System and Method for Efficient Association of a Power Outlet and Device
First Claim
1. A system for associating a target device having power supplied by an intelligent power distribution unit with a specific outlet of said power distribution unit, said system comprising:
- an identification device for receiving identification information pertaining to said target device, said identification device locatable proximate said target device; and
a cable for supplying power to said target device, wherein said cable enables communication of said identification information between said identification device and said intelligent power distribution unit.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for providing automatic or semi-automatic identity association between an outlet of an intelligent power distribution unit and a target device, such as a computer server, which is powered by that outlet. The association is accomplished by enabling identification information to be transmitted between a memory device near or within the target device and the intelligent power distribution unit via a power cable. The power cable may include a specialized interface for mating with the power distribution unit and/or providing the identification information.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A system for associating a target device having power supplied by an intelligent power distribution unit with a specific outlet of said power distribution unit, said system comprising:
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an identification device for receiving identification information pertaining to said target device, said identification device locatable proximate said target device; and a cable for supplying power to said target device, wherein said cable enables communication of said identification information between said identification device and said intelligent power distribution unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of making an association between a target device and a specific electrical outlet of an intelligent power distribution unit providing power to said target device, said method comprising:
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storing identification information pertaining to said target device at an identification device located proximate said target device; and communicating said identification information between said target device and said identification device over a cable that supplies power to said target device, such that an accurate association and monitoring of a target device having power supplied by a specific outlet may be made. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. An apparatus used to associate a target device having power supplied by an intelligent power distribution unit with a specific outlet of said power distribution unit, said apparatus comprising:
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a cable for supplying power to said target device, said cable having at least one additional conductor to enable communication of said identification information between said identification device and said intelligent power distribution unit a connector on said cable at said power distribution unit end, wherein said at least one additional conductor couples to said power distribution unit via a lock apparatus adjacent to AC power connection at said power distribution unit.
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20. A system for automatically associating an electrical device with the electrical outlet from which said electrical device draws electric current comprising:
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an identification generating circuit that produces at least one signal utilizable to uniquely identify said electrical device; a first identification signal transceiver located proximate to said electrical device and electrically connected to said identification generating circuit; a second identification signal transceiver located proximate to and associated with said electrical outlet; and a communications channel disposed between said first identification signal transceiver and said second identification signal transceiver utilized for the passing of signals between said transceivers. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. An apparatus used to associate a target device with a specific electrical outlet supplying power thereto, wherein a cable supplies power to said target device, said cable having at least one additional conductor to enable communication of identification information from a memory device located proximate said target device, said apparatus comprising:
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a power distribution unit for supplying power to said target device via said cable, said power distribution unit including a plurality of electrical outlets; a management module having a processor and associated memory for storing said identification information; and a latch unit on said power distribution unit located proximate electrical outlets thereof for coupling with a portion of said cable in order to electrically couple said at least one additional conductor to said management module.
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Specification