Modeling device connections with connection status indications

Abstract

Techniques, performed by a computing system, of modeling a connection to a subject device via a connection modality arc described. The techniques include: (a) displaying a plurality of device images in a GUI, each device image representing a respective device of a plurality of devices capable of being connected to the subject device via the connection modality; (b) receiving a selection of a target device of the plurality of devices from a user via the GUI; (c) in response to receiving the selection of the target device, displaying a set of connection parameters; (d) receiving a configuration of the set of connection parameters from the user; and (e) in response to receiving the configuration of the set of connection parameters, displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device via the connection modality.

Description

MODELING DEVICE CONNECTIONS WITH CONNECTION STATUS INDICATIONSCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 649,751, titled “MODELING DEVICE CONNECTIONS WITH CONNECTION STATUS INDICATIONS,” filed May 20, 2024, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] Connection wizard software allows users to model connections between various devices in a facility. For example, a connection wizard may allow a subject device in a facility to be connected to a target device in the same facility with various connection parameters.SUMMARY

[0003] However, conventional connection wizards do not provide, in an upfront or intuitive manner, some of the critical connection status information of the devices necessary for configuring those connections. This deficiency leads to user confusion because it is not clear to the user right away what connections are needed or available to be made to those devices. For example, when a user of a conventional connection wizard attempts to connect a subject device to a target device, there are no indications provided by the conventional connection wizard to immediately inform the user about whether the subject and target devices are connected to other devices or whether they are suitable for being connected to each other.

[0004] Thus, it would be desirable to enhance a connection wizard with upfront indications of connection status information of the devices in the facility. This may be accomplished by allowing the connection wizard to display device representations having certain characteristics that intuitively indicate the connection statuses of the subject and target devices. Further connection status information may also be provided by allowing the connection wizard to simultaneously display multiple device representations in a common display region indicatingthe connection statuses of the subject device, the target device, and / or other devices at the same location inside the facility.

[0005] In one embodiment, a computer program product is described. The computer program product includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, which when performed by processing circuitry of a computing system, cause the computing system to model a connection to a subject device via a connection modality by: (a) displaying a plurality of device images in a graphical user interface (GUI), each device image representing a respective device of a plurality of devices capable of being connected to the subject device via the connection modality; (b) receiving a selection of a target device of the plurality of devices from a user via the GUI; (c) in response to receiving the selection of the target device, displaying a set of connection parameters; (d) receiving a configuration of the set of connection parameters from the user; and (e) in response to receiving the configuration of the set of connection parameters, displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device via the connection modality.

[0006] In one embodiment of the computer program product, the instructions, when performed by the processing circuitry, further cause the computing system to (f) receive an input of a location of the plurality of devices from the user, wherein displaying the plurality of device images is performed in response to receiving the input of the location of the plurality of devices.

[0007] In another embodiment of the computer program product, the connection modality is a power connection, the subject device is a power-receiving device, and the target device and the plurality of devices are power- supplying devices. In one such embodiment, receiving the configuration of the set of connection parameters includes receiving a selection of a power phase of the target device to which the power-receiving device is connected over the power connection. In another such embodiment, displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device includes: (g) displaying a subject device image having a first characteristic, the subject device image representing the subject device, the first characteristic representing power provision by the target device; (h) displaying a first power-receiving device image having the first characteristic, the first power-receiving device image representing a first power-receiving device different from the subject device, the first power-receiving device being connected to the target device for power; and (i) displaying a second power-receiving deviceimage having a second characteristic different from the first characteristic, the second powerreceiving device image representing a second power-receiving device different from both the subject device and the first powcr-rccciving device, the second power-receiving device being connected to another power-supplying device different from the target device, the second characteristic representing power provision by the other power- supplying device. In another such embodiment, displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device further includes: (j) displaying a target device image having the first characteristic, the target device image representing the target device; and (k) displaying the subject device image and the target device image in a display region indicative of the subject device and the target device being in a same location.

[0008] In one embodiment of the computer program product, the instructions, when performed by the processing circuitry, further cause the computing system to receive an input of a location of the plurality of devices from the user, the location of the plurality of devices being different from a location of the subject device, and displaying the plurality of device images is performed in response to receiving the input of the location of the plurality of devices.

[0009] In another embodiment of the computer program product, the connection modality is a data connection modality, and the subject device connects to the target device over a first data connection. In one such embodiment, displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device includes: (1) displaying a subject device image having a first characteristic, the subject device image representing the subject device, the first characteristic representing the first data connection; (m) displaying a first device image having the first characteristic, the first device image representing a first device different from the subject device, the first device being communicatively coupled to the target device over the first data connection, and (n) displaying a second device image having a second characteristic different from the first characteristic, the second device image representing a second device different from both the subject device and the first device, the second device being communicatively coupled to another device different from the target device over a second data connection and not the first data connection, the second characteristic representing the second data connection. In another such embodiment, displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device further includes: (o) displaying a target device image having the first characteristic,the target device image representing the target device, and (p) displaying the subject device image and the target device image in a display region indicative of the subject device and the target device being in a same location.

[0010] In one embodiment of the computer program product, a subject device image represents the subject device, the subject device image having a characteristic, the subject device having a type, the characteristic representing the type. In one such embodiment, the characteristic includes at least one of a color, a shade, a shape, a size, or a pattern.

[0011] In one embodiment of the computer program product, displaying the plurality of device images is performed in a first view of the GUI, the first view having a first type; the instructions, when performed by the processing circuitry, further cause the computing system to: (q) display a second plurality of device images in a second view of the GUI, the second view having a second type different from the first type, the second plurality of device images representing a second plurality of devices, and (r) receive a selection of the subject device of the second plurality of devices from the user via the second view; and displaying the plurality of device images is performed in response to receiving the selection of the subject device.

[0012] In one embodiment of the computer program product, receiving the selection of the target device of the plurality of devices from the user via the GUI includes receiving a selection of a target device image representing the target device from the user via the GUI.

[0013] In one embodiment of the computer program product, the instructions, when performed by the processing circuitry, further cause the computing system to display a list of items, each item representing a respective device of the plurality of devices; receiving the selection of the target device of the plurality of devices from the user via the GUI includes receiving a selection of an item displayed within the list of items, the item representing the target device; and the instructions, when performed by the processing circuitry, further cause the computing system to, (s) in response to receiving the selection of the item, display a selection of a target device image representing the target device.

