Cable Management System and Methods

Abstract

The cable management system includes multiple cables, each with a unique identifier associated with it, and each cable includes a first barcode and a second barcode, both containing the unique identifier. The first barcode is located near a first end of the cable, and the second barcode is located near a second end of the cable. The system also includes a barcode scanner for scanning the barcodes of the cables, the barcode scanner including a clip for receiving one of the cables. The system also includes a mobile computing device having a processor, a data storage medium, a communication unit, and a user interface including a display. The mobile computing device is configured to receive first end location information of the first cable via the user interface, receive the first barcode of the first cable from the barcode scanner, and store and display the first end location information associated with the unique identifier of the first cable included in the first barcode.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Cable Management System and Method", with an international filing date of March 5, 2021, international application number PCT / US2021 / 021000, and Chinese national phase application number 202180019830.7.

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 986,890, filed March 9, 2020, and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 056,092, filed July 24, 2020, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The following relates to devices, systems, methods, and non-transient computer-readable media for managing cables in telecommunications or data centers. Background Technology

[0005] Data centers and telecommunications equipment rooms use cables to transmit massive amounts of data. Some data centers may have hundreds of thousands of cables. Therefore, cable management is a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. Currently, two known methods are widely used.

[0006] The first known method is to manually trace each cable and record the physical location of each cable end (i.e., cable end #1 is located on port 3 of junction box "A", while cable end #2 is located on port 5 of junction box "B"). This method is time-consuming and relies on static documentation, which can quickly become outdated without continuous updates and attention. If using Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) or some other cable management software, cable location information must be entered manually.

[0007] The second known method is to avoid documentation. That is, instead of documenting the cable infrastructure, cables are tracked on a "as needed" basis. This tracking is typically done after a downtime has occurred, which can prolong downtime and revenue loss.

[0008] Neither of these methods is optimal, as the first method requires time, and the second may prolong recovery time during a failure. In this regard, data center downtime can result in the loss of valuable resources and incurred high remediation costs for businesses. Solutions that reduce the time spent on tracking cables can save money and resources during installation and maintenance, as well as reduce the mean time to recovery (MTTR) during system downtime. Any measure that helps reduce downtime during outages can significantly reduce costs.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for cable management devices, systems, methods, and applications designed to track cables more efficiently and to quickly audit existing installations and dynamically upload data to a cable management system. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment described herein, a cable management system is provided. The system includes a plurality of cables, each of the plurality of cables having a unique identifier associated therewith, and each of the plurality of cables including a first barcode and a second barcode, the first barcode including the unique identifier and located near a first end of the cable, and the second barcode including the unique identifier and located near a second end of the cable. The system further includes a barcode scanner configured to scan the barcodes of the plurality of cables, wherein the barcode scanner includes a clip configured to receive one of the plurality of cables. The system further includes a mobile computing device including a processor, a data storage medium, a communication unit, and a user interface including a display, wherein the mobile computing device is configured to receive first end location information of a first cable among the plurality of cables via the user interface, receive a first barcode of the first cable among the plurality of cables from the barcode scanner, and store and display the first end location information associated with the unique identifier of the first cable among the plurality of cables included in the first barcode.

[0011] According to another non-limiting exemplary embodiment described herein, a method for managing multiple cables is provided, wherein each of the multiple cables has a unique identifier associated therewith, and wherein each of the multiple cables includes a first barcode and a second barcode, the first barcode including the unique identifier and located near a first end of the cable, and the second barcode including the unique identifier and located near a second end of the cable. The method includes: identifying first end location information of a first cable among the multiple cables; scanning the first barcode of the first cable among the multiple cables using a barcode scanner, the barcode scanner including a clip configured to receive the first cable among the multiple cables; and storing the first end location information associated with the unique identifier of the first cable among the multiple cables included in the first barcode in a data storage medium.

[0012] According to yet another non-limiting exemplary embodiment described herein, a non-transient computer-readable storage medium is provided having stored computer-executable instructions for managing a plurality of cables, wherein each of the plurality of cables has a unique identifier associated therewith, and wherein each of the plurality of cables includes a first barcode and a second barcode, the first barcode including the unique identifier and located near a first end of the cable, and the second barcode including the unique identifier and located near a second end of the cable. Execution of the instructions causes a processor to receive first end location information of the first cable among the plurality of cables, receive the first barcode of the first cable among the plurality of cables from a barcode scanner, and store the first end location information associated with the unique identifier of the first cable among the plurality of cables included in the first barcode in the data storage medium.

[0013] Below and appendix Figure 1 This describes specific implementations of these and other non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the cable management system, method, and non-transient computer-readable storage medium. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 Multiple network cables connected between two junction boxes are shown according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 A cable with a unique identifier at each end is shown according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3 A wiring cable with a machine-readable unique identifier near the end of the cable is shown according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 4 A simplified block diagram of a cable management system according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 5A A perspective view of a scanning clip for use with a barcode scanner to scan a cable's unique identifier, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, is shown.

[0019] Figure 5B Exemplary non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 5A The image shows a perspective view of a scanning clip attached to a barcode scanner used to scan a unique identifier for a cable.

[0020] Figure 6A mobile computing device according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The mobile computing device may include a display, a data storage medium, and a processor configured to execute computer-readable instructions to implement a cable management tool.

[0021] Figure 7 A mobile computing device according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The mobile computing device may include a display, a data storage medium, and a processor configured to execute computer-readable instructions for entering a “scanning” mode.

[0022] Figure 8 A mobile computing device according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The mobile computing device may include a display, a data storage medium, and a processor configured to execute computer-readable instructions for receiving and / or inputting network device information in a “scanning” mode.

[0023] Figure 9 A mobile computing device according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The mobile computing device may include a display, a data storage medium, and a processor configured to execute computer-readable instructions for receiving and / or input port information in a “scanning” mode.

[0024] Figure 10 A mobile computing device according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The mobile computing device may include a display, a data storage medium, and a processor configured to execute computer-readable instructions for generating and displaying outputs of matching unique identification tags and corresponding physical ports in a “scan” mode.

