Cable management system and cable management method

Abstract

A cable management system for managing a cable is provided. The cable management system comprises a portable terminal and a server. The server comprises a storage unit that stores cable information including information about the cable. The portable terminal comprises a means that transmits, to the server, identifying information of the cable that is allocated to a storage member in which the cable is stored, and a means that displays the cable information transmitted from the server. The server comprises a means that extracts the cable information from the storage unit on the basis of the identifying information transmitted from the portable terminal, and a means that transmits the extracted cable information to the portable terminal.

Description

CABLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND CABLE MANAGEMENT METHOD - Patent application

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to cable management systems and methods.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2022-144804 filed on September 12, 2022, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of the aforementioned Japanese application.

[0003] Cables such as optical cables and power cables are stored, for example, wound around drums.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a shipping management system for managing the shipping of cables wound on storage drums. Patent Document 1 discloses that the shipping management system includes a code data reading means for reading code data from a storage drum, the code data holding information on the storage drum's identification number and the length of the cable wound on the storage drum. Patent Document 1 also discloses that the shipping management system includes a cutting error determination means for comparing a received winding length with a cutting length held in the read work instruction information and determining at least a cutting error based on the difference between the winding length and the cutting length.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a cable installation management system that includes a work terminal carried by a worker and a management terminal that can provide cable installation work information to the work terminal, and that manages cable installation based on the work information. Patent Document 2 also discloses that the work terminal includes a camera unit that can read markers on cable installation cards, drums, and terminal blocks.

[0006] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-079907 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-147440

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a cable management system for managing cables, the cable management system comprising: a mobile terminal; and a server; the server comprising a memory unit for storing cable information including information relating to the cables; the mobile terminal comprising: means for transmitting identification information of the cables attached to a storage member in which the cables are stored to the server; and means for displaying the cable information transmitted from the server; and the server comprising: means for extracting the cable information from the memory unit based on the identification information transmitted from the mobile terminal; and means for transmitting the extracted cable information to the mobile terminal.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a cable management system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram explaining the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal in the cable management system according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram explaining the hardware configuration of a server in the cable management system according to this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram explaining the functional configuration of the cable management system according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram explaining processing in the cable management system according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram explaining processing in the cable management system according to this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flow diagram explaining processing in the cable management system according to this embodiment.

[0009] [Problem to be Solved by the Present Disclosure] A purchaser who purchases a cable is required to properly manage the cable he or she owns, for example, by properly managing the remaining length of the cable and the location where it is stored.

[0010] On the other hand, sellers of cables are required to formulate more accurate sales plans by understanding the inventory status of the cables they have sold.By formulating more accurate sales plans, sellers can prevent themselves from holding excess inventory based on excessive demand forecasts.

[0011] The present disclosure provides a cable management system that allows buyers and sellers to share information about cables.

[0012] [Advantages of the Present Disclosure] According to the cable management system of the present disclosure, information about cables can be shared between buyers and sellers.

[0013] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0014] (1) A cable management system according to the present disclosure is a cable management system for managing cables, the cable management system comprising: a mobile terminal; and a server. The server comprises a storage unit for storing cable information including information relating to the cables. The mobile terminal comprises means for transmitting cable identification information assigned to a storage member in which the cables are stored to the server, and means for displaying the cable information transmitted from the server. The server further comprises means for extracting the cable information from the storage unit based on the identification information transmitted from the mobile terminal, and means for transmitting the extracted cable information to the mobile terminal.

[0015] The cable management system of the present disclosure allows information about cables to be shared between buyers and sellers.

[0016] (2) In the above (1), the cable information includes the product name of the cable and the cable length at the time of shipment.

[0017] According to the cable management system disclosed in (2) above, information regarding the name of the cable purchased by the purchaser and the cable length at the time of shipment can be shared between the purchaser and the seller.

[0018] (3) In the above (1) or (2), the storage member is provided with an identification mark including the identification information, and the portable terminal further includes a means for capturing an image of the identification mark and a means for extracting the identification information from the captured image of the identification mark.

[0019] According to the cable management system disclosed in (3) above, information about cables can be shared between buyers and sellers. Also, according to the cable management system disclosed in (3) above, input of identification information can be automated.

[0020] (4) In any of (1) to (3) above, the server stores usage information including information on the use of the cable in the storage unit, the usage information including the remaining cable length. The mobile terminal further includes means for capturing an image of a length mark near the upper end of the cable, means for extracting length information from the captured length mark, and means for transmitting the extracted length information to the server. The server further includes means for updating the remaining cable length in the usage information based on the received length information.

[0021] According to the cable management system disclosed in (4) above, information about cables can be shared between buyers and sellers. Also, according to the cable management system disclosed in (4) above, input of remaining cable length can be automated.

