Location-Aware Device for Data Center Floor Plan Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data center operators face challenges in accurately managing the surface area of their facilities due to the presence of both labeled and unlabeled elements, leading to inefficiencies in space allocation and utilization.
Innovation Solution
A location-aware device is used to receive geographic reference signals, generate location information, and update the data center's floor plan based on the usage status of specific areas, allowing for precise definition and management of the floor surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual methods are used to track and manage data center floor space, then operators can maintain some level of inventory control, but accuracy and efficiency of space management deteriorate due to undocumented elements and lack of real-time updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated electronic system that uses mobile devices with cameras and processors to automatically capture images, identify elements through image recognition, and update floor plan databases in real-time, eliminating the need for manual space management processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the mobile device automatically captures location data via GPS, identifies elements through image processing, and updates the floor plan database without requiring manual intervention from operators, allowing the system to manage itself
2Loss of information
If operators manually document all elements including furniture and appliances, then complete inventory control can be achieved, but the complexity and effort required for documentation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual documentation processes with an automated image recognition system that uses machine learning algorithms to automatically identify and categorize elements (servers, furniture, appliances) from captured images, eliminating the need for manual inventory documentation
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple functions simultaneously: GPS location tracking, image capture, image processing, element identification, and database updating, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single universal tool
3Productivity
If detailed tracking of all floor elements is implemented, then space allocation accuracy improves, but the resources required for implementation and maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system processes images and updates floor plans only when changes are detected or when triggered by specific events, rather than continuously processing all data, reducing computational resource consumption while maintaining accurate space allocation information
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes performing operations as follows on a processor: receiving a geographic reference signal, generating location information responsive to the geographic reference signal, defining a portion of a floor surface area of a data center based on the location information, specifying a usage status of the portion of the floor surface area of the data center, and updating a floor plan of the data center based on the usage status of the portion of the floor surface area.