Abstract:
Systems and methods for safe handling of information handling resources are provided. In some embodiments, a method is provided. The method may include detecting occurrence of a power down sequence and in response to detecting of the power down sequence, controlling operation of a cooling fan coupled to information handling resources based at least on a first criteria of a predetermined policy. The method may include receiving a signal from a sensor, the signal indicating a thermal property of a particular information handling resource coupled to the sensor. The method may include determining if the thermal property satisfies a second criteria of the predetermined policy, the second criteria comprising a safe temperature range for handling the particular information handling resource. If the thermal property meets the second criteria, the method may provide an alert via an indicator to a user indicating the particular information handling resource is safe for handling.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates in general to servicing information handling system resources, and more particularly to safe handling of information handling resources after a power down sequence. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems. 
         [0003]    As the capabilities of information handling systems have improved and processing demands have increased, the power requirements of information handling systems and their component information handling resources have increased. Accordingly, the amount of heat produced by such information handling resources has increased with some components operating at or close to the maximum temperature limits. The increased amount of heat poses potential risks such as injuries to a user, especially for users who service or swap out the components when the components are still hot to the touch. 
         [0004]    Traditionally, upon a power off sequence (e.g., proper system shutdown, loss of power to the information handling system, malfunction of components, etc.), a required time delay between the power off sequence and service or handling of information handling resources is required. In some cases, the time delay considers a worst case scenario (e.g., the component temperature has to be below the rated maximum). However, the time delay is not always accurate as factors such as the temperature of the system as a whole, cooling fans configured to cool down the system upon a power off sequence, etc., may affect the required time delay. Thus, the required time delay may be too short and may cause injuries to system technicians who service the components in the information handling system. Alternatively, the time delay may be too long and may cause a prolonged downtime of the system and/or a delay in servicing the information handling resources. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the disadvantages and problems associated with cooling information handling resources have been substantially reduced or eliminated. In some embodiments, a system for safe handling of information handling resources is provided. The system may include a cooling fan, an information handling system, a controller, and an indicator. The information handling system may include a plurality of information handling resources coupled to the cooling fan and a sensor thermally coupled to at least one of the plurality of information handling resources. The controller, communicatively coupled to the sensor, may be configured for detecting occurrence of a power down sequence, and in response to detecting of the power down sequence, controlling the operation of the cooling fan based at least on a first criteria of a predetermined policy. The controller may also be configured for receiving a signal from the sensor, the signal indicating a thermal property of a particular information handling resource thermally coupled to the sensor. The controller may be configured to determine if the thermal property satisfies a second criteria of the predetermined policy, the second criteria including a safe temperature range for handling the particular information handling resource. If the thermal property meets the second criteria, the controller may provide an alert via the indicator to a user indicating that the particular information handling resource is safe for handling. 
         [0006]    In other embodiments, an information handling system is provided. The information handling system may include one or more information handling resources and a controller coupled to the one or more information handling resources. The controller may be configured for detecting occurrence of a power down sequence of the information handling system. In response to detecting of the power down sequence, the controller may be configured for controlling operation of a cooling fan coupled to the information handling system based at least on a first criteria of a predetermined policy. The controller may also be configured to receive a signal from a sensor thermally coupled to at least one of the plurality of information handling resources, the signal indicating a thermal property of a particular information handling resource thermally coupled to the sensor. The controller may be configured to determine if the thermal property satisfies a second criteria of the predetermined policy, the second criteria comprising a safe temperature range for handling the particular information handling resource, and if the thermal property meets the second criteria, providing an alert via an indicator communicatively coupled to the controller to a user indicating the particular information handling resource is safe for handling. 
         [0007]    In certain embodiments, a method for safe handling of information handling resources is provided. The method may include detecting occurrence of a power down sequence and in response to detecting of the power down sequence, controlling operation of a cooling fan coupled to the information handling resources based at least on a first criteria of a predetermined policy. The method may include receiving a signal from a sensor, the signal indicating a thermal property of a particular information handling resource thermally coupled to the sensor. The method may also include determining if the thermal property satisfies a second criteria of the predetermined policy, the second criteria comprising a safe temperature range for handling the particular information handling resource. If the thermal property meets the second criteria, the method may provide an alert via an indicator to a user indicating the particular information handling resource is safe for handling. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a system for safe handling of information handling resources of an information handling system, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  a flow chart of an example method for safe handling of information handling resources, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0011]    Preferred embodiments and their advantages are best understood by reference to  FIGS. 1-2 , wherein like numbers are used to indicate like and corresponding parts. 