[0022] (5) In the above (4), the usage information includes location information. The portable terminal further executes a means for performing location measurement near the storage member and a means for transmitting the location measurement result to the server. The server further includes a means for updating the location information of the usage information based on the received location measurement result.

[0023] According to the cable management system disclosed in (5) above, information about cables can be shared between buyers and sellers. Also, according to the cable management system disclosed in (5) above, input of cable location information can be automated.

[0024] (6) In the above (4) or (5), the server displays the inventory of the purchaser who purchased the cable based on the usage information.

[0025] According to the cable management system disclosed in (6) above, information regarding cable inventory can be shared between buyers and sellers.

[0026] (7) In the above (1) to (6), the cable information further includes specification information, installation instructions, shipping data, and inspection data.

[0027] According to the cable management system disclosed in (7) above, information regarding the specification information, installation instructions, shipping data, and inspection data of the cable purchased by the purchaser can be shared between the purchaser and the seller.

[0028] (8) In the above (1) to (7), the cable information includes the details of the trouble.

[0029] According to the cable management system disclosed in (8) above, the purchaser and the seller can share information regarding problems with the cable purchased by the purchaser.

[0030] (9) In the above (1) to (8), the storage member is a cable drum.

[0031] According to the cable management system disclosed in (9) above, information on cables delivered to the purchaser in cable drums can be shared between the purchaser and the seller.

[0032] (10) In the above (1) to (8), the storage member is a box.

[0033] According to the cable management system disclosed in (10) above, information about the cables delivered to the purchaser in boxes can be shared between the purchaser and the seller.

[0034] (11) A cable management method according to the present disclosure uses a cable management system including a mobile terminal and a server. The server includes a storage unit configured to store cable information including information about the cable. The mobile terminal then executes the following steps: transmitting to the server identification information for the cable assigned to a storage member in which the cable is stored; and displaying the cable information transmitted from the server. The server then executes the following steps: extracting the cable information from the storage unit based on the identification information transmitted from the mobile terminal; and transmitting the extracted cable information to the mobile terminal.

[0035] According to the cable management method of the present disclosure, information about cables can be shared between buyers and sellers.

[0036] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the cable management system and cable management method 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 defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0037] In the description of the specification and drawings of each embodiment, components having substantially the same or corresponding functions may be designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation. In addition, the scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual scale to facilitate understanding.

[0038] The following embodiments will be described, and at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner.

[0039] A cable management system according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a cable management system 1 according to the present embodiment. The cable management system 1 according to the present embodiment manages the remaining length and location of cables such as optical cables and power cables. The cable management system 1 according to the present embodiment includes at least one mobile terminal 10 and a server 20.

[0040] [Mobile Terminal 10] The mobile terminal 10 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer. The mobile terminal 10 is used by the purchaser who purchased the cable. The mobile terminal 10 executes an application provided by the seller who sold the cable. The mobile terminal 10 connects to the server 20 via the network NW. The mobile terminal 10 exchanges data with the server 20 using the application executed on the mobile terminal 10.

[0041] The mobile terminal 10 is realized by, for example, a mobile terminal having the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the hardware of the mobile terminal 10 in the cable management system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0042] Mobile terminal 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13. Mobile terminal 10 also includes a storage I / F (Interface) 14, a wireless I / F 15, an audio input / output I / F 16, a camera I / F 17, a positioning circuit 18, and a display 19. CPU 11, RAM 12, ROM 13, storage I / F 14, wireless I / F 15, audio input / output I / F 16, camera I / F 17, positioning circuit 18, and display 19 are each connected to bus B1.

[0043] For example, a recording medium 14a is connected to the storage I / F 14. A microphone 16a and a speaker 16b are connected to the audio input / output I / F 16.

[0044] The CPU 11 is a computing device that reads out a program (application) from a storage device such as the ROM 13 or the recording medium 14a onto the RAM 12 and executes processing.

[0045] The RAM 12 is a volatile semiconductor memory that temporarily stores, for example, programs (applications) and the like.

[0046] The ROM 13 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory that can retain programs (apps, applications) even when the power is turned off. The ROM 13 stores programs such as a Basic Input / Output System (BIOS) that is executed at startup, and various settings such as OS (Operating System) settings and network settings.

[0047] The storage I / F 14 is an interface with an external device such as a recording medium 14a, etc. The mobile terminal 10 in Fig. 2 can use the storage I / F 14 to read from and write to the recording medium 14a.