[0014] In one embodiment of the computer program product, the instructions, when performed by the processing circuitry, further cause the computing system to: (t) display one or more additional device images different from the plurality of device images, each of the one or more additional device images representing a respective device of one or more additional devicesdifferent from the plurality of devices, the one or more additional device images having a common display characteristic indicating that the one or more additional devices are incapable of being connected to the subject device via the connection modality.

[0015] In one embodiment, a method, performed by a computing system, of modeling a connection to a subject device via a connection modality is described. The method includes: (a) displaying a plurality of device images in a GUI, each device image representing a respective device of a plurality of devices capable of being connected to the subject device via the connection modality; (b) receiving a selection of a target device of the plurality of devices from a user via the GUI; (c) in response to receiving the selection of the target device, displaying a set of connection parameters; (d) receiving a configuration of the set of connection parameters from the user; and (e) in response to receiving the configuration of the set of connection parameters, displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device via the connection modality.

[0016] In one embodiment, an apparatus is described. The apparatus includes interface circuitry and processing circuitry coupled to memory configured to model a connection to a subject device via a connection modality by: (a) displaying, via the interface circuitry, a plurality of device images in a GUI, each device image representing a respective device of a plurality of devices capable of being connected to the subject device via the connection modality; (b) receiving, via the interface circuitry, a selection of a target device of the plurality of devices from a user via the GUI; (c) in response to receiving the selection of the target device, displaying, via the interface circuitry, a set of connection parameters; (d) receiving, via the interface circuitry, a configuration of the set of connection parameters from the user; and (c) in response to receiving the configuration of the set of connection parameters, displaying, via the interface circuitry, information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device via the connection modality.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Objects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings arc notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments.

[0018] Fig. 1 illustrates an example system, apparatus, computer program product, and associated data structures according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 2 illustrates an example method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 3 illustrates an example screen view according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 4 illustrates an example screen view according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig. 5 illustrates an example screen view according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 6 illustrates an example screen view according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 7 illustrates an example screen view according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 8 illustrates an example screen view according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig. 9 illustrates an example method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 10 illustrates an example screen view according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 11 illustrates an example method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig. 12 illustrates an example screen view according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig. 13 illustrates an example screen view according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig. 14 illustrates an example method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Examples of the methods and systems discussed herein are not limited in application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The methods and systems are capable of implementation in other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Examples of specific implementations are provided herein for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. In particular, acts, components, elements and features discussed in connection with any one or more examples are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in any other examples.

[0033] Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Any references to examples, embodiments, components, elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular may also embrace embodiments including a plurality, and any references in plural to any embodiment, component, element or act herein may also embrace embodiments including only a singularity. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements. The use herein of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0034] References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. In addition, in the event of inconsistent usages of terms between this document and documents incorporated herein by reference, the term usage in the incorporated features is supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable differences, the term usage in this document controls.

[0035] In a conventional connection wizard, a user may attempt to connect a power distribution unit (PDU) to an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) or an Automated Transfer Switch (ATS) so that the PDU can draw power from the UPS in the event of a power failure or so that the ATS can automatically switch over power supply to the PDU in the event of a power failure.However, the user may have no knowledge of which UPS has the right characteristic (e.g., enough available power capacity) to supply enough power to the PDU or which UPS the PDU is already connected to. For example, a particular UPS might have insufficient power capacity tosupply enough power to the PDU, or the PDU is already connected to that UPS. Thus, such an impractical connection (or duplicate connection) of the PDU to the particular UPS cannot be avoided, unless the connection wizard informs the user of the connection status of the PDU and the particular UPS before the user takes such an action. Similar problems exist for making connections between devices of the same type, such as a connection between a first PDU and a second PDU.

[0036] Therefore, it would be desirable to implement a connection wizard with connection status indications (CWCSI) that displays device images with characteristics that indicate the connection statuses of the corresponding devices during or before the connection configuration of those devices. It would also be desirable if the CWCSI could receive user input and, upon the user input, perform different functions based on the connection parameters and statuses of the corresponding devices.

[0037] Fig. 1 depicts an example computer system 100 for use in connection with various embodiments. System 100 includes at least one computing device 110, which may be any kind of computing device, such as, for example, a personal computer, laptop, workstation, server, enterprise server, tablet, smartphone, etc. In an example embodiment, computing device 110 is a personal computer.

[0038] Computing device 110 includes processing circuitry 120, network interface circuitry 122, user interface (UI) circuitry 130, and memory 140. Computing device 110 may also include various additional features that are well-known in the ait, such as, for example, interconnection traces, buses, etc.

[0039] Processing circuitry 120 may include any kind of processor or set of processors configured to perform operations, such as, for example, a microprocessor, a multi-core microprocessor, a digital signal processor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SoC), a collection of electronic circuits, a similar kind of controller, or any combination of the above.

[0040] The network interface circuitry 121 connects the computing device 110 to an external network 122 with or without connecting wires. Network interface circuitry 121 may include one or more Ethernet cards, cellular modems, Fibre Channel (FC) adapters, InfiniBand adapters, wireless networking adapters (e.g., Wi-Fi), and / or other devices for connecting to a network. Thenetwork 122 may be any kind of communications network or set of communications networks, such as, for example, a LAN, WAN, SAN, the Internet, a wireless communication network, a virtual network, a fabric of interconnected switches, etc. Network interface circuitry 121 connects, via network 122 to a facility 123. Facility 123 includes one or more rooms 124 (depicted as rooms 124A, 124B, . . .), each of which includes one or more devices 125 (depicted as devices 125(a), 125(b), 125(c), 125(d), . . .).

[0041] UI circuitry 130 may include any circuitry needed to communicate with and connect to one or more user input device(s) 192 and display screen(s) 180. UI circuitry 130 may include, for example, a keyboard controller, a mouse controller, a touch controller, a serial bus port and controller, a universal serial bus (USB) port and controller, a wireless controller and antenna (e.g., Bluetooth), a graphics adapter and port, etc.

[0042] In some embodiments (not depicted), user 194 may use the input device(s) 192 and display screen(s) 180 to interface with remote UI circuitry (not depicted) on a remote computing device (not depicted) that communicates with the computing device 110 across a network (e.g., network 122). In such a case, the UI circuitry 130 of the computing device 110 may be the same as the network interface circuitry 121.