[0025] Figure 11 A mobile computing device according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The mobile computing device may include a display, a data storage medium, and a processor configured to execute computer-readable instructions for entering a "scan and verify" mode.

[0026] Figure 12 A mobile computing device according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The mobile computing device may include a display, a data storage medium, and a processor configured to execute computer-readable instructions for receiving and / or inputting panel name and port number information of the next port to be scanned in “scan and verify” mode.

[0027] Figure 13A mobile computing device according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The mobile computing device may include a display, a data storage medium, and a processor configured to execute computer-readable instructions for generating and displaying output results of "pass" and "fail" states of a cable in a "scan and verify" mode.

[0028] Figure 14 A mobile computing device according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The mobile computing device may include a display, a data storage medium, and a processor configured to execute computer-readable instructions for entering a "find" mode.

[0029] Figure 15 A logic flowchart illustrating a process for implementing a “scan” mode and a “scan and verify” mode using a cable management tool, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0030] Figure 16 A logic flowchart illustrating a process for implementing a "find" mode using a cable management tool, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0031] Figure 17 A structured cable system installed in an environment where cable management tools are being executed, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, is shown.

[0032] Figure 18 A cable having a unique identifier pre-printed on the outer layer of the cable at predetermined intervals is shown according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 19 The description of the use is shown Figure 18 The diagram shows a logical flowchart of an exemplary installation process for cables implemented using a cable management tool. Detailed Implementation

[0034] This disclosure provides detailed, non-limiting embodiments. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and various alternative forms may be taken. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show detail of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art.

[0035] A more detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments of cable management devices, systems, methods, and non-transient computer-readable media will be provided with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of illustration and understanding, similar reference numerals are used throughout the drawings for similar components and features.

[0036] As previously mentioned, there is a need for cable management devices, systems, methods, and applications designed to save time in tracking cables and to create a way to quickly audit existing installations and dynamically upload data to a cable management system.

[0037] This disclosure provides a cable management device, system, method, and nontransient computer-readable medium that addresses and / or satisfies this need and resolves problems associated with the aforementioned known cable management methods. The cable management device, system, method, and nontransient computer-readable storage medium of this disclosure provides and / or utilizes a unique cable identifier combined with intelligence that can provide patch field cable documentation without manually tracing cables and recording their locations. Once the patch field has been scanned, the cable management device, system, method, and nontransient computer-readable storage medium of this disclosure can use the stored information to verify or locate existing connections.

[0038] The cable management apparatus, system, method, and non-transient computer-readable medium disclosed herein for identifying and recording connections between terminal block ports may include, be provided, and / or utilize one or more terminal blocks or assemblies having multiple network ports for connecting cables. The cable management apparatus, system, method, and non-transient computer-readable medium disclosed herein may further include, be provided, and / or utilize the various features described herein.

[0039] Cable management equipment, systems, methods, and media may include one or more cables 10 connected between terminal blocks 14 and 16, such as Figure 1 As seen in [the document]. Although this disclosure describes cable 10 connected between junction boxes 14, 16 according to exemplary embodiments, the cable management solution described herein can be implemented such that cable 10 is connected between other network devices (such as servers, switches, routers, or other network devices with cables installed).

[0040] Figure 1Multiple network cables 10 connected between a first terminal block A14 and a second terminal block B16 are illustrated according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. One or more of the cables 10 are affixed with tags 12, wherein the tags 12 include a unique identifier 13 (i.e., collectively referred to as "Unique ID Cables"). Unique ID Cables may include network connection cables 10 that include a unique identifier 13, which has been attached, secured, or placed at or near each end of the cable 10. According to some embodiments, the unique identifier 13 is placed at a predetermined distance from the end of the cable 10, such as within 3 inches from one or both ends of the cable 10, or within a range of 0.25 to 6 inches from one or both ends of the cable 10. According to some embodiments, the unique identifier 13 is placed to provide a predetermined distance (e.g., 2 inches, with a tolerance of 0.5 inches) between the end of the cable plug sheath and the edge of the tag 12. According to some embodiments, based on the type of cable 10 used (e.g., CAT6, shielded, tapped, fiber optic, etc.), a unique identifier 13 is placed at a predetermined location (e.g., a distance from the end of the cable 10, such as 0.25 to 6 inches from one or both ends of the cable 10).

[0041] according to Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the unique identifier 13 is printed on the label 12 and affixed to the cable 10, wherein the unique identifier 13 is printed in the form of a barcode. However, according to other embodiments, the unique identifier 13 may be directly printed or etched onto the cable 10. Furthermore, the unique identifier 13 may take the form of other machine-readable codes, such as QR codes, alphanumeric codes, or other passively detectable forms. The unique identifier 13 represents an identification code associated with the cable 10 and is used to correlate the cable 10 with additional information such as installation location, production data, and / or cable attribute data.

[0042] Figure 2 A cable 10 having a tag 12 at each end according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted, the tag 12 having a unique identifier 13. In a system of multiple cables 10, each unique identifier 13 is generated to identify a corresponding unique cable 10 and / or the location where each end of the cable 10 is installed. Thus, according to some embodiments, the unique identifier 13 placed on each corresponding end of the unique cable 10 will be slightly different to identify which end of the cable 10 the unique identifier 13 has been placed. For example, a barcode placed at the first end A may correspond to a first identification code, while a barcode placed at the second end B may correspond to a second identification code, wherein the first identification code and the second identification code consist primarily of the same identification code except for minor differences used to identify their respective locations at the first end A or the second end B (e.g., 1000090A and 1000000B). Figure 3A wiring cable 10 having a machine-readable unique identifier 13 near its end, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is depicted. Specifically, the unique identifier 13 is placed at a predetermined location on the cable 10 (e.g., near the end). Figure 3 The plug 17 at the end of the cable 10 shown is at a predetermined distance.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a simplified block diagram of a cable management system 200 according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As seen therein, the system 200 includes a mobile computing device 20, such as a tablet computer, smartphone, laptop computer, or other mobile computing device. The mobile computing device 20 may include a display 24, a data storage medium or memory 26, and a processor 28 configured to execute a cable management program or software according to the present disclosure (the application may be referred to as a "cable management tool").

[0044] System 200 may further include a barcode scanner 30, such as a general-purpose scanning device that can be used to scan a unique identifier 13 (e.g., a barcode identifier) ​​attached to cable 10 and transmit the barcode information to mobile computing device 20. This communication can be achieved via a wired or wireless connection 32 between barcode scanner 30 and mobile computing device 20. According to other embodiments, barcode scanner 30 may be replaced by different detection devices, which may be standalone devices or integrated into mobile computing device 20 capable of reading the unique identifier 13 (e.g., digital camera, digital imaging camera, RFID reader, etc.).

[0045] System 200 may further include a scanner clip 34, which is attached, secured, or otherwise mounted to the barcode scanner 30. Alternatively, the scanner clip 34 may be an integral part of the barcode scanner 30 or integrated with it. The scanner clip 34 includes a viewing window 36 formed therein for allowing a user operating the barcode scanner 30 to view the unique identifier 13 of the cable 10 held by the scanner clip 34. The viewing window 36 may be a cutout portion or may be made of an opaque sheet of material. According to some embodiments, the viewing window 36 may not be included. The scanner clip 34 includes a hook portion 38 configured to receive / grab and isolate the respective cables 10 having the identifier 13 to be scanned, as will be referred to Figure 5A and Figure 5B A more detailed description.

[0046] in this regard, Figure 5A and Figure 5BThis is a perspective view of a scanner clip 34 for use with a barcode scanner 30, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the scanner clip 34 is configured to hold the cable 10 when the barcode 30 scans a unique identifier 13. Figure 5A As shown, the scanner clip 34 includes a mounting feature 37 configured to attach, secure, or mount the scanner clip 34 to the barcode scanner 30.

[0047] Figure 5B A scanner clip 34 is depicted that is attached, fixed, or mounted to the scanning end of a barcode scanner 30. As seen therein, the hook portion 38 of the scanner clip 34 is configured to receive / grab and isolate individual cables 10 to bring the unique identifier 13 into the field of view of the scan input window at the scanning end of the barcode scanner 30. A viewing window 36 in the scanner clip 34 allows the user holding the barcode scanner 30 to view the unique identifier 13 through the viewing window 36 while the cable 10 is held by the hook portion 38. Therefore, the scanner clip 34 enables individual cables 10 to be quickly and easily isolated from other adjacent cables, thereby allowing their unique identifier 13 to be successfully and accurately scanned for input into cable management tools. In this way, the scanner clip 34 reduces the need for... Figure 1 The time required to do so in the system shown in the junction box helps to improve the efficiency of the scanning process used to identify and associate the numerous cables and port numbers installed in panels 14 and 16.

[0048] Refer again Figure 4Cable 10 can be of any type, including but not limited to copper Ethernet cable, fiber optic cable, high-density fiber optic cable, or branch cable. Cable 10 may include a label 12 containing a unique identifier 13 near each end of cable 10, wherein label 12 may be in the form of a printed label attached or affixed to cable 10 near each end. The unique identifier 13 according to the embodiment is a barcode, wherein the barcode is used to obtain an identification code for locating the corresponding cable 10, the to / from installation location of cable 10, and / or cable production data (such as, but not limited to, cable manufacturing information (e.g., cable length, part number, cable type), quality control data, country of origin, production date, material batch number, cable category, boost or LSZH material verification, test result data (such as insertion loss, crosstalk, DC resistance), or other known information about the cable (hereinafter collectively referred to as cable information)). The unique identifier 13 is created to uniquely correspond to each associated cable 10 included in the system. To enable the lookup function, the identification code obtained by scanning the unique identifier 13 and the corresponding cable information can be stored as part of a lookup table or database, which is part of the cable management tool described herein. In the case of branch cables, the cable ID may include a decimal format (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc.) to account for a single branch cable that includes multiple individual cables fanning out from the main branch cable.

[0049] It should be noted that the mobile computing device 20, barcode scanner 30, and / or any other computing unit, module, controller, system, subsystem, mechanism, device, component, etc., described herein may include suitable circuitry, such as one or more appropriately programmed processors (e.g., one or more microprocessors including a central processing unit (CPU)) and associated memory or data storage media, which may include stored operating system software and / or application software that can be executed by the processor(s) to control its operation and to execute specific algorithms represented by the various functions and / or operations described herein, including interaction and / or communication and / or cooperation with each other. Such processors or one or more of such processors and / or circuitry and / or hardware may be distributed among several separate units, modules, controllers, systems, subsystems, mechanisms, devices, components, etc.

[0050] The cable management tool may be an application installed on a mobile computing device 20 to perform the cable management methods of this disclosure, and it may be implemented at least in part as machine (e.g., computer) executable instructions stored on or in a non-transient computer-readable storage medium. The cable management tool may further include software, hardware, middleware, application programming interfaces, circuitry, and / or other components for implementing the features associated with the cable management tool described herein.

[0051] The cable management tool can be configured to run, or executed by, the processor 28 of the mobile computing device 20, to manage and locate the numerous cables 10 found attached to the junction boxes 14, 16 mounted on the network rack (see, for example, Figure 1 The cable management tool is configured to receive unique identifier 13 information from barcode scanner 30 and identify the identification code represented by the barcode. The cable management tool is then configured to search for or locate cable information associated with the identification code in a database or table. For example, the cable management tool can communicate with a remote server via an application programming interface (API) to access a database or table stored on the server. Cable information stored in the database or table can be downloaded to mobile computing device 20 and further printed onto labels using the cable management tool. Communication with the server can be achieved via a wired or wireless connection 32 provided by mobile computing device 20.

[0052] The cable management tool can operate within the cable management system 200 in any of three modes: 1) scanning mode; 2) scanning and verification mode; or 3) lookup mode. The cable management tool can also be configured to generate reports detailing cable locations. Such reports can be exported or uploaded to a data storage medium (such as cloud storage), which may include a database, be transmitted to another user at a remote location, and / or stored on memory storage included in the mobile computing device 20. According to some embodiments, the report may be in a flat file format.

