Reference Point Based Device Location in Data Centers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In data center management, locating devices such as servers or storage boxes is challenging due to varying device designs, making it difficult for vendors to provide location information, and existing solutions are complex and costly to implement.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine a device's location by obtaining and using the locations of at least three reference points, pre-establishing associations between the device and these points, and triggering indicators at the reference points to identify the device's location, utilizing a client and reader system for message communication and state information retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional device design approaches are used, then device functionality is maintained, but location information cannot be obtained due to varying device designs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation informationVSAvoiddevice design variation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces reference points as intermediary elements that are independent of device design variations. These reference points serve as mediators between the device and the location determination system, providing a standardized interface for obtaining location information regardless of the specific device design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual model of the physical space by establishing reference points with known locations. This virtual reference framework copies the essential spatial information needed for location determination without requiring physical modifications to diverse devices, enabling location tracking across varying device designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If existing location determination solutions are implemented, then device location can be identified, but implementation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation determination accuracyVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the location determination system into independent reference points distributed throughout the space. Each reference point operates autonomously with simple functionality, and the system achieves accurate location determination by combining information from multiple segmented reference points rather than using a single complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reference points are designed to be universal elements that can serve multiple purposes: they establish spatial references, enable location determination, and provide a standardized interface for various devices. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining location determination accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10588108B2Locating method and a locating device
Publication Date: 2020.03.10 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC
  • US10588108B2 patent drawing
  • US10588108B2 patent drawing
  • US10588108B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method and apparatus for determining a location of device. The method comprises obtaining locations of at least three reference points associated with the device and determining the location of the device based on the locations of the at least three reference points. The embodiments of the present disclosure have advantages such as cheapness, easy implementation and easy installation, may provide an administrator with various management interfaces and monitoring interfaces, and expand the scope of applicability.