Network Asset Identification Via Camera Overlays For Configuration Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Technicians face challenges in accurately identifying and configuring network assets due to reliance on labeling, leading to costly mistakes in network configurations, especially in large-scale networks and facilities with numerous components.
Innovation Solution
A mobile application using a camera and display with an asset management tracking engine that overlays asset identification onto captured images, enabling precise location and configuration guidance through image analysis and triangulation of identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If technicians rely on labeling to identify network assets, then the system remains simple and easy to operate, but identification accuracy deteriorates leading to costly configuration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an overlay system as an intermediary between the physical network assets and the technician's perception. The overlay displays virtual information (asset identifiers, connection paths, configuration data) superimposed on the physical view through augmented reality, serving as a mediator that enhances identification accuracy without requiring physical changes to the assets themselves
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the network asset information and superimposes it over the physical asset view. The overlay displays digital identifiers, connection paths, and configuration data that mirror the physical asset's identity and relationships, allowing technicians to verify asset identity without relying on potentially misleading physical labels
2Productivity
If technicians manually locate and identify network assets using labels, then equipment cost remains low, but time consumption increases due to difficulty in determining component interconnections
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to the technician by displaying overlay information that confirms asset identification, shows connection paths, and indicates configuration status. As the technician moves through the servicing process, the overlay updates to provide continuous feedback on progress and next steps, enabling faster decision-making without manual reference to documentation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and displaying connection paths and asset relationships before the technician needs them. The overlay shows the intended configuration and connection routes in advance, allowing the technician to prepare and verify connections before physically making changes, thereby reducing on-site decision time
3Reliability
If technicians service network assets without precise identification tools, then the system remains simple, but error rate increases leading to network downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay system acts as an intermediary verification layer between the technician's actions and the network configuration. It provides real-time confirmation of asset identity, connection paths, and configuration parameters, serving as a mediator that prevents erroneous connections and configurations before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by displaying warning information and verification checks in the overlay before the technician makes configuration changes. It highlights potential errors, confirms asset identity, and validates connection paths in advance, preventing costly mistakes before they happen
Data Source
AI summary
A network asset location system and methods of its use and operation are disclosed. In one aspect, the network asset location system includes a mobile application component executable on a mobile device including a camera and a display, the mobile application component configured to receive image data from the camera and display an image on the display based on the image data and overlay information identifying one or more network assets identifiable in the image data. The network asset location system also includes an asset management tracking engine configured to receive the image data and generate the overlay information including an identification of a location of at least one of the one or more network assets within the image.