[0053] Figure 6 An exemplary view of a mobile computing device 20 is shown, which executes a cable management tool and displays the cable management tool on a display 24. As described, the mobile computing device 20 includes hardware, software, and / or circuitry for executing the cable management tool. Specifically, machine-readable instructions including the cable management tool are stored in memory 26, and a processor 28 reads and executes these machine-readable instructions to run the cable management tool according to this disclosure.

[0054] As previously described, the cable management system 200 includes a barcode scanner 30, which can be connected to a mobile computing device 20 configured to run cable management tools via Bluetooth, Universal Serial Bus (USB), or any other type of wired or wireless connection 32. Again, the cable management system 200 further includes a scanner clip 34 for isolating a single cable 10 from multiple surrounding cables by barcodes for scanning a unique identifier 13 from the cable 10.

[0055] As previously noted, cable management tools can operate in various modes or according to various modes. Such modes may include a “scan” mode, a “scan and verify” mode, and a “find” mode for cable management as a panel front-end solution, where cables are installed between network devices. Various non-limiting steps, functions, functionalities, operations, features, and / or processes for such modes will now be described. In this regard, it should be noted that these steps, functions, functionalities, operations, features, and / or processes may be performed at different times in one or more orders other than those described, and / or one or more may be omitted. The “scan” mode, the “scan and verify” mode, and the “find” mode may each include one or more of the following steps 1-6:

[0056] Step 1: Begin with an existing wiring field containing the unique ID cable described herein. The existing wiring field may include one or more terminal blocks 14, 16 containing multiple ports (see [link to documentation]). Figure 1 The wiring field uses a unique ID wiring cable to connect the two ports in the wiring field.

[0057] Step 2: Run the cable management tool on the mobile computing device 20. Again, Figure 6 The mobile computing device 20 is described as displaying a GUI on a display 24 of a mobile computing device 20 by executing machine-readable instructions based on a cable management tool according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Step 3: Change the software mode, input, and / or set it to "scan" mode. In this regard, Figure 7 A mobile computing device 20 is depicted according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which executes machine-readable instructions for running a "scan" mode 40 and displaying the "scan" mode 40 on a display 24.

[0059] Step 4: Enter the name of the power strip being scanned into the "Panel Name" field. Figure 8A mobile computing device 20 according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted, which executes a "scan" mode 40 to enable input of panel name information into a machine-readable instruction in a "panel name" information input field 42 in a GUI of the "scan" mode 40 displayed on a display 24. A user can input the panel name information into the "panel name" information input field 42 using an input device (e.g., a touchscreen keyboard, a mechanical keyboard, voice input, etc.).

[0060] Step 5: Enter the port number into the "Scan Ports" field. In this regard, Figure 9 A mobile computing device according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted, which executes a "scan" mode 40 to enable input of port number information into a machine-readable instruction in a "scan port" information input field 44 in a GUI of the "scan" mode 40 displayed on a display 24. A user can input the port number information into the "scan port" information input field 44 using an input device (e.g., a touchscreen keyboard, a mechanical keyboard, voice input, etc.).

[0061] Step 6: Scan the unique identifier 13 of the cable 10 associated with the entered junction box and port. After scanning the unique identifier 13 with the barcode scanner 30, the "Scan Port" information input field 44 (see, for example, Figure 9 The port number in the input field 44 is automatically incremented by 1 to allow data entry on the next port. If the incremented port number displayed in the "Scan Port" information input field 44 is incorrect, the user can manually enter the next junction box name and / or correct the next port number to scan the input information. Continue this process until all cables 10 connected to the ports have been scanned.

[0062] Step 7: While the user is scanning the unique identifier 13 of cable 10, the cable management tool stores the information obtained by scanning the unique identifier 13, along with the corresponding panel and port numbers (i.e., location information), in the database. The cable management tool is now able to accurately locate matching unique identifiers and associate them with the associated cables and their physical terminal blocks and port locations. The cable management tool can also display these matches as connections on the display 24 of the mobile computing device 20.

[0063] in this regard, Figure 10The display 24 of a mobile computing device 20 is depicted as a display output GUI according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which matches unique identifier tags with their corresponding physical port information 1001a, 1001b in a "scan" mode 40. These results can be exported and / or transmitted as needed, such as to remote users, data storage media (which may include databases) such as cloud storage, Excel spreadsheets, or comma-separated value files, for import into other management systems.

[0064] For example, data can be exported via comma-separated text files (.csv file extension). Each file represents a telecommunications equipment room or data center. The location field can be manually entered in the cable management tool, where the ID field is the value of the unique identifier scanned. Figure 10 As you can see, the output fields can be Near-End Port Location (NE Port) 1010, Near-End ID (NEID) 1010, Far-End Port Location (FE Port) 1030, and Far-End ID (FE ID) 1040. It has... Figure 10 Example output of such fields in a comma-separated .csv file format of the data shown could be as follows:

[0065] SwtchA-01,10000090,Panel-28,10000090

[0066] SwtchA-02,10000059,Panel-27,10000059

[0067] SwtchA-03,10000001,Panel-26.10000001

[0068] SwtchA-04,10000012,Panel-25.10000012

[0069] The “Scan and Verify” mode 50 may further include one or more steps 8-10, as shown in the reference below. Figures 11 to 13 As described. Again, it should be noted that these steps, functions, functionalities, operations, features and / or processes may be performed at different times in one or more orders other than the order described, and / or one or more may be omitted.

[0070] Step 8: Select "Scan and Verify" mode 50. In this regard, Figure 11 A mobile computing device 20, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, is depicted executing machine-readable instructions for entering a "scan and verify" mode 50. Figure 11In this context, the GUI corresponding to "Scan and Verify" mode 50 is displayed on the display 24 of the mobile computing device 20. "Scan and Verify" mode 50 uses data from "Scan" mode 40 (see, for example,...). Figures 7-10 The previously saved results of the operation are used to verify whether cable 10 has moved since the last scan. If the saved results do not exist, steps 1 to 6 as described above are performed. Alternatively, according to some embodiments, the saved results used for verification can be downloaded as a set of predetermined installation location results so that they can be compared with the current scan operation.

