Map information generation system for optical fiber line and map information generation method for optical fiber line

Abstract

This map information generation system comprises: a fusion splicer; a communication unit that receives fusion splicing data; and a generation unit that executes generation processing for generating map information of a target optical fiber line. The generation processing includes a step for setting, as a reference point, a point the position of which has been previously specified, a step for acquiring first distance information indicating the distance between the reference point and a first-order adjacent point, a step for setting a range for determining a candidate point serving as the first-order adjacent point on the basis of the first distance information; a step for determining, as the first-order adjacent point, a candidate point located within the range among a plurality of candidate points; and a step for generating the map information on the basis of the position of the reference point and the position of the first-order adjacent point.

Description

Optical Fiber Cable Route Map Information Generation System and Optical Fiber Cable Route Map Information Generation Method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber cable route map information generation system and an optical fiber cable route map information generation method. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-206650 filed on November 27, 2024, and incorporates all the descriptions set forth in the Japanese application.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a core wire route design and management program for an optical cable. In this program, a simple drawing screen for creating a cable wiring route is displayed for an operator. The operator creates an optical cable system diagram showing the wiring system of the optical cable by arranging symbols indicating connection points of the cable on the simple drawing screen. Then, by arranging symbols corresponding to the above optical cable system diagram on the map by the operator, the positional relationship of the cable facilities is shown.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-190115

[0004] An optical fiber cable route map information generation system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a fusion splicer that performs fusion splicing of optical fibers, a communication unit that receives fusion splicing data via a communication network from at least one of an information terminal capable of communicating with the fusion splicer and the fusion splicer, and a generation unit that executes a generation process for generating map information of a target optical fiber cable route. The fusion splicing data includes position information indicating the position of each of a plurality of first candidate points including a plurality of fusion splicing points in the target optical fiber cable route. The generation process includes a step of setting a reference point based on a point whose position is specified in advance, a step of obtaining first distance information indicating the distance between the reference point and a first adjacent point that is a fusion splicing point adjacent to the reference point in the target optical fiber cable route, a step of setting a first range for determining a first candidate point that becomes a first adjacent point from among the plurality of first candidate points based on the first distance information, a step of determining, as a first adjacent point, a first candidate point located within the first range among the plurality of first candidate points, and a step of generating map information based on the position of the reference point and the position of the first adjacent point.

[0005] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a map information generation system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the external appearance of a fusion splicer with the windshield cover closed. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the external appearance of a fusion splicer with the windshield cover open and the internal structure visible. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the control unit of the fusion splicer. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware of the fusion splicer. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the functions of an information terminal. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware of an information terminal. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the functions of the control unit of a measuring instrument. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the hardware of a measuring instrument. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the functions of a server. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the hardware of a server. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of map information generated by the map information generation system shown in Figure 1. Figure 13 is a flowchart for explaining the processing performed by the map information generation system shown in Figure 1. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of loss change information. Figure 15 is a diagram showing another example of loss change information. Figure 16 is a diagram for explaining the range for determining the primary adjacent points. Figure 17 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the processing performed by the map information generation system shown in Figure 1. Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the range for determining a new primary neighbor. Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating yet another example of the processing performed in the map information generation system shown in Figure 1. Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of loss change information. Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating the process for determining candidate optical connection points. Figure 22 is a flowchart illustrating a modified version of the process for determining primary neighbors shown in Figure 13. Figure 23 is a diagram illustrating the range for determining secondary neighbors. Figure 24 is a schematic diagram showing the map information generation system according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 25 is a block diagram illustrating another example of the functions of the control unit of a fusion splicer. Figure 26 is a block diagram showing the functions of an information terminal.

[0006] In the optical cable core path design and management program described in Patent Document 1, the positional relationship of cable equipment is indicated by the operator placing symbols on a map that represent cable connection points, etc. When applying such a method to the generation of optical fiber line map information, it often involves human judgment, just like the above program, so the generated map information does not accurately reflect the actual positional relationship. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that generates optical fiber line map information with reduced human intervention.

[0007] This disclosure aims to provide a map information generation system and a map information generation method that generate map information of optical fiber lines in a labor-saving manner.

[0008] According to this disclosure, it becomes possible to generate map information of optical fiber lines with reduced manpower.

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Disclosure] First, embodiments of the Disclosure will be listed and described. [1] A map information generation system according to one embodiment of the Disclosure is a system for generating map information of optical fiber lines. This map information generation system comprises a fusion splicer that performs fusion splicing of optical fibers, a communication unit that receives fusion splice data via an information communication network from at least one of an information terminal that can communicate with the fusion splicer and the fusion splicer, and a generation unit that performs a generation process to generate map information of a target optical fiber line. The fusion splice data includes location information indicating the location of each of a plurality of first candidate points, which include a plurality of fusion splice points in the target optical fiber line. The generation process includes the steps of: setting a reference point at a location whose position has been identified in advance; acquiring first distance information indicating the distance between the reference point and a primary adjacent point, which is a fusion splice point adjacent to the reference point, in the target optical fiber line; setting a first range for determining a first candidate point to be a primary adjacent point from among a plurality of first candidate points based on the first distance information; determining a first candidate point located within the first range from among the plurality of first candidate points as a primary adjacent point; and generating map information based on the position of the reference point and the position of the primary adjacent point.

