Connector identifcation

Abstract

A display assembly for multiple termination connectors of a terminal panel, each termination connector (40a) arranged to be connected to at least one respective signal and connectable to a counterpart connector, and in use the display assembly arranged to be supported by a support framework, the assembly comprising an elongate display and a data processor (1) and a memory; wherein the or each display screen (10) associated with one or more respective termination connectors and controllable to display respective variable termination identifier information for the at least one signal carried by the or each associated connector, and the display assembly is operable in a network connected mode, in which configuration updates can be effected through a network connection from a network resource.

Description

[0001] CONNECTOR IDENTIFCATION

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates generally to identification of signals carried by connectors, for example at a termination panel.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Rack-mounted apparatus is known which provides multiple termination connectors (each for at least one respective signal). Such apparatus comprises a termination panel, which typically is of standardised form comprising a metal panel which is used to present signals at a demarcation point, typically within standardised (for example of 19" width) equipment racks at a broadcast or telecoms facility. Signals carried across electrical or optical cabling are presented at the connectors, such as sockets, mounted on the panel. The connectors are labelled to help trace and / or identify signals that they carry. The current method of labelling the terminal panel involves the use of a thin paper strip, mounted at the front of the termination panel, with signal identifying text / symbols located adjacent to each connector. The paper label is both time consuming and awkward to produce and requires a physical site visit to the panel for installation.

[0006] Whenever there is a change within a facility that affects the signals present at a termination panel, a new paper label needs to be produced and fitted. Due to the laborious nature of creating and installing such labels, particularly at remote locations, there is the potential for panel labelling to become outdated, and therefore inaccurate. This poses a significant risk to both infrastructure integrity and engineering works, with the possibility of a major incident occurring, should an incorrect cable be removed due to an incorrectly labelled connector.

[0007] With the advent of software defined networking and the ability to dynamically create signal paths and reconfigure hardware resources, the fixed text offered by the current paper label solution is both outdated and inadequate. For service providers, the need to update paper labels at remote customer locations can create a significant operational overhead.We seek to provide an improved solution.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided display assembly for multiple termination connectors of a terminal panel, each termination connector arranged to be connected to at least one respective signal and connectable to an (external removably detachable) counterpart connector, and in use the display assembly arranged to be supported by a support structure, the assembly comprising:

[0010] a display which comprises one or more display screens,

[0011] a data processor and a memory;

[0012] wherein the, or each, display screen is associated with one or more respective termination connectors and is controllable to display respective variable termination identifier information for the at least one signal carried by the or each associated connector.

[0013] The display assembly may be suitable for use with networking equipment which comprises multiple termination connections. The network equipment may be configured for use with rack structures which provide support and organisation (e.g. cable management) for network equipment (such as termination panels, hubs, servers, switches, relays etc.)

[0014] The, or each, display screen may be arranged to be aligned with or adjacent to one or more respective connector locations.

[0015] The identifier information displayed may include one or more of the following: signal name

[0016] signal type

[0017] signal descriptor

[0018] signal origin

[0019] signal destination

[0020] signal reference

[0021] signal code

[0022] signal designationconnector type

[0023] connector identifier

[0024] system identifier

[0025] presence (or not) of a signal

[0026] presence (or not) of a counterpart connector

[0027] The identifier information may comprise text (such as letters, words, and / or special characters) and / or imagery (e.g. graphic symbols, still images, video, dynamic imagery, and / or animation)

[0028] The termination panel may be termed a rack-mountable panel, which may also be described as a term panel, a patch panel, a presentation panel, a hand-off panel, and a customer panel.

[0029] The apparatus may comprise a controller. The controller may comprise a driver which is configured to cause (required) information to be displayed by the display screens.

[0030] The invention may be viewed as including the dynamic display of information relating to the signal(s) presented at a termination panel. In one embodiment this may be realised by using a slim profile / packaged electronics assembly which is attachable / attached to a panel and used to process and display respective information adjacent to each (physical) connection point.

[0031] There may be a one-to-one arrangement of display screens to termination connector positions, wherein each screen arranged to display termination information which relates to a single respective connector (or connection point). There may be a display screen provided for each termination connector.

[0032] Each display screen may be arranged to display information relating to two or more connectors (and so multiple connectors are arranged to share a display screen, either simultaneously or in a time multiplexed manner). Where a display screen is used to display termination data for signals carried by more than one connector, the display screen may be arranged to display a symbol or visual guide(such as an arrow) to indicate for which connector information is displayed. Where a display screen is used to display termination data for signals carried by more than one connector, the information relating to different respective connectors may be displayed at different regions of the display screen.

[0033] Where a display screen is used to display termination information for more than one connector, the display screen may be controllable to selectively display respective termination information (such that termination information for each connector is displayed singularly and not simultaneously).

[0034] The sharing of display screens for multiple associated termination connectors may be of particular use for panels with a high density of termination connections.

