Portable Device Visual Component Status Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for identifying faulty components in computing facilities are inefficient, often requiring manual inspection and risking incorrect identification of components, which can lead to data loss or system instability.

Innovation Solution

A portable computing device equipped with a sensor to capture QR or RFID codes for components, conveying this information to a management system to determine the status of each component and present it visually to the user, aiding in rapid and accurate identification of faulty components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual inspection methods are used to identify faulty components, then technicians can physically examine components, but the process is time-consuming and prone to incorrect identification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent identification accuracyVSAvoidinspection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical sensing system. The sensor captures images of machine-readable codes (QR codes, barcodes) on components, and a processor automatically decodes and identifies components, eliminating the need for manual examination while improving both speed and accuracy of component identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses machine-readable codes as digital copies of component identity information. Instead of manually reading component labels or specifications, the system captures and processes digital code representations, enabling rapid and accurate identification without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If technicians manually inspect components to locate faulty ones, then they can identify issues, but the process risks incorrect identification leading to data loss or system instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidcomponent identification ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time feedback by displaying captured code images and their decoded identification information on the portable device screen. This allows technicians to verify component identity immediately, reducing the risk of incorrect identification and improving system reliability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The automated optical sensing and code decoding system replaces manual component inspection, eliminating human error in identification while keeping the system easy to operate through simple sensor positioning and automatic processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If traditional component identification methods are used, then technicians can locate components, but the process is inefficient and may lead to system downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent identification efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent replacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification by capturing and decoding component codes before the technician physically handles or replaces components. This advance identification ensures the correct component is located immediately, preventing delays and improving overall productivity in component replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated optical sensing system replaces time-consuming manual inspection methods, enabling rapid component identification that significantly reduces the duration of maintenance operations and improves productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 technicians to quickly and accurately locate and replace faulty components, reducing the risk of data loss and system instability by providing visual feedback and guiding the technician to the correct component.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor configured to capture one or more codes for one or more corresponding components positioned in proximity to the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9965372B2On-site visualization of component status

Publication Date: 2018.05.08 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Methods, apparatus and computer program products implement embodiments of the present invention that enable a portable computing device such as a smartphone or a tablet computer, to capture one or more codes for one or more corresponding components positioned in proximity to the portable computing device, and to convey the one or more codes to a management system. Upon receiving the one or more codes, the management system can be configured to convey, to the portable computing device, an identification and a status of each of the one or more components. The portable computing device can then present the status of the one or more components on a display.