Fusion splicing system, fusion splicer operation control method, and server

Abstract

A fusion splicing system (1) comprises: a fusion splicer (10) having a fusion mechanism (3) that fusion-splices an optical fiber, and a control unit that includes a communication unit (11) communicating with an external device and controls the operation of the fusion mechanism; a first information terminal (30) capable of communicating with the fusion splicer (10); and a server (40) capable of communicating with the first information terminal (30). The control unit of the fusion splicer (10) is configured to be able to perform lock setting of the operation of the fusion mechanism before use. The first information terminal (30) acquires, from the server (40), lock release information for temporarily releasing the lock setting, and transmits, to the fusion splicer (10), a lock release instruction signal including the lock release information. The control unit of the fusion splicer (10) determines whether or not the lock release information included in the received lock release instruction signal is appropriate, and when the lock release information is appropriate, temporarily releases the lock setting of the fusion mechanism (3) to make the fusion mechanism (3) operable.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fusion splicing system, a method for controlling the operation of a fusion splicer, and a server. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a theft detection system and a theft detection method for detecting theft of a fusion splicer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-224076 A Summary of the Invention

[0004] The fusion splicing system of the present disclosure includes a fusion splicer having a fusion mechanism for fusion splicing optical fibers, and a control unit including a communication unit for communicating with an external device and controlling the operation of the fusion mechanism, a first information terminal capable of communicating with the fusion splicer, and a server capable of communicating with the first information terminal. The control unit of the fusion splicer is configured to be able to lock the operation of the fusion mechanism before use. The first information terminal obtains unlock information for temporarily releasing the lock setting from the server, and transmits an unlock instruction signal including the unlock information to the fusion splicer. The control unit of the fusion splicer determines whether the unlock information included in the received unlock instruction signal is correct, and if correct, temporarily releases the lock setting of the fusion mechanism to enable the fusion mechanism to operate.

[0005] The operation control method of a fusion splicer disclosed herein is an operation control method in which a first information terminal capable of communicating with the fusion splicer controls the operation of a fusion splicer having a fusion mechanism for fusion splicing optical fibers and a controller including a communication unit for communicating with an external device and controlling the operation of the fusion mechanism. This operation control method includes the steps of: the first information terminal acquiring, from a server, unlock information for unlocking the lock setting of the fusion splicer in which the operation of the fusion mechanism is locked; the first information terminal transmitting, to the fusion splicer, an unlock instruction signal including the unlock information acquired from the server; and the controller determining whether the unlock information included in the received unlock instruction signal is proper. If the determining step determines that the information is proper, the controller releases the lock setting to temporarily enable the fusion splice.

[0006] The server of the present disclosure includes a storage unit that stores identification information of a plurality of fusion splicers, unlock information for unlocking the operation lock setting of each of the plurality of fusion splicers, and operator information that can request unlocking of the lock setting of each of the plurality of fusion splicers in association with each other, a communication unit that receives a request for acquiring unlock information of at least one of the plurality of fusion splicers from an external information terminal, and a determination unit that determines whether the operator information included in the received acquisition request matches the operator information stored in the storage unit and associated with the requested fusion splicer. When the determination unit determines that the operator information included in the received acquisition request matches the stored operator information, the communication unit transmits the unlock information associated with the fusion splicer to the external information terminal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a fusion splicing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows the exterior of the fusion splicer with the windshield closed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows the exterior of the fusion splicer with the windshield open to reveal the internal structure. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the fusion splicer (control unit). [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the fusion splicer. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information terminal for an administrator. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information terminal for a worker. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration common to each information terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the server. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a process for locking the operation of the fusion splicer using an information terminal for an administrator. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a process for releasing a temporary operation lock of the fusion splicer, which is performed using an information terminal for an operator. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing a process for clearing (releasing) the operation lock setting of the fusion splicer, which is performed using an information terminal for an administrator. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for registering various pieces of information for managing and using the fusion splicer in the server. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen on an information terminal for an administrator when the operation lock process shown in FIG. 10 is performed. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen on an information terminal for a worker when performing a process of temporarily releasing the operation lock shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen for registering identification numbers (serial numbers) of a plurality of fusion splicers in the server. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen for registering an unlock password for each fusion splicer, administrator information, time zone, usage period, lock cycle, and operator information in the server. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of manager information, worker information, and team information that are associated with each other and registered in the server. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of identification information (serial number) of each fusion splicer, a password to unlock the lock setting of each fusion splicer, administrator information, time zone, usage period, lock cycle, and available worker information, which are linked to each other and registered on the server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] [Problem that this disclosure aims to solve] Fusion splicers are used, for example, at sites where optical fibers are laid. At the installation site, the user (operator) of the fusion splicer may leave the fusion splicer to perform tasks other than fusing optical fibers, and at this time the fusion splicer may be stolen. Patent Document 1 discloses a system for preventing theft of fusion splicers, but further improvements are desired.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a fusion splicing system, a method for controlling the operation of a fusion splicer, and a server that can prevent theft of a fusion splicer.

[0010] [Effects of this disclosure] According to the present disclosure, theft of fusion splicers can be deterred.

[0011] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. A fusion splicing system according to one embodiment includes a fusion splicer having a fusion mechanism for fusion splicing optical fibers, and a control unit including a communication unit for communicating with an external device and controlling the operation of the fusion mechanism, a first information terminal capable of communicating with the fusion splicer, and a server capable of communicating with the first information terminal. The control unit of the fusion splicer is configured to be able to lock the operation of the fusion mechanism before use. The first information terminal acquires unlock information for temporarily releasing the lock setting from the server, and transmits an unlock instruction signal including the unlock information to the fusion splicer. The control unit of the fusion splicer determines whether the unlock information included in the received unlock instruction signal is correct, and if it is correct, temporarily releases the lock setting of the fusion mechanism to enable the fusion mechanism to operate.

[0012] In the above fusion splicing system, the operation of the fusion mechanism of the fusion splicer is locked before use, and the lock is released by an unlock instruction signal from the first information terminal, allowing the fusion splicer to be used. That is, in this fusion splicing system, unlike the conventional system that focuses on measures against theft, the fusion splicer is in an operation-locked state from the beginning, and the operation lock is temporarily (for a predetermined period) released by the first information terminal when the fusion splicer is used. Moreover, the first information terminal receives unlock information used for the unlock signal from the server. Therefore, even if the fusion splicer is stolen, the fusion splicer cannot be used in the locked state without the server or the first information terminal, and as a result, the theft of the fusion splicer is prevented. Furthermore, since the unlock information is obtained from the server, it is not necessary for the operator of the fusion splicer to possess and manage the unlock information.

[0013] In the above fusion splicing system, the first information terminal may transmit a request for unlocking information to the server together with at least one of identification information of the first information terminal and user information of the first information terminal, and the server may transmit to the first information terminal unlocking information corresponding to the identification information or user information included in the request received from the first information terminal. In this case, the unlocking information for unlocking the operation lock of the fusion splicer can be managed on the server side, thereby further preventing theft of the fusion splicer.

[0014] In the above fusion splicing system, when the first information terminal acquires the unlock information from the server, the first information terminal may not display the unlock password information included in the unlock information, but may display the identification information of the fusion splicer linked to the unlock information. In this case, even if the first information terminal is stolen or otherwise used, the thief cannot easily learn the unlock password information for unlocking the locked fusion splicer, and once the fusion splicer is locked and cannot connect to the server, it cannot be unlocked, which further prevents theft of the fusion splicer.

[0015] The above fusion splicing system may further include a second information terminal for transmitting a lock setting instruction signal including lock information for locking the operation of the fusion splicer to the fusion splicer, and the second information terminal may obtain the lock information from a server. In this case, a person in charge of the fusion splicer can use the second information terminal different from the first information terminal used by the worker to set the operation lock of the fusion splicer, which makes it easier to manage the theft prevention of the fusion splicer.