[0071] Step 9: Enter the panel name and port number of the current junction box port location to be verified. Figure 12 A mobile computing device 20 is depicted according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which executes a “scan and verify” mode 50 to enable input of panel name information into a machine-readable instruction in a “panel name” information input field 52 in the GUI of the “scan and verify” mode 50 displayed on a display 24. Figure 12 A mobile computing device 20 according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is also depicted, which executes a “scan and verify” mode 50 to enable input of scan port name information into a machine-readable instruction in a “scan port” information input field 54 in the GUI of the “scan and verify” mode 50 displayed on a display 24. A user can use an input device (e.g., a touchscreen keyboard, a mechanical keyboard, voice input, etc.) to input panel name information into a “panel name” information input field 52 and scan port name information into a “scan port” information input field 54.

[0072] Step 10: Scan the unique identifier 13 of cable 10 in the selected port. The cable management tool identifies the current cable 10 based on the scanned unique identifier 13 and looks up its corresponding installation location information from a stored database that tracks panel and / or port installation location information from its last scan (or based on previously downloaded installation location data). Then, based on whether the comparison of the input location from step 9 matches (“pass”) or does not match (“fail”) the previously looked-up installation location information in step 10, the comparison is given a “pass” / “fail” rating, and a corresponding notification can be output to the display 24. In this regard, Figure 13A mobile computing device 20 according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted, which displays the result of a "pass" / "fail" status information 55 based on a comparison in a "scan and verify" mode 50 (which may take the form of color-coded information (such as green for pass, red for fail) or other visual indicators (such as a sign or other symbol for identifying a pass or fail status)). A "pass" status is reported if the entered current location information matches the stored and expected location information of a cable identified from a stored database based on a scanned unique identifier 13. A "fail" status is reported if the current location does not match a stored database record of the cable's identification code obtained by scanning the unique identifier 13. A fail status also reports the cable identification code 56 (cable identification code 10000007 Expected Near-End ID (Exp NE ID)) of the last recorded location as the expected identifier value.

[0073] "Search" mode 60 may further include steps 11-13, as shown in the reference below. Figure 14 As described. Again, it should be noted that these steps, functions, functionalities, operations, features and / or processes may be performed at different times in one or more orders other than the order described, and / or one or more may be omitted.

[0074] Step 11: Select "Find" mode 60. In this regard, Figure 14 A mobile computing device 20 is depicted according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which executes machine-readable instructions for entering a "find" mode 60. Figure 14 The GUI displayed on the display 24 of the mobile computing device 20 according to "Find" mode 60 is shown. "Find" mode 60 is useful when one end of cable 10 has been located and the user expects to find the other end of the same cable 10. In "Find" mode 60, there is a first known cable 10 that the user is trying to match, and there is a target cable 10 that may be the other end of the first known cable 10.

[0075] Step 12: Scan the unique identifier 13 at the first end (i.e., the first position) of cable 10. Once the unique identifier 13 at the first end has been scanned, a cable identification code corresponding to the scanned unique identifier 13 is obtained, as this first cable identification code represents the cable end being sought. Then, all subsequent cable identification codes obtained from subsequent scans of the unique identifier 13 in Step 13 are compared with this first cable identification code in "Search" mode, and a "Pass" status is given when a subsequently obtained cable identification code matches the first cable identification code, and a "Fail" status is given when a subsequent scan of the unique identifier 13 does not match the first unique identifier 13.

[0076] Step 13: Scan the subsequent unique identifier 13 at the second end (i.e., the second position) of cable 10 to obtain the cable identification code for the unknown cable end at the second position. In this "Search" mode, each cable identification code obtained by scanning the subsequent unique identifier 13 at the second position is compared with the first cable identification code, and a "Pass" status is given when the subsequently obtained cable identification code matches the first cable identification code, and a "Fail" status is given when the subsequently obtained cable identification code does not match the first cable identification code. The status can be reported to the user via a display on the "Search" mode GUI shown on the display 24.

[0077] As previously noted, in each of the “Scan” mode 40, “Scan and Verify” mode 50, and “Find” mode 60, the cable management tool can also be configured to generate reports detailing cable installation locations. These results can also be saved, exported, and / or transmitted as needed, such as to remote users or remote locations, data storage media such as cloud storage (which may include databases), Excel spreadsheets, or comma-separated value files, for import into other management systems. Figure 14 The GUI shown includes a save button 61 and an export button 62 to achieve these corresponding functions. The cable management tool can also be configured to provide the user with the options to save and continue or save and exit after each scan and / or after each time new data is entered into the lookup table storing cable information.

[0078] Figure 15 This is a logical flowchart 1500 describing the processes implemented by a cable management tool for the “scan” mode 40 and “scan and verify” mode 50 described herein, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. As shown, the cable management tool can begin execution based on two scenarios (72): a first scenario, a new installation environment, in which the unique ID cable is not yet fully installed (74); or a second scenario, a previously installed environment, in which the unique ID cable has been partially or fully installed (76). After starting execution of the cable management tool (72), the cable management tool can enter “scan” mode 40, “scan and verify” mode 50, or “find” mode 60.

[0079] As previously described and shown in flowchart 1500, the "scan" mode 40 continues, and the cable management tool receives panel name information (80) and port number information (82). For example, the panel name information and / or port number information may be entered into their respective fields in the GUI via an input device (e.g., a keyboard or touchscreen), or received from another data source in some embodiments.

[0080] Subsequently, the unique identifier on the current cable is scanned (84), and the information obtained by scanning the unique identifier can be used to create or add to a database (86). For example, the cable management tool obtains the cable identification code based on the scanned unique identifier and creates a database entry for the cable under the obtained cable identification code. The database then stores the corresponding cable information to be associated with the database entry for the cable identification code. Such cable information may include one or more of the following: cable end installation location, cable production data, and / or other cable attribute information accessed based on the cable identification code. Thus, the database becomes an effective and efficient store of relevant information accessed by the installer, as the database identifies the cable used in the installation and associates it with the corresponding cable information. The database can be constructed, for example, in a lookup table format.

