Rack Observer Antenna Arrays for Asset Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Locating specific servers or network equipment within large facilities is challenging due to the mismatch between their physical location and network address, and tracking their movement for maintenance or storage is difficult.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system comprising rack-based observer devices with antenna arrays that receive and communicate beacon signals from tags attached to equipment, using a central server to determine the location of the equipment, and optionally including handheld devices for guiding users to the correct racks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual tracking methods are used for rack-based equipment, then the system complexity is low, but the productivity and efficiency of locating and tracking equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-tracking of rack-based equipment through RFID tags that automatically transmit location data to the central server, eliminating the need for manual tracking while maintaining low operational complexity for users
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated electronic system using RFID technology and a central server to track equipment locations, significantly improving productivity while the modular architecture keeps system complexity manageable
2Measurement precision
If signal observation is performed without directional constraints, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision of equipment location deteriorates due to interference from adjacent racks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies directional constraints selectively to antenna arrays facing adjacent racks to reduce interference, while maintaining omnidirectional signal reception for the intended service area, thus improving measurement precision without significantly compromising ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The central server acts as an intermediary that processes and analyzes signals from multiple antenna arrays, using signal processing algorithms to distinguish valid signals from interference, thereby maintaining high location accuracy while simplifying the operational complexity at the rack level
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 accurately identifies the location of equipment with reduced interference from adjacent racks, improving the efficiency of tracking and locating rack-based assets within large facilities.
Implementation Method 1
Each rack includes a plurality of antenna arrays, each array including a set of patch antennas... the patch antennas being configured to receive a signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a central server; a reader in communication with the central server; and a set of equipment racks. Each equipment rack of the set of equipment racks defines a face. The each equipment rack includes an observer device and at least two antenna arrays. At least one of the at least two antennas is in communication with the observer device. The system further including a set of tags attached to assets disposed within the set of equipment racks. Each tag of the set of tags is to transmit a beacon signal including a tag identifier of the each tag. The at least one antenna is to receive the beacon signal. The observer device is to communicate the tag identifier and the characteristics of the beacon signal to the reader and central server. The central server determines a rack location based on the characteristics of the beacon signal.