[0048] The recording medium 14a is, for example, an SD (Secure Digital) memory card or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

[0049] The wireless I / F 15 is an interface that wirelessly connects to an external network such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The wireless I / F 15 is equipped with an antenna and connects to the external network using a mobile communication method such as LTE (Long Term Evolution). The wireless I / F 15 also connects to the external network using a wireless communication method such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The mobile terminal 10 communicates with the server 20 using the wireless I / F 15. Note that the mobile terminal 10 may also connect to the server 20 using, for example, a wired communication method.

[0050] The audio input / output I / F 16 performs input / output processing of audio, etc. A microphone 16a and a speaker 16b are connected to the audio input / output I / F 16. The audio input / output I / F 16 inputs audio, etc. from the microphone 16a. The audio input / output I / F 16 then outputs audio, etc. from the speaker 16b.

[0051] The camera I / F 17 performs image input processing. A camera 17a is connected to the camera I / F 17. The camera 17a is a camera included in the mobile terminal 10.

[0052] The positioning circuit 18 measures the position of the mobile terminal 10. The positioning circuit 18 is, for example, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. The GNSS receiver receives positioning signals from GNSS satellites, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, to obtain position information of the mobile terminal 10.

[0053] The display 19 is a touch panel display. The display 19 displays a UI (User Interface), information, etc. The display 19 also detects touches on the screen to input operations, etc.

[0054] The mobile terminal 10 according to the present embodiment executes various processes (described later) by executing programs (apps, applications) in the above-described hardware configuration.

[0055] [Server 20] The server 20 is, for example, a computer. The server 20 is used by the seller of the cable. The server 20 is connected to each of the mobile terminals 10 via the network NW. The server 20 exchanges data with each of the mobile terminals 10 using a program executed on the server 20.

[0056] The server 20 is realized by, for example, a computer having the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the hardware of the server 20 in the cable management system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0057] The server 20 includes a CPU 21, a RAM 22, a ROM 23, a storage I / F 24, and a communication I / F 25. The CPU 21, the RAM 22, the ROM 23, the storage I / F 24, and the communication I / F 25 are each connected to a bus B2. The storage I / F 24 is connected to, for example, a storage medium 24a.

[0058] The CPU 21 is a computing device that reads out a program (application) from a storage device such as the ROM 23 or a storage medium 24a onto the RAM 22 and executes processing.

[0059] The RAM 22 is a volatile semiconductor memory that temporarily stores, for example, programs (applications) and the like.

[0060] The ROM 23 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory that can retain programs (applications) even when the power is turned off, and stores programs such as the BIOS that is executed at startup, and various settings such as OS settings and network settings.

[0061] The storage I / F 24 is an interface with external devices such as a storage medium 24a, etc. The mobile terminal 10 in Fig. 2 can use the storage I / F 24 to read from and write to the storage medium 24a.

[0062] The storage medium 24a is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0063] The communication I / F 25 is an interface for connecting to an external network such as the Internet. The communication I / F 25 connects to the external network using, for example, a wired communication method. The server 20 can communicate with each of the mobile terminals 10 using the communication I / F 25.

[0064] The server 20 according to this embodiment executes programs (applications) in the above-described hardware configuration to perform various processes, which will be described later.

[0065] <Identification Information> The cable management system 1 uses identification information to manage each cable to be shipped. The identification information is, for example, a string of characters consisting of multiple characters including numbers and letters. The identification information is uniquely assigned to each cable to be shipped.

[0066] The identification information is attached, for example, to a cable drum, which is an example of a storage member used when storing cables. To display the identification information on the cable drum, for example, a character string may be printed on the cable drum, or a sticker with a character string printed thereon may be affixed to the cable drum. Furthermore, to display the identification information on the cable drum, instead of the character string itself, for example, a coded identification mark such as a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode may be attached to the cable drum.

[0067] The identification information may also be stored in an electronic tag. The electronic tag is also called, for example, an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag, a wireless tag, or an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). When the identification information is stored in an electronic tag, the electronic tag is affixed to a cable drum, which is an example of a storage member used to store cables. When the identification information is stored in an electronic tag, the mobile terminal 10 has a function to read the electronic tag.

[0068] <Functional Configuration of Cable Management System 1> The functional configuration of the cable management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the cable management system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0069] The mobile terminal 10 in the cable management system 1 includes an identification information input unit 112 , a cable length input unit 114 , a storage location information input unit 116 , a screen display unit 122 , and a communication unit 130 .

[0070] [Identification Information Input Unit 112] The identification information input unit 112 inputs the identification information assigned to the cable drum. The identification information input unit 112 also outputs the input identification information to the communication unit 130.

[0071] The identification information input unit 112 functions by the CPU 11 executing a program. The identification information input unit 112 is realized, for example, by the CPU 11 controlling the display 19 to instruct the user to input identification information onto the screen and extracting the character string entered in the text box. The identification information input unit 112 is also realized, for example, by the CPU 11 encoding an image of an identification mark affixed to the cable drum captured by the camera 17a.