[0081] After such a scan (84), the port number is automatically incremented (88), and the cable management tool reaches a decision point where it determines whether or not the next port number is to be filled with cable (90). If yes, the cable management tool performs a cyclical process of scanning the unique identifier of the next cable to obtain the cable identification code of the next cable (84), adding the identification code of the next cable to the database and accessing any known cable information to the database entry (86), and automatically incrementing the port number (88). Otherwise, the cable management tool determines whether all cables associated with the current panel have been scanned (92). If not, the process of "scan" mode 40 moves to the next port on the current panel that is filled with cable (94). Otherwise, the cable management tool determines whether all scans of additional panels have been completed (96). If there are additional panels to scan, the process of "scan" mode 40 moves to the new panel (98). Otherwise, the process of "scan" mode 40 ends (100) when there are no more panels to scan.

[0082] As previously described, “Scan and Verify” mode 50 can continue, loading saved results for the scanned cables from the database (102). The saved results can be obtained from previous iterations of “Scan” mode or previously downloaded cable installation results. Then, panel name information and port number information are entered into and / or received by the cable management tool (104).

[0083] Subsequently, the unique identifier of the current cable is scanned (106), and the cable management tool reports a "pass" / "fail" result based on whether the location (panel name and port number information) entered and / or received for the current cable's unique identifier matches the cable's previous storage location, where the cable is identified based on the unique identifier scanned by the cable management tool (108). The port number can then be automatically incremented (110), and the cable management tool determines whether to scan another cable's unique identifier to perform another "scan and verify" operation (112). If an additional cable needs to be verified, the process of "scan and verify" mode 50 is repeated by looping back to entering / receiving the panel name and port number information for the next cable to be verified (104). Otherwise, the process of "scan and verify" mode 50 ends (100).

[0084] Figure 16 This is a logical flowchart 1600 describing a process implemented by a cable management tool for “find” mode 60, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Again, as seen therein, the cable management tool can initially begin execution based on two scenarios (72): a first scenario, a new installation environment, in which the unique ID cable has not yet been fully installed (74); or a second scenario, a previously installed environment, in which the unique ID cable has been partially or fully installed (76). After the cable management tool begins execution (72), the cable management tool can enter “scan” mode 40, “scan and verify” mode 50, or “find” mode 60.

[0085] As previously described, the cable management tool implements "lookup" mode 60 by scanning a unique identifier at a first location to identify the first cable end. By scanning the unique identifier, the cable management tool finds the corresponding cable identification code to establish the first cable end, with the aim of using "lookup" mode 60 to find the corresponding second cable end.

[0086] The user then proceeds to a second location to begin scanning for the unique identifier of the cable end found there, attempting to locate a matching second cable end. Therefore, at this second location, the unique identifier of the target cable end is scanned, and the cable management tool identifies the cable identification code of the target cable end (122). The cable identification codes of the first cable end and the target cable end are then compared to see if they match (124). A match can be identified by their respective location codes (e.g., 10000090A and 10000090B) indicating the same cable identification code.

[0087] If the cable management tool determines that a match exists, it reports a "pass" status (126), such as a first audible tone emitted via the display of the mobile computing device and / or via the mobile computing device 20. If the cable management tool determines that no match exists, it reports a "fail" status (128), such as a second audible tone emitted via the display of the mobile computing device and / or via a second audible tone different from the first audible tone emitted by the mobile computing device.

[0088] When the cable management tool reports a "failed" status, it scans for unique identifiers at different target cable ends at the second location to continue searching for the other end leading to the first cable end (122). This cyclical process can continue until a match is found to present a "passed" status (126), or until the user exits the "find" mode.

[0089] Figure 17 An exemplary structured cable system 1000 is illustrated, wherein a first cabinet (e.g., cabinet A) is positioned at a distance from a second cabinet (e.g., cabinet B) and connected using bulk cables. Cable 150 is used to connect connector panels (e.g., modular patch panels or fiber optic housing trays) mounted in cabinet A to connector panels mounted in cabinet A in a one-to-one manner. In this structured cable system 1000, cabinet A and cabinet B are oriented in a one-to-one manner using one or more runs of cable 150, which are installed between connector panels mounted in the respective cabinets A and B. According to the structured cable system 1000, cable 150 may represent one or more different runs of the same type of cable.

[0090] In the one-to-one cabling method shown in the structured cable system 1000, port 1 on the patch panel or fiber optic housing in cabinet A will be connected via cable to port 1 on the corresponding patch panel or fiber optic housing in cabinet B. Therefore, during installation, the installer's task is to keep track of cable 150 to ensure it is the correct cable routed to the correct port. In past implementations, the installer may have affixed a temporary tag to cable 150 to aid identification during cable pulling. However, if cable 150 is not tagged, or if the tag falls off during installation, additional time must be spent troubleshooting and tagging cable 150 to ensure it is installed in the correct location.

[0091] In addition to pulling the cable and terminating the connectors at the cable ends, system installers can also provide customers with documentation of the pulled cables. Structured cables are used to connect two endpoints at different locations, so the documentation for structured cables focuses on the round-trip locations, specifically describing which port the first cable end originates from (one end of the cable or the near end) and which port the second cable end of the same cable terminates at (the other end of the same cable or the far end).

[0092] To facilitate the management of cables 150 used in the structured cable system 1000, cables 150 themselves are bulk cables, which, when manufactured and wound onto cable reels before installation, have pre-printed unique identifiers 151 placed directly on the cable sheath at predetermined intervals, such as... Figure 18 As shown. The unique identifier 151 may be a multi-part barcode, which includes a unique number identifying each individual cable reel, and may also include a distance marker indicating the distance the cable has been unwound from the reel, as well as other descriptive information. For illustrative purposes, the unique identifier 151 is described herein as a barcode, although other types of unique identifiers may be used (e.g., machine-readable codes such as QR codes, or unique alphanumeric codes used for image recognition).