[0035] Each of the display screens (or respective regions of a single screen) may be individually and independently addressable.

[0036] Where multiple screens are provided, they may be arranged in spaced-apart fashion. The multiple screens may be arranged as a (horizontal) row.

[0037] The display screens may be arranged to be aligned or in registration with one or more respective connector positions (for example by having the same or substantially the same spacing as the spacing between connector positions). More generally, the arrangement of the display screens is such that each can be visually associated with one or respective connector points.

[0038] The display apparatus may comprise a singular elongate display screen, which is addressable so that respective termination information may be displayed at respective regions / locations (each corresponding to one or more respective connector points) along its length.

[0039] Each of the display screens may be arranged to be individually replaceable. For example, if one display screen malfunctions, only that screen needs to be replaced and not all of the display screens.The display assembly may be (detachably) connectable in front of or behind a panel.

[0040] The display assembly may comprise two (spaced-apart) connected substrates, one being provided with one or more display screens, and the other with at least a data processor and a memory. The two substrates may be electrically and mechanically coupled (by way of suitable connectors and / or fasteners). The substrates may be of elongate or strip form, and may be of oblong-rectangular shape. One or both substrates may be termed a carrier, and may be formed of printed circuit board.

[0041] The assembly may, instead of comprising the two substrates, comprise a singular or unitary entity which integrates both the display screen(s) and the processor. As such, this may comprise those functionalities which are provided on a single circuit board.

[0042] The display assembly may be provided with an (externally accessible) electrical connector or port (which may comprise an electrical socket) which is arranged to be coupled to a counterpart electrical connector (of, say a user device and / or a network adapter), through which data, control signals, machine-executable instructions, power and / or communication with an external network may be provided. This may be viewed as local control (of operational settings of the display assembly) and / or locally allowing access to stored data on the display assembly and / or locally allowing upload of data to the display assembly.

[0043] The externally accessible port or electrical connector may be provided on a processor board.

[0044] The display assembly may be provided at one distal end region thereof with an electrical connector. The display assembly may be provided (at an opposite end thereof) with an (externally accessible) user operable control to determine an operational condition of the display assembly. For example, this may comprise a power button / switch / control, which allows a user to put the assembly in an activated mode or an OFF or standby / lower power mode, or provide otheroperational commands). In a low-power, OFF or standby mode the display screens may not display any data. Data may (only) be displayed when a user manually activates the apparatus to display the termination data (for a predetermined period or until a user manually causes the apparatus to revert to the low-power / OFF / Standby condition).

[0045] The display assembly may be operable in different modes. For example, in standalone mode, the assembly may have a local power source and display textual and / or graphical / imagery data based on the locally stored configuration file which includes data provided by a user. The assembly may comprise a port which allows a user device to be connected directly (such as by way of a cable connection) to the display assembly and to thereby upload configuration information, and perform other operations. In a network connected mode of operation, updates (such as necessitated by one or more connectors of a termination panel (now) carrying different signals or those signals being renamed) can be carried out remotely by a network resource, without a user requiring to be present on site. In a network connected mode, the provision of a network port may provide connectivity to a data management platform and enable the display assembly to remotely receive dynamic updates. Such remote access may be by way of an application programming interface (API). The network resource accessible to the display assembly may comprise a data management platform, which may allow users to remotely update their existing configurations as well as introducing further functionality, and / or to register new display assemblies. The network resource may comprise a server. The network resource may be connected to the internet, or other network infrastructure.

[0046] The display assembly may be such that termination information displayed by the display assembly may be (wholly or substantially) derived from information input from a user device connected directly to the display assembly (or otherwise by local and direct user input) and / or information received by the display assembly via a network connection from a (remote) network source.

[0047] The display assembly may comprise, or be arranged to be connected to, a transceiver, for communication with a network resource.The display assembly may be arranged to upload data to a network resource, for example to allow a user to remotely interrogate data stored by the display assembly. The display assembly may be arranged to receive a download from a network resource.

[0048] The display assembly may be configured to be operable in a network-connected mode in which a network adapter is arranged to function as a protocol translator. In this mode, the network adapter is configured to receive data from an external system in one or more third-party, proprietary or standardised protocols and to translate said data into at least one of a command, a configuration update and display content for use by the display assembly. Advantageously, this enables the display assembly to interoperate with known control, monitoring or infrastructure without requiring such an external system to implement a (native) communications format of the display assembly. In one example, the network adapter may receive data in accordance with a known protocol and convert that data into label, status, and / or graphical information for presentation on one or more displays of the display assembly.

[0049] There may be no direct (local) connection at the panel between the termination connectors and the display assembly (and its associated components) such that signal analysis is not performed locally on the signals present at the connectors and then output visually by the display assembly). The display assembly may not be capable of analysing, parsing or processing signals carried by the termination connectors.

