Rack Asset Tracking Using Directed Light Beacons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current asset tracking systems for rack-based assets, particularly in data centers, face inefficiencies due to manual data collection methods and unreliable passive RFID systems, which are prone to interference and require human intervention, leading to high costs and inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
An asset tracking system utilizing a beacon device with communication strips that emit directed light signals, and identification tags with processors and lenses to receive and transmit location information via radio frequency or light signals, allowing for automated and accurate tracking without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If passive RFID tags are used with permanent readers installed in racks, then automated tracking is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to cable and obstruction interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical RFID reader system with an optical communication system using directed light signals. Beacon devices emit light that reflects off identification tags, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and permanent installations that are susceptible to interference and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium for communication between the beacon device and identification tags. This optical mediator allows data transmission without direct physical contact or cable connections, resolving the reliability issues associated with permanent RFID reader installations.
2Device complexity
If manual scanning with handheld RFID readers is used, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to required human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service tracking system where beacon devices automatically emit directed light signals and identification tags automatically reflect and transmit data without requiring human operators. The system autonomously tracks asset locations, eliminating the need for manual scanning while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-positioning beacon devices in fixed locations and attaching identification tags to assets beforehand. This preparation enables automated continuous tracking without requiring real-time human intervention during the actual tracking process.
3Reliability
If directed light signals are used for communication, then reliability is improved by eliminating cable interference, but device complexity increases due to optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical communication system into separate functional components: beacon devices that emit directed light signals and identification tags that reflect and process these signals. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, managing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by directing light signals specifically toward identification tags in particular locations within the rack. This targeted approach optimizes communication reliability for each specific asset position without requiring complex omnidirectional systems.
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
The system enables precise and efficient tracking of assets with reduced manual interaction, improved accuracy, and lower power consumption, effectively addressing the limitations of existing methods by using directed light signals to communicate location information between beacon devices and tags.
Implementation Method 1
a lens to direct light signals received from a side surface of the lens to the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a beacon device including a communication strip having a plurality of directed light emitters distributed along the communication strip. The beacon device can transmit a directed light signal via the directed light emitters. The system further includes a tag including a processor, a radio frequency transmitter coupled to the processor, a directed light receiver coupled to the processor, and a lens having first and second major surfaces and a side surface, the tag to receive the directed light signal via the side surface and to transmit a radio frequency tag message via the radio frequency transmitter. The system also includes a radio frequency reader to receive the radio frequency tag message.