Patent Publication Number: US-2023134524-A1

Title: Systems to manage telecommunications connections

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/965,500 filed Jan. 24, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Businesses and other organizations rely on their network infrastructure to run their daily operations. As the number of applications and the number of connections on the network increases, it becomes more difficult for customers to manage the network. The physical layer connections of the network need to be documented properly so the customer can make the best use of their network reduce network outages and increase security for their organization. There are existing products on the market that help customers manage the physical layer today. These systems are comprised of software that interfaces with scanner type devices that track and collect data on physical layer connections. Different methods are used to track physical layer connections. Some systems use a 9th wire in a patch cord and contacts either in outlets or on patch panels to track connections between patch panels or patch panels and switches. A small current is run through the contacts and the data on the connections is collected in a scanner device and relayed to the software. Other systems use a time-based logic to infer connections between patch panels. In this scenario, when one end of a patch cord is connected to a panel, the system looks for a second connection on another panel and assumes that that is the other end of the patch cord. Other systems use active jacks and use their MAC and IP addresses to track connection. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an embodiment, a voice command system for managing telecommunications connections among telecommunications equipment includes a voice assist unit including a speaker and a microphone; a network; a management system in communication with the voice assist unit over the network; the voice assist unit configured to receive verbal command from a user through the microphone; the management system configured to provide a response to the command. 
     According to another embodiment, a transponder system for managing telecommunications connections among telecommunications equipment includes an outlet including a transponder mounted in, on or near the outlet, the transponder including a transponder identifier; a transponder reader configured to read the transponder identifier; a network; a management system in communication with the transponder reader over the network; a plug including an antenna; the transponder reader configured to read the transponder identifier upon the antenna being near the transponder. 
     The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated otherwise. These features and elements as well as the operation thereof will become more apparent in light of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature and non-limiting. 
    
    
     
       DRAWING DESCRIPTION 
         FIG.  1    depicts a voice command system in an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    depicts a voice command system in an example embodiment. 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  depict a transponder system in an example embodiment. 
         FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  depict detection of the mating and un-mating of a plug with an outlet in an example embodiment. 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  depict detection of the mating and un-mating of a plug with an outlet in an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    depicts physical contact between a transponder antenna and a plug antenna in an example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of this disclosure relate to 1) a user interface system to aid in management and monitoring telecommunications connections and facilities assets/systems commonly found in enterprise and data center environments and 2) intelligent infrastructure management systems commonly used to manage, monitor and document telecommunications connections and facilities infrastructures. Example embodiments disclosed herein do not require specialized panels or cords. Example embodiments may retrofit standard panels and cords with sensor technology or may incorporate the sensing technology into panels or cords, if so desired. 
       FIG.  1    depicts an example voice command system  100  in first example embodiment. Shown in  FIG.  1    is telecommunications equipment including a telecommunications rack  102  which typically has a plurality of telecommunications connectors (e.g., outlets on patch panels) which mate with other telecommunications connectors (e.g., plugs on cables). Telecommunications connections may be arranged in a variety of structures, and a telecommunications rack  102  is one example. It is understood that a wide variety of telecommunications equipment may be used in the voice command system  100 . A telecommunications rack  102  is one example of such telecommunications equipment. 
     A voice assist unit  104  includes a microphone  106 , a speaker  108  and a controller  110  (e.g., a processor-based device having a processor, memory, etc.). The voice assist unit  104  may be mounted to the telecommunications rack  102  (or other physical structure). The voice assist unit  104  may also be worn by a user in the form of a headset. Commands from a user  112  may be transmitted by the voice assist unit  104  to a management system  120  over a network  122 . The network  122  may be implemented using known wireless/wires networks such as WiFi (e.g., 802.11x), LAN, etc. The management system  120  may be implemented using known processor-based devices, such as a personal computer, server, or distributed computing platform (e.g., cloud computing). Responses from the management system  120  may be communicated to the user  112  by speaker  108 . 
     The management system  120  maintains a database of the telecommunications connections. Voice recognition hardware and software (in the voice assist unit  104  and/or the management system  120 ), along with other elements, may be used to authenticate user access to areas, devices or other elements or actions associated with a telecommunications network or facilities infrastructure. For example, user  112  may state their name and the management system  120  verifies the user  112  is permitted access to the telecommunications connections. The user  112  may verbally enter patching connection and/or disconnection information for any type of device with any type of cord using any type of media. For example, user  112  may say “Connecting cord plug P 704  to outlet O 224 .” The management system  120  stores the connection information and may provide a audible confirmation to speaker  108 . The voice assist unit  104  may provide work order guidance or creation and user input. For example, for a work order, the management system  120  may provide audible step-by-step instructions to speaker  108 , and receive verbal confirmations from microphone  106 . The system may provide entry and/or retrieval of any data associated with assets or systems commonly found in telecommunications networks or facilities infrastructure. For example, the user  112  may say “What cable is connected to outlet O 224 ?” The management system  120  would access the database and provide an audible response to the query through speaker  108 . The system may provide for management of any other activities, such as responding to alarms/events. For example, if an alarm is present, the user  112  may say “Which patch panel is the alarm at?” The management system  120  would access the database and provide an audible response to the query through speaker  108 . 