[0093] Figure 18 A partial view of cable 150 is shown, including two instances of unique identifiers 151 spaced apart by a predetermined interval. Although Figure 2 The unique identifier 13 shown is printed onto label 12, but Figure 18 The unique identifier 151 shown is pre-printed directly onto the cable 150. The unique identifier 151 is printed at positions spaced at predetermined intervals (e.g., 12 inches or less, 18 inches or less, 24 inches or less, or another predetermined interval distance). The cable management tool scans the unique identifier 151 to subsequently identify the cable identification code of the cable from which it scanned the unique identifier 151. Through the cable identification code, the cable management tool can further obtain cable production data, such as, but not limited to, cable manufacturing information (e.g., cable length, part number, cable type), quality control data, country of origin, production date, material batch number, cable category, boost or LSZH material verification, test result data, or other known information about the cable (hereinafter collectively referred to as cable information). While in some embodiments, the cable information may be stored as part of the cable management tool on the mobile computing device 20, according to other embodiments, the cable management tool communicates with a remote server via an API to access and download the cable information.

[0094] Alternatively or additionally, according to some embodiments, cable 150 may further include one or more tags, which include a unique identifier 151 or other information (e.g., cable information). Similar to... Figure 2 The label 12 described herein can be attached to one or both of the cable ends. The label can be attached at a predetermined distance from the nearest or furthest cable end to which it is attached.

[0095] Cable 150 can be used in cable management system 200, where unique identifier 151 is scanned by barcode scanner 30 to obtain corresponding information from unique identifier 151. Barcode scanner 30 can then similarly send the scanned information to mobile computing device 20 executing cable management tools, so that the cable management tools use the scanned information to obtain cable identification codes and / or other cable information. For example, the process for identifying cable lines during the installation of bulk cables in structured cable system 1000 can be at least partially determined by the cable management tools based on… Figure 19 The process described in flowchart 1900 is used to implement this.

[0096] According to the first step in flowchart 1900, a list of the number of cable lines required for the installation is calculated by determining how many cable lines will be used in the current installation (1901). This step may also include assigning unique identification codes to the cable lines and entering the unique identification codes into the cable management tool. The installer can then physically pull the required number of cable lines (1912).

[0097] Since each cable line may originate from its own individual cable reel, the next step is to calculate a list of reels from which cables will be pulled by identifying the reels from which the cable lines will be drawn (1903). This step may also include entering the identification of the cable reels into the cable management tool (1904).

[0098] Next, the cable management tool is updated to create a lookup table that includes rows of data for each cable line in the currently installed cable line and associates each cable line with its unique identifier and cable information (such as its starting coil information) (1905).

[0099] Next, the installer moves to the first position and inserts the first cable end into the first port at the first position (1906). After this insertion step, the installer enters the name of the port with the cable end installed into the cable management tool and uses the barcode scanner 30 to scan the cable's unique identifier 151. The scanned information is received by the cable management tool running on the mobile device 20 to automatically populate the cable information into a table and assign it to the appropriate port in the table with the first cable end installed (1907). For example, the installer can manually enter the terminal block and port information with the cable end installed into the cable management application tool (i.e., name = room A - panel A, port = 01) and then scan the unique identifier 151 located near the terminated cable to automatically populate the corresponding cable identification code and / or cable information into the cable management application tool (e.g., a table) associated with the manually entered terminal block and port location.

[0100] The cable management tool then determines if there are any additional cable ends to be inserted into the remaining ports at the first location (1908). If the cable management tool determines that there are additional cable ends to be inserted into the remaining ports, it inserts the additional cable ends into the remaining ports (1909), while similarly scanning unique identifiers as the cable ends are installed into their respective ports (1907). In this way, the cable management tool receives the correct identification information to assign the correct cables to the port locations where they are installed at the first location. This cyclical process continues until there are no more cables to be installed at the first location.

[0101] When there are no remaining cable ends to be installed into the ports at the first position, the installer moves to the second position, where the opposing cable ends are inserted into the corresponding ports where they are located at the second position (2000).

[0102] Here, at the second location, the installer uses a barcode scanner 30 to scan the cable's unique identifier 151 (2001) at the second cable end. The cable management tool reads the cable's unique identifier 151 and identifies the corresponding identification code to obtain the corresponding cable installation location from when it was previously identified at the first location and installed at its port location. Based on this identification, the cable management tool displays the corresponding port location where the first cable end was installed at the first location. Then, using this information, the installer determines the expected port installation location of the second cable end at the second location based on the position of the first cable end installed in the junction box at the first location (e.g., a mirrored installation position).

[0103] Alternatively, the cable management tool may have pre-stored information identifying the intended port installation location (e.g., a non-mirrored installation location) of the cable at the second location. Then, after identifying the cable based on a scan-based unique identifier 151, the cable management tool displays the intended port installation location of the second cable end based on the pre-stored information.

[0104] Once installed, the scanned information is received by a cable management tool running on mobile device 20, which automatically populates the cable information into a table and assigns it to the appropriate port where the second cable end is installed at the second location. Therefore, the cable management tool will have a record of the locations where both the first and second cable ends of the same cable are installed for future reference.

[0105] The cable management tool determines whether there are any additional cable ends to be installed in the remaining ports at the second location (2002). When the cable management tool determines that there are remaining cable ends to be installed in the ports at the second location, the remaining cable ends are inserted into the remaining ports until no cable remains (2003), while scanning their respective unique identifiers 151 (2001) as they are installed. Scanning the unique identifiers ensures that the cable management tool will have a record of the installation locations of both the first and second cable ends for the same cable for future reference. Since the second location can be the location of the cable reel, the cable can be cut from the reel after being scanned at the second location.

[0106] Once all cable ends have been installed in their locations and taken into account in the cable management tool, the cable management tool can be executed to run an analysis to ensure that the installation has been completed correctly (2004). The resulting cable location data (e.g., tables) can be stored locally on mobile device 20 or transferred to off-site storage devices (e.g., cloud storage or server computers).

[0107] According to some embodiments, custom labels can be created by the installer using, for example, a cable management tool (2005). After creation, the custom label is sent to a field portable cable printer for printing (2006). The custom label can then be attached to the intended cable (2007). The custom label may include information not included in the unique identifier 151. For example, the custom label may include one or more cable production data already downloaded based on the cable's identification from the scanned unique identifier 151. Information collected by the cable management application tool can be used to locate the intended cable for receiving the custom label.

