Virtual Data Center Model for Component Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The management of data centers becomes increasingly complex as the number of IT components increases, necessitating a simplified approach to data center management.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for authoring and using a virtual representation of a data center on a mobile computing device, involving scanning identification markers, determining IT component identities and positions, and associating this information to create a virtual model that facilitates management and planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of IT components in data centers increases, then the processing and storage capabilities are improved, but the management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual representation (copy) of the data center that mirrors the physical layout and components. This virtual model allows managers to interact with, plan, and track components without directly managing the complex physical infrastructure, thus resolving the contradiction between having many components and maintaining simple management.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual representation acts as an intermediary layer between the physical IT components and the management process. Instead of directly managing numerous physical components, managers interact with the simplified virtual model, which handles the complexity of tracking and organizing all IT components systematically.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual tracking of IT components is used, then the implementation is simple, but the time and effort required for management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated scanning system using mobile devices. The scanning capability automatically captures component information and updates the virtual representation, eliminating time-consuming manual record-keeping while maintaining implementation simplicity through familiar mobile device interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service tracking where the scanning process automatically performs identification, data capture, and database updates without requiring manual intervention for each component. This automation significantly reduces management time while keeping the process simple through intuitive scanning operations.
3Measurement precision
If detailed tracking of all IT components is implemented, then the management precision is improved, but the complexity of the tracking system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual representation creates a simplified copy of the physical data center environment, capturing essential location and identification information without requiring complex tracking infrastructure. This approach achieves detailed component tracking precision while maintaining system simplicity by using familiar mobile device scanning capabilities rather than complex specialized hardware.
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
This approach simplifies data center management by providing a virtual model that allows for the determination of IT components and their positions, enabling better planning and cabling within the data center, thereby improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Optical code scanners scan or read an optical code that is typically attached to or printed on an object. A typical optical code is comprised of a number of bars or modules. Information is encoded in an optical code by the arrangement of bars or modules. When an optical code is placed within the field of view of a scanner, the scanner can read the bars or modules comprising the optical code and then use this data to decode the information encoded in the optical code.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products for authoring a virtual representation of a data center. An identity of a first IT component is determined. First position data indicating a position of the first IT component in the data center is received. The associated identity of the first IT component and the first position data is stored as a first part of the virtual representation of the data center. An identity of the second IT component is determined. Relative position data indicating a position of the second IT component relative to the first position data is received. Second position data indicating a position of the second IT component in the data center is determined. The associated identity of the second IT component and the second position data is stored as a second part of the virtual representation of the data center.