Automated Device Info Capture via Proximity Scanning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual entry of device information in datacenters is error-prone and time-consuming, hindering efficient management of devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing close proximity communication methods like barcode, NFC, RFID, or OCR to automatically collect and transfer device information between devices without manual input, enabling digital storage and remote transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual entry methods are used for device information, then human interface input devices can be utilized, but error rates increase and time efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of device information entryVSAvoidspeed of device information entry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input methods (keyboard, touchpad, mouse) with automated optical scanning technology. Barcode scanners or cameras capture device information visually, converting it directly into digital data without human typing or manual entry, thereby eliminating human error and significantly increasing entry speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses barcode labels that contain encoded copies of device information. Instead of manually transcribing information from physical devices to digital systems, the barcode serves as a portable copy that can be instantly read and transferred, ensuring accuracy and rapid data capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If manual entry processes are implemented, then human operators can input data, but time consumption increases and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of device information collectionVSAvoidtime required for device information entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces time-consuming manual data entry operations with automated optical scanning. The scanner or camera instantly captures barcode information and transfers it to the management system, reducing the time required from minutes per device to seconds per device while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Device information is pre-encoded into barcode labels that are attached to devices before they are deployed or checked in. This preliminary encoding of information allows for instant retrieval and entry during the check-in process, eliminating the need for manual data collection and entry at the time of device registration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated close proximity communication is implemented, then data transfer speed increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of device information transferVSAvoidcomplexity of communication infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the communication complexity from the device level and places it at the system level. Instead of requiring sophisticated communication protocols in each device, simple barcode labels (which can be printed on standard paper or stickers) are used. The scanning and data transfer infrastructure handles the complexity, keeping individual device requirements minimal and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10623261B1Contactless information capture and entry for device management

Publication Date: 2020.04.14 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

One embodiment is related to a method for transferring device information, comprising: receiving, at a second device, device information of a first device with a close proximity communication technique without requiring manual entry of the device information; storing, at the second device, the device information in a digital text and/or numeric format; and transmitting the device information from the second device to the third device without requiring manual entry of the device information.