[0043] Display screen 180 may be any kind of display, including, for example, a CRT, LCD screen, LED screen, OLED screen, etc. Input device 192 may include a keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackpad, trackball, pointing stick, joystick, touchscreen (e.g., embedded within display screen 39), microphone / voice controller, etc. In some embodiments, instead of being external to the computing device 110, the input device 192 and / or display screen 180 may be embedded within the computing device 110 (e.g., a cell phone or tablet with an embedded touchscreen).

[0044] Memory 140 may include any kind of digital system memory, such as, for example, random access memory (RAM). Memory 140 stores an operating system (OS, not depicted, e.g., a Linux, UNIX, Windows, MacOS, or similar operating system) and various drivers and other applications and software modules, including CWCSI 150, configured to execute on processing circuitry 120 as well as various data.

[0045] CWCSI 150 may include subject device images 152 (depicted as subject images 152A, 152B, ...), target device images 154 (depicted as target device images 154A, 154B, ...), connection indicators 156 (depicted as connection indicators 156A, 156B, ...), connectionparameters 160, and a facility interior layout 164 that includes room structures 166 (depicted as room structures 166A, 166B, ...). Room structures 166 represent rooms 124 within facility 123 and may contain subject device images 152, target device images 154, and / or connection indicators 156 which indicate the connections between the underlying subject devices and target devices, which represent underlying devices 125. For example, as depicted, room indicator 166A represents room 1 124A, and room indicator 166B represents room 2 124B. In addition, as depicted, subject device image 152A within room structure 166A represents device 125(a) within room 124A and target device image 154B within room structure 166A represents device 125(b) within room 124A. CWCSI 150 also stores a graphic user interface (GUI) 170 configured to display information on the display screen 180 and to interact with user 194 via the user input device(s) 192.

[0046] In operation, user 194 operates the input device 192 to manipulate the CWCSI 150 to connect a subject device (e.g., device 125(a)) represented by a subject device image 152 (e.g., subject device image 152A) to a target device (e.g., device 125(b)) represented by a target device image 154 (e.g., target device image 154B). In some embodiments, the CWCSI 150 instructs the display screen 180 to display a CWCSI window 190, in which the configuration of a connection between the subject device and the target device is displayed. CWCSI 150 may also instruct the display screen 180 to display, in the CWCSI window 190, connection indicators 156 to add characteristics to the subject device images 152 and / or the target device images 154 to indicate the connection statuses of those underlying devices 125. Connection parameters 160 of the subject and target devices may also be displayed and selected in the CWCSI window 190. When the connection status and parameters of the target device permit a connection to the subject device, the corresponding target device image 154 may be selectable (and sometimes highlighted) to configure the connection. When the connection status indicates that a subject device is connected to a target device, CWCSI 150 may also allow user 194 to change the configuration of or disconnect the connection. It should be understood that the CWCSI 150 may further include various editors (not shown) to receive and execute user inputs for configuring the connection.

[0047] Memory 140 may also store various other data structures used by the OS, CWCSI 150, GUI 170, and / or various other applications and drivers. In some embodiments, memory 140 mayalso include a persistent storage portion. The persistent storage portion of memory 140 may be made up of one or more persistent storage devices, such as, for example, magnetic disks, flash drives, solid-state storage drives, or other types of storage drives. The persistent storage portion of memory 140 is configured to store programs and data even while the computing device 110 is powered off. The OS, CWCSI 150, GUI 170, and / or various other applications and drivers are typically stored in this persistent storage portion of memory 140 so that they may be loaded into a system portion of memory 140 upon a system restart or as needed. The OS, CWCSI 150, GUI 170, and / or various other applications and drivers, when stored in non-transitory form either in the volatile or persistent portion of memory 140, each form a computer program product. The processing circuitry 120 running one or more applications thus forms a specialized circuit constructed and arranged to carry out the various processes described herein.

[0048] Fig. 2 illustrates an example method 200 performed by computing device 110 for modeling a connection between a subject device and a target device via a connection modality (e.g., a power connection, a data connection, etc.). It should be understood that any time a piece of software (e.g., OS, CWCSI 150, GUI 170, etc.) is described as performing a method, process, step, or function, what is meant is that a computing device (e.g., computing device 110, etc.) on which that piece of software is running performs that method, process, step, or function when executing that piece of software on its processing circuitry 120. It should be understood that one or more of the steps or sub-steps of method 200 may be omitted in some embodiments.Similarly, in some embodiments, one or more steps or sub-steps may be combined together or performed in a different order.

[0049] Method 200 of Fig. 2 is described in connection with Figs. 3-8. Figs. 3-8 depict example views 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, respectively of screens of CWCSI window 190 in various contexts.

[0050] Referring to Figs. 2-4, step 210 of method 200 includes displaying multiple target device images 154 (depicted as target device images 154A, 154B, 154C, 154D, 154E in the example of Fig. 4) in a room view 400 of the GUI 170. Each of the target device images 154 may represent an underlying device 125 capable of being connected to the subject device as a target device. In one embodiment, the subject device may be represented by subject device image 152A (shown in a rack view 300 of Fig. 3) as a rack-type power distribution unit (PDU) configured to be placedinside a rack (represented by rack image 302) located in a room 124 at a facility 123 such as a data center. The currently- selected subject device image 152A is indicated by having a highlighted border 159 (depicted as having a thickened border).

[0051] The target devices may be connectable to the subject device in a power connection modality, for example. Room view 400 (see Fig. 4) may also include connection status indicators 156A, 156B, 156C (e.g., color bars) labeling the respective target device images 154 to indicate respective connection paths to the respective underlying target devices (i.e., indicating to which subject device each target device is connected, if any). As depicted, connection status indicator 156A is green (indicated by diagonal striping), connection status indicator 156B is orange (represented by stippling), and connection status indicator 156C is red (indicated by horizontal striping). The connection status indicators 156 may have other characteristics, such as shade, shape, size, or pattern, to indicate different connection paths. In some cases (not depicted in Fig. 4), a special color (e.g., white) may be used for a connection status indicator 156 to indicate that a potential target device represented by a target device image 154 is not yet connected to any subject device.

