Asset identification and management method and system
First Claim
1. A method for identifying and managing an asset comprising:
- mounting a power distribution apparatus in an equipment rack, the power distribution apparatus including a reader;
detecting a change in current at one or more electrical outlets in the power distribution apparatus;
selectively enabling one or more antennas of a plurality of antennas coupled to the reader in response to detecting the change in current, wherein selectively enabling includes enabling an antenna associated with an electrical outlet at which a change in current is detected;
reading, by the reader through the one or more antennas, identification data contained in a transponder attached to a power cord of the asset, each of the one or more antennas being mounted in proximate relation to the one or more electrical outlets in the power distribution apparatus, the power cord being coupled to one of the one or more electrical outlets;
communicating information including the identification data through a network to a controller; and
determining, by the controller, a control action based on the information.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A power distribution apparatus includes a reader, one or more electrical outlets, and one or more antennas mounted in proximate relation to one or more of the electrical outlets. An asset includes a power cord having a transponder attached thereto, and the power cord may be coupled to one of the electrical outlets. A method for identifying and managing an asset includes mounting the power distribution apparatus in an equipment rack, reading, by the reader through one or more of the antennas, identification data contained in the transponder, communicating information including the identification data through a network to a controller, and determining, by the controller, a control action based on the information.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for identifying and managing an asset comprising:
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mounting a power distribution apparatus in an equipment rack, the power distribution apparatus including a reader; detecting a change in current at one or more electrical outlets in the power distribution apparatus; selectively enabling one or more antennas of a plurality of antennas coupled to the reader in response to detecting the change in current, wherein selectively enabling includes enabling an antenna associated with an electrical outlet at which a change in current is detected; reading, by the reader through the one or more antennas, identification data contained in a transponder attached to a power cord of the asset, each of the one or more antennas being mounted in proximate relation to the one or more electrical outlets in the power distribution apparatus, the power cord being coupled to one of the one or more electrical outlets; communicating information including the identification data through a network to a controller; and determining, by the controller, a control action based on the information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A power distribution apparatus comprising:
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a power input to receive input power from a power source; a plurality of electrical outlets coupled to the power input; a reader coupled to a plurality of antennas, each antenna constructed and arranged to be mounted in proximate relation to one or more of the plurality of electrical outlets, the reader being configured to read, through one of the plurality of antennas, identification data contained in a transponder attached to a power cord of an asset, the power cord being coupled to one of the one or more electrical outlets; a communication device coupled to the reader; and a controller coupled to the communication device, wherein the power distribution apparatus is operative to detect a change in current at one or more of the plurality of electrical outlets and to selectively enable one or more antennas of the plurality of antennas in response to detecting the change in current, wherein selectively enable includes enable an antenna associated with an electrical outlet at which a change in current is detected; and wherein the communication device is operative to communicate information including the identification data between the reader and the controller, and wherein the controller is operative to determine a control action based on the information. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification