means, is configured to function as an interference determination means for determining whether or not it interferes with other rack members. Rack components are not the equipment that will be housed in the rack, The interference determination means refers to a database in which the space used by each rack component is associated with addresses assigned to multiple regions, and the space available for mounting rack components in a rack is divided into several areas. The program determines interference based on whether the space used by a position-adjustable rack component whose mounting position is specified by the mounting position specification means overlaps with the space used by other rack components. This determination is made based on whether or not there is an address conflict.

4. Computers, If the interference detection means does not determine that interference occurs, it also functions as a drawing creation means that can create a drawing of the rack body with the rack components identified using the rack identification means attached. The rack information providing program according to claim 3, wherein the drawing creation means is capable of creating a drawing of a variable-position rack member installed at the specified position, for a variable-position rack member whose installation position is specified by the installation position specification means.

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