     A portable device  114  (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, watch, eyewear, etc.) may also be used to send verbal commands and receive audible instructions. The portable device  114  may also receive visual responses (e.g., messages, images, etc.) from the management system  120 . The portable device  114  may be used in place of the voice assist unit  104 , or in conjunction with the voice assist unit  104 . 
     In voice command system  100  provides improved voice recognition for systems used in enterprise and data center environments. The voice command system  100  may use a limited lexicon of commands to improve the accuracy of the voice recognition by limiting possible input and response options. Responses and options are contextual, meaning that possible voice input or responses are limited based on the location, actions or other interactions between the user  112  and management system  120 . 
     In operation, the user  112  primarily enters and retrieves data via voice commands Other methods/devices may be used in conjunction with voice recognition to enhance the system.  100 . One example is use of a security camera to authenticate users. The management system  120  may respond with audible responses, messages on a rack mounted controller and/or message on the portable device  114 . The voice assist unit  104  is depicted on a rack/cabinet, but it may be a fixed device attached to a rack, cabinet, ceiling, floor, wall or any other item. In other embodiments, the portable device  114  serves as the voice assist unit  104 . The microphone  106 , speaker  108  and CPU  110  may be a single unit, and may be incorporated in another device or may be separate devices. In another embodiment, the user may use a headset to interact with the fixed CPU  110 . In another embodiment there is no device mounted in, on or near the racks or in the room. The device is a virtual machine or software appliance. 
     The management system  120  may be programed to recognize users  112  via voice authentication and/or voice passcode. In other authentication embodiments, the management system  120  may authenticate users via facial recognition, device proximity or other methods. The system shall have the ability to assist the user  112  if the user has problems with voice commands. Assistance may be audible or visual via any device (fixed, rack mounted, portable, etc.). Voice recognition software may reside on CPU  110 , management system  120 , and/or at a different location or be cloud-based. Voice recognition software will be contextual to limit available possible voice command matches and improve recognition accuracy. For example, if the user is working in a single cabinet, voice commands will be limited to actions which can be done on devices within that cabinet. This improves accuracy of voice commands. 
     The voice command system  100  may employ one or more variations. The voice assist unit  104  may be mounted somewhere in the telecommunications room, data center or data center row. The user  112  may interact with the system via a headset. In another embodiment, the voice assist unit  104  may be a single device mounted at a fixed location in proximity to the area where technicians perform IT and facilities tasks. In alternate embodiments, the voice assist unit  104  may be combined with a rack mounted control unit. In another embodiments, the microphone 106 , speaker  108  and CPU  110  may be separate units mounted at the same or different locations. In another embodiment, the microphone  106 , speaker  108 , and CPU  110  may be a portable device. Responses from the management system  120  may be audible, indications on a rack controller and/or to a mobile application. Responses may combine one or more of the methods described herein. Input to the management system  120  may be audible, indications on a rack controller and/or to a mobile application. Input may combine one or more of the methods described here. Processing of user input data and management system  120  responses may be done centrally in the management system  120  software, locally at the input/response device(s), at an intermediary application or any combination thereof. Another option is processing of data via a cloud-based application. One example of a cloud-based application is Google Voice. While the typical use of the voice command system  100  will be in a data center or telecommunications room, it should be noted that use of the voice command system  100  is not limited to the locations and may extend to any area where technicians or other staff need to interact with the management software or local system. Another use of the voice command system  100  is for access control and enhanced security. One use of the voice command system  100  would be for cabinet security access or monitoring. The voice command system  100  may authenticate a user  112  via voice recognition and grant access to a cabinet by unlocking the door. In another example the cabinet may not have a lock. A proximity sensor may detect when a user  112  is at or entering a rack and prompt them to enter a voice passcode, voice sample or other input for authentication. If authentication fails, the management system  120  may take additional steps to document or enforce access rules. Examples may include having a camera take a picture and store/send or trigger an alarm. Authentication may also apply to other tasks associated with telecommunications and facilities management. Authentication may be linked to user roles or approved actions. 