[0016] In the above fusion splicing system, the second information terminal may transmit time information of the second information terminal together with the lock setting instruction signal to the fusion splicer. In this case, the time of the fusion splicer can be synchronized with the time of the second information terminal used by the administrator, making it easier for the administrator to more reliably manage the fusion splicer.

[0017] In the above fusion splicing system, the lock information may include release password information for releasing the lock setting of the operation of the fusion splicer. In this case, the lock information may further include at least one of lock start date information for starting the lock setting of the operation of the fusion splicer and lock period information for continuing the lock setting of the operation of the fusion splicer. This allows for more precise control of the lock setting of the operation of the fusion splicer.

[0018] In the above fusion splicing system, when the second information terminal receives a completion notification from the fusion splicer indicating that the lock setting of the operation of the fusion splicer has been completed after transmitting a lock setting instruction signal to the fusion splicer, the second information terminal may transmit lock setting implementation information of the fusion splicer to the server, and the server may store the lock setting implementation information in a storage unit. In this case, the lock setting implementation information may include at least one of the following information: an identification number of the second information terminal that locked the fusion splicer, user information of the second information terminal, implementation date and time information of the lock setting, implementation location information of the lock setting, and implementation result information of the lock setting. This allows the server to centrally manage information on the lock setting of the operation of the fusion splicer, and makes it possible to more reliably manage the fusion splicer by an administrator.

[0019] In the above fusion splicing system, the second information terminal may obtain, from the server, lock setting release information for clearing the lock setting of the fusion splicer set by the lock setting instruction signal, and transmit the lock setting release instruction signal including the lock setting release information to the fusion splicer. In this case, when performing maintenance on the fusion splicer, it becomes possible to release all the lock settings on the operations of the fusion splicer at once.

[0020] In the above fusion splicing system, when the second information terminal receives a completion notification from the fusion splicer that the operation lock setting of the fusion mechanism has been cleared after transmitting the lock setting release instruction signal to the fusion splicer, the second information terminal may transmit lock setting release implementation information in which the lock setting in the fusion splicer has been cleared to the server. This allows the server to centrally manage release information in which the lock setting on the operation of the fusion splicer has been cleared, thereby making it possible to more reliably manage the fusion splicer by the administrator.

[0021] In the above fusion splicing system, the unlock information transmitted from the server to the first information terminal may include usage period information for temporarily enabling operation of the fusion mechanism, which makes it easier to adjust the usage period for unlocking the operation of the fusion splicer.

[0022] In the above fusion splicing system, the first information terminal may transmit, to the server, unlocking implementation information for the fusion splicer when the first information terminal receives a completion notification from the fusion splicer indicating that the temporary unlocking of the lock setting for the operation of the fusion splicer has been completed after transmitting an unlock instruction signal to the fusion splicer. In this case, the unlocking implementation information may include at least one of the following information: an identification number of the first information terminal that performed the temporary unlocking of the fusion splicer, user information of the first information terminal, date and time information on the implementation of the unlocking, location information on the implementation of the unlocking, and result information on the unlocking. This allows the server to centrally manage unlocking information for the operation of the fusion splicer, and makes it possible to more reliably manage the fusion splicer by an administrator.

[0023] In the above fusion splicing system, the server may have a storage unit that stores at least two pieces of information linked to each other among release password information included in lock information for locking the operation of the fusion splicer, user information of the first information terminal, user information of the second information terminal, time information of the fusion splicer, usage period information for temporarily releasing the lock setting of the fusion splicer, and lock cycle information for re-locking the temporarily released fusion splicer. In this case, the server can centrally manage the operation lock setting and the release of the operation lock setting of the fusion splicer, allowing the administrator to more reliably manage the fusion splicer.

[0024] According to one embodiment, a method for controlling operation of a fusion splicer is a method for controlling operation of a fusion splicer, the fusion splicer having a fusion mechanism for fusion splicing optical fibers and a controller including a communication unit for communicating with an external device and controlling operation of the fusion mechanism, by a first information terminal capable of communicating with the fusion splicer. This method for controlling operation includes the steps of: acquiring, by the first information terminal from a server, unlock information for unlocking the lock setting of the fusion splicer in which operation of the fusion mechanism is locked; transmitting, by the first information terminal to the fusion splicer, an unlock instruction signal including the unlock information acquired from the server; and determining in the controller whether the unlock information included in the received unlock instruction signal is proper. If it is determined to be proper in the determining step, the lock setting by the controller is released to temporarily enable operation of the fusion splicer.

[0025] In the above-mentioned operation control method for a fusion splicer, similarly to the above-mentioned fusion splicing system, the operation of the fusion mechanism of the fusion splicer is locked before use, and the lock setting is released by an unlock instruction signal from the first information terminal, allowing the fusion splicer to be used. Therefore, according to this operation control method, even if the fusion splicer is stolen, the fusion splicer cannot be used, and as a result, theft of the fusion splicer is prevented. Note that in this operation control method, operations performed in any of the configurations of the above-mentioned fusion splicing system may be appropriately performed.

[0026] The above operation control method may further include a step of transmitting a lock setting instruction signal including lock information for locking the operation of the fusion mechanism of the fusion splicer from a second information terminal to the fusion splicer, and a step of locking the operation of the fusion mechanism based on the lock information included in the lock setting instruction signal received by a control unit of the fusion splicer. In this case, the fusion splicer can be more reliably locked by the second information terminal used by the administrator.

[0027] A server according to an embodiment includes a storage unit that stores identification information of a plurality of fusion splicers, unlock information for unlocking the operation lock setting of each of the plurality of fusion splicers, and operator information that can request unlocking of the lock setting of each of the plurality of fusion splicers in association with each other, a communication unit that receives a request for acquiring unlock information of at least one of the plurality of fusion splicers from an external information terminal, and a determination unit that determines whether the operator information included in the received acquisition request matches the operator information stored in the storage unit and associated with the requested fusion splicer. When the determination unit determines that the operator information included in the received acquisition request matches the stored operator information, the communication unit transmits the unlock information associated with the fusion splicer to the external information terminal. This server can prevent theft of a fusion splicer, similar to the above-described fusion splicing system and fusion splicer operation control method.

[0028] In the above server, the storage unit may store lock cycle information for locking the operation of each of the fusion splicers and period information for a usage period during which the lock setting is temporarily released for use, in association with the identification information. In this case, the lock setting for the operation of the fusion splicers can be controlled in more detail.

[0029] The above fusion splicing system, the method for controlling the operation of the fusion splicer, and the server may be configured by appropriately combining parts of each. Also, a part of the configuration of the fusion splicing system (e.g., the fusion splicer, the first information terminal, the second information terminal), or a method using the part of the configuration, may be defined as an example of an embodiment.

[0030] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of a fusion splicing system, a fusion splicer, an information terminal, a server, and an operation control method for a fusion splicer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In the following description, the same elements in the description of the drawings will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a fusion splicing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fusion splicing system 1 includes a fusion splicer 10, an information terminal 20 (second information terminal), an information terminal 30 (first information terminal), and a server 40. The fusion splicer 10 is a device that performs fusion splicing of optical fibers. The information terminal 20 is handled by an administrator who manages the use of the fusion splicer 10. The information terminal 20 is, for example, a portable wireless communication terminal such as a smartphone, or a fixed communication terminal such as a personal computer capable of communication. The information terminal 30 is carried by an operator who uses the fusion splicer 10. The information terminal 30 is, for example, a portable wireless communication terminal such as a smartphone. The fusion splicer 10 is configured to be able to communicate with the information terminals 20, 30, for example, by wireless connection. 1 shows one fusion splicer 10 and one corresponding information terminal 20, 30, but is not limited to this, and the fusion splicing system 1 can be configured with a plurality of fusion splicers 10 and a plurality of corresponding information terminals 20, 30. In the following, a description will be given mainly of one set of the fusion splicer 10 and the information terminals 20, 30, but the other fusion splicers 10 etc. have a similar configuration.