[0072] Furthermore, the identification information input unit 112 may input the identification information by, for example, reading the identification information stored in an electronic tag attached to the cable drum.

[0073] [Cable Length Input Unit 114] The cable length input unit 114 inputs the cable length of the cable. The cable length input unit 114 also outputs the input cable length to the communication unit 130.

[0074] The cable length input unit 114 functions by the CPU 11 executing a program. The cable length input unit 114 is realized, for example, by the CPU 11 controlling the display 19 so that the cable length is input on the screen of the display 19 and extracting the character string input in the text box. The cable length input unit 114 is also realized, for example, by the CPU 11 encoding an image of a length mark attached to the cable captured by the camera 17a.

[0075] [Storage Location Information Input Unit 116] The storage location information input unit 116 inputs storage location information where the cable drum is placed. The storage location information input unit 116 also outputs the input storage location information to the communication unit 130.

[0076] The storage location information input unit 116 functions by the CPU 11 executing a program. The storage location information input unit 116 is realized, for example, by the CPU 11 controlling the display 19 so that the location of the cable drum storage location is input on the screen of the display 19 and extracting the character string input in the text box. The storage location information input unit 116 is also realized, for example, by the CPU 11 controlling the positioning circuit 18 to determine the position.

[0077] Furthermore, the storage location information input unit 116 may input storage location information by reading a barcode or an electronic tag. When reading a barcode or an electronic tag, a barcode that displays the storage location information or an electronic tag that stores the storage location information is installed in the storage location. The storage location information input unit 116 may then register the barcode or electronic tag by reading it with the mobile terminal 10. The storage location information is, for example, a shelf number or a shelf address.

[0078] [Screen Display Unit 122] The screen display unit 122 displays information acquired from the server 20. The screen display unit 122 acquires information transmitted from the server 20 via the communication unit 130.

[0079] The screen display unit 122 functions by executing a program by the CPU 11. The screen display unit 122 is realized, for example, by the CPU 11 controlling the display 19 to display information transmitted from the server 20.

[0080] [Communication Unit 130] The communication unit 130 communicates with the server 20. The communication unit 130 functions by the CPU 11 executing a program. The communication unit 130 is realized, for example, by the CPU 11 controlling the wireless I / F 15 so that the wireless I / F 15 transmits and receives data.

[0081] The server 20 in the cable management system 1 includes a cable shipping information operation unit 212, a cable usage information operation unit 214, a cable-related information operation unit 216, a storage unit 220, and a communication unit 230. The storage unit 220 includes a cable shipping information database 222, a cable usage information database 224, and a cable-related information database 226.

[0082] Here, the information managed by the server 20 and stored in the storage unit 220 will be described. The server 20 stores the cable shipping information, cable usage information, and cable-related information as databases in the cable shipping information database 222, the cable usage information database 224, and the cable-related information database 226, respectively. Note that the cable shipping information, cable usage information, and cable-related information may be collectively referred to as cable information. The cable information includes information related to cables. Note that, below, examples of cable information items are given by exemplifying items included in the cable shipping information, cable usage information, and cable-related information, but the cable information may also include cable-related items other than those listed below.

[0083] (Cable Shipping Information) The cable shipping information stored in the cable shipping information database 222 by the server 20 will now be described. Table 1 shows the cable shipping information. The cable shipping information includes information about the cable sold by the seller and purchased by the purchaser. The cable shipping information includes information about the cable when it was shipped. The cable shipping information includes, for example, the name of the cable, the length of the cable at the time of shipment (shipped cable length, shipping length), shipping data, and inspection data. The cable shipping information is stored in the cable shipping information database 222 using identification information as a key. Note that in Table 1, data is indicated by an asterisk as a sample.

[0084]

[0085] (Product Name) The product name is the name of the cable stored in the cable drum to which the identification information is assigned. The product name is composed of a character string.

[0086] (Shipping cable length) The shipping cable length is the length of the cable stored in the cable drum with identification information attached at the time of shipping. The shipping cable length is also called the shipping length.

[0087] (Shipping Data) Shipping data is information related to the shipping of, for example, cable drums. The shipping data includes, for example, the shipping date, the shipping origin, and the shipping destination.

[0088] (Inspection Data) The inspection data is, for example, inspection data obtained when a cable stored in a cable drum is inspected before shipping. The inspection data includes, for example, the results of a dimensional inspection and an electrical test in the shipping test.

[0089] The product name, shipping cable length, shipping data, and inspection data included in the above-mentioned cable shipping information are examples, and the cable shipping information may include items related to cable shipping other than those mentioned above.