[0050] Where the display assembly is to locate behind a panel structure, the panel structure may comprise a foremost surface and the display assembly arranged to be located behind said surface.

[0051] The display assembly may comprise at least one mount configured to secure the display assembly to a termination panel. The at least one mount may be arranged to co-operate with a fastener.The display assembly may comprise a power source, which may be rechargeable. The assembly may comprise a rechargeable battery. The assembly may be devoid of an (integrated) power source, instead requiring an external power source to operate. The assembly may be arranged to be operational only when connected to an external power source (such as a power pack or a personal electronic device), such as that connected through an externally accessible connector.

[0052] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a termination panel which is provided with an apertured region through which display screens of a display assembly are visible, mounting portions at opposite distal ends which are arranged to be connected to a rack support structure, and a space located behind a front surface which space is arranged to detachably receive the display assembly.

[0053] The apertured region may comprise multiple openings, each opening arranged to allow viewing of a display screen.

[0054] The openings may be aligned or in registration with the connector openings. For each opening there may be a single connector location. There may be one opening for each connector location and / or one opening for multiple connector locations. For example, for each opening, there may be two or more connector positions. The openings and the connector locations may be arranged on the front surface of the termination panel. The openings and the connector locations may be laid out such that there is a spatial association or grouping between respective openings and respective connector locations.

[0055] It will be appreciated that in place of providing an apertured region of a housing of the termination panel, a display screen or screens may be provided on a front surface of the termination panel, and / or may provide a foremost region of the termination panel.

[0056] The openings may be arranged in a row, and the connector locations may be arranged in a row, with one row being vertically spaced from the other.Each connector location may receive or may be arranged to receive at least one connector. Each connector location may be provided with a connector.

[0057] The space may be suitably dimensioned to receive / accommodate the display assembly. The space may comprise a channel.

[0058] The termination panel may be of elongate form.

[0059] The termination panel may comprise a carcass of substantially plate form.

[0060] The mounting portions of the termination panel structure may comprise formations, such as one more apertures, at each distal end, which enable attachment of the panel to a support framework. These may be termed end mounting brackets. The support framework, or host structure, may comprise two spaced apart uprights, or more broadly vertical formations. The termination panel may be arranged to span the uprights.

[0061] Where the panel structure or the housing comprises multiple display screen apertures, these may be vertically aligned with termination connector positions.

[0062] The termination panel may be provided, at each connection point, with a connector part on each of opposite sides of a front face.

[0063] The termination panel may have a width dimension which is such that it can be attached to an equipment support structure of standardised / predetermined width, such as a racking system of 19" or of 21".

[0064] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a termination panel which is provided with a front face provided with an apertured region through which display screens of a display assembly are visible, mounting portions at opposite distal ends which are arranged to be connected to a rack support structure, and the display assembly located behind the front face which is integrated with the terminal panel as unitary item.The display assembly may not be arranged to be detached from the housing.

[0065] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a housing defining a rearward space for receiving a display assembly, and defining an apertured region along its length, and the housing arranged for either attachment in front of / onto a front surface of a termination panel, and the housing comprising attachment locations for attaching the housing to the front of the termination panel, or for attachment above or below the termination panel

[0066] The housing may be of elongate form.

[0067] The housing may be termed a cover or fascia.

[0068] The housing may be arranged to be secured in position using the attachment points / formations to the supporting structure to which the termination is attached.

[0069] The housing (and display assembly) may be termed a bolt-on or retrofit solution. The attachment (mounting) locations may be located at opposite distal ends of the housing.

[0070] The attachment locations may be arranged to coincide with (uprights) of a support structure (to which the termination panel is attached). Alternatively, the attachment points may be arranged to secure to (fixing points) on the termination panel.

[0071] Where the housing is for attachment above or below the termination panel, this may be termed vertically adjacent, and may be immediately vertically adjacent (to a termination panel). More broadly, this may be termed adjacently positioned. The housing may be arranged to be located directly above or directly below a termination panel.

[0072] The housing may be arranged to be substantially flush with a termination panel and / or may be arranged to abut an adjacent termination panel.The housing may be of reduced height compared to a standardised rack mounted unit height. The housing may be reduced height compared to the termination panel which it serves. The height of the housing may be substantially fifty percent of the height of a standardised rack-mounted unit height, and more broadly may be less than a standardised height of a rack-mounted panel. A known Rack Unit (RU) is 1.75 inches (44.45 mm), which is a standardised height of a rack panel.

[0073] The housing may be devoid of multiple connectors associated with apertured region (for one or more display screens).

[0074] The display assembly may be an integral part of the housing, or may be detachably mountable thereto.

[0075] In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a display apparatus of the third aspect of the invention which incorporates an integrally fixed display assembly.