[0032] The server 40 is a management server that manages the relationship between the multiple fusion splicers 10 and the administrator who manages the multiple fusion splicers 10 and users who use them, and is composed of a computer that can communicate with the information terminals 20, 30 via a communication network 60. The communication network 60 is, for example, the Internet. The server 40 is located in a certain area on the earth, and the fusion splicers 10 and the information terminals 20, 30 may be located in a different area (country, etc.) from the area where the server 40 is located, or may be located in the same area (country, etc.). The administrator may use an information terminal 50 such as a PC to check various management data stored in the server 40 and to register / update necessary information.

[0033] 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the appearance of the fusion splicer 10. FIG. 2 shows the appearance when the windshield cover is closed, and FIG. 3 shows the appearance when the windshield cover is opened to show the internal structure of the fusion splicer 10. The fusion splicer 10 is a device for fusion splicing optical fibers together, and includes a box-shaped housing 2 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The upper part of the housing 2 is provided with a fusion section 3 (fusion mechanism) for fusing the optical fibers together, and a heater 4 (fusion mechanism) for heating and shrinking a fiber reinforcement sleeve that is placed over the fusion spliced ​​section of the optical fibers fused at the fusion section 3. The fusion splicer 10 includes a monitor 5 that displays the fusion splicing status of the optical fibers together, which is captured by a camera (not shown) arranged inside the housing 2. Furthermore, the fusion splicer 10 includes a windshield cover 6 for preventing wind from entering the fusion section 3.

[0034] The fusion unit 3 is a fusion mechanism having a holder placement portion on which a pair of optical fiber holders 3a can be placed, a pair of fiber positioning portions 3b, and a pair of discharge electrodes 3c. Each optical fiber to be fused is held and fixed in the optical fiber holder 3a, and the optical fiber holder is placed and fixed on the holder placement portion. The fiber positioning portion 3b is disposed between the optical fiber holders 3a, and positions the tip portion of the optical fiber held by each optical fiber holder 3a. The discharge electrode 3c is disposed between the fiber positioning portions 3b, and is an electrode for fusing the tip portions of the optical fibers together by arc discharge.

[0035] The windshield cover 6 is connected to the housing 2 so as to openably and closably cover the fusion section 3. Each of the side surfaces 6a of the windshield cover 6 is formed with an introduction port 6b for introducing an optical fiber into the fusion section 3 (i.e., into each of the optical fiber holders 3a).

[0036] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the fusion splicer 10. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the fusion splicer 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit of the fusion splicer 10 functionally includes a communication unit 11, a time synchronization processing unit 12, a lock setting unit 13, an lock release unit 14, and an information storage unit 15. As shown in FIG. 5, the fusion splicer 10 is configured to include a computer having hardware such as a CPU 10a, a RAM 10b, a ROM 10c, an input device 10d, a wireless communication module 10e, an auxiliary storage device 10f, and an output device 10g as its control unit. Each function of the fusion splicer 10 is realized by operating these components according to a program or the like. In addition to the control unit, the fusion splicer 10 includes various fusion splicing mechanisms 10h.

[0037] The communication unit 11 is a part that performs communication between the information terminal 20 and the information terminal 30. The communication unit 11 performs wireless communication between the information terminal 20 and the information terminal 30, for example, in compliance with IEEE802.11 (registered trademark: Wi-Fi) or IEEE802.15.1 (registered trademark: Bluetooth). The communication unit 11 controls a wireless module that performs such wireless communication.

[0038] The time synchronization processing unit 12 is a unit that synchronizes the internal time of the fusion splicer 10 with time information wirelessly transmitted from the manager's information terminal 20. When the time synchronization processing unit 12 receives the time information of the information terminal 20 from the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 11, it performs a process of applying the received time information to the internal clock of the fusion splicer 10. The synchronized time information can also be displayed on the monitor 5 of the fusion splicer 10, for example. When the time synchronization processing is completed, the time synchronization processing unit 12 may transmit a completion report to the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 11 to the effect that the time synchronization processing has been performed.

[0039] The lock setting unit 13 is a part that locks the operation processing of the fusion splicer 10 based on a passcode setting command (lock setting instruction signal) wirelessly transmitted from the information terminal 20 for the administrator. The passcode setting command includes information such as a lock start date for locking the operation processing of the fusion splicer 10, an unlock password for unlocking, and a lock cycle for locking the operation processing of the fusion splicer 10 (for example, every start, every day, every week, or every month). When the lock setting unit 13 receives the passcode setting command from the information terminal 20, the lock setting unit 13 locks the operation of the fusion splicer 10 based on the information such as the lock start date and the lock cycle. The lock setting by the lock setting unit 13 locks the operation of the fusion splicer 10 at a predetermined cycle after the lock start date. The lock setting by the lock setting unit 13 can be released when the lock release unit 14 determines that the unlock password included in the unlock command (lock setting unlock instruction signal) transmitted from the information terminal 30 or the like that is mainly used by the user matches the unlock password included in the passcode setting command. After or in order to complete the operation lock setting of the fusion splicer 10, the lock setting unit 13 may perform a process of turning off the power or restarting the fusion splicer 10. When the operation lock setting of the fusion splicer 10 is completed, the lock setting unit 13 may transmit a completion report to the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 11, notifying that the operation lock setting has been implemented.

[0040] The lock setting unit 13 also clears (cancels) the setting of the operation lock process of the fusion splicer 10 described above. When the lock setting unit 13 receives a lock setting release command (lock setting release instruction signal) from the manager's information terminal 20, it performs a process of clearing (cancelling) the setting of the operation lock process of the fusion splicer 10 that has already been set. This process returns the fusion splicer 10 to an initial state in which the lock process has not been performed. After or in order to complete the clearing of the setting of the operation lock process of the fusion splicer 10, the lock setting unit 13 may perform a process of turning off the power or restarting the fusion splicer 10. When the clearing of the setting of the operation lock process of the fusion splicer 10 is completed, the lock setting unit 13 may transmit a completion report to the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 11 to the effect that the setting of the operation lock process has been cleared.

[0041] The unlocking unit 14 is a part that unlocks the operation of the fusion splicer 10, which is locked, for a predetermined period (i.e., temporarily) based on an unlock command (lock setting unlock instruction signal) wirelessly transmitted from the information terminal 30 for the operator. The unlock command includes information such as an unlock password for temporarily unlocking the operation lock setting of the fusion splicer 10, and a period (use period) during which the operation lock of the fusion splicer 10 can be unlocked. When the unlocking unit 14 receives the unlock command from the information terminal 30 for the operator, the unlocking unit 14 determines whether or not the unlock password included in the unlock command matches the unlock password included in the lock setting command. If the passwords match, the unlocking unit 14 unlocks the operation lock of the fusion splicer 10 set by the lock setting unit 13 for a predetermined period. If the passwords do not match, the unlocking unit 14 notifies the operator by displaying information indicating that they do not match on, for example, the monitor 5. When the process of unlocking the operation lock of the fusion splicer 10 is completed, the unlocking unit 14 may transmit a completion report indicating that the unlocking process has been performed to the information terminal 30 via the communication unit 11. The lock setting released by the unlocking unit 14 is configured to revert to the locked setting after a predetermined usage period has elapsed.