         [0012]    For the purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, a PDA, a consumer electronic device, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handling system may include memory, one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic. Additional components or the information handling system may include one or more storage devices, one or more communications ports for communicating with external devices as well as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. The information handling system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communication between the various hardware components. 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example system  10  for safe handling of information handling resources of an information handling system  100 , in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 1 , system  10  may include information handling system  100 , controller  114 , indicator  116 , and cooling fan(s)  118 . 
         [0014]    In certain embodiments, information handling system  100  may include a computer chassis or enclosure (e.g., a server chassis holding one or more server blades, a monolithic server). In other embodiments, information handling system  100  may include a storage enclosure, storage systems, switches, etc. In yet other embodiments, information handling system  100  may be a personal computer or workstation (e.g., a desktop computer or a portable computer). 
         [0015]    Information handling system  100  may include processor  102 , network interface  104 , display,  106 , memory  108 , one or more information handling resources  110 , and one or more sensors  112 . Processor  102  may include any system, device, or apparatus operable to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data, and may include, without limitation, a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other digital or analog circuitry configured to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data. In some embodiments, processor  102  may interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data stored in, for example, one or more memories  108 , and/or another component of information handling system  100  and may output results, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), websites, and the like via display  106  or over network interface  104 . 
         [0016]    Network interface  104  may be coupled to processor  102  and may be any suitable system, apparatus, or device operable to serve as an interface between information handling system  100  and a network. Network interface  104  may enable information handling system  100  to communicate over a wired and/or a wireless network using any suitable transmission protocol and/or standard, including without limitation all transmission protocols and/or standards known in the art. Network interface  104  and its various components may be implemented using hardware, software, or any combination thereof. 
         [0017]    Display  106  may be coupled to processor  102  and may include any display device suitable for creating graphic images and/or alphanumeric characters recognizable to a user, and may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma display, light-emitting diode display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT). 
         [0018]    Memory  108  may be coupled to processor  102  and may include any system, device, or apparatus operable to retain program instructions or data for a period of time. Memory  108  may include random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a PCMCIA card, flash memory, or any suitable selection and/or array of volatile or non-volatile memory that retains data after power to information handling system  100  is turned off. 
         [0019]    Information handling resources  110  may broadly refer to any component system, device, or apparatus of information handling system  100 , including without limitation, processors (e.g., processor  102 ), busses, memories (e.g., memory  108 , fully buffered DIMMs, DDR3 RDIMMs, and/or UDIMMS), chipset components, audio cards, video cards, graphic cards, ambient inlet air ports, input-output devices and/or interfaces, storage resources (e.g., hard drives, DVDs CDs, USB drives, and/or any other integrated or external storage resources coupled to information handling system  100 ), voltage regulators, network interfaces, motherboards, electro-mechanical devices, displays, power supplies, and/or other components depending on the configuration of system  10 . It is noted that the term “components” as used in this disclosure may refer to any combination of processor  102 , memory  108 , and/or information handling resource(s)  110  of information handling system  100 . 
         [0020]    Sensors  112  may be configured to thermally monitor components of information handling system  100  (e.g., information handling resources  110 , memory  108 , and/or processor  102 ). In some embodiments, a specific sensor  112  may be thermally coupled to a component of information handling system  100  and may monitor the temperature of the component. Sensor  112  may also be used to monitor the temperature of multiple components that are thermally coupled to sensor  112 . In other embodiments, one or more sensors  112  may be used to correlate the temperature of components that may or may not be directly coupled to a sensor  112 . For example, controller  114  may determine an empirical correlation based on one or more sensors  112  to determine the temperature of components not directly coupled to a sensor  112 . 