[0076] The invention may be summarised broadly as comprising display apparatus for the display of identification of signals carried by connectors, the display apparatus may comprise a terminal panel, or may be arranged to be located in front of or adjacent to a termination panel, and the display apparatus comprises one more screens to display the signal identification information of respective connectors.

[0077] In another aspect of the invention there is provided a rack apparatus comprising a support structure and integrated therewith is provided a termination panel which comprises a display assembly. The rack apparatus may comprise multiple termination panels.

[0078] In a yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a network comprising the display assembly of the first aspect of the invention, the display assembly comprising network connectivity through a port, and a network resource, the network resource arranged to receive and store updated configuration data for use in updating existing configuration data stored by the display assembly, andthe display assembly arranged to receive the updated configuration data over a network connection.

[0079] The configuration data may comprise information which is to be displayed by the display assembly.

[0080] The display assembly may be configured to poll the network resource for updated configuration data.

[0081] The network resource may be configured to allow users to upload updated configuration data (and thereby allow control / configuration of the display assembly remotely).

[0082] The network resource may be configured to allow a user to request an upload of stored configuration data from the display assembly.

[0083] The network resource may be configured to operate to allow a user real-time remote control of information presented by the display assembly.

[0084] The network may be viewed as enabling remote management of the display assembly.

[0085] The (telecommunications) network comprise a public network or a private network.

[0086] The invention may include one or more features disclosed in the description and / or the drawings, either singularly or in combination. Where a feature or features are within the context an embodiment which includes other features, the present disclosure includes that any of the above aspects of the invention many include any such a feature or features such that they are not inextricably linked to any other features of an embodiment. The invention may include one or more features of multiple different embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0087] Various embodiments of the invention, provided by way of example only, in which:

[0088] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of functional blocks present on a processor board of a display assembly for a rack-mounted termination panel;

[0089] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of functional blocks present on a display board of a display assembly for a rack-mounted panel, arranged to be mechanically and electrically coupled to the processor board in Figure 1;

[0090] Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of a display board and a processor board, which can be brought together to form a display assembly;

[0091] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the display assembly formed by the components shown in Figure 3;

[0092] Figure 5 is a plan view of the display assembly of Figure 4;

[0093] Figure 6 is an opposite perspective view of the display assembly of Figure 4;

[0094] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a terminal panel;

[0095] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the termination panel of Figure 7 to which the display assembly of Figure 4 is secured;

[0096] Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of Figure 8;

[0097] Figure 10 is an end view of Figure 8;

[0098] Figure 11 shows the apparatus of Figure 8 in an exploded view detached from a rack structure;Figure 12 is a schematic representation of a display assembly in standalone mode;

[0099] Figure 13 is a schematic representation of a display assembly in network connected mode;

[0100] Figure 14 is a perspective view of multiple rack panels secured to a rack framework;

[0101] Figure 15 shows a display assembly enclosure which is arranged to be attached to a termination panel;

[0102] Figure 15A is a perspective view of the display assembly enclosure of Figure 15, which better shows a display assembly retainer;

[0103] Figure 16 is a partial view of the enclosure of Figure 15 which includes a display assembly;

[0104] Figure 17 is perspective view of a known termination panel;

[0105] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the enclosure of Figure 16 fitted to the termination panel of Figure 17;

[0106] Figure 19 is a front perspective view of further embodiment;

[0107] Figure 20 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 19;

[0108] Figure 21 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of Figures 19 and 20 installed on a rack framework vertically adjacent to a terminal panel which it serves;

[0109] Figure 22 is a front elevation of a termination panel in a remote hands mode of operation; andFigure 23 is a schematic representation of a network connected mode configuration.

[0110] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0111] There are now described various embodiments of a novel display assembly for a rack-mounted panel which includes multiple terminal connector locations. Such panels are of standardised width (typically 19" wide but could also be 21" to support ETSI racks in telco applications, but other non-standard widths can easily be envisaged). In the description which follows, like reference numerals are used to denote like or very similar features.

[0112] In overview, the following disclosure includes a first variant in which the display assembly is carried by a novel termination panel, mounted behind a front face of said panel, and a second variant in which the display assembly is housed within an enclosure which serves as a bolt-on ‘strip’ which is attached to the front of a known installed termination panel, thus avoiding the need to disturb existing infrastructure. A third variant is also disclosed which is also a bolt-on strip, which can be secured either above or below a termination panel.

[0113] With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the display assembly comprises two elongate sub-assemblies, namely a processor board 1 and the display board 2. These are secured together to form the display assembly. Each board is of strip / elongate configuration. The two boards are connected together by way of at least one electrical connector 6 and at least one electrical connector 11 in addition to mechanical fasteners. The display board 2 is electrically connected to the processor board 1 to provide power, data, and control thereto.