[0042] The information storage unit 15 is a section for storing various information such as fusion data between optical fibers performed by the fusion splicer 10, the unlock password for setting / releasing the lock described above, the time of the fusion splicer 10, and a serial number (identification information), etc. The information storage unit 15 outputs necessary information in response to requests from the time synchronization processing unit 12, the lock setting unit 13, and the lock releasing unit 14, and receives and stores the information.

[0043] 6A and 6B are block diagrams showing functional configurations of the information terminal 20 and the information terminal 30. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration common to the information terminals 20 and 30. The information terminal 50 also has a hardware configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 6A, the information terminal 20 for the manager includes a communication unit 21, a time synchronization instruction unit 22, a lock setting unit 23, a position acquisition unit 24, a lock setting clear unit 25, and an information storage unit 26. As shown in FIG. 6B, the information terminal 30 for the worker includes a communication unit 31, a lock release unit 32, a position acquisition unit 33, and an information storage unit 34. As shown in FIG. 7, the information terminals 20 and 30 are configured to include a computer including hardware such as a CPU 20a, a RAM 20b, a ROM 20c, an input device 20d, a communication module 20e, an auxiliary storage device 20f, and an output device 20g. The information terminals 20 and 30 realize the functions shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B by operating these components according to a program or the like.

[0044] In the information terminal 20, the communication unit 21 is configured with a communication module 20e such as a wireless LAN module built into the terminal. The communication unit 21 transmits and receives various signals and information to and from the fusion splicer 10 by wireless communication via the wireless LAN. The communication unit 21 performs communication in accordance with, for example, IEEE802.11 or IEEE802.15.1 corresponding to the wireless standard of the fusion splicer 10. Other bands and communication standards may be used as long as wireless communication with the fusion splicer 10 can be performed. In addition, the communication unit 21 transmits and receives various signals and information to and from the server 40 via a communication network 60 such as the Internet. For this purpose, the communication unit 21 may also use the wireless LAN module described above, or may include another communication module (such as a mobile communication module for 4G or 5G).

[0045] The time synchronization instruction unit 22 is a part for synchronizing the time of the fusion splicer 10, the operation processing of which is locked by the administrator information terminal 20, with a reference time of the information terminal 20, etc. Before the lock setting unit 23 issues an instruction to lock the fusion splicer 10, the time synchronization instruction unit 22 transmits, for example, the time of the information terminal 20, which serves as the reference time, to the fusion splicer 10. The time synchronization instruction unit 22 may use the time set in the server 40 as the reference time.

[0046] The lock setting unit 23 is a part that causes the information terminal 20 for the administrator to lock the operation of the fusion splicer 10 managed by the lock setting unit 23. When the lock setting unit 23 receives an input to lock the operation of the fusion splicer 10 by the operation of the administrator, the lock setting unit 23 obtains, from the server 40, a list of the fusion splicers 10 that are registered in the server 40 and are managed by the administrator and that are targets for lock setting. This list information includes information such as the serial number of each fusion splicer 10, an unlock password when the operation process of the fusion splicer 10 is locked, and a period for locking the operation of the fusion splicer 10. The period for locking the operation is a period for relocking the fusion splicer 10 when the lock on the fusion splicer 10 that has been subjected to the operation lock process is temporarily unlocked by the unlock password, and is set to, for example, every time the fusion splicer 10 is restarted, every day, every week, every month, or the like. When the lock setting unit 23 receives the list information from the server 40, it displays a list of the serial numbers of the fusion splicers 10 on the display of the information terminal 20, and makes the fusion splicer 10 for which lock setting is to be performed selectable (see FIG. 14, for example). The lock setting unit 23 transmits a passcode setting command to the fusion splicer 10 selected from the selectable list. As described above, the passcode setting command includes information such as the lock start date, release password, and lock period. The lock setting unit 23 may transmit a power OFF command to the fusion splicer 10 together with the passcode setting command.

[0047] Furthermore, when the lock setting unit 23 receives information indicating that the lock setting has been completed from the fusion splicer 10 that instructed the lock setting, the lock setting unit 23 generates lock setting implementation information. The lock setting implementation information includes the person who performed the lock setting (administrator), the implementation date and time, location information, the result of the lock setting, and various information about the information terminal 20 (brand name, model name, OS version information, application version information, terminal-specific ID (UUID), etc.), and these pieces of information are linked to the serial number of the fusion splicer 10 for which the lock setting has been set. The lock setting unit 23 uploads the lock setting information including the serial number of the fusion splicer 10 to the server 40. The server 40 updates the management data based on the received lock setting information.

[0048] The position acquisition unit 24 is a part that acquires the position information of the information terminal 20 from data of a GPS or a base station, etc. The position acquisition unit 24 acquires the position information of the information terminal 20 based on a request from the lock setting unit 23, etc., and provides it to the lock setting unit 23, etc. The position acquisition unit 24 may acquire the position information at a predetermined period and store it in the information storage unit 26.

[0049] The lock setting clearing unit 25 is a part that clears (releases) the operation lock setting of the fusion splicer 10 managed by the information terminal 20 for the administrator. When the lock setting clearing unit 25 accepts an input to clear the lock setting by the operation of the administrator, it acquires from the server 40 a list of the fusion splicers 10 that are targets of the lock setting and are managed by the administrator, which are registered in the server 40. This list information includes the serial number of each fusion splicer 10 and may include an unlock password when the operation process of the fusion splicer 10 is locked. When the lock setting clearing unit 25 receives the list information from the server 40, it displays a list of the serial numbers of the fusion splicers 10 on the display of the information terminal 20, and makes the fusion splicer 10 for which the lock setting clearing process is to be performed selectable. The lock setting clearing unit 25 transmits a lock setting release command to the fusion splicer 10 selected from the selectable list. The lock setting release command includes information for releasing the lock setting of the fusion splicer 10. The lock clear unit 25 may transmit a power OFF command to the fusion splicer 10 together with the lock release command.

[0050] Furthermore, when the lock clear unit 25 receives information indicating that the lock has been released from the fusion splicer 10 that has instructed to clear the lock, the lock clear unit 25 generates lock release implementation information. The lock release implementation information includes the person who released the lock (administrator), the implementation date and time, location information, the result of the lock release, and various information about the information terminal 20 (brand name, model name, OS version information, application version information, terminal-specific ID (UUID), etc.), and these pieces of information are linked to the serial number of the fusion splicer 10 from which the lock has been released. The lock clear unit 25 uploads the lock release implementation information, including the serial number of the fusion splicer 10, to the server 40. The server 40 updates management data based on the received lock release implementation information.

[0051] The information storage unit 26 is a section for storing the various pieces of information described above. The information storage unit 26 may temporarily store lock setting information and the like.

[0052] In the information terminal 30, the communication unit 31 is configured, for example, by a communication module 20e such as a wireless LAN module built into the terminal, similar to the communication unit 21. The communication unit 31 transmits and receives various signals and information to and from the fusion splicer 10 by wireless communication via the wireless LAN. The communication unit 31 corresponds to the wireless standard of the fusion splicer 10. Other bands and communication standards may be used as long as wireless communication with the fusion splicer 10 can be performed. In addition, the communication unit 31 transmits and receives various signals and information to and from the server 40 via a communication network 60 such as the Internet. For this purpose, the communication unit 31 may also use the wireless LAN module described above, or may include another communication module (such as a mobile communication module for 4G or 5G).