[0090] (Cable Usage Information) Next, the cable usage information stored in the cable usage information database 224 by the server 20 will be described. Table 2 shows the cable usage information. The cable usage information includes information regarding the usage of cables sold by sellers and purchased by purchasers. The cable usage information includes, for example, the remaining length of cable remaining in cable drums and information about the storage location of the cable drums. The cable usage information is stored in the cable usage information database 224 using identification information as a key. Note that in Table 2, data is indicated by asterisks as a sample.

[0091]

[0092] (Remaining Cable Length) The remaining cable length is the current length of the cable stored in the cable drum to which identification information is assigned.

[0093] (Storage location information) The storage location information is information relating to a location where a cable drum to which identification information has been assigned is stored. The storage location information is, for example, location information based on latitude and longitude or shelf information.

[0094] The remaining cable length and storage location information included in the cable usage information described above are merely examples, and the cable usage information may include items related to cable usage other than those described above.

[0095] (Cable-Related Information) Next, the cable-related information stored by the server 20 in the cable-related information database 226 will be described. Table 3 shows the cable-related information. The cable-related information includes information related to cables sold by sellers and purchased by buyers. The cable-related information includes, for example, cable specification information, installation instructions, and trouble information. The cable-related information is stored in the cable-related information database 226 using the product name as a key. Note that in Table 3, data is indicated by an asterisk as a sample.

[0096]

[0097] (Specification Information) The specification information is information indicating the specifications of the cable stored in the cable drum to which the identification information is assigned. For example, the specification information may refer to the data sheet of the cable, or a duplicate of the data sheet of the cable may be provided.

[0098] (Laying Instructions) Laying instructions are information that is defined for each type of cable and includes procedures for laying the cable. The laying instructions may be, for example, a file that describes the procedures. The laying instructions are an example of laying instructions.

[0099] (Trouble Information) Trouble information is information about troubles collected for each type of cable.

[0100] The specification information, installation instructions, and trouble information included in the cable-related information described above are merely examples, and the cable-related information may include other cable-related items than those described above.

[0101] [Cable shipping information operation unit 212] The cable shipping information operation unit 212 operates data stored in the cable shipping information database 222. For example, the cable shipping information operation unit 212 uses identification information as a key and outputs cable shipping information that matches the identification information to the communication unit 230.

[0102] The cable shipping information operation unit 212 functions by executing a program by the CPU 21. The cable shipping information operation unit 212 is realized, for example, by the CPU 21 extracting cable shipping information that matches the identification information from the cable shipping information database 222.

[0103] [Cable Usage Information Operation Unit 214] The cable usage information operation unit 214 operates data stored in the cable usage information database 224. For example, the cable usage information operation unit 214 uses identification information as a key to operate cable usage information that matches the identification information.

[0104] The cable usage information operation unit 214 functions by the CPU 21 executing a program. The cable usage information operation unit 214 is realized, for example, by the CPU 21 extracting cable usage information that matches the identification information from the cable usage information database 224. The cable usage information operation unit 214 is also realized, for example, by the CPU 21 updating the cable usage information that matches the identification information from the cable usage information database 224.

[0105] [Cable-related information operation unit 216] The cable-related information operation unit 216 operates data stored in the cable-related information database 226. For example, the cable-related information operation unit 216 uses a product name as a key to operate cable-related information that matches the product name.

[0106] The cable-related information operation unit 216 functions by the CPU 21 executing a program. The cable-related information operation unit 216 is realized, for example, by the CPU 21 extracting cable-related information that matches the product name from the cable-related information database 226. The cable-related information operation unit 216 is also realized, for example, by the CPU 21 updating the cable-related information that matches the product name from the cable-related information database 226.

[0107] [Communication Unit 230] The communication unit 230 communicates with the mobile terminal 10. The communication unit 230 functions by the CPU 21 executing a program. The communication unit 230 is realized, for example, by the CPU 21 controlling the communication I / F 25 so that the communication I / F 25 transmits and receives data.

[0108] <Processing in Cable Management System 1> Processing in the cable management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Each means of the cable management method will be described by describing the processing in the cable management system 1 according to this embodiment. As examples of processing in the cable management system 1, acquisition of cable shipping information, updating of cable length information, and updating of storage location information will be described.

[0109] 5 is a diagram illustrating a process for acquiring cable shipping information in the cable management system 1 according to this embodiment. In the process of FIG. 5, the mobile terminal 10 acquires the cable shipping information from the server 20.

[0110] (Step S10 ) First, the mobile terminal 10 transmits a connection request to the server 20 .

[0111] (Step S20) The server 20 checks whether the mobile terminal 10 has the authority to connect to the server 20. If the mobile terminal 10 has the authority to connect to the server 20, it transmits an authentication result permitting the connection. If the mobile terminal 10 does not have the authority to connect to the server 20, it transmits an authentication result rejecting the connection. Note that if the connection is rejected, the mobile terminal 10 ends the process without performing the process of step S30. Here, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 10 has the authority.