[0114] The processor board 1 comprises a microcontroller 3. The microcontroller 3 contains a CPU, RAM and IO used to interface with the display board 2 in addition to the required external connectivity. The processor board 1 also comprises non-volatile storage 4 which is used for the firmware and configuration file. The processor board further comprises a voltage regulator 5, and external electrical connector 8, which allows for transmission of both data and power, shown in the example as a USB-C type. The processor board 1 also comprises auser operable switch, which can be used to manually activate the display assembly. A principal function of the processor board 1 can be viewed as the transmission of power, data and control to the display board 2.

[0115] The microcontroller 3 is the central processing unit for the display assembly and through which operational data and signalling flows in the course of the functioning of the assembly. Embedded RAM in the microcontroller 3 runs the system software after booting a firmware image from the non-volatile storage 4. The microcontroller 3 is also responsible for providing a (globally unique) hardware ID used to identify the assembly when connected through a communications network (such as to a remote data management platform). It will be appreciated that the RAM may be located externally of the display assembly.

[0116] The non-volatile storage 4 is used to store a configuration file used by the display assembly and to store system firmware used when the display assembly boots. This storage 4 may be Flash® storage, either embedded within the microcontroller 3 or as a separate integrated circuit addressed externally.

[0117] The display board 2 comprises multiple digital display screens 10 which are mounted along the length of the display board for displaying text and / or graphical data / imagery, principally representative of termination connector identification. The display screens 10 are spaced according to the layout of the physical connectors on a termination panel to which it is to be installed, to ensure spatial association between displayed data and one or more respective connector locations. Each display screen 10 has a flexible electrical connection (not illustrated) that can be directly soldered to the display board or connected via a ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket. The latter provides a simple method for replacing a single (e.g. damaged) display screen and enhances the maintainability and in-life support of the assembly. Each display screen 10 may be physically attached to the underlying board substrate during manufacture using a doublesided adhesive fixing. A custom designed plastic mount may also be used during manufacture to ensure the display screens 10 are fixed in precisely the correct location and to ensure overall alignment across multiple screens.The display screens 10 may use any suitable technology e.g. LCD, OLED, ePaper / elnk.

[0118] Reference is made to Figures 3 and 5, which shows a perspective view of the processor board 1 and the display board 2 in an exploded manner. During an assembly process the processor board 1 and the display board 2 are connected together using suitable fixings (or bonds), and at the same time the electrical connector 6 is coupled with electrical connector 11. Two of the multiple fixing points which connect the processor board 1 to the display board 2 are shown in broken line, denoted by the reference A. The electrical connection between the boards allows for the display board 2 to receive data, control signals and power from the processor board 1.

[0119] Figures 4, 5 and 6 show the display assembly in different views. The assembly is provided with a multiple mounting fixtures 15, which serve to connect the assembly to a panel, or to an enclosure which is itself arranged to be secured to a panel (both described in more detail below).

[0120] Reference is made to Figure 7 which shows a panel 30 for attachment to a rack mounting structure, and the panel is configured to receive the display assembly. The panel 30 is of generally elongate form, and comprises two rows of apertures or cut-outs. A first (and uppermost) row comprises apertures 33 arranged to allow sight of the display screens 10 of the display assembly, and a second row, located below the first row, comprises multiple spaced apart apertures 35 which are arranged to receive termination connectors. The two rows of apertures are formed in a frontmost panel portion 31. The panel 30 further comprises mounting brackets or tabs 31a, one located at each distal end of the portion 31 and comprising one or more fixing apertures 34 which are arranged, with the use of fasteners, to attach to upright members of a rack framework. Further in relation to the form of the frontmost panel portion 31, there is provided an aperture 37 which allows external access to the connector socket 8 of the display assembly, and an aperture 39 which allows the user operable push button 7 of the display assembly to protrude therethrough. Finally in relation to the frontmost panel portion, there are provided multiple spaced-apart apertures 38 through whichrespective fasteners can be externally inserted to engage with the mounts 15 on the display assembly, and so attach the display assembly to the panel. The rack panel 30 is dimensioned to be compatible with the spacing between two uprights of a standardised rack mounting structure.

[0121] In Figure 8, the display assembly is installed with the panel 30. More specifically, the display assembly is secured to the rack panel in a region which lies behind the frontmost portion 31 of the panel. The display assembly is held in place by way of a number of fasteners 15a which pass through the apertures 38 and into the mounting points 15. The fasteners 15 may comprise a driveable head and comprise a threaded shank. As can be seen, each of the display screens 10 is in registration with a respective aperture 33 of the panel 30. The panel 30 is provided with multiple termination connectors, here shown as BNC coaxial cable connectors. Each connector has a forward part 40a and a rearward part 40b. Each connector is held in position on the panel by two fastener parts 41 (a nut) and 42 (as best seen in Figure 10). Each of the forward part and the rearward part allow for connection to respective cables (not illustrated for ease of depiction).

[0122] As seen in Figure 9, a reverse perspective view, the panel further comprises a protective cover which includes a top part 32 and a rearward part 36, which forms a channel.

