Imaging Sensor Rack Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and recording the location of equipment in data center racks are cumbersome, prone to human error, and require additional time and resources, especially in large-scale data centers, as they rely on manual inspection, cable routing, or hardware ID, which are inefficient and often incompatible with standard designs.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an imaging sensor attached to devices to capture images of labels on data center racks, which includes a management controller to determine and transmit the location information automatically, allowing for efficient and accurate recording of device locations without the need for manual input or extra hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual inspection and labeling methods are used to record equipment location, then the process is simple to implement, but the installation time and human error increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (personnel physically inspecting labels and recording information) with an automated imaging system. The imaging sensor captures images of labels, and image processing algorithms automatically extract location information, eliminating the need for manual inspection and recording while significantly reducing installation time and human error.
2Extent of automation
If hardware ID with microcontroller or specialized circuit is used, then location identification becomes automated, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary imaging sensor as a separate component that captures images of labels on equipment. This intermediary device mediates between the physical label and the digital recording system, enabling automated location identification without requiring complex microcontrollers or specialized circuits to be integrated into each piece of equipment. The imaging sensor acts as a bridge that simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Loss of information
If cable routing method is used for equipment identification, then location data can be obtained, but the process is time consuming and requires additional manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching unique labels to equipment and rack positions before installation. These labels contain encoded location information that can be quickly captured by the imaging sensor. By preparing the labeling system in advance, the actual installation process only requires capturing images and processing them automatically, eliminating time-consuming manual cable routing and identification steps.
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 automatic and accurate recording of device locations within data center racks, reducing human error and installation time, while being compatible with standard designs and allowing for remote transmission of location data, thus improving the efficiency of data center management.
Implementation Method 1
An imaging sensor coupled to the device captures an image of the label
Data Source
AI summary
A system to record equipment location in an equipment rack is disclosed. The system includes a support frame having at least one slot. An identification label is located in proximity to the support frame. The identification label corresponds to the location of the slot. A device is installed in the at least one slot. An imaging sensor is coupled to the device and captures an image of the identification label.