[0112] (Step S30) The mobile terminal 10 acquires the identification information assigned to the cable drum. The operator of the mobile terminal 10 may, for example, input the identification information assigned to the cable drum into a text box in an application on the mobile terminal 10. Furthermore, if the identification information assigned to the cable drum is provided as a two-dimensional barcode, the operator of the mobile terminal 10 may capture an image of the two-dimensional barcode using the camera 17a of the mobile terminal 10. When the two-dimensional barcode is captured, the mobile terminal 10 extracts the identification information from the image of the captured two-dimensional barcode.

[0113] (Step S40 ) Next, the mobile terminal 10 transmits the identification information to the server 20 .

[0114] (Step S50) The server 20 extracts cable shipping information that matches the identification information transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 from the cable shipping information database stored in the storage unit.

[0115] (Step S60) The server 20 transmits the cable shipping information that matches the identification information acquired in step S50 to the mobile terminal 10. The mobile terminal 10 displays the transmitted cable shipping information on the display 19, for example.

[0116] (Step S70) The server 20 ends communication with the mobile terminal 10.

[0117] Although the cable shipping information has been described here, for example, when the mobile terminal 10 transmits identification information, the server 20 may transmit cable usage information or cable-related information. The mobile terminal 10 then displays the cable usage information or cable-related information transmitted from the server 20 on the display 19. In other words, in the cable management system 1, when the mobile terminal 10 transmits identification information, the server 20 may transmit any of the cable information, which is information related to the cable.

[0118] [Updating Cable Length Information] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating the process of updating cable length information in the cable management system 1 according to this embodiment. In the process of Fig. 6, the mobile terminal 10 transmits cable length information to the server 20. Then, the mobile terminal 10 acquires cable shipping information and cable usage information from the server 20.

[0119] For steps S10, S20, S30, S50 and S70, please refer to the above explanations and the explanations will be omitted here.

[0120] (Step S32) The mobile terminal 10 acquires cable length information of the cable wound around the cable drum. The operator of the mobile terminal 10 may, for example, input the numerical value of the length mark closest to the end of the cable (in other words, the length mark near the top end) into a text box in an application on the mobile terminal 10. The operator of the mobile terminal 10 may also capture an image of the length mark closest to the end of the cable using the camera 17a of the mobile terminal 10. The mobile terminal 10 analyzes the captured image to extract cable length information of the cable.

[0121] When the mobile terminal 10 captures an image of the length mark, the captured image may be transmitted to the server 20. The server 20 may also store the captured image. By storing the captured image in the server 20, the image can be kept as a record and the validity of the data can be verified at a later date. Furthermore, the server 20 may analyze the transmitted image to extract cable length information of the cable.

[0122] (Step S42 ) Next, the mobile terminal 10 transmits the identification information and the cable length information to the server 20 .

[0123] (Step S52) The server 20 extracts cable usage information that matches the identification information transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 from the cable usage information database stored in the storage unit.

[0124] (Step S54) The server 20 updates the cable length information in the extracted cable usage information based on the cable length information transmitted and received from the mobile terminal 10. The server 20 then stores the updated cable usage information in the cable usage information database stored in the storage unit.

[0125] (Step S62) The server 20 transmits the cable shipping information that matches the identification information acquired in step S50 and the cable usage information updated in step S54 to the mobile terminal 10. The mobile terminal 10 displays the transmitted cable shipping information and usage information on the display 19, for example.

[0126] [Updating Storage Location Information] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a process for updating storage location information in the cable management system 1 according to this embodiment. In the process in Fig. 7, the mobile terminal 10 transmits storage location information to the server 20. Then, the mobile terminal 10 acquires cable shipping information and cable usage information from the server 20.

[0127] For steps S10, S20, S30, S50, S52 and S70, please refer to the above explanations and the explanations will be omitted here.

[0128] (Step S34) The mobile terminal 10 acquires location information, which is information about the location of the storage area for the cable drum. The operator of the mobile terminal 10 may, for example, input information about the location, such as coordinates or a shelf number, into a text box in an application on the mobile terminal 10. The operator of the mobile terminal 10 may also capture an image of the cable drum using the camera 17a of the mobile terminal 10. Furthermore, the operator of the mobile terminal 10 may measure (measure) the position of the mobile terminal 10 near the cable drum using the positioning circuit 18 of the mobile terminal 10, and acquire the position of the mobile terminal 10, which is the positioning result, as the position of the cable drum.