[0123] Reference is made to Figure 11 which shows the panel 30 and a display assembly partially detached from a rack framework which comprises two uprights 100 (each of which is provided with multiple fixing points). Also shown in Figure 11 are two blank / bare panels 150, one attached above the panel 30 and one attached below the panel 30. The uprights 100 are spaced apart by a standardised distance, such as 19" or 21". Four bolts 120 attach of the tabs 31a to the uprights.

[0124] Figure 11 illustrates how the display assembly can be removed and replaced without having to fully remove the panel 30 from the rack. By removing the four mounting bolts 120 and the mounting screws 15a, the panel 30 can be pulled forward sufficiently to allow the display assembly to be removed sideways. Slack in the attached cables will further advantageously allow for this necessarymovement without the need to disconnect or interfere with any signals passing through the panel connectors. Replacement of a display assembly is the reverse of this process.

[0125] During normal operation of the display assembly, the push button 7 may be used by the operator to wake (or power up) the assembly from a standby mode, and thereby illuminate the screens for a user-configurable (or predetermined) time. It is intended that the display assembly will spend most of its life in the standby mode with the screens off since activation of the displays is only needed when a user is present at the installation. As a result, the display assembly therefore advantageously consumes very little power (for example of the order of low mW) and further advantageously should not present any issue for customer power budgets within a facility.

[0126] Interaction with the display assembly to effect any required changes / updates to configuration / settings / data, can be achieved in one of two modes, namely a standalone mode and a network mode. For example, a user is able to change the information which is to be displayed by one or more of the display screens for one (or more) termination connectors. The two modes of update operation are shown schematically in Figures 12 and 13.

[0127] To edit a configuration file which is stored by the processor board when the product is in the standalone mode, as shown in Figure 12, the user will directly connect to the display assembly using a suitable USB connection (such as connector 8) by way of a personal electronic device (PED) e.g. laptop or mobile phone or other computer device. The display assembly then presents to the PED as a USB drive, which will contain the configuration file to be edited by the user using the PED. The user device may be connected through the USB-C connector 8 by a cable connection.

[0128] The standalone mode is of particular use during installation build and test phases, as it is not uncommon for signal labels to change or move positions at this time.Figure 13 illustrates a network enabled mode of updating / reconfiguring the display assembly in which updates can conveniently be performed remotely, without requiring a user to be present on site. Connected to the display assembly, through the connector 8, is a network adapter which provides network connectivity to a remote network resource (such as the Data Management Platform described below). The network adapter is connected to the processor board 1 through the connector 8, but may in some embodiments be incorporated as part of the display assembly.

[0129] The network adapter is microcontroller based and provides a translation function between the connected network and the display assembly. The microcontroller need not require an operating system, thereby enhancing its network security credentials. A protocol is used between the network adapter and the display assembly to transfer data, to provide handshaking and to provide system-level messaging.

[0130] Firmware updates and configuration file changes. With the display assembly connected to the network adapter, remote updates to the configuration file are made possible through interaction with the Data Management Platform (DMP), as the processor board of the display assembly may be configured to poll on a regular basis for configuration changes. Any changes may be pulled and transferred to the processor board, which will in turn update its stored configuration file. For security purposes, the network adapter may be configured to only pull information, so may reside within a facility’s network behind a firewall, generating outgoing requests only (such as outputting a polling signal).

[0131] The DMP may be hosted on the Internet, so allowing users to access the platform from a variety of network connected devices. A secure platform, accessed via a web portal allows users (and external systems connecting via API) to interact with each product installation. Role based access control can ensure a user can only see resources allocated to them, with control over read / write access to configuration data. Location data will allow users with multiple installations to arrange termination panels in a logical geographical manner. By selecting a given panel, a user can easily update data for one or many connectors. A software flagmay be used to register any changes to a panel’s configuration and this flag will be polled by the product. Upon detection of a configuration change, the display assembly will then pull the updated configuration, and the flag will be cleared on the platform. This approach helps to reduce network traffic and keeps the load on the data management platform to a minimum, as chunks of data are only pulled when necessary. The regular polling from the display assembly is also used by the DMP to track its availability and after a consecutive number of polls have not occurred, the platform will declare the product offline. Requests to the data management platform originate within the display assembly and are passed to the network adapter for translation into network packets (which are sent to the DMP).

[0132] An additional network-connected mode may be provided, whereby the network adapter acts as a RESTful (Representational State Transfer) server and presents an API to allow a direct connection from a customer’s system. This feature can be implemented to eliminate the need for a DMP connection, enabling a connected client to modify the configuration file directly. The various elements of the display assembly’s configuration can be written to and read from the product using the API interface. In this mode, the configuration is held on the processor board itself, so the end user is responsible for tracking changes and, if necessary, maintaining a remote copy of the configuration data. Figure 23 shows an example of such a Network connected mode configuration in which there is a direct connection via a server mode.