[0053] The unlocking unit 32 is a part that unlocks the operation of the fusion splicer 10, which has been locked by the information terminal 30 for the worker. When the unlocking unit 32 receives an input to perform an unlocking process by an operation of the worker, the unlocking unit 32 acquires, from the server 40, a list of fusion splicers 10 that are registered in the server 40 and that the worker can use. This list of unlockable fusion splicers includes information such as the serial number of each fusion splicer 10, an unlock password when the operation process of the fusion splicer 10 is locked, and a period (use period) during which the operation lock of the fusion splicer 10 can be unlocked. The period during which the operation lock setting can be unlocked is a period during which the worker can use the fusion splicer 10, and after the lapse of this period, the unlocking of the fusion splicer 10 is invalidated and the operation of the fusion splicer 10 is locked again. When the unlocking unit 32 receives the list information from the server 40, it displays a list of the serial numbers of the fusion splicers 10 on the display of the information terminal 30, and makes the fusion splicer 10 to be unlocked selectable (see FIG. 15, for example). The unlocking unit 32 transmits an unlock command to the fusion splicer 10 selected from the selectable list. As described above, the unlock command includes information such as an unlock password for unlocking the operation of the fusion splicer 10 and a period (usage period) during which the operation lock of the fusion splicer 10 can be unlocked.

[0054] Furthermore, when the unlocking unit 32 receives information indicating that unlocking has been completed from the fusion splicer 10 that instructed the unlocking, the unlocking unit 32 generates unlocking implementation information. The unlocking implementation information includes the person who performed the unlocking (operator), the implementation date and time, location information, the result of the unlocking, and various information about the information terminal 30 (brand name, model name, OS version information, application version information, terminal-specific ID (UUID), etc.), and these pieces of information are linked to the serial number of the unlocked fusion splicer 10. The unlocking unit 32 uploads the unlocking implementation information including the serial number of the fusion splicer 10 to the server 40. The server 40 updates management data based on the received unlocking implementation information.

[0055] The location acquisition unit 33 is a part that acquires location information of the information terminal 30 from data of a GPS or a communication base station, etc. The location acquisition unit 33 acquires location information of the information terminal 30 based on a request from the lock release unit 32, etc., and provides the location information to the lock release unit 32, etc. The location acquisition unit 33 may acquire location information at a predetermined period and store it in the information storage unit 34.

[0056] The information storage unit 34 is a part that stores the various pieces of information described above. The information storage unit 34 may temporarily store the unlocking implementation information and the like.

[0057] Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the server 40. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the server 40. As shown in Fig. 9, the server 40 functionally comprises a communication unit 41, a data registration unit 42, a lock setting unit 43, an lock release unit 44, and an information storage unit 45. As shown in Fig. 9, the server 40 is configured to include a computer having hardware such as a CPU 40a, a RAM 40b, a ROM 40c, a communication module 40d, and an auxiliary storage device 40e as its control unit. Each function of the server 40 is realized by these components operating according to a program or the like.

[0058] The communication unit 41 is a part that transmits and receives various signals and information to and from the information terminals 20 and 30 via a communication network 60 such as the Internet.

[0059] The data registration unit 42 is a part where an administrator registers management information related to the fusion splicer 10. The management information to be registered includes organizational information such as company information (name, telephone number, address, time zone, etc.) that uses or owns the fusion splicer 10 and representative administrator information (name, e-mail address, administrator account ID / password, etc.), user information such as worker information (name, worker account / password, etc.) that performs work using the fusion splicer 10 and work team information (team name, users to which the team belongs, etc.), and splicer information (serial number, etc.) of the fusion splicer 10 to be managed.

[0060] The lock setting unit 43 is a part where an administrator registers lock setting information of each fusion splicer 10 in a form linked to the serial number of each fusion splicer 10. The lock setting information includes an unlock password for unlocking the operation lock setting of the fusion splicer 10, administrator information, a reference time (such as a time zone), a usage period (unlock period) and lock cycle of the fusion splicer 10, and information on an operator who can unlock the locked fusion splicer 10. The lock setting unit 43 is configured to display, for example, an input interface shown in FIG. 17 on the display of an information terminal 50 (such as a personal computer) to prompt an input by the administrator. The lock setting unit 43 stores the lock setting information input by the administrator via such an input screen in the information storage unit 45 in a form linked to the serial number of each fusion splicer 10, and manages it as management data (database) (see an example of a DB shown in FIG. 19).

[0061] The lock setting unit 43 is a part that transmits the list information to the information terminal 20 via the communication network 60 when there is a request from the information terminal 20 for the administrator to acquire list information of fusion splicers for which the operation lock of the fusion splicer 10 is to be set. When the setting of the operation lock of the fusion splicer 10 is completed on the information terminal 20 side, the lock setting unit 43 acquires lock setting implementation information from the information terminal 20. Furthermore, when there is a request from the information terminal 20 for the administrator to acquire list information of fusion splicers when clearing the lock setting of the locked fusion splicer 10, the lock setting unit 43 transmits the list information to the information terminal 20 via the communication network 60. When the lock setting of the fusion splicer 10 is released, the lock setting unit 43 acquires lock setting release implementation information from the information terminal 20. When the lock setting implementation information or lock setting release implementation information is acquired from the information terminal 20, the lock setting unit 43 updates the information of the above-mentioned management data (database) based on the information.

[0062] The unlocking unit 44 is a part that transmits the list information to the information terminal 30 via the communication network 60 when there is a request from the information terminal 30 for the operator to acquire list information of unlockable fusion splicers for temporarily unlocking the operation lock of the locked fusion splicer 10. When the unlocking process of the operation lock setting of the fusion splicer 10 is completed on the information terminal 30 side, the unlocking unit 44 acquires unlocking implementation information from the information terminal 30. When the unlocking implementation information is acquired from the information terminal 30, the unlocking unit 44 updates the information in the above-mentioned database based on the acquired information. By updating by the locking unit 43 and the unlocking unit 44 in this way, the latest operation lock status (operation locked, operation lock temporarily released, operation lock setting released, etc.) of each fusion splicer 10 managed by the administrator can be stored and displayed as list data, and the administrator can check the lock status of each fusion splicer 10 managed by the administrator in real time.

[0063] The information storage unit 45 is a part that stores the above-mentioned various information (management information, lock setting information, etc.) as a database. The information storage unit 45 provides necessary information to the data registration unit 42, the lock setting unit 43, and the lock release unit 44 in response to a request.

[0064] Next, the process of locking the operation of the fusion splicer 10, temporarily releasing the lock setting, and clearing the lock setting (operation control method) performed by the information terminals 20, 30 and the server 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 10, Fig. 11, and Fig. 12. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the process of locking the operation of the fusion splicer 10 performed using the information terminal 20 for the manager. Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the process of releasing the temporary operation lock of the fusion splicer 10 performed using the information terminal 30 for the worker. Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram showing the process of clearing the operation lock setting of the fusion splicer 10 performed using the information terminal 20 for the manager.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 10, when locking the operation of the fusion splicer 10, first, an information terminal 20 located within a range where the fusion splicer 10 can be wirelessly connected makes a request to the server 40 to obtain a list of fusion splicers to be locked that are managed by the administrator (step S1). The server 40, upon receiving the request, downloads the list of fusion splicers to be locked to the information terminal 20 (step S2). The information terminal 20 that has obtained the list information displays the identification numbers of the fusion splicers to be locked based on the list information (step S3). At the time of this display, the fusion splicers to be locked may be displayed one by one (see FIG. 14) or may be displayed all at once. Thereafter, when a target to be locked by the administrator is selected, the information terminal 20 accepts the input and generates a passcode setting command including information such as an unlock password and a lock period included in the list information (step S4).