[0052] In various embodiments, the target device images 154 may have a respective characteristic, such as the color of their frames 158, that represents the type of the underlying target devices. In one embodiment, the frame 158A of a first type (e.g., UPS) of device 154A, 154B, 154E is purple (indicated by upright cross hatching) and the frame 158C of a second type (e.g., ATS) of device 154C, 154D is pink (indicated by diagonal cross hatching). The target device images 154 may have other characteristics, such as shade, shape, size, or pattern, to indicate their types.

[0053] Referring to both Fig. 2 and Fig. 5, in step 220, method 200 includes receiving a user selection of a target device among the target devices represented by the target device images 154A, 154B, 154C, 154D, 154E. In one embodiment, user 194 may select a target device (e.g., Berlin-UPS-2) by clicking on the target device image 154B in room view 500 via mouse 192. A green connection status indicator 156A (represented by diagonal striping, see Fig. 4) may then be attached to the target device image 154B. The target device image 154B may change its appearance when it is clicked on, such as by having a highlighted border 159 (depicted as having a thickened border). In another embodiment, user 194 may select the target device (i.e., Berlin-UPS-2) by clicking on the corresponding item listed in a dropdown list 502 via mouse 192. Selecting an item in the dropdown list 502 may cause the corresponding target image 154B in room view 500 to change appearance in the same way as clicking on the target image 154B. User 194 may confirm the selection by clicking on the “Next” button 504.

[0054] Referring to both Fig. 2 and Fig. 6, in response to the user selection of the target device in step 220, step 230 of method 200 includes displaying a set of connection parameters 160. In one embodiment, Fig. 6 illustrates an example connection properties view 600 including dropdown list selections and information entries of various connection parameters 160 (i.e., Breaker Panel 602, Breaker model 604, Position 606, Phase 608, and Name 610) and a visual representation 612 of certain other connection details for the corresponding connection. Specifically, referring to Fig. 6, “Panel-A” is the value for Breaker Panel 602, “32A 3P Generic Breaker” is the value for Breaker model 604, “2-L1” is the value for Position 606, “L1_L2_L3” is the value for Phase 608, and “Breaker Panel-A” is the value for (connection) Name 610. The visual representation 612 may include a graphical representation of connection details such as “Potential failover load,” “Measured Peak Power,” and “Estimated load” for each selected phase (i.e., LI, L2, L3) as well as a threshold load ceiling 614 of “250kW” for the selected breaker panel. Visual representation 612 may assist user 194 in selecting a suitable set of connection parameters 160 for modeling the connection.

[0055] Referring again to both Fig. 2 and Fig. 6, in step 240, method 200 includes receiving a configuration of the set of connection parameters from user 194. Thus, the user 194 may alter one or more of the set of connection parameters 160 (e.g., 602, 604, 606, 608, 610). In one embodiment, once user 194 makes a final decision on the configuration of the set of connection parameters 160, optionally under the assistance of the visual representation 612, user 194 may confirm the configuration by clicking on the “Confirm” button 616.

[0056] Referring to both Fig. 2 and Fig. 7, in response to receiving the configuration of the set of connection parameters, step 250 of method 200 includes displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device via the connection modality. In one embodiment, the subject device image 152A in a rack view 700 may change its color from white (see Fig. 3) to green (see Fig. 7). The new green color indicates that the subject device (i.e., racktype PDU) represented by subject device image 152A is now connected to the target devicerepresented by the target device image 154B because the connection status indicator 156A attached to the target device image 154B is also green. In this manner, the color of the subject device image 152 matching the color of the connection status indicator 156 of a target device image 154 indicates the connection of the subject device to the corresponding target device. If the color of the subject device image 152 does not match any of the colors of the connection status indicators 156 of the target device images 154 (or if the color represents the lack of a connection, such as white), the underlying subject device is unconnected.

[0057] Referring to both Fig. 3 and Fig. 7, in addition to displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device via the color of the subject device image 152A and the color bar indicators 156A, 156B, 156C, the indication may also be performed via “Connection Details” panels 304 and 702. In rack view 300, panel 304 may include a message informing user 194 that the subject device represented by subject device image 152A is not connected to any target devices. In rack view 700, after a connection has been made, panel 702 may include a message informing user 194 of the connected target device 154B and the corresponding connection parameters 160.

[0058] In some embodiments, as depicted in the example of Fig. 7, rack 302 containing the subject devices (depicted by green subject device image 152A and red subject device image 152B) may also contain subject devices (e.g., rack- mounted servers), depicted by target device images 754A, 754B, 745C, 754D, which the user 194 may select in step 220.

[0059] Fig. 3 and Fig. 8 illustrate that displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device via the connection modality may also be performed by displaying connection status indicators 156 on the racks in room view 800. The rack represented by rack image 302 is configured to contain a first subject device represented by subject device image 152A and a second subject device represented by subject device image 152B. After the first subject device is connected to the first target device labeled by the green connection status indicator 156 A, rack image 302 may also be labeled by the green connection status indicator 156A to indicate that the rack represented by rack image 302 contains a subject device connected to a target device labeled by the green indicator 156A. If the second subject device is connected to a second target device labeled by a red connection status indicator 156B, the rack image 302 is also labeled by the red indicator 156B with reference to the second subject device of that rack.Another rack image 802 is further labeled by an orange connection status indicator 156C indicating a subject device inside the rack represented by rack image 802 is connected in a third connection path different from the other two existing connection paths labeled by cither a green or red indicator. It is to be understood that any number of connection status indicators 156 with different colors may label a rack image depending on the connection statuses of the subject devices contained therein.

[0060] Fig. 9 illustrates an example method 900 performed by computing device 110 for modeling a connection between a subject device and a target device via a connection modality. It should be understood that one or more of the steps or sub-steps of method 900 may be omitted in some embodiments. Similarly, in some embodiments, one or more steps or sub-steps may be combined together or performed in a different order. In addition to the steps included in method 200, method 900 further includes step 910 after step 210.

[0061] Method 900 of Fig. 9 is described in connection with Fig. 10. Fig. 10 depicts an example room view 1000 of CWCSI window 190 in various contexts.