[0133] An additional network-connected mode may be provided in which the network adapter functions as a protocol translation device. In this mode, the network adapter is configured to receive data from an external system in accordance with one or more third-party, proprietary or industry-standard protocols and to translate said data into commands, configuration updates or display content for use by the display assembly. This arrangement enables the display assembly to interoperate with existing control, monitoring or infrastructure without requiring the external system to implement the native communications format of the display assembly. In one example, the network adapter may receive data in accordance with a known protocol and convert that data into label, status, or graphical information for presentation on one or more displays of the displayassembly. Figure 14 illustrates an installation which comprises different variants of the panel 30. Four panels are installed on the uprights 100. Each panel is powered from their respective connector 8. In the view shown, all of the displays are activated and the termination connector information is displayed. The panels, listed from top to bottom of the view as shown, are as follows:

[0134] • 24 x LC (optical fibre) connectors 50

[0135] • 12 x BNC (coaxial cable) connectors 40a

[0136] • 12 x Neutrik D-Series (modular connector series, supporting various cable types) 60, 70 and 80

[0137] • 24 x BNC (coaxial cable) connectors 40a

[0138] A further embodiment using the display assembly is now described. Reference is first made to Figure 15 which shows a housing or enclosure which is of elongate form which is arranged to attachably receive the display assembly. The housing is provided with multiple apertures 33 in a foremost portion 131, each corresponding the position of a respective display screen of the display assembly. Mounting portions 135 are provided by tab formation at each distal end. Each mounting portion comprises a fixing aperture 134. There is provided a display assembly retainer, which is removably attachable in a rearward region to the foremost portion. The retainer comprises a channel formation, comprising uppermost and lowermost portions 132, and a back portion 136. The space there defined is configured to receive a display assembly. The retainer can be secured to the foremost portion by means of suitable fasteners.

[0139] Figure 16 shows a partial view in which a display assembly is attached to the enclosure, in a void which rearward of the portion 131. Figure 16 also shows a connector 18 which is used for data and power transfer to the display assembly. Use of the enclosure is as follows. In Figure 17 there is shown a known termination panel which is provided with multiple connectors 55. In Figure 18, the enclosure with display assembly is attached to the front of the termination panel. In this example one display screen 10 is provided for two connectors 55.Figures 19 and 20 show a further variant comprising an enclosure and a display assembly. However, unlike the assembly show in in Figures 16 and 18, this further variant is configured to be secured to the rack support structure at a position which is either above or below (in close proximity to) a termination panel which it serves. The enclosure comprises uppermost and lowermost portions 142 which serve to enclose the display assembly 10. Rack mounting portions are provided at distal ends, and each comprises fixing formations / apertures 134.

[0140] The further variant takes the form of a half-unit panel (that is its height is substantially half that of a standard rack-unit). The further variant houses the same display assembly as described above, but is mounted behind a half-unit panel. A Rack Unit (RU) is 1.75 inches (44.45 mm), which is a standardised height of a rack panel.

[0141] The further variant offers a solution for extremely high-density patch panels, where the embodiment shown in Figure 15 may not be mountable at the front of a termination panel due to the large number of connectors present. The further variant may be viewed as aesthetically pleasing to have the display screens adjacent to an existing panel and flush with other equipment mounted on the rack support structure.

[0142] The further variant may be located above and / or below an installed termination panel and is mounted directly to the rack’s vertical rails in standard fashion. The two mounting holes 134 are provided on each end of the further variant, allowing a single fixing to be used in either, depending on whether the variant is installed above or below a terminal panel.

[0143] It will be appreciated that the further variant may also be installed adjacent to other types of rack-mounted equipment, and is not limited to patch panels, and can be used to identify a variety of signals presented by the target equipment.

[0144] An orientation parameter may be used within the configuration file of the processor board 1 to identify whether the further variant is to be installed aboveor below a termination panel. The parameter can be used to determine the direction of any alignment markers presented by display screens of the display board 2, specifically whether they point up or down.

[0145] Figure 21 shows the further variant installed on a rack support structure, in which it is located above a termination panel 160, which is provided with two rows of connectors. Immediately above the further variant there is a blank / bare panel 150, and likewise below the termination panel 160.

[0146] Figure 22 shows the use of an embodiment for remote hands request. In the example shown, the panel is installed at a remote facility (such as a data centre) and a ‘remote hands’ service can be provided. An engineer is tasked to attend the panel at the facility to investigate an issue at a particular connector. In the example shown, the display screen 10’ shows a message which has been pushed, on demand, from an instruction over the network connection. The remote hands message (or label) makes it extremely clear for the attending engineer as to which cable (not shown) needs to be checked, greatly reducing the risk of removing the wrong one. All other display screens 10 are caused to be off as a result of the remote control instruction, further highlighting the instruction. The contents of any on-demand display instruction can be one of a predetermined group, or bespoke. Therefore, the display screens not only usually display signal termination information, but can also display instructions for remedial / maintenance work.