[0108] According to some embodiments, the cable 150, including a unique identifier 151 pre-printed on the outer layer at predetermined intervals, can also be used by a cable management tool during the implementation of the “scan” mode, “scan and verify” mode, and / or “find” mode described herein. In other words, the unique identifier 151 found on the cable 150 included in the structured cable system 1000 can be scanned by the barcode scanner 30 to use the scanned information to implement the “scan” mode, “scan and verify” mode, and / or “find” mode described herein.

[0109] The process described in flowchart 1900 is a more efficient and effective installation process that saves installers the initial steps in traditional installation work, namely creating and pulling tags to apply them to bulk cables, as previously required.

[0110] Therefore, the installation process of pulling cables from one location to another can significantly impact the time spent identifying cables and creating related documentation. According to some embodiments, management application tools may include digital imaging features that capture images of the location where cable management is being carried out (e.g., a server room) and include these images, along with generated reports, in a data file corresponding to that location.

[0111] According to some embodiments, the management application tool can save data files based on the data center name to better manage data files as the scale of the cable management project increases. Databases stored locally on the mobile computing device 20 or remotely in cloud storage can also be used to store data files and reports generated by the management application tool.

[0112] According to some embodiments, the cable management tool may implement a graphical user interface (GUI) including multiple increase (e.g., "+") and / or decrease (e.g., "-") buttons for easy switching to the next or previous port and / or panel during any one or more processes described herein.

[0113] Therefore, this disclosure describes a cable management device, system, method, and application, including a non-transient computer-readable storage medium that addresses problems associated with previously described known cable management methods. The cable management device, system, method, and non-transient computer-readable storage medium of this disclosure provide and / or utilize unique cable identifiers in conjunction with intelligent software that can provide wiring field cable documentation without manually tracing cables and recording their locations. Once the wiring fields have been scanned, the cable management device, system, method, and non-transient computer-readable storage medium of this disclosure can subsequently use the stored information to verify or locate existing connections.

[0114] As will be apparent from the foregoing, various non-limiting embodiments of cable management devices, systems, methods, and non-transient computer-readable storage media have been described. While various embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, they are merely exemplary and are not intended to illustrate and describe all that are possible. Instead, the terms used in the specification are descriptive rather than limiting, and it should be understood that various changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A machine-readable storage device configured for communicating with a processor, the machine-readable storage device comprising: Processor-executable instructions, configured to cause the processor, when executed by the processor, to: The first installation position of the first cable is received via input to the user interface; The first identifier of the first cable is received via the detection equipment; Associate the first identifier with the first installation location; The first identifier is displayed in the first installation location field included on the user interface to be associated with the first installation location; as well as The user interface increments to a second installation location field, which is used to receive a second installation location in which the first end of the second cable is installed.

2. The machine-readable storage device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first identifier is located at a predetermined position measured from the end of the first cable.

3. The machine-readable storage device of claim 1, further comprising processor-executable instructions configured, when executed by the processor, to cause the processor to: The installation position of the first opposite end of the first cable is received via input to the user interface; Receive the first identifier of the first cable from another instance of the first identifier printed on the first cable from the detection device; Associate the first identifier with the first opposite end installation location; The first identifier is displayed in the first relative end installation location field included on the user interface to be associated with the first relative end installation location; as well as The user interface is incremented to the second opposite end installation position field, which corresponds to the installation position of the second end of the second cable.

4. The machine-readable storage device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first identifier corresponds to at least one of the cable attribute information, cable reel information, cable length information, or cable production data of the first cable.

5. The machine-readable storage device of claim 1, further comprising processor-executable instructions configured, when executed by the processor, to cause the processor to: Communicating with remote computing devices via an interface; and Information corresponding to the first cable is received from the remote computing device via the interface.

6. The machine-readable storage device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The detection equipment is a barcode scanner.

7. The machine-readable storage device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first identifier is a machine-readable identifier.

8. The machine-readable storage device as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The first identifier is a barcode or QR code.

9. The machine-readable storage device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first identifier is identified by the detection device using image recognition.

10. The machine-readable storage device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The first identifier is an alphanumeric code.

11. A mobile computing device, the mobile computing device comprising: processor; as well as A machine-readable storage device configured to communicate with the processor, the machine-readable storage device storing processor-executable instructions configured, when executed by the processor, to cause the processor to: The first installation position of the first cable is received via input to the user interface; The first identifier of the first cable is received via the detection equipment; Associate the first identifier with the first installation location; The first identifier is displayed in the first installation location field included on the user interface to be associated with the first installation location; as well as The user interface increments to a second installation location field, which is used to receive a second installation location in which the first end of the second cable is installed.

12. The mobile computing device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The first identifier is located at a predetermined position measured from the end of the first cable.

13. The mobile computing device of claim 11, wherein the machine-readable storage device further stores processor-executable instructions configured, when executed by the processor, to cause the processor to: The installation position of the first opposite end of the first cable is received via input to the user interface; Receive the first identifier of the first cable from another instance of the first identifier printed on the first cable from the detection device; Associate the first identifier with the first opposite end installation location; The first identifier is displayed in the first relative end installation location field included on the user interface to be associated with the first relative end installation location; as well as The user interface is incremented to the second opposite end installation position field, which corresponds to the installation position of the second end of the second cable.

14. The mobile computing device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The first identifier is used to identify at least one of the following: cable attribute information, cable reel information, cable length information, or cable production data.

15. The mobile computing device of claim 11, wherein the machine-readable storage device further stores processor-executable instructions configured to, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: Communicating with remote computing devices via an interface; and Information corresponding to the first cable is received from the remote computing device via the interface.

16. The mobile computing device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The detection equipment is a barcode scanner.

17. The mobile computing device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The first identifier is a machine-readable identifier.

18. The mobile computing device as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, The first identifier is a barcode or QR code.

19. The mobile computing device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The first identifier is identified by the detection device using image recognition.

20. The mobile computing device as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that, The first identifier is an alphanumeric code.

Images