     The management system  120  may also employ enforcement methods to ensure users do not perform functions without entering data via one of the methods previously mentioned. For example, the management system  120  may detect when a user  112  is performing tasks within a rack or cabinet. This may be accomplished via a proximity sensor or other device. The management system  120  will prompt the user  112  for a response to authenticate the user  112  and gather information about the user actions being taken. If the user  112  does not respond to the system additional steps may be taken to detect the user  112 , store the user, location and time of the infraction and send alarms. 
       FIG.  2    depicts an example voice command system  101  in second example embodiment. The voice command system  101  is similar to voice common system  100 , with the inclusion of one or more transponders  130 . This voice command system  101  utilizes transponders  130 , such as RFiD tags, to be affixed, attached, embedded or otherwise placed in, on or near items in a telecommunications and/or facilities infrastructure. The transponders  130  may be read by the user via a portable device  114 . Once a transponder  130  is read, the transponder identifier is sent to the management system  120 . Based on the transponder identifier, the management system  120  recognizes the location, device and/or telecommunications connector associated with the transponder  130 . For example, the management system  120  may determine the transponder corresponds to rack  7 , panel  4 , outlet  12 . The allows the management system  120  to provide more precise user interaction with the management system  120 . Reading the transponder can be used as a shortcut for the management system  120  to know the location and device the user  1112  wants to interact with. For example, if the user reads a transponder  130  and then enters a voice command of “Connect port  5 ” the management system  120  will know the user is connecting an end of a cord into port  5  of the scanned device. Interaction between the user  112  and the management system  120  may be via voice (through voice assist unit  104 ), rack mounted display devices, portable device  114 , or any combination thereof. The portable device  114  may interact with management system  120  directly via a microphone/speaker or any other input/response element. One example of another input/response element would be a mobile application executing on the portable device  114 . 
     In one embodiment passive transponders are placed in, on or near devices and these transponders are associated with items in the management software database (or auxiliary database or data store). The user scans the transponders with a portable device and then interacts with the system via to input data and receive commands associated with the scanned device. In the preferred embodiment the user interacts with the system for data input and response via voice after the transponder scan. In other embodiments input and response interaction may be via voice, data input via fixed or portable device and any combination thereof. 
     The voice command system  100  may employ one or more variations. In example embodiments, the transponder  130  may be read with a fixed reader or fixed reader with a tethered attachment. The transponder  130  may be either passive or active and operate at any frequency range. In one embodiment transponder  130  only contains a unique ID numbers. In other embodiments, the transponder  130  may contain additional information about the devices, such as part number, description, etc. In alternate embodiments, the transponder  130  and transponder readers may be existing transponder tags and readers in the customer infrastructure. One example would be an existing transponder reader and card used for cabinet access. When the user opens the cabinet with their transponder access card the existing cabinet security system could exchange data with the management software and trigger a voice prompt for the user to initiate interaction with the system and input on actions for that cabinet or devices/ports within the cabinet. In another example the transponder reader may be for a room or location access and the transponder may be an access card. In other embodiments a mobile device, such as a smart watch of a mobile phone may act as the transponder card. In another embodiment there are no transponders placed on items. Each item has a reader and or/antenna and the user places an transponder within range of the reader/antenna. The transponder may be a card, smart watch, mobile device or any other transponder type or form factor. The reader/antenna may be separate units. The system determines the location, device and/or port via the reader/antenna through which the transponder was read. Another option is that the system writes data and/or instructions to the transponders. This information may be read via a portable device and be used for user guidance, instructions or other functions 
       FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  depict embodiments of a transponder system  200  that include transponders on components of the telecommunications components. As shown in  FIG.  3 A , a telecommunications connector  201  (e.g., an outlet) has a transponder  202  (e.g., an RFID tag) mounted in, on or near the outlet  201 . The term outlet is used herein to refer to any telecommunication connector  201  that mates with another telecommunications connector, and includes outlets, adapters, couplers, ports, etc. employing copper, fiber, coax, and other connector topologies. A second telecommunication connecter  204  (e.g., a plug on a cable) includes an antenna element  206 , which may extend along the cord connected to the plug  204 . The term plug is used herein to refer to any telecommunication connector  204  that mates with another telecommunications connector, and includes plugs such as RJ-45, LC, twist-on, coax, etc. employing copper, fiber, coax, and other connector topologies. A transponder reader  210  (e.g., and RFID tag reader) is located at a distance from the outlet  201  such that the transponder reader  210  cannot read the transponder  202  until the plug  204 , is mated with the outlet  201 . It is understood that multiple transponder readers  210  may be employed in various locations. The antenna element  206  on plug  204  increases the read range of the transponder  202 . In  FIG.  3 A , the transponder  202  is in, on or near the outlet  201  and electromagnetically couples, or physically contacts, with an antenna  206  when the plug  204  and outlet  201  are mated. When the plug  204  and outlet  201  are mated, the coupling of the antenna  206  with the transponder  202  allows the transponder reader  210  to read the transponder identifier. This information is provided to the management system  120 . The management system  120  updates network data to indicate that a plug has been plugged into the outlet  201  associated with the transponder  202 . 
