Controller-Based Device Location Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing networks lack a reliable and efficient method to identify device locations due to dynamic name changes by the operating system and unreliable bus locations, leading to confusion and incorrect device selection.
Innovation Solution
A system with a controller that assigns a unique device ID based on port, bus, and information IDs to accurately identify physical or virtual device locations, ensuring consistent and efficient device identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If device name is used to identify location, then user can refer to device, but location becomes unreliable when OS dynamically changes device name
Solution Approach 1:
The device identification system is segmented into multiple independent identification components: device name, bus location, and port location. Each component serves a specific function and can be independently tracked. The system uses a mapping structure that associates these segmented components to provide reliable location identification even when individual components change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping structure that connects device names to physical locations through multiple reference points (bus and port locations). This intermediary layer ensures that even if device names change, the physical location can be reliably determined through the persistent bus and port identifiers.
2Loss of information
If bus location is used to identify device position, then location information is provided, but bus location becomes unreliable when dynamically constructed by OS
Solution Approach 1:
The location identification is divided into multiple stable segments: bus location, port location, and device location. Each segment is independently identified and mapped. By using multiple stable reference points rather than relying on a single dynamically changing bus location, the system maintains reliable location information despite OS-level dynamic constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification of stable location markers (bus and port locations) before establishing device mappings. These preliminary location identifiers are established as persistent references that remain stable even as device configurations change, providing a foundation for reliable location tracking.
3Ease of operation
If LEDs are used to indicate device location, then visual identification is provided, but multiple lit LEDs cause user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple LEDs that may be lit simultaneously causing confusion, the system implements a single, distinct visual indicator at each physical location. Each location has its own unique indicator that is either lit or not lit, providing clear local identification without the ambiguity of multiple active indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses color-coded or distinct visual indicators at each location to provide unambiguous identification. By assigning unique visual characteristics to each location indicator, the system enables users to easily distinguish between different devices without confusion, even when multiple devices are present in the system.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology for identifying a device location in a system or network includes an example method comprising detecting, by a controller, a device being connected to a location of a set of locations connected to the controller. Responsive to detecting the device, the controller can assign a device identifier (ID) to the device. A device ID may be based on a set of component IDs corresponding to components associated with the device and a component ID may be a system ID, a first controller ID, a first port ID, a first bus ID, or an information ID associated with the device. Further, the device ID can identify the location where the device resides.