[0062] Referring to both Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, step 910 of method 900 includes displaying one or more additional device images 1002, 1004, 1006 that are different from the multiple target device images 154A, 154B. Each of the one or more device images 1002, 1004, 1006 represents a respective device incapable of being connected to the subject device. The one or more device images 1002, 1004, 1006 have a common characteristic (e.g., dimmed or greyed, depicted by the use of dashed lines) indicating that the underlying one or more devices are incapable of being connected to the subject device via the connection modality, for example, because they are PDU- typc devices having frames 158C that arc orange (indicated by vertical striping). The user 194 is not able to select any of the additional device images 1002, 1004, 1006 in step 220. Method 900 then continues as in method 200.

[0063] Fig. 11 illustrates an example method 1100 performed by computing device 110 for modeling a connection between a subject device and a target device via a connection modality. It should be understood that one or more of the steps or sub-steps of method 900 may be omitted in some embodiments. Similarly, in some embodiments, one or more steps or sub-steps may be combined together or performed in a different order. In addition to the steps included in method 200, method 1100 further includes step 1110 prior to step 210.

[0064] Method 1100 of Fig. 11 is described in connection with Fig. 12. Fig. 12 depicts an example view 1000 of CWCSI window 190 in a particular context.

[0065] Referring to both Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, step 1110 of method 1100 includes receiving an input of the location (e.g., a particular room) of the target devices connectable to the subject device from user 194. In a room selection view 1200, user 194 first selects the room in the facility where the multiple devices are located. If the target devices are in the same room as the subject device, user 194 clicks the first start button 1102 using mouse 192. Otherwise, user 194 clicks the second start button 1104 using mouse 192. In response to the room selection, step 210 is then performed, i.e., displaying the target devices located in the selected room. Method 1100 then continues as in method 200.

[0066] Referring to Fig. 13, in one embodiment, the subject device is contained in a rack (represented by rack image 1302) located in the same room as the target device (e.g., floor-type PDU) represented by target device image 1304. Room view 1300 may display both the rack image 1302 and the target device image 1304. It is to be understood that, in various embodiments, the rack images in room views 800, 1000, 1300 may also represent the subject devices contained therein.

[0067] Fig. 14 illustrates an example method 1400 performed by computing device 110 for modeling a connection between a subject device and a target device via a connection modality. In addition to steps 220, 230, 240, and 250 included in method 200, method 1400 may further include steps 1410, 1420, and 1430 (step 1430 being very similar’ to step 210). Method 1400 of Fig. 14 is described in connection with Figs. 3-4.

[0068] Step 1410 of method 1400 may include displaying multiple subject device images 152A, 152B as subject device candidates (e.g., in a rack view 300). Step 1420 of method 1400 may include receiving the selection of the subject device image 152A (e.g., via the rack view 300) from user 194. The selection indicates that the underlying subject device (e.g., a rack-type PDU) represented by the subject device image 152A is selected as the subject device to be connected. In response to receiving the selection of the subject device, step 1430 of method 1400 (which is the same as step 210 from method 200 with additional text to clarify differences with respect to step 1410) may include displaying multiple target device images 154 representing target device candidates capable of being connected to the subject device in a room view 400 via theconnection modality. Steps 1410 and 1430 differ from each other in that they display different types of device images, such as subject device images 152 in step 1410 and target device images 154 in step 1430.

[0069] In the embodiments described above, the connection modality of method 200 was a power connection modality. In various embodiments, other connection modalities may be used instead. For example, the connection modality of method 200 may be a data connection modality such as a wired data connection, a wireless data connection, or a hybrid data connection. The subject and target devices may be data-receiving and / or transmitting devices that are communicatively coupled to each other.

[0070] While various embodiments of the invention have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0071] It should be understood that although various embodiments have been described as being methods, software embodying these methods is also included. Thus, one embodiment includes a tangible computer-readable medium (such as, for example, a hard disk, a floppy disk, an optical disk, computer memory, flash memory, etc.) programmed with instructions, which, when performed by a computer or a set of computers, cause one or more of the methods described in various embodiments to be performed. Another embodiment includes a computer which is programmed to perform one or more of the methods described in various embodiments.

[0072] Furthermore, it should be understood that all embodiments which have been described may be combined in all possible combinations with each other, except to the extent that such combinations have been explicitly excluded.

[0073] Finally, nothing in this Specification shall be construed as an admission of any sort. Even if a technique, method, apparatus, or other concept is specifically labeled as “background” or as “conventional,” Applicant makes no admission that such technique, method, apparatus, or other concept is actually prior art, such determination being a legal determination that depends upon many factors, not all of which are known to Applicant at this time.