[0066] Next, the information terminal 20 that generated the passcode setting command first transmits the time information of the information terminal 20 to the fusion splicer 10 in order to synchronize the time of the fusion splicer 10 (step S5). The fusion splicer 10 that received the time information of the information terminal 20 synchronizes the internal time based on the time information. Thereafter, the information terminal 20 transmits a passcode setting command and a power OFF command to the fusion splicer 10 selected by the administrator (step S6). The power OFF command is a signal that instructs restarting, etc., which is required when the fusion splicer 10 locks its operation by the passcode setting command. The fusion splicer 10 that received the passcode setting command and the power OFF command performs a process of setting the release password and lock period, etc., included in the passcode setting command, and locks the operation of the fusion splicer 10 (step S7).

[0067] Next, the fusion splicer 10 that has completed the lock setting sends a completion notification to the information terminal 20 to notify that the lock setting has been completed (step S8). The information terminal 20 that has received the completion notification generates lock setting implementation information (lock setting implementation information) for the fusion splicer 10, including information included in the completion notification and information stored in the information terminal 20. Thereafter, the information terminal 20 uploads the generated lock setting implementation information to the server 40, and the server 40 updates the management data (step S9). The above-mentioned processes related to steps S1 to S9 are performed for all fusion splicers 10 that require lock setting. Note that this lock setting may be performed sequentially or collectively. As described above, the operation of the fusion splicer 10 is locked by the administrator before it is used at the work site.

[0068] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, when the lock setting of the fusion splicer 10 that has been locked before use is temporarily released, first, an information terminal 30 for an operator located within a range where the fusion splicer 10 can be wirelessly connected sends a request to the server 40 to obtain a list of fusion splicers that the operator can release (step S11). The fusion splicers that each operator can release are set in advance by an administrator. This request may be transmitted including, for example, the terminal identification information of the information terminal 30 or the operator information of the operator who uses the information terminal 30. The server 40 that receives this request downloads the list of fusion splicers to be released to the information terminal 30 using the terminal identification information or the operator information (step S12). The information terminal 30 that has acquired the list information displays the identification numbers of the fusion splicers to be released based on the list information (step S13). When this display is performed, the fusion splicers to be released may be displayed one by one (see FIG. 15) or may be displayed all at once. Thereafter, when the operator selects a target for unlocking, the information terminal 30 accepts the input and generates an unlock command including information such as the unlock password and the usage period included in the list information (step S14).

[0069] Next, the information terminal 30 that generated the unlock command transmits the unlock command to the fusion splicer 10 selected by the operator (step S15). The fusion splicer 10 that receives the unlock command compares the unlock password included in the unlock command with the unlock password included in the passcode setting command, and if it is determined that they match, it temporarily releases the lock setting of the fusion splicer 10 (step S16). This release is temporary, and the release period is set based on, for example, information such as the usage period included in the unlock command.

[0070] Next, the fusion splicer 10 for which the unlocking has been completed sends a completion notification to the information terminal 30 to the effect that the unlocking has been completed (step S17). The information terminal 30, which has received the completion notification, generates implementation information for unlocking the fusion splicer 10 (unlocking implementation information) including information included in the completion notification and information stored in the information terminal 30. Thereafter, the information terminal 30 uploads the generated unlocking implementation information to the server 40, and the server 40 updates the management data (step S18). The above-mentioned processes related to steps S11 to S18 are performed for all the fusion splicers 10 for which the locking needs to be released. The locking may be released in order or all at once. As a result, the locking of the fusion splicer 10 that has been locked in advance is temporarily released, and the fusion splicer 10 can be used at the work site. The fusion splicer 10 for which the locking has been temporarily released is locked again after a predetermined usage period (one day, one week, etc.) has elapsed.

[0071] Next, as shown in FIG. 12, when the lock setting of the locked fusion splicer 10 is cleared (released), first, an administrator's information terminal 20 located within a range where the fusion splicer 10 can be wirelessly connected makes a request to the server 40 to obtain a list of fusion splicers for which the administrator can clear (release) the lock setting (step S21). The server 40, upon receiving the request, downloads the list of fusion splicers for which the lock setting is to be cleared to the information terminal 20 (step S22). The information terminal 20 that has obtained the list information displays the identification numbers of the fusion splicers for which the lock setting is to be cleared based on the list information (step S23). At the time of this display, the fusion splicers for which the lock setting is to be cleared may be displayed one by one, or may be displayed all at once. After that, when a target for which the lock setting is to be cleared by the administrator is selected, the information terminal 20 accepts the input and generates a lock setting release command including information such as the release password included in the list information (step S24). The information included in the lock release command may be information for clearing the lock setting of the locked fusion splicer 10, and may be information instructing the clearing of a special setting other than the unlock password.

[0072] Next, the information terminal 20 that has generated the lock setting release command transmits the lock setting release command to the fusion splicer 10 selected by the administrator (step S25). At this time, a power OFF command for a setting clear process may be transmitted together. The fusion splicer 10 that has received the lock setting release command performs a lock setting release process using the release password or the like included in the lock setting release command (step S26). This setting release process may be a comparison between the release passwords or another special comparison process. If the fusion splicer 10 determines that the lock setting clear process is appropriate, it clears the lock setting of the fusion splicer 10. This clear process is for completely erasing the lock setting once, and the fusion splicer 10 returns to the initial state. The fusion splicer 10 that has been cleared can perform the lock setting again by performing the lock setting process shown in FIG. 10 again.

[0073] Next, the fusion splicer 10 that has completed the lock setting clearing process sends a completion notification to the information terminal 20 to the effect that the lock setting clearing process has been completed (step S27). The information terminal 20 that has received the completion notification generates implementation information for clearing the lock setting of the fusion splicer 10 (lock setting release implementation information) including the information included in the completion notification and the information stored in the information terminal 20. Thereafter, the information terminal 20 uploads the generated lock setting release implementation information to the server 40, and the server 40 updates the management data (step S28). The above-mentioned processes related to steps S21 to S28 are performed for all fusion splicers 10 that require the lock setting clearing process. Note that this lock setting clearing process may be performed sequentially or collectively. In the above manner, the lock setting of the fusion splicer 10 that has been locked can be cleared and the initial state can be restored. When the fusion splicer 10 is to be subjected to maintenance or the like, the initial state is restored.

[0074] Next, a method for registering information such as the administrator, operator, and operation lock setting process of the fusion splicer 10 in advance in the server 40 will be described with reference to Figs. 13, 16, and 17. Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing a process for registering various information for managing and using the fusion splicer in the server. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen for registering identification numbers (serial numbers) of a plurality of fusion splicers in the server. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen for registering a password for unlocking the lock setting of each fusion splicer, administrator information, time zone, usage period, lock cycle, and operator information in the server. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of management data showing the relationship between administrator information, operator information, and team information, which are associated with each other and registered in the server. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of management data in which identification information (serial number) of each fusion splicer, a password for unlocking the lock setting of each fusion splicer, administrator information, time zone, usage period, lock cycle, and available operator information are associated with each other and registered in the server.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 13, the administrator of the fusion splicer 10 registers administrator information in the server 40 (step S31). Similarly, the administrator also registers user information, team information, information on the fusion splicer 10 to be managed, and the like (steps S32, S33, and S34). In registering the fusion splicer 10, for example, the serial number of each fusion splicer 10 is inputted and stored (saved) in an input screen as shown in Fig. 16, whereby the information is stored in the server 40. The management information registered in steps S31 to S34 includes organizational information such as company information (name, telephone number, address, time zone, etc.) that uses or owns the fusion splicer 10 and representative administrator information (name, e-mail address, administrator account ID / password, etc.), user information such as operator information (name, operator account / password, etc.) that performs work using the fusion splicer 10 and work team information (team name, user to which the team belongs, etc.), and splicer information (serial number, etc.) of the fusion splicer 10 to be managed.