[0129] When the mobile terminal 10 captures an image of the cable drum, the captured image may be transmitted to the server 20. The server 20 may also store the captured image. By storing the captured image in the server 20, the image can be kept as a record and the validity of the data can be verified at a later date.

[0130] (Step S44 ) Next, the mobile terminal 10 transmits the identification information and the location information to the server 20 .

[0131] (Step S55) The server 20 updates the storage location information in the extracted cable usage information based on the location information transmitted from the mobile terminal 10. Then, the server 20 stores the updated cable usage information in the cable usage information database stored in the storage unit.

[0132] (Step S62) The server 20 transmits the cable shipping information that matches the identification information acquired in step S50 and the cable usage information updated in step S55 to the mobile terminal 10. The mobile terminal 10 displays the transmitted cable shipping information and usage information on the display 19, for example.

[0133] According to the cable management system 1 of this embodiment, information about cables can be shared between cable buyers and sellers.

[0134] The cable management system 1 according to the present embodiment allows purchasers to grasp the inventory status. Furthermore, the cable management system 1 according to the present embodiment reduces the effort and time required to manage the usage status (remaining cable length or storage location) of owned cables. Furthermore, the cable management system 1 according to the present embodiment reduces recording or transcription errors.

[0135] Furthermore, the cable management system 1 according to this embodiment allows the seller to grasp the inventory status of the purchaser. Furthermore, the cable management system 1 according to this embodiment allows the seller and purchaser to accurately grasp whether or not there are any empty cable drums when empty cable drums are collected and reused after cable use. Furthermore, the cable management system 1 according to this embodiment allows empty cable drums to be collected quickly, thereby reducing the frequency of procuring new cable drums and suppressing costs.

[0136] Conventionally, at cable installation sites, after using a cable, the product number of the cable, the length used, and the storage location after use are recorded and reported to the site manager or materials manager.The site manager or materials manager then updates and manages the database of the remaining length, storage location, etc. of the cable they possess.

[0137] In addition, cable sellers had no way of knowing how the cables they sold to customers were being used, and had no choice but to rely on interviews with buyers' material managers to forecast future demand. Furthermore, cable sellers sometimes collect and reuse empty cable drums after buyers have used the cable, but they had no choice but to rely on interviews with customers' material managers to find out whether empty cable drums were available and where they were stored.

[0138] It is difficult to collect all empty cable drums, especially for exported products. Furthermore, cable purchasers may have to store the cables for a long period of time before using them up. Therefore, it is desirable to avoid installing battery-dependent sensors on cables and cable drums, which increases costs.

[0139] Therefore, with the cable management system 1 according to the present embodiment, a cable purchaser can input the cable identification number on the app to view shipping information (item name, shipping length, etc.) related to the cable from the database of the server 20. Furthermore, with the cable management system 1 according to the present embodiment, input can be automated by reading the two-dimensional barcode attached to the cable drum.

[0140] According to the cable management system 1 of this embodiment, after using a cable, a purchaser of the cable can input the remaining length of the cable and the storage location on the app and upload the information to the database. Furthermore, according to the cable management system 1 of this embodiment, the site manager or material manager of the cable purchaser can view the database. According to the cable management system 1 of this embodiment, the latest usage information (remaining length, storage location) of the cable in their possession can be checked at any time. Note that the information to be shared between the seller and the purchaser in the cable management system 1 may be selected as appropriate.

[0141] When registering the remaining cable length using the mobile terminal 10, the cable management system 1 according to this embodiment can automatically read the length mark on the upper end after cutting using the camera 17a of the mobile terminal 10. The cable management system 1 according to this embodiment also allows the remaining cable length to be manually input. The remaining cable length can be calculated, for example, by comparing it with the length information on the upper and lower ends at the time of shipment. Furthermore, the cable management system 1 according to this embodiment can prevent input errors by automatically reading using the camera function. Furthermore, the cable management system 1 according to this embodiment can check records by saving a photo of the length mark on the server 20.

[0142] According to the cable management system 1 of this embodiment, when registering cable storage locations on the mobile terminal 10, the coordinates can be registered using the positioning function of the mobile terminal 10. Furthermore, according to the cable management system 1 of this embodiment, the layout of storage locations can be saved as photos.

[0143] According to the cable management system 1 of this embodiment, by sharing the database information with the permission of the purchaser, the seller can check the inventory status of the customer, which can be useful for demand forecasting. Furthermore, by sharing the database information with the permission of the purchaser, the seller can, for example, detect inventory reductions in a timely manner and respond to sudden increases in demand after the inventory reductions.

[0144] According to the cable management system 1 of this embodiment, the seller or purchaser can grasp the number and storage locations of empty cable drums from the remaining length information of the cable drums, and can efficiently collect the empty cable drums.

