Acoustic Asset Location in Data Centers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data center management systems cannot automatically locate physical assets within a data center and associate their physical location with virtual information, leading to outdated tracking and inefficient maintenance processes.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing microphones to detect acoustic signals generated by assets, calculating timestamps, and determining location based on the difference in signal receipt times between sensors, which are then used to synchronize clocks and calculate the asset's position within a rack.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If manual tracking methods are used to record device locations, then device information can be maintained in a database, but the tracking becomes outdated when devices are moved and requires significant manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice location information accuracyVSAvoidtime to locate moved devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated acoustic detection system. Microphones capture acoustic signals from devices, and the system automatically calculates device locations based on signal timing, eliminating the need for manual location updates and database maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables devices to automatically report their own locations through acoustic signals. Each device can be located by the acoustic detection system without requiring manual intervention or device configuration, allowing the system to self-update location information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If RFID tags are used to track device movement, then automatic tracking is enabled, but the system requires manual inventory creation and complex infrastructure deployment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic device trackingVSAvoidtracking system infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses acoustic signals as a temporary, inexpensive tracking mechanism compared to permanent RFID infrastructure. The acoustic signals are generated by device speakers and detected by microphones, eliminating the need for expensive RFID tags, readers, and complex network infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses acoustic signals as an intermediary carrier to convey device location information. Instead of requiring direct RFID communication between tags and readers, the acoustic signals serve as a medium that can be captured and processed to determine device positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If virtual maps display previously entered device locations, then a visual representation is provided, but the maps become outdated when devices are moved or switched

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice location accuracyVSAvoidmaintenance efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback by repeatedly detecting device locations through acoustic signals and updating the virtual map in real-time. The microphones continuously monitor for device acoustic signals, and the management component updates device locations on the virtual map based on the latest detection data, ensuring the map always reflects current device positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate and automatic location determination of assets within a data center, improving maintenance efficiency by associating physical locations with virtual information and reducing manual tracking errors.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of microphones... receive acoustic signals from a device and record a time of receipt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic signal detection: Sound

Implementation Method 2

use the difference in receipt time between two sensors to determine a location of the asset

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime difference of arrival: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS10663558B2Systems and methods for detecting physical asset locations

Publication Date: 2020.05.26 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORP

AI summary

According to one aspect, a system for determining a location of a device is provided. According to one embodiment, the system comprises a management component, a plurality of microphones including a first microphone and a second microphone, at least one receiving component, the at least one receiving component coupled to the plurality of microphones and configured to receive signals from the plurality of microphones related to an acoustic signal detected by the plurality of microphones, determine a first timestamp of the acoustic signal using the signals received from the first microphone, determine a second timestamp of the acoustic signal using the signals received from the second microphone, and send the first timestamp and the second timestamp to the management component, the management component being configured to receive the first timestamp and the second timestamp and calculate the location of the device using the first timestamp and the second timestamp.