Mobile Device Overlay for IT Component Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of IT components in data centers increases, managing these components becomes increasingly complex, requiring a more efficient method for identification and tracking.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing mobile computing devices equipped with cameras and optical code processing capabilities to read and decode identification markers, such as QR codes, applied to IT components, allowing for rapid identification and display of component identities and status information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional individual scanning methods are used to identify IT components, then identification accuracy is maintained, but management efficiency deteriorates as the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple identification markers into a single field of view and processes them simultaneously using image recognition technology. The mobile device captures an image containing multiple IT components and their identification markers, then automatically decodes all markers in one operation, merging what would traditionally require multiple separate scanning actions into a single efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual process of individually scanning each component with an automated optical recognition system. The mobile device uses its camera and image processing capabilities to automatically detect, locate, and decode identification markers on multiple components simultaneously, substituting manual scanning operations with automated visual recognition.
2Measurement precision
If multiple IT components are scanned individually, then each component identity is accurately determined, but the time required for identification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by capturing a single snapshot image that contains multiple identification markers, rather than requiring sequential scanning of each component. The image capture and processing occurs in one periodic action, allowing simultaneous identification of multiple components while maintaining accurate decoding of each individual marker.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing an image that preliminarily contains all the identification information needed. The mobile device prepares the image data in advance, allowing subsequent processing to quickly extract and decode all identification markers without requiring time-consuming individual scanning operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical code scanners are used to read identification markers, then component tracking capability is improved, but the complexity of deploying and managing scanning equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a mobile device that serves multiple functions: it acts as a camera, a decoder, a display device, and a database interface all in one tool. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated scanning equipment for each function, allowing a single device to handle identification, tracking, and information retrieval across multiple IT components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device performs self-service by using its own built-in camera and processing capabilities to identify and track components. The device independently captures images, decodes markers, retrieves information from databases, and displays results without requiring external scanning equipment or complex infrastructure, making the system self-sufficient and easy to deploy.
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
Facilitates the simultaneous identification of multiple IT components, simplifying data center management by reducing the need for individual scanning and enhancing the ability to locate and track components within a data center.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring, by the mobile computing device, the image of the at least a portion of the first IT component and the at least a portion of a second IT component can include illuminating the first IT component with UV light and collecting, by the mobile computing device, a portion of UV light reflected by the first IT component
Data Source
AI summary
Described are methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products for identifying IT components. An image of at least a portion of a first IT component and a second IT component is acquired by a mobile computing device. A first identification marker on the first IT component is located in the image. An identity of the first IT component based on the first identification marker is determined by the mobile computing device. A second identification marker on the second IT component is located in the image. An identity of the second IT component based on the second identification marker is located in the image by the mobile computing device. The image is displayed by the mobile computing device. Indicia of the identity of the first IT component and the second IT component is overlayed by the mobile computing device in the image.