[0074] The following are particular embodiments of interest:1. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, which when performed by processing circuitry of a computing system, cause the computing system to model a connection to a subject device via a connection modality by: displaying a plurality of device images in a graphical user interface (GUI), each device image representing a respective device of a plurality of devices capable of being connected to the subject device via the connection modality; receiving a selection of a target device of the plurality of devices from a user via the GUI; in response to receiving the selection of the target device, displaying a set of connection parameters; receiving a configuration of the set of connection parameters from the user; and in response to receiving the configuration of the set of connection parameters, displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device via the connection modality.2. The computer program product of embodiment 1, wherein: the instructions, when performed by the processing circuitry, further cause the computing system to receive an input of a location of the plurality of devices from the user; and displaying the plurality of device images is performed in response to receiving the input of the location of the plurality of devices.3. The computer program product of embodiment 1, wherein the connection modality is a power connection, the subject device is a power-receiving device, and the target device and the plurality of devices are power-supplying devices.4. The computer program product of embodiment 3, wherein receiving the configuration of the set of connection parameters includes receiving a selection of a power phase of the target device to which the power-receiving device is connected over the power connection.5. The computer program product of embodiment 3, wherein displaying informationindicating that the subject device is connected to the target device includes: displaying a subject device image having a first characteristic, the subject device image representing the subject device, the first characteristic representing power provision by the target device; displaying a first power-receiving device image having the first characteristic, the first power-receiving device image representing a first power-receiving device different from the subject device, the first power-receiving device being connected to the target device for power; and displaying a second power-receiving device image having a second characteristic different from the first characteristic, the second power-receiving device image representing a second power-receiving device different from both the subject device and the first powerreceiving device, the second power-receiving device being connected to another powersupplying device different from the target device, the second characteristic representing power provision by the other power-supplying device.6. The computer program product of embodiment 5, wherein displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device further includes: displaying a target device image having the first characteristic, the target device image representing the target device; and displaying the subject device image and the target device image in a display region indicative of the subject device and the target device being in a same location.7. The computer program product of embodiment 1, wherein: the instructions, when performed by the processing circuitry, further cause the computing system to receive an input of a location of the plurality of devices from the user, the location of the plurality of devices being different from a location of the subject device; and displaying the plurality of device images is performed in response to receiving the input of the location of the plurality of devices.8. The computer program product of embodiment 1 , wherein the connection modality is adata connection modality, and the subject device connects to the target device over a first data connection.9. The computer program product of embodiment 8, wherein displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device includes: displaying a subject device image having a first characteristic, the subject device image representing the subject device, the first characteristic representing the first data connection; displaying a first device image having the first characteristic, the first device image representing a first device different from the subject device, the first device being communicatively coupled to the target device over the first data connection, and displaying a second device image having a second characteristic different from the first characteristic, the second device image representing a second device different from both the subject device and the first device, the second device being communicatively coupled to another device different from the target device over a second data connection and not the first data connection, the second characteristic representing the second data connection.10. The computer program product of embodiment 9, wherein displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device further includes: displaying a target device image having the first characteristic, the target device image representing the target device, and displaying the subject device image and the target device image in a display region indicative of the subject device and the target device being in a same location.11. The computer program product of embodiment 1, wherein a subject device image represents the subject device, the subject device image having a characteristic, the subject device having a type, the characteristic representing the type.12. The computer program product of embodiment 11, wherein the characteristic includes at least one of a color, a shade, a shape, a size, or a pattern.13. The computer program product of embodiment 1, wherein: displaying the plurality of device images is performed in a first view of the GUI, the first view having a first type; the instructions, when performed by the processing circuitry, further cause the computing system to: display a second plurality of device images in a second view of the GUI, the second view having a second type different from the first type, the second plurality of device images representing a second plurality of devices, and receive a selection of the subject device of the second plurality of devices from the user via the second view; and displaying the plurality of device images is performed in response to receiving the selection of the subject device.14. The computer program product of embodiment 1, wherein receiving the selection of the target device of the plurality of devices from the user via the GUI includes receiving a selection of a target device image representing the target device from the user via the GUI.15. The computer program product of embodiment 1, wherein: the instructions, when performed by the processing circuitry, further cause the computing system to display a list of items, each item representing a respective device of the plurality of devices; receiving the selection of the target device of the plurality of devices from the user via the GUI includes receiving a selection of an item displayed within the list of items, the item representing the target device; and the instructions, when performed by the processing circuitry, further cause the computing system to, in response to receiving the selection of the item, display a selection of a target device image representing the target device.16. The computer program product of embodiment 1, wherein the instructions, when performed by the processing circuitry, further cause the computing system to:display one or more additional device images different from the plurality of device images, each of the one or more additional device images representing a respective device of one or more additional devices different from the plurality of devices, the one or more additional device images having a common display characteristic indicating that the one or more additional devices are incapable of being connected to the subject device via the connection modality.17. A method, performed by a computing system, of modeling a connection to a subject device via a connection modality, the method comprising: displaying a plurality of device images in a GUI, each device image representing a respective device of a plurality of devices capable of being connected to the subject device via the connection modality; receiving a selection of a target device of the plurality of devices from a user via the GUI; in response to receiving the selection of the target device, displaying a set of connection parameters; receiving a configuration of the set of connection parameters from the user; and in response to receiving the configuration of the set of connection parameters, displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device via the connection modality.18. The method of embodiment 17, wherein: the method further comprises receiving an input of a location of the plurality of devices from the user; and displaying the plurality of device images is performed in response to receiving the input of the location of the plurality of devices.19. The method of embodiment 17, wherein the connection modality is a power connection, the subject device is a power-receiving device, and the target device and the plurality of devices are power- supplying devices.20. The method of embodiment 19, wherein receiving the configuration of the set ofconnection parameters includes receiving a selection of a power phase of the target device to which the power-receiving device is connected over the power connection.21. The method of embodiment 19, wherein displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device includes: displaying a subject device image having a first characteristic, the subject device image representing the subject device, the first characteristic representing power provision by the target device; displaying a first power-receiving device image having the first characteristic, the first power-receiving device image representing a first power-receiving device different from the subject device, the first power-receiving device being connected to the target device for power; and displaying a second power-receiving device image having a second characteristic different from the first characteristic, the second power-receiving device image representing a second power-receiving device different from both the subject device and the first powerreceiving device, the second power-receiving device being connected to another powersupplying device different from the target device, the second characteristic representing power provision by the other power-supplying device.22. The method of embodiment 21, wherein displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device further includes: displaying a target device image having the first characteristic, the target device image representing the target device; and displaying the subject device image and the target device image in a display region indicative of the subject device and the target device being in a same location.23. The method of embodiment 17, wherein: the method further comprises receiving an input of a location of the plurality of devices from the user, the location of the plurality of devices being different from a location of the subject device; anddisplaying the plurality of device images is performed in response to receiving the input of the location of the plurality of devices.24. The method of embodiment 17, wherein the connection modality is a data connection modality, and the subject device connects to the target device over a first data connection.25. The method of embodiment 24, wherein displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device includes: displaying a subject device image having a first characteristic, the subject device image representing the subject device, the first characteristic representing the first data connection; displaying a first device image having the first characteristic, the first device image representing a first device different from the subject device, the first device being communicatively coupled to the target device over the first data connection, and displaying a second device image having a second characteristic different from the first characteristic, the second device image representing a second device different from both the subject device and the first device, the second device being communicatively coupled to another device different from the target device over a second data connection and not the first data connection, the second characteristic representing the second data connection.26. The method of embodiment 25, wherein displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device