         [0021]    Controller  114  may be coupled to information handling system  100  using any suitable protocol and/or standard including, for example, the Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) architecture. In some embodiments, controller  114  may include or be an integral part of a baseboard management controller (BMC) and may be configured to determine a power down sequence for system  10 , and in particular information handling system  100 . Controller  114  may also be configured to receive signals from sensors  112  coupled to components of information handling system  100  (e.g., processor  102 , memory  108 , and/or information handling resources  110 ). Based at least on the received signal, controller  114  may communicate alerts via, for example, indicator  116  to a user (e.g., servicing technician) if any of the parameters associated with sensors  112  vary from preset limits or thresholds. For example, in some embodiments, sensors  112  may be configured to thermally monitor components directly or indirectly coupled to sensors  112  of information handling system  100 . If a respective sensor  112  indicates that the component coupled to the respective sensor  112  is safe to handle, e.g., the temperature of the component is safe for servicing, controller  114  may provide a notification through indicator  116 , such as provide an audio and/or visual (e.g., LED alerts) alarm, output a message on a display (e.g., display  106 ). Indicator  116  may be coupled to an auxiliary power source (e.g., battery, capacitors, etc.) configured to power at least indicator  116  after a power off sequence to system  10 . 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, controller  114  may be configured based on a user-provided policy, system configuration policy, or other predetermined policy that may allow custom power tailoring, acoustics (e.g., noise levels) considerations, and/or cool down time requirement before the servicing of information handling resources  110  of information handling system  100 . Controller  114  may control cooling fans  118  coupled to information handling system  100 , or throttle information handling resources  110  based on the predetermined policy at the onset of the power off sequence. Cooling fans  118  may be any mechanical or electro-mechanical fan used for cooling purposes. In certain embodiments, cooling fan(s)  118  may draw cool air from the outside, expel warm air from the components (e.g., information handling resource(s)  110 , memory  108 , and/or processor  102 ) of information handling system  100 , and/or move air across a heat sink to cool one or more particular components of information handling system  100 . 
         [0023]    For example, if the predetermined policy indicates rapid cool down with little or no acoustic considerations (e.g., noise level does not matter) to reduce or minimize the downtime of system  10 , controller  110  may operate cooling fans  118  at maximum speed and/or power to quickly cool down the information handling resources  110  of information handling system  100 . While cooling fans  118  operate, controller  114  may receive thermal information from one or more sensors  112  indicating a temperature of the associated information handling resource  110 . If the thermal information indicates that the associated information handling resource  110  is safe to handle (e.g., safe to service, safe to swap out, etc.), controller  114  may provide an audio and/or visual alert through indicator  116  to a user. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, controller  114  may receive signals from sensors  112  thermally coupled to information handling resources  110  that are hot-swappable or removable devices such as, for example, blade module(s), I/O card(s) and/or module(s), processing unit(s), memory card(s) or module(s), hard disk drive(s) (HDD), and/or redundant power supply unit(s). If a sensor  112  is thermally coupled to the hot-swappable or removable device indicates that the temperature of the device is safe for removal, controller  114  may provide an alert through indicator  116 , such as an alarm, LCD messages displayed on a display (e.g., display  106 ), LEDs, and/or other visual and/or audible alerts to a user. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, controller  114  may be configured to prevent servicing and/or handling of information handling resources  110  until the resources have properly cooled down. An electro-mechanical cover may be placed over or around some or all components of information handling system  100 . During the cooling of the information handling resources  110  using cooling fans  118 , controller  114  may keep electro-mechanical cover locked. Signals indicating thermal properties of the covered information handling resources  110  may be sent from sensors  112  to controller  114 . When the information handling resources  110  have cooled down or when a predetermined policy has been met, controller  114  may be configured to first indicate an audio and/or visual alert to a user via indicator  116 . Controller  114  may also be configured to “unlock” the cover allowing the user safe access to the information handling resources  110 . 
         [0026]    In operation, upon detection of a power off sequence by controller  114 , either initiated by a user or during a power interruption or power failure to system  10 , controller  114  may control the operating of cooling fans, e.g., adjusting the speed of cooling fans  118  or throttling information handling resources  110 . In some embodiments, controller  114  may adjust the speed of cooling fans  118  based on a predetermined policy such as, for example, a user-provided policy or a system configuration policy that may provide thresholds that should be met prior to servicing or handling of information handling resources  110 . For example, the predetermined policy may include a fan speed for cooling fans  118  based on acoustic levels (e.g., minimizing noise levels during the operation of cooling fans  118 ), power requirements (e.g., minimizing cooling fan speeds to reduce and/or minimize power consumption), desired thermal properties for each information handling resource  110  (e.g., a safe temperature for handling and/or servicing information handling resources  110 ), etc. 
         [0027]    As cooling fans  118  operate, sensors  112  may send signals to controller  114  indicating the temperature of one or more information handling resources  110 . In some embodiments, a sensor  112  may send signals relating to the thermal properties of a corresponding information handling resource  110  directly coupled to the sensor  112 . In the same or alternative embodiments, controller  114  may determine the temperature of a component not directly coupled to any sensors based on signals received from multiple sensors  112  surrounding the component. If the received signals from sensor(s)  112  indicate that one or more information handling resources  110  are safe for handling, controller  114  may provide an audible and/or visible alert to a user via indicator  116 . 