     The transponder system  200  may be used in conjunction with the voice command systems  100  and  101 . The transponder system  200  may be used as a standalone configuration. These transponders  202  are associated with the virtual outlets in the management system  120  database. One option to create the link of the virtual outlets with the transponders  202  in, on or near outlets is to store the transponder identifiers of each outlet with each virtual outlet in the management system  120 . This is just one method to achieve the correlation between physical and virtual outlets. Others may be employed. 
     The transponder readers/ 210  are mounted in positions which allow them to read transponders  202  which are affixed in, on or near outlets  201  adapters when mated with plug  204  having antenna  206 . Conversely, the transponder reader  210  will detect when the plug  204  has been un-mated from the outlet  201 , as the transponder  202  identifier will no longer be detected. When the plug  204  is mated with the outlet  201 , the transponder  202  electromagnetically couples to, or physically contacts with, the antenna  206  thereby increasing the read range of the transponder  202  and allows the transponder  202  to be read by the transponder reader  210 . In another embodiment, an antenna on the transponder  202  makes physical contact with the antenna  206  on the plug  204 . When a new transponder  202  is read by the transponder reader  210 , the management system  120  will assume a connection has been made to that outlet  201 . When a transponder  202  cannot be read, the management system  120  will recognize it as a disconnection. The management system  120  may look for two connections in a row and assume a patch connection has been made between two outlets  201  using a single patch cord having plugs  204  and antennas  206  at each end. 
       FIG.  3 B  depicts another embodiment in which an additional transponder  207  is placed in/on connectors  204  at each end of the patch cord. When the management system  120  reads a new outlet transponder  202  and a new plug transponder  207 , the management system  120  recognizes this as a new connection. The management system  120  shall record the transponder identifiers corresponding to the plug  204  and outlet  201  of the mated connection. When the plug  204  and the outlet  201  are de-mated, the transponders  202  and  207  can no longer be read. The management system  120  shall recognize this as a disconnection and remove the mated information from the management system  120  database. If the transponder  207  from the previously mentioned de-mating is still read and another transponder  202  is read, the management system  120  shall record this as a new connection. 
     Other methods may be employed to improve functionality of the system  200 . For example, there may be situations where all the outlets  201  of a panel are on/in a sliding tray. When the tray is slid in, all the transponders  202  within the panel/enclosure may not be read due to metal blocking on interfering with wireless communication to the transponder reader  210 . The system may employ software algorithms to recognize multiple non-read transponder situations as a closed tray versus all outlet/adapter ports being disconnected at the same time. Note that processing of transponder read information may be done by a separate application or may be done in management software in the management system  120 . 
       FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  depict operation of the transponder system  200  when plug  204  is mated with outlet  201  ( FIG.  4 A ) and un-mated from outlet  201  ( FIG.  4 B ).  FIG.  4 A  shows the embodiment with a single transponder  202  in, on or near the outlet  201  which couples/decouples from the antenna  206  in the cord of plug  204 . As shown in  FIG.  4 A , when plug  204  is mated with outlet  201 , the transponder  202  is electromagnetically coupled to the antenna  206  which allows the transponder reader  210  to read the transponder identifier from the transponder  202 . As shown in  FIG.  4 AB  when plug  204  is un-mated from outlet  201 , the transponder  202  is no longer electromagnetically coupled to the antenna  206 , which prevents the transponder reader  210  from reading the transponder identifier from the transponder  202 . 
     The transponder  202  may be either passive or active. Embodiments do not limit the frequency range at which the transponders  201  may operate. Other embodiments may have two transponders  201  and  207 . The two transponders  201  and  207  may operate at the same or different frequencies. 
       FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  depict operation of the transponder system  200  when plug  204  is mated with outlet  201  ( FIG.  5 A ) and un-mated from outlet  201  ( FIG.  5 B ).  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B  are similar to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , except in this embodiment the plug  204  includes a transponder  207 . Transponder  207  is always coupled to the antenna  206  and can always be read by the transponder reader  210  as long as it is within read range of transponder reader  210 . Reading of the transponder  202  on outlet  201  in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B  is similar to that described with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B . 