further includes: displaying a target device image having the first characteristic, the target device image representing the target device, and displaying the subject device image and the target device image in a display region indicative of the subject device and the target device being in a same location.27. The method of embodiment 17, wherein a subject device image represents the subject device, the subject device image having a characteristic, the subject device having a type, the characteristic representing the type.28. The method of embodiment 27, wherein the characteristic includes at least one of a color, a shade, a shape, a size, or a pattern.29. The method of embodiment 17, wherein: displaying the plurality of device images is performed in a first view of the GUI, the first view having a first type; the method further comprises: displaying a second plurality of device images in a second view of the GUI, the second view having a second type different from the first type, the second plurality of device images representing a second plurality of devices, and receiving a selection of the subject device of the second plurality of devices from the user via the second view; and displaying the plurality of device images is performed in response to receiving the selection of the subject device.30. The method of embodiment 17, wherein receiving the selection of the target device of the plurality of devices from the user via the GUI includes receiving a selection of a target device image representing the target device from the user via the GUI.31. The method of embodiment 17, wherein: the method further comprises displaying a list of items, each item representing a respective device of the plurality of devices; receiving the selection of the target device of the plurality of devices from the user via the GUI includes receiving a selection of an item displayed within the list of items, the item representing the target device; and the method further comprises, in response to receiving the selection of the item, displaying a selection of a target device image representing the target device.32. The method of embodiment 17, further comprising: displaying one or more additional device images different from the plurality of deviceimages, each of the one or more additional device images representing a respective device of one or more additional devices different from the plurality of devices, the one or more additional device images having a common display characteristic indicating that the one or more additional devices are incapable of being connected to the subject device via the connection modality.33. An apparatus comprising: interface circuitry; and processing circuitry coupled to memory configured to model a connection to a subject device via a connection modality by: displaying, via the interface circuitry, a plurality of device images in a GUI, each device image representing a respective device of a plurality of devices capable of being connected to the subject device via the connection modality; receiving, via the interface circuitry, a selection of a target device of the plurality of devices from a user via the GUI; in response to receiving the selection of the target device, displaying, via the interface circuitry, a set of connection parameters; receiving, via the interface circuitry, a configuration of the set of connection parameters from the user; and in response to receiving the configuration of the set of connection parameters, displaying, via the interface circuitry, information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device via the connection modality.34. The apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein: the processing circuitry is further configured to model the connection to the subject device via the connection modality by receiving an input of a location of the plurality of devices from the user; and displaying, via the interface circuitry, the plurality of device images is performed in response to receiving the input of the location of the plurality of devices.35. The apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein the connection modality is a powerconnection, the subject device is a power-receiving device, and the target device and the plurality of devices are power- supplying devices.36. The apparatus of embodiment 35, wherein receiving, via the interface circuitry, the configuration of the set of connection parameters includes receiving, via the interface circuitry, a selection of a power phase of the target device to which the power-receiving device is connected over the power connection.37. The method of embodiment 35, wherein displaying, via the interface circuitry, information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device includes: displaying, via the interface circuitry, a subject device image having a first characteristic, the subject device image representing the subject device, the first characteristic representing power provision by the target device; displaying, via the interface circuitry, a first power-receiving device image having the first characteristic, the first power-receiving device image representing a first power-receiving device different from the subject device, the first power-receiving device being connected to the target device for power; and displaying, via the interface circuitry, a second power-receiving device image having a second characteristic different from the first characteristic, the second power-receiving device image representing a second power-receiving device different from both the subject device and the first power-receiving device, the second power-receiving device being connected to another power-supplying device different from the target device, the second characteristic representing power provision by the other power-supplying device.38. The method of embodiment 37, wherein displaying, via the interface circuitry, information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device further includes: displaying, via the interface circuitry, a target device image having the first characteristic, the target device image representing the target device; and displaying, via the interface circuitry, the subject device image and the target device image in a display region indicative of the subject device and the target device being in a samelocation.39. The apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein: the processing circuitry is further configured to model the connection to the subject device via the connection modality by receiving, via the interface circuitry, an input of a location of the plurality of devices from the user, the location of the plurality of devices being different from a location of the subject device; and displaying, via the interface circuitry, the plurality of device images is performed in response to receiving, via the interface circuitry, the input of the location of the plurality of devices.40. The apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein the connection modality is a data connection modality, and the subject device connects to the target device over a first data connection.41. The apparatus of embodiment 40, wherein displaying, via the interface circuitry, information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device includes: displaying, via the interface circuitry, a subject device image having a first characteristic, the subject device image representing the subject device, the first characteristic representing the first data connection; displaying, via the interface circuitry, a first device image having the first characteristic, the first device image representing a first device different from the subject device, the first device being communicatively coupled to the target device over the first data connection, and displaying, via the interface circuitry, a second device image having a second characteristic different from the first characteristic, the second device image representing a second device different from both the subject device and the first device, the second device being communicatively coupled to another device different from the target device over a second data connection and not the first data connection, the second characteristic representing the second data connection.42. The apparatus of embodiment 41, wherein displaying, via the interface circuitry,information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device further includes: displaying, via the interface circuitry, a target device image having the first characteristic, the target device image representing the target device, and displaying, via the interface circuitry, the subject device image and the target device image in a display region indicative of the subject device and the target device being in a same location.43. The apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein a subject device image represents the subject device, the subject device image having a characteristic, the subject device having a type, the characteristic representing the type.44. The apparatus of embodiment 43, wherein the characteristic includes at least one of a color, a shade, a shape, a size, or a pattern.45. The apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein: displaying, via the interface circuitry, the plurality of device images is performed in a first view of the GUI, the first view having a first type; the processing circuitry is further configured to model the connection to the subject device via the connection modality by: displaying, via the interface circuitry, a second plurality of device images in a second view of the GUI, the second view having a second type different from the first type, the second plurality of device images representing a second plurality of devices, and receiving, via the interface circuitry, a selection of the subject device of the second plurality of devices from the user via the second view; and displaying, via the interface circuitry, the plurality of device images is performed in response to receiving, via the interface circuitry, the selection of the subject device.46. The apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein receiving, via the interface circuitry, the selection of the target device of the plurality of devices from the user via the GUI includes receiving, via the interface circuitry, a selection of a target device image representing the targetdevice from the user via the GUI.47. The apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein: the processing circuitry is further configured to model the connection to the subject device via the connection modality by displaying, via the interface circuitry, a list of items, each item representing a respective device of the plurality of devices; receiving, via the interface circuitry, the selection of the target device of the plurality of devices from the user via the GUI includes receiving, via the interface circuitry, a selection of an item displayed within the list of items, the item representing the target device; and the processing circuitry is further configured to model the connection to the subject device via the connection modality by, in response to receiving, via the interface circuitry, the selection of the item, displaying, via the interface circuitry, a selection of a target device image representing the target device.48. The apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to model the connection to the subject device via the connection modality by: displaying, via the interface circuitry, one or more additional device images different from the plurality of device images, each of the one or more additional device images representing a respective device of one or more additional devices different from the plurality of devices, the one or more additional device images having a common display characteristic indicating that the one or more additional devices are incapable of being connected to the subject device via the connection modality.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, which when performed by processing circuitry of a computing system, cause the computing system to model a connection to a subject device via a connection modality by: displaying a plurality of device images in a graphical user interface (GUI), each device image representing a respective device of a plurality of devices capable of being connected to the subject device via the connection modality; receiving a selection of a target device of the plurality of devices from a user via the GUI; in response to receiving the selection of the target device, displaying a set of connection parameters; receiving a configuration of the set of connection parameters from the user; and in response to receiving the configuration of the set of connection parameters, displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device via the connection modality.

2. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein: the instructions, when performed by the processing circuitry, further cause the computing system to receive an input of a location of the plurality of devices from the user; and displaying the plurality of device images is performed in response to receiving the input of the location of the plurality of devices.

3. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the connection modality is a power connection, the subject device is a power-receiving device, and the target device and the plurality of devices are power- supplying devices.

4. The computer program product of claim 3, wherein receiving the configuration of the set of connection parameters includes receiving a selection of a power phase of the target device towhich the power-receiving device is connected over the power connection.

5. The computer program product of claim 3, wherein displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device includes: displaying a subject device image having a first characteristic, the subject device image representing the subject device, the first characteristic representing power provision by the target device; displaying a first power-receiving device image having the first characteristic, the first power-receiving device image representing a first power-receiving device different from the subject device, the first power-receiving device being connected to the target device for power; and displaying a second power-receiving device image having a second characteristic different from the first characteristic, the second power-receiving device image representing a second power-receiving device different from both the subject device and the first powerreceiving device, the second power-receiving device being connected to another powersupplying device different from the target device, the second characteristic representing power provision by the other power-supplying device.

6. The computer program product of claim 5, wherein displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device further includes: displaying a target device image having the first characteristic, the target device image representing the target device; and displaying the subject device image and the target device image in a display region indicative of the subject device and the target device being in a same location.

7. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein: the instructions, when performed by the processing circuitry, further cause the computing system to receive an input of a location of the plurality of devices from the user, the location of the plurality of devices being different from a location of the subject device; and displaying the plurality of device images is performed in response to receiving the inputof the location of the plurality of devices.

8. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the connection modality is a data connection modality, and the subject device connects to the target device over a first data connection.

9. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device includes: displaying a subject device image having a first characteristic, the subject device image representing the subject device, the first characteristic representing the first data connection; displaying a first device image having the first characteristic, the first device image representing a first device different from the subject device, the first device being communicatively coupled to the target device over the first data connection, and displaying a second device image having a second characteristic different from the first characteristic, the second device image representing a second device different from both the subject device and the first device, the second device being communicatively coupled to another device different from the target device over a second data connection and not the first data connection, the second characteristic representing the second data connection.

10. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device further includes: displaying a target device image having the first characteristic, the target device image representing the target device, and displaying the subject device image and the target device image in a display region indicative of the subject device and the target device being in a same location.

11. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein a subject device image represents the subject device, the subject device image having a characteristic, the subject device having a type, the characteristic representing the type.

12. The computer program product of claim 11, wherein the characteristic includes at least one of a color, a shade, a shape, a size, or a pattern.

13. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein: displaying the plurality of device images is performed in a first view of the GUI, the first view having a first type; the instructions, when performed by the processing circuitry, further cause the computing system to: display a second plurality of device images in a second view of the GUI, the second view having a second type different from the first type, the second plurality of device images representing a second plurality of devices, and receive a selection of the subject device of the second plurality of devices from the user via the second view; and displaying the plurality of device images is performed in response to receiving the selection of the subject device.

14. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein receiving the selection of the target device of the plurality of devices from the user via the GUI includes receiving a selection of a target device image representing the target device from the user via the GUI.

15. The computer program product of claim 1 , wherein: the instructions, when performed by the processing circuitry, further cause the computing system to display a list of items, each item representing a respective device of the plurality of devices; receiving the selection of the target device of the plurality of devices from the user via the GUI includes receiving a selection of an item displayed within the list of items, the item representing the target device; and the instructions, when performed by the processing circuitry, further cause the computing system to, in response to receiving the selection of the item, display a selection of a target device image representing the target device.

16. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when performed by the processing circuitry, further cause the computing system to: display one or more additional device images different from the plurality of device images, each of the one or more additional device images representing a respective device of one or more additional devices different from the plurality of devices, the one or more additional device images having a common display characteristic indicating that the one or more additional devices are incapable of being connected to the subject device via the connection modality.

17. A method, performed by a computing system, of modeling a connection to a subject device via a connection modality, the method comprising: displaying a plurality of device images in a GUI, each device image representing a respective device of a plurality of devices capable of being connected to the subject device via the connection modality; receiving a selection of a target device of the plurality of devices from a user via the GUI; in response to receiving the selection of the target device, displaying a set of connection parameters; receiving a configuration of the set of connection parameters from the user; and in response to receiving the configuration of the set of connection parameters, displaying information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device via the connection modality.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the connection modality is a power connection, the subject device is a power-receiving device, and the target device and the plurality of devices are power-supplying devices.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the connection modality is a data connection modality, and the subject device connects to the target device over a first data connection.

20. An apparatus comprising:interface circuitry; and processing circuitry coupled to memory configured to model a connection to a subject device via a connection modality by: displaying, via the interface circuitry, a plurality of device images in a GUI, each device image representing a respective device of a plurality of devices capable of being connected to the subject device via the connection modality; receiving, via the interface circuitry, a selection of a target device of the plurality of devices from a user via the GUI; in response to receiving the selection of the target device, displaying, via the interface circuitry, a set of connection parameters; receiving, via the interface circuitry, a configuration of the set of connection parameters from the user; and in response to receiving the configuration of the set of connection parameters, displaying, via the interface circuitry, information indicating that the subject device is connected to the target device via the connection modality.

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