[0145] The cable management system 1 according to this embodiment allows a purchaser of a cable to view cable-related information, such as specification information and installation instructions, using a mobile terminal 10. Furthermore, the cable management system 1 according to this embodiment can also be used as a customer portal, allowing the purchaser to register trouble information in the event of a problem.

[0146] The cable management system 1 according to this embodiment is a cable management system that uses an application that runs on a mobile terminal (mobile terminal 10) provided by the seller. The cable management system 1 according to this embodiment allows access to cable information that the seller has entered into the server 20, and allows customers to enter usage information each time they use a cable.

[0147] The server 20 may display inventory information on a display connected to the server 20 based on the cable usage information. Also, the server 20 may display inventory information via a computer connected to the server 20 based on the cable usage information. Similarly, the server 20 may display cable information on a display connected to the server 20. Also, the server 20 may allow a computer connected to the server 20 to access the cable information.

[0148] The present invention can be realized not only as a cable management system including such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a cable management method including steps of such characteristic processing, as a program for causing a computer to execute such steps, or as a semiconductor integrated circuit that implements part of a cable management system.

[0149] Each of the mobile terminal 10 and the server 20 in the cable management system 1 includes a computer including a CPU (microprocessor), a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

[0150] An arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU (microprocessor) reads and executes a computer program including some or all of the steps of the sequence diagrams or flowcharts shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7 from a storage unit such as a ROM or RAM. The computer programs for these multiple devices can be installed from an external server device or the like. Furthermore, the computer programs for these multiple devices are distributed in a state where they are stored on recording media such as CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memories.

[0151] In the above description, a cable drum is used as a storage member for storing cables, but the storage member is not limited to a cable drum and may be, for example, a cable bobbin or a box.

[0152] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the meaning described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0153] 1 Cable management system 10 Mobile terminal 11 CPU 12 RAM 13 ROM 14 Storage I / F 14a Recording medium 15 Wireless I / F 16 Audio input / output I / F 16a Microphone 16b Speaker 17 Camera I / F 17a Camera 18 Positioning circuit 19 Display 20 Server 21 CPU 22 RAM 23 ROM 24 Storage I / F 24a Storage medium 25 Communication I / F 112 Identification information input unit 114 Cable length input unit 116 Storage location information input unit 122 Screen display unit 130 Communication unit 212 Cable shipping information operation unit 214 Cable usage information operation unit 216 Cable-related information operation unit 220 Storage unit 222 Cable shipping information database 224 Cable usage information database 226 Cable-related information database 230 Communication unit B1, B2 Bus NW Network S10, S20, S30, S32, S34, S40, S42, S44, S50, S52, S54, S55, S60, S62, S70 Steps

Claims

1. A cable management system for managing cables, wherein the cable management system includes a mobile terminal and a server, the server includes a storage unit for storing cable information including information about the cables, the mobile terminal has means for transmitting the identification information of the cable given to a storage member where the cable is stored to the server, and has means for displaying the cable information transmitted from the server, the server has means for extracting the cable information from the storage unit based on the identification information transmitted from the mobile terminal, and has means for transmitting the extracted cable information to the mobile terminal, A cable management system.

2. The cable information includes the name of the cable and the cable length at the time of shipment, The cable management system according to claim 1.

3. The storage member is marked with an identification mark including the identification information, the mobile terminal has means for imaging the identification mark, and further has means for extracting the identification information from the imaged identification mark, The cable management system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The server stores usage information including information about the use of the cable in the storage unit, the usage information includes the remaining cable length, the mobile terminal has means for imaging a length mark near the upper end of the cable, has means for extracting length information from the imaged length mark, and further has means for transmitting the extracted length information to the server, the server further has means for updating the remaining cable length of the usage information based on the received length information, The cable management system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The usage information includes location information, the mobile terminal has means for performing location measurement in the vicinity of the storage member, and further has means for transmitting the positioning result of the location measurement to the server, the server further has means for updating the location information of the usage information based on the received positioning result, The cable management system according to claim 4.

6. The server displays the inventory of the purchaser who purchased the cable based on the usage information, The cable management system according to claim 4.

7. The cable information further includes specification information, laying instructions, shipment data, and inspection data, The cable management system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The cable information includes the details of the trouble. The cable management system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

9. The storage member is a cable drum. The cable management system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

10. The storage member is a box. The cable management system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

11. A cable management method using a cable management system comprising a mobile terminal and a server, The server includes a storage unit that stores cable information including information about the cable, The mobile terminal, transmitting, to the server, the identification information of the cable assigned to the storage member in which the cable is stored; performing a step of displaying the cable information transmitted from the server; The server, extracting the cable information from the storage unit based on the identification information transmitted from the mobile terminal; performing a step of transmitting the extracted cable information to the mobile terminal. Cable management method.