     In other embodiments, the plug antenna  206  is separated into two, electrically isolated sections. A user can complete the antenna circuit via a mechanical means (e.g., a piece of metal of other electrical conductor) and the transponders  202  and  207  associated with the outlet  201  and plug  204  are able to be read by the transponder reader  210 . When the user releases the plug, the conductive path between the two antenna sections is broken and the outlet and plug transponders  202  and  207  are no longer readable by the transponder reader  210 . This capability allows a single pair of transponders (or a single transponder) to be read at a time, reducing time required to read transponders and detect patching changes. 
     The transponder command system  200  may employ one or more variations. One embodiment has a transponder  202  in, on or near an outlet  201  and an antenna  206  in/on the connector/cord. The transponder  202  electromagnetically couples to, or physically contacts with, the antenna  206  to increase the read range of the transponder  202 . In another embodiment, the transponder  202  in, on or near the outlet/adapter makes physical contact with the antenna  206  in the connector/cord. In another embodiment, there is an additional transponder  202  in/on the plug  204 . The management system  120  tracks the unique identifiers of the mated pair of transponders  202  and  207 . This information is used to determine connections and disconnections when a de-mating of the plug-outlet occurs. The transponder  207  on the plug  206  or cord may couple to the antenna  206  electromagnetically or via a physical connection. The antenna  206  may be any conductive material such as a copper conductor, conductive ink, or any other conductive material. The conductive material may be added to the connector/cord or may already be present in the structure of the connector/cord. In an embodiment, the transponders are passive and operate in the UHF range. Note that other embodiments may use different frequency ranges. Other embodiments may use active transponders and may operate at any frequency range. In another embodiment, the connector  204  or cord has a means to prevent the outlet transponder  202  from transmitting to the transponder reader  210 . The plug  204  may use grounding of an outlet antenna or other signal blocking techniques. The system would use a non-response or response from the transponder  202  to determine a connection/disconnection. In another embodiment, the transponder  202  in, on or near the outlet  201  may be incorporated into a door. When the door is closed, the transponder  202  may not be read and the system assumes no connection. When the door is opened, the transponder  202  may be read and the management system  120  uses this to determine a connection has been made. The ability to read or not read a transponder may be based on either  1 ) the transponder position in relation to the reader/antenna which enables or prevents transponder reading  2 ) the transponder is deactivated based on a switch mechanism which enables or disables the transponder. The switch mechanism is triggered via the door opening/closing. 
     In another embodiment, a single outlet transponder  202  has a means to detect one or more plug  204  connection or disconnection status. For example, some fiber outlet/adapters may accommodate up to 4 discrete plugs. It may be difficult to place  4  individual transponders  202  in, on or near the outlet  201 . To overcome this issue a single transponder may be placed in, on or near the outlet  201 . This transponder may incorporate individual sensors which detect the presence or absence of a plug  204 . The means for the transponder  202  to detect the individual plug  204  status may be mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, optical or other. The connection/disconnection information is stored in the transponder  202  memory and can be read via the transponder reader  210 , described previously. 
       FIG.  6    depicts an embodiment where the antenna  206  on the cord of plug  204  makes physical contact with an antenna of the transponder  202  in, on or near the outlet  201 . When the transponder  202  antenna and the plug antenna  206  make physical contact, this increases the read range of the transponder  202 , allowing the transponder  202  to be read by the transponder reader  210 . 
     Embodiments disclosed herein refer to management software operating on the management system  120 . Such software is executed by a processor-based device such as a personal computer, server or distributed computing environment (e.g., cloud computing) having standard input/outputs, displays, etc. The management software maintains a database of network connections so that a map of port to port connectivity is available. The management software may be implemented using the Maplt automated infrastructure management software available from The Siemon Company. It is understood that other mated infrastructure management software may be used. 
     Embodiments of the invention provide infrastructure management, monitoring and documentation solutions which (i) works with virtually any type of device, media and port; (ii) reduces cost;. (iii) improves solutions for tracking connections on network equipment; (iv) works with standard cabling products providing more product options and use at existing installations; (v) offers a scalable system where customers can start with a basic system and add additional capabilities as their budget allows or needs increase; (vi) works with emerging smaller connector types and higher density applications; (vii) uses voice recognition systems to provide an easy method to access and input data used to manage, monitor and use systems and devices associated with enterprise/datacenter telecommunications and facilities networks. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Those of skill in the art will appreciate that various example embodiments are shown and described herein, each having certain features in the particular embodiments, but the present disclosure is not thus limited. Rather, the present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations, or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.