[0076] Next, when the basic management information is input, for example, an input screen shown in FIG. 17 is displayed, and the administrator is prompted to input information such as the release password, administrator, time zone (reference time), usage period, lock cycle, and operator for each fusion splicer 10. By inputting and storing this information, lock setting information for each fusion splicer 10 is stored in the server 40. After this, whether or not the fusion splicer 10 is available is set (step S36). If the fusion splicer 10 is unavailable, a process is performed to prohibit transmission of an unlock command from an information terminal such as the operator's information terminal 30 to the fusion splicer 10, and the fusion splicer 10 is unavailable. On the other hand, if the fusion splicer 10 is available, the fusion splicer 10 is available. By performing the processes from step S31 to step S36, management data linking the relationships between the administrator, the operator, the team, and the like is generated and managed in the server 40 as shown in FIG. 18. 19, information related to the lock setting of the fusion splicer linked to the serial number of each fusion splicer (unlock password, administrator, time zone, usage period, lock cycle, available user name, etc.) is generated and managed in the server 40. Such information is provided from the server 40 to the information terminals 20, 30, etc. and used for various processes such as the above-mentioned lock setting of the operation of the fusion splicer 10 and its temporary unlocking / setting clearing, and also, when each process is completed, necessary update processes are performed.

[0077] As described above, according to the fusion splicing system of the present embodiment, the operation of the fusion mechanism of the fusion splicer 10 is locked before use, and the lock is released by an unlock command from the information terminal 30 used by the operator, allowing the fusion splicer 10 to be used. That is, in this fusion splicing system 1, the fusion splicer 10 is locked from the beginning, and the information terminal 30 releases the operation lock temporarily (for a predetermined period) before use. Moreover, the information terminal 30 receives unlock information (unlock password) used for unlocking from the server 40. Therefore, even if the fusion splicer 10 is stolen, the fusion splicer 10 cannot be used in the locked state without connection to the server 40 or the information terminal 30, and as a result, the theft of the fusion splicer is prevented. The unlock password may be obtained from the server 40 every time the lock is released by the information terminal 30, or several unlock passwords may be stored in the information terminal 30 in advance in preparation for poor radio wave conditions. In this case, work can be carried out for several days even at a work site with poor radio wave conditions, and work efficiency is not impeded.

[0078] In this embodiment, the information terminal 30 may transmit an acquisition request for unlocking information (unlock password) to the server 40 together with at least one of the identification information of the information terminal 30 and the operator information of the information terminal 30, and the server 40 transmits to the information terminal 30 the unlocking information (unlock password) corresponding to the identification information or the operator information included in the acquisition request received from the information terminal 30. In this case, the unlocking information for unlocking the operation lock of the fusion splicer 10 can be managed on the server 40 side, which can further prevent theft of the fusion splicer. Also, it becomes possible to provide the necessary unlocking password only to the appropriate information terminal 30.

[0079] In this embodiment, when the information terminal 30 acquires unlock information from the server 40, the information terminal 30 does not display the unlock password information for unlocking included in the unlock information, and displays the identification information of the fusion splicer 10 linked to the unlock information on the information terminal. In this case, even if the information terminal 30 is stolen or otherwise used, the thief cannot easily learn the unlock password information for unlocking the locked fusion splicer 10, and once the fusion splicer 10 becomes locked after a predetermined time has elapsed, it cannot be unlocked, which further prevents theft of the fusion splicer 10.

[0080] This embodiment further includes an information terminal 20 for transmitting to the fusion splicer 10 a passcode setting command (lock setting instruction signal) including lock information for locking the operation of the fusion splicer 10. The information terminal 20 is an information terminal for an administrator, and obtains information for lock setting from the server 40. In this case, the administrator of the fusion splicer 10 can use an information terminal 20 different from the information terminal 30 used by an operator to lock the operation of the fusion splicer 10, making it easier to manage the theft prevention of the fusion splicer.

[0081] In this embodiment, the information terminal 20 transmits time information of the information terminal 20 together with the passcode setting command to the fusion splicer 10. In this case, the time of the fusion splicer 10 can be synchronized with the time of the information terminal 20 used by the administrator, making it easier for the administrator to more reliably manage the time of the fusion splicer 10.

[0082] In this embodiment, the lock information included in the passcode setting command includes release password information for releasing the lock setting of the operation of the fusion splicer. The lock information further includes at least one of lock start date information for starting the lock setting of the operation of the fusion splicer and lock period information for continuing the lock setting of the operation of the fusion splicer. This allows for more precise control of the lock setting of the operation of the fusion splicer.

[0083] In this embodiment, when the information terminal 20 receives a completion notification from the fusion splicer 10 indicating that the lock setting of the operation of the fusion mechanism has been completed after transmitting a passcode setting command to the fusion splicer 10, the information terminal 20 transmits lock setting implementation information for the fusion splicer 10 to the server 40. The server 40 stores the lock setting implementation information in a storage unit. The lock setting implementation information includes at least one of the following information: an identification number of the information terminal 20 that locked the fusion splicer, information on the user of the information terminal 20, information on the date and time when the lock setting was implemented, information on the location where the lock setting was implemented, and information on the result of the lock setting. This allows the server 40 to centrally manage the information on the lock setting of the operation of the fusion splicer, and enables the administrator to more reliably manage the fusion splicer 10.

[0084] In this embodiment, the information terminal 20 acquires, from the server 40, lock setting release information for clearing the lock setting of the fusion splicer 10 set by the passcode setting command, and transmits a lock setting release command including the lock setting release information to the fusion splicer 10. In this case, when performing maintenance on the fusion splicer 10, it becomes possible to release all the lock settings on the operations of the fusion splicer 10 at once.

[0085] In this embodiment, when the information terminal 20 receives a completion notification from the fusion splicer 10 indicating that the operation lock setting of the fusion splicer 10 has been cleared after transmitting the lock setting release command to the fusion splicer 10, the information terminal 20 transmits lock setting release implementation information in which the lock setting in the fusion splicer 10 has been cleared to the server 40. This allows the server 40 to centrally manage release information in which the lock setting on the operation of the fusion splicer 10 has been cleared, and enables the administrator to more reliably manage the fusion splicer 10.

[0086] In this embodiment, the unlock information transmitted from the server 40 to the information terminal 30 includes information about a usage period during which the operation of the fusion mechanism can be temporarily performed. This makes it easier to adjust the usage period during which the lock setting on the operation of the fusion splicer 10 is released.

[0087] In this embodiment, when the information terminal 30 receives a completion notification from the fusion splicer 10 indicating that the temporary unlocking of the lock setting on the operation of the fusion splicer 10 has been completed after transmitting an unlock command to the fusion splicer 10, the information terminal 30 transmits unlock implementation information for the fusion splicer 10 to the server 40. The unlock implementation information includes at least one of the following information: an identification number of the information terminal 30 that performed the temporary unlocking of the fusion splicer 10, information on the user of the information terminal 30, information on the date and time when the unlocking was performed, information on the location where the unlocking was performed, and information on the result of the unlocking. This allows the server 40 to centrally manage the unlocking information for the operation of the fusion splicer 10, and enables the administrator to more reliably manage the fusion splicer 10.

[0088] In the present embodiment, the server 40 has a storage unit in which at least two pieces of information are stored in association with one another among release password information included in lock information for locking the operation of the fusion splicer 10, user information of the information terminal 30, user information of the information terminal 20, time information of the fusion splicer 10, usage period information for temporarily releasing the lock setting of the fusion splicer 10, and lock cycle information for re-locking the temporarily released fusion splicer 10. This enables the server 40 to centrally manage the operation lock setting of the fusion splicer 10, and the release and clearing process of the operation lock setting, thereby enabling the administrator to more reliably manage the fusion splicer 10 (anti-theft, etc.).

