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 a signal providing identification information of said target device and storing said identification information, said identification device locatable proximate said target device;
a cable for supplying power to said target device, wherein said cable is connected to said specific power outlet and enables communication of said identification information between said identification device and said intelligent power distribution unit;
a receiver for receiving said identification information from said identification device via said cable connected to said specific power outlet; and
a management processor for associating said identification information with identification information for said specific power outlet,wherein said identification device is programmable with identification information using a programming device, said programming device being configured to wirelessly receive identification information of said target device and to transfer said identification information to said identification device.
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
26 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 a signal providing identification information of said target device and storing said identification information, said identification device locatable proximate said target device; a cable for supplying power to said target device, wherein said cable is connected to said specific power outlet and enables communication of said identification information between said identification device and said intelligent power distribution unit; a receiver for receiving said identification information from said identification device via said cable connected to said specific power outlet; and a management processor for associating said identification information with identification information for said specific power outlet, wherein said identification device is programmable with identification information using a programming device, said programming device being configured to wirelessly receive identification information of said target device and to transfer said identification information to said identification device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. 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 the steps of:
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receiving a signal providing identification information of said target device at an identification device located proximate said target device, wherein said identification device is provided with said signal by a programming device that is operable to wirelessly receive identification information regarding said target device and transfer said identification information to said identification device; storing said identification information of said target device at said identification device; and communicating said identification information over a cable that is coupled to said specific electrical outlet and supplies power to said target device, such that an accurate association and monitoring of a target device having power supplied by the specific outlet may be made. - View Dependent Claims (14, 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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an identification device for receiving a signal providing identification information of said target device and storing said identification information; a cable for supplying power to said target device, said cable having two or more conductors coupled at a power distribution end to said specific outlet and at least one additional conductor to enable communication of said identification information by said identification device to 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, the lock apparatus comprising opposing electrical conductors for contacting an electrically-conductive portion of a sheath of the at least one additional conductor; and a management processor for associating said identification information communicated to said intelligent power distribution unit with identification information for said specific power outlet.
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20. A system for automatically associating an electrical device with an electrical outlet from which said electrical device draws electric current comprising:
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a first identification signal transceiver located proximate to said electrical device; a second identification signal transceiver located proximate to and associated with said electrical outlet; a communications channel disposed between said first identification signal transceiver and said second identification signal transceiver utilized for passing at least one signal for uniquely identifying said electrical outlet from said second identification signal transceiver to said first identification signal transceiver; a programming device configured to wirelessly receive identification information regarding said electrical device and to receive said at least one signal for uniquely identifying said electrical outlet; and a management module in communication with said programming device for associating said identification information regarding said electrical device with said at least one signal for uniquely identifying said electrical outlet. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. An apparatus used to associate a target device with a specific electrical outlet supplying power thereto, said apparatus comprising:
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an identification device for receiving a signal providing identification information of said target device and storing said identification information in a memory device of said identification device, said identification device located proximate said target device; a cable having two or more conductors for supplying power to said target device, said cable having at least one additional conductor to enable communication of said identification information from said memory device located proximate said target device; 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 provided over said at least one additional conductor; and a latch unit on said power distribution unit located proximate electrical outlets thereof for coupling with an electrically-conductive portion of a sheath of said at least one additional conductor in order to electrically couple said at least one additional conductor to said management module.
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Specification