Automated Device Positioning via Power Loading Pattern Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the physical position of devices in data centers, such as using IP addresses or inventory scans, are inefficient and prone to errors, especially with dynamic IP assignments and manual intervention requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method where the power loading of a device is manipulated into a predetermined pattern, allowing its physical position to be determined by detecting this pattern through a network address received from a power distribution unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If IP addresses or inventory scans are used to determine device physical position, then device location information can be obtained, but the method is inefficient and prone to errors due to dynamic IP assignments and manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual inventory scanning and IP-based location methods with an automated power-loading-based detection system. The management device automatically manipulates power loading of the to-be-located device and detects the predetermined pattern through the power distribution unit, eliminating manual intervention and improving both accuracy and efficiency of device position determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the device to automatically determine its own physical position by detecting the predetermined power loading pattern applied to it. The device responds to power manipulation by the management device, and through this interaction, self-identifies its location based on which power distribution unit detects the pattern, reducing reliance on external manual scanning.
2Loss of information
If manual inventory scanning is performed to locate devices, then position information can be recorded, but operational costs increase and maintenance efficiency decreases due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual inventory scanning operations with an automated system where the management device manipulates power loading and the power distribution unit detects the predetermined pattern. This substitution eliminates manual intervention, reducing operational complexity while maintaining complete device position information through automated detection and recording.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic IP assignment is used for device management, then network flexibility is improved, but device position determination becomes unreliable due to IP address changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces power loading manipulation as an intermediary mechanism between device identification and location determination. Instead of relying directly on IP addresses that change with dynamic assignment, the system uses power loading patterns detected by the power distribution unit as a stable intermediary to reliably determine device position, independent of network configuration changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for determining a physical position of a device. The method comprises: transmitting a control command to the device, the command instructing the device to change power loading of the device in a predetermined pattern; receiving, from a power distribution unit providing power supply for the device, a network address of the power distribution unit, the network address being transmitted by the power distribution unit in response to detecting the change of the power loading in the predetermined pattern; and determining the physical position of the device based at least on the network address of the power distribution unit. With the technical solution according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the position of the device can be automatically determined without any manual intervention, which helps to control the operation cost and improve the maintenance efficiency.