         [0028]    Controller  114  may also be configured to provide a report via, for example, display  106  or network interface  104 . The report may summarize the events during and after a power off sequence is detected. In some embodiments, the report may include, without limitation, the type of power off sequence (e.g., user initiated or power failure or interruption), the temperatures of one or more information handling resources  110  received from sensors  112 , if the temperatures satisfy a predetermined policy, if one or more information handling resources  110  were serviced or handled prior to an alert being issued by controller  114 , the fan speed of cooling fans  118 , the power consumption of cooling fans  118 , the noise level of cooling fans  118 , the ambient temperature, the temperature of system  10 , and/or other system configurations. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  illustrates a flow chart of an example method  200  for safe handling of information handling resources, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. At step  202 , controller  114  may detect an occurrence of a power off sequence. The power off sequence may be user initiated (e.g., software powering down sequence or hardware power down such as power button reset) or may be a power interruption and/or a power failure to system  10  or a subcomponent of system  10 . 
         [0030]    At step  204 , controller  114  may dynamically adjust the fan speed of cooling fans  118  or throttle information handing resources  110  to cool down the components of system  10 . In some embodiments, cooling fans  118  may be adjusted based on a predetermined policy such as, for example, a user-provided policy or a system configuration policy. In each of the predetermined policies, a variety of different factors may be considered. For example, the predetermined policy may determine the operation of cooling fans  118  (e.g., the fan speed, power consumption of cooling fans  118 , the noise level of cooling fans  118 , and/or other fan operation factors). 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, the predetermined policies may also define a desired time period in which system  10  is offline or powered down, thus affecting the operation of cooling fans  118 . For example, in a routine system maintenance and/or for replacing devices, the predetermined policies may determine that the cooling fan speeds should operate at maximum capacity (e.g., regardless of noise or acoustic consideration and/or power consumption) to properly and promptly cool down the components of information handling system  100  such that the service maintenance and/or replacing of components can be performed quickly and system  10  may be restored sooner. 
         [0032]    The predetermined policies may also define a suitable handling temperature for some or all of the components of information handling system  100 . The suitable handling temperature may be based on, for example, the type of components (e.g., DIMMS, chipsets, power supply units, hard drives, I/O cards or modules, etc.,) duration and type of handling (e.g., incidental or long-term handling including swapping out components), the type of materials touched (e.g., metal, plastic, glass, etc.), government and/or manufacturer standards and labels, the ambient temperature, the temperature of system  10 , the temperature of surrounding components, and other factors. 
         [0033]    At step  206 , as cooling fans  118  continue to cool down information handling resources  110  of information handling system  100 , sensors  112  may send signals to controller  114 . The signals may indicate the temperature of the information handling resources  110  coupled directly and/or indirectly to sensors  112 . 
         [0034]    At step  208 , controller  214  may determine if the signals received from sensors  112  satisfy the predetermined policies and/or if the signals indicate if one or more information handling resources  110  are safe for handling. For example, controller  114  may determine whether the signal indicating the temperature of a particular information handling resource  110  is safe for servicing and/or handling. If the temperature is not safe for handing, method  200  may proceed to step  206 , where controller  114  awaits updated signals sent from sensors  112 . 
         [0035]    If the temperature of the particular information handling resource  110  is safe for handling, method  200  may proceed to step  210  where controller  114  may provide an audible and/or visual alert to a user via indicator  116 . 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, system  10  and controller  114  may prepare system  10  for handling and/or servicing of the information handling resource  100 . For example, system  10  and/or controller  114  may power off power rails to system  10 . In the same or alternative embodiments, controller  114  may generate a report of the various factors of system  10  before, during, and after the detection of a power off sequence. For example, controller  114  may output a report via display  106  and/or over network interface  104  listing, for example, the type of power off sequence, the temperature of one or more components of information handling system  100 , the fan speed and/or power consumption of cooling fans  118 , if an alert was provided via indicator  116 , etc. 
         [0037]    Using the methods and systems disclosed herein, problems associated with conventional approaches to safe handling of information handling resources of an information handling system may be improved, reduced, or eliminated. For example, the methods and systems disclosed herein provide for controlling the cooling effects on the information handling resources, monitoring the thermal properties of the information handling resources, and alerting a user when one or more of the information handling resources are available for servicing and/or handling. In addition, certain embodiment provide user-provided policies and/or system configuration policies that establish servicing and/or handling guidelines that may be based on government guidelines, component guidelines, manufacturer guidelines, system guidelines, and/or other guidelines, warnings, or labels. 
         [0038]    Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.