[0147] Although in the above embodiments, network connectivity is provided separately to the display assembly, in other embodiments network connectivity may be provided integrated with the display assembly.

[0148] In other variant embodiments, owing to the two-part modular construction of the display assembly (display module and processor module), different variants of the display board can be attached to the processor board, for example, having differently sized and / or spaced display screens to allow for different layouts of termination connector positions in a panel. Conveniently, the same processor board can be used (with variant display boards).In yet further variant implementations, a termination panel may be provided with integrated display assembly, and a display apparatus may comprise a housing and an integrally attached display assembly. Common to both of these variant embodiments is that the display assembly is not intended to be detached.

[0149] Although particular example is given above to rack systems, the embodiments could also be configured for use inside network equipment cabinets.

[0150] In summary, embodiments of the invention may have one or more of the following advantages:

[0151] • Replace outdated static paper labelling

[0152] • Significant reduction in labour costs due to logistics and time savings • Increased infrastructure integrity and improved engineering works accuracy • Single product design can be mounted within a new panel, or attached to an existing panel

[0153] • Design offers novel solution to in-life replacement without disturbing existing cabling

[0154] • Remote management features available via network connection

[0155] • Dynamic information updates bring entirely new functionality to term panel presentations

[0156] • Highly modular product design with pluggable processor and display board • Varying display board layouts can be produced for different connectors and spacings.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A display assembly for multiple termination connectors of a terminal panel, each termination connector arranged to be connected to at least one respective signal and connectable to a counterpart connector, and in use the display assembly arranged to be supported by a support framework, the assembly comprising:an elongate display which comprises one or more display screens,a data processor and a memory;wherein the or each display screen associated with one or more respective termination connectors and controllable to display respective variable termination identifier information for the at least one signal carried by the or each associated connector, and the display assembly is operable in a network connected mode, in which configuration updates can be accessed through a network connection from a network resource.

2. A display assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which the, or each, display screen is arranged to be aligned with or adjacent to one or more respective connector locations.

3. A display assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which the identifier information may comprise text and / or imagery.

4. A display assembly as claimed in any preceding claim which comprises multiple display screens arranged in a row.

5. A display assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which the display screens is arranged to be aligned or in registration with one or more respective connector positions of a termination panel.

6. A display assembly as claimed in any preceding claim comprising two connected substrates, one being provided with one or more display screens, and the other with at least a data processor and a memory.

7. A display assembly as claimed in claim 6 in which the two substrates are electrically and mechanically coupled.

8. A display assembly as claimed in claim 6 in which the substrates are of elongate or strip form.

9. A display assembly as claimed in any preceding claim which comprises an externally accessible electrical connector which is arranged to be coupled to a counterpart electrical connector, through which connection data, control signals, machine-executable instructions, power and / or communication with an external network can be provided.

10. A display assembly as claimed in any preceding claim which is operable in a mode which allows a user device to be connected locally, and thereby provide configuration updates to the assembly.

11. A display assembly as claimed in claim 1 which is configured to output a polling signal to the network resource, the polling signal indicative of a request for any configuration updates applicable to the display assembly.

12. A termination panel which is provided with multiple openings through which display screens of a display assembly are visible, and comprises: mounting portions at opposite distal ends which are arranged to be connected to a rack support structure, and a space located behind a front surface which space is arranged to detachably receive the display assembly, and wherein the display assembly is claimed in any of claims 1 to 11.

13. A termination panel as claimed in claim 12 in which the openings are aligned or in registration or have a spatial association with the connector openings.

14. A termination panel as claimed in claim 13 in which for each opening there may be a single connector location or one opening for multiple connector locations.

15. A termination panel as claimed in claim 14 in which the space is suitably dimensioned to receive / accommodate the display assembly.

16. The termination panel of claim 12 which comprises a carcass of substantially plate form.

17. The termination panel of claim 12 in which the multiple display screen apertures are vertically aligned with termination connector positions.

18. A housing defining a rearward space for receiving a display assembly, and defining multiple openings along its length, and the housing arranged for attachment in front of a termination panel , and the housing comprising an attachment feature at each distal end for attaching the housing to the termination panel, or the housing arranged for attachment vertically of a termination panel, and wherein the housing is for use with display assembly is claimed in any of claims 1 to 11.

19. A housing as claimed in claim 18 which is arranged to be secured in position using the attachment points to the supporting structure to which the termination is attached.

20. A network comprising the display assembly of any of claims 1 to 11, the display assembly comprising networking connectivity through a port, and the network comprising a network resource, the network resource arranged to receive and store updated configuration data for use in updating existing configuration data stored by the display assembly, and the display assembly arranged to receive the updated configuration data over a network connection from the network resource.

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