[0089] The fusion splicing system, fusion splicing device, information terminal, server, and operation control method of a fusion splicer according to the present embodiment have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these and various modifications can be applied. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1...Fusion splicing system 2. Housing 3...Fusing section (fusing mechanism) 3a...Optical fiber holder 3b…Fiber positioning part 3c…discharge electrode 4...Heater (fusion mechanism) 5. Monitor 6…Windshield cover 6a…side 6b... Entry point 10…Fusion splicer 11…Communications Department 12...Time synchronization processing unit 13...Lock setting section 14…Unlocking section 15...Information storage section 20...Information terminal (second information terminal) 21…Communications Department 22...Time synchronization instruction section 23...Lock setting section 24...Position acquisition section 25…Clear lock settings 26...Information storage section 30...Information terminal (first information terminal) 31…Communications Department 32…Unlocking section 33...Position acquisition section 34...Information storage section 40…Server 41…Communications Department 42…Data registration section 43...Lock setting section 44…Unlocking section 45…Information storage section 50…Information terminal 60…Communication network

Claims

1. a fusion splicer having a fusion mechanism for fusion-splicing optical fibers and a control unit including a communication unit for communicating with an external device and controlling the operation of the fusion mechanism; a first information terminal capable of communicating with the fusion splicer; a server capable of communicating with the first information terminal; the control unit of the fusion splicer is configured to be able to lock operation of the fusion mechanism prior to use; the first information terminal acquires unlock information for temporarily releasing the lock setting from the server, and transmits an unlock instruction signal including the unlock information to the fusion splicer; the control unit of the fusion splicer determines whether the unlock information included in the received unlock instruction signal is correct, and if the unlock information is correct, temporarily releases the lock setting of the fusion mechanism to enable the fusion mechanism to operate; the unlocking information transmitted from the server to the first information terminal includes usage period information during which the operation of the fusion mechanism can be temporarily performed, A fusion splicing system, wherein the period during which the lock setting can be released is a period during which an operator can use the fusion splicer, and after the period has elapsed, the unlocking of the fusion mechanism is invalidated and the operation of the fusion mechanism is locked again.

2. the first information terminal transmits a request to acquire the lock release information to the server together with at least one of terminal identification information of the first information terminal and user information of the first information terminal; the server transmits to the first information terminal the unlock information corresponding to the terminal identification information or the user information included in the acquisition request received from the first information terminal; 2. The fusion splicing system of claim 1.

3. when the first information terminal acquires the unlock information from the server, the first information terminal does not display unlock password information for unlocking included in the unlock information, and displays splicer identification information of the fusion splicer linked to the unlock information. The fusion splicing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a second information terminal for transmitting a lock setting instruction signal to the fusion splicer, the lock setting instruction signal including lock information for locking an operation of the fusion splicer; The second information terminal acquires the lock information from the server. The fusion splicing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the second information terminal transmits time information of the second information terminal together with the lock setting instruction signal to the fusion splicer; 5. The fusion splicing system of claim 4.

6. the lock information includes unlock password information for unlocking a lock setting for the operation of the fusion splicer, The fusion splicing system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. the lock information further includes at least one of lock start date information for starting a lock setting of the operation of the fusion splicer and lock period information for continuing the lock setting of the operation of the fusion splicer. The fusion splicing system of claim 6.

8. when the second information terminal receives a completion notification from the fusion splicer indicating that the lock setting of the operation of the fusion mechanism has been completed after transmitting the lock setting instruction signal to the fusion splicer, the second information terminal transmits lock setting implementation information of the fusion splicer to the server; The server stores the lock setting implementation information in a storage unit. A fusion splicing system according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

9. the lock setting implementation information includes at least one of information on an identification number of the second information terminal that has performed the lock setting of the fusion splicer, information on a user of the second information terminal, information on a date and time when the lock setting has been performed, information on a location where the lock setting has been performed, and information on a result of the lock setting; 9. The fusion splicing system of claim 8.

10. the second information terminal acquires, from the server, lock setting release information for clearing the lock setting of the fusion splicer based on the lock setting instruction signal, and transmits, to the fusion splicer, a lock setting release instruction signal including the lock setting release information. A fusion splicing system according to any one of claims 4 to 9.

11. when the second information terminal receives a completion notification from the fusion splicer indicating that the operation lock setting of the fusion mechanism has been cleared after transmitting the lock setting release instruction signal to the fusion splicer, the second information terminal transmits to the server lock setting release implementation information in which the lock setting in the fusion splicer has been cleared. The fusion splicing system of claim 10.

12. The server has a storage unit in which at least two pieces of information are linked and stored among release password information included in lock information for locking the operation of the fusion splicer, user information of the first information terminal, user information of the second information terminal, time information of the fusion splicer, usage period information for temporarily releasing the lock setting of the fusion splicer, and lock cycle information for the fusion splicer whose lock setting has been temporarily released to be placed in a locked state again. A fusion splicing system according to any one of claims 4 to 11.

13. and when the first information terminal receives a completion notification from the fusion splicer indicating that the temporary release of the lock setting of the operation of the fusion splicer has been completed after transmitting the unlock instruction signal to the fusion splicer, the first information terminal transmits unlock implementation information of the fusion splicer to the server. A fusion splicing system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. the unlocking implementation information includes at least one of an identification number of the first information terminal that has temporarily unlocked the fusion splicer, user information of the first information terminal, implementation date and time information of the unlocking, implementation location information of the unlocking, and result information of the unlocking. The fusion splicing system of claim 13.

15. 1. An operation control method for controlling an operation of a fusion splicer having a fusion mechanism for fusion-splicing optical fibers and a control unit including a communication unit for communicating with an external device and controlling an operation of the fusion mechanism, using a first information terminal capable of communicating with the fusion splicer, acquiring, by the first information terminal, from a server, unlock information for unlocking the fusion splicer in which the operation of the fusion mechanism has been locked; a step of the first information terminal transmitting an unlock instruction signal including the unlock information acquired from the server to the fusion splicer; and determining, in the control unit, whether or not unlocking information included in the received unlocking instruction signal is correct; When the determination is made that the operation is proper, the lock setting by the control unit is released to temporarily enable the fusion mechanism; the unlocking information transmitted from the server to the first information terminal includes usage period information during which the operation of the fusion mechanism can be temporarily performed, A method for controlling the operation of a fusion splicer, wherein the period during which the lock setting can be released is a period during which an operator can use the fusion splicer, and after the period has elapsed, the unlocking of the fusion mechanism is invalidated and the operation of the fusion mechanism is locked again.

16. transmitting a lock setting instruction signal including lock information for locking the operation of the fusion mechanism of the fusion splicer from a second information terminal to the fusion splicer; locking the operation of the fusion mechanism based on the lock information included in the received lock setting instruction signal by the control unit of the fusion splicer; The method of claim 15 , further comprising:

17. a storage unit that stores, in association with each other, identification information of a plurality of fusion splicers, unlock information for unlocking an operation lock setting of each of the plurality of fusion splicers, and information on an operator who can request unlocking of the operation lock setting of each of the plurality of fusion splicers; a communication unit that receives a request for acquiring unlock information of at least one of the plurality of fusion splicers from an external information terminal; a determination unit that determines whether or not operator information included in the received acquisition request matches operator information associated with the fusion splicer for which the unlock information stored in the storage unit is being requested, when the determination unit determines that the operator information included in the received acquisition request matches the stored operator information, the communication unit transmits unlock information associated with the fusion splicer to the external information terminal; A server, wherein the unlocking information includes usage period information for temporarily enabling operation of the fusion splicer.

18. the storage unit stores, in association with the identification information, lock cycle information for locking the operation of each of the plurality of fusion splicers and period information on a usage period during which the lock setting is temporarily released and the fusion splicers are enabled.

20. The server of claim 17.

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