[0010] This map information generation system uses the positions of multiple fusion splice points on the target optical fiber line, as well as first-order distance information, which are included in the fusion splice data, when generating map information for the target optical fiber line. By using the positions of each fusion splice point and the first-order distance information in this way, it is possible to determine the primary adjacent points adjacent to the reference point while minimizing the need for human judgment. Therefore, it becomes possible to generate map information for optical fiber lines with reduced human effort. In other words, it becomes possible to generate map information for optical fiber lines almost automatically.

[0011] [2] In the map information generation system described in [1] above, the generation process may further include the steps of: acquiring loss change information that shows the change in transmission loss in the target optical fiber line with respect to the length of the target optical fiber line; and calculating a first distance, which is the distance between adjacent fusion splice points in the target optical fiber line, based on the loss change information. In the step of acquiring the first distance information, the first distance information may be acquired based on the calculated first distance. In this case, the first distance information can be easily acquired.

[0012] [3] In the map information generation system described in [2] above, the step of calculating the first distance may include the steps of identifying the connection point length, which indicates the length of the target optical fiber line at each of the multiple fusion splice points, based on the amount of change in transmission loss, and calculating the first distance based on the acquired multiple connection point lengths. In an optical fiber line, the amount of change in transmission loss at a fusion splice point shows a different change than at other locations. For example, at a fusion splice point, the amount of change in transmission loss increases in the negative direction compared to other locations. Therefore, by referring to such an amount of change in transmission loss, the connection point length at each of the multiple fusion splice points can be accurately identified. As a result, the accuracy of calculating the first distance can be improved.

[0013] [4] In the map information generation system described in [3] above, the loss change information may include first loss change information showing the loss change information when light having a first wavelength is transmitted to the target optical fiber line, and second loss change information showing the loss change information when light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength is transmitted to the target optical fiber line. In the step of determining the connection point length, the connection point length may be determined by comparing the amount of change in the first loss change information with the amount of change in the second loss change information. In an optical fiber line, even at points where the optical fiber is physically bent, the amount of change in transmission loss may show a change similar to that at a fusion splice. Hereinafter, the location where the optical fiber is physically bent may be referred to as a "bending point". However, at bending points, the amount of change in transmission loss does not depend on the wavelength of the light transmitted to the optical fiber, whereas at fusion splice points, the amount of change in transmission loss is different. Therefore, by utilizing the relationship between such a change in transmission loss and the wavelength of light, the connection point length at each of multiple fusion splice points can be determined more accurately. As a result, the accuracy of calculating the first distance can be further improved.

[0014] [5] In any of the map information generation systems described in [2] to [4] above, the generation process may further include the steps of: calculating two second distances, which are the distances between an optical connection point and two adjacent fusion splice points, based on loss change information; identifying the locations of second candidate points that are candidate points for the optical connection point based on the two second distances; and adding the locations of the identified second candidate points to the map information. In this case, the accuracy of the map information for optical fiber lines can be improved.

[0015] [6] In any of the map information generation systems described in [1] to [5] above, the step of determining a primary adjacent point may include, when there are multiple primary adjacent candidate points including a first candidate point located within the first range, the step of acquiring second distance information indicating the distance between a primary adjacent point and a secondary adjacent point which is a fusion splice point adjacent to the primary adjacent point and different from the reference point in the target optical fiber line; the step of setting a second range for determining a first candidate point that will become a secondary adjacent point from among the multiple first candidate points based on the second distance information; and the step of determining a primary adjacent candidate point that has a first candidate point located within the second range among the multiple primary adjacent candidate points as a primary adjacent point. In this case, the accuracy of the map information of the optical fiber line can be improved.

[0016] [7] In any of the map information generation systems described in [1] to [6] above, the generation process may further include: updating the reference point to the first candidate point that was most recently determined as the primary adjacent point among a plurality of first candidate points; acquiring third distance information indicating the distance between the updated reference point and a new primary adjacent point adjacent to the updated reference point in the target optical fiber line; setting a third range for determining the first candidate point that will become the new primary adjacent point from among a plurality of first candidate points based on the third distance information; identifying the first candidate point located within the third range among the plurality of first candidate points as the new primary adjacent point; and adding the location of the new primary adjacent point indicated by the location information to the map information. In this case, the reference point is updated and the new primary adjacent point is determined, so the map information of the optical fiber line can be enhanced.

[0017] [8] A map information generation method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a map information generation method for generating map information of an optical fiber line. This map information generation method includes a step of performing a generation process to generate map information of a target optical fiber line. The step of performing the generation process includes a step of acquiring location information indicating the location of each of a plurality of first candidate points, including a plurality of fusion splice points, in the target optical fiber line; a step of setting a point whose location has been specified in advance as a reference point; a step of acquiring first distance information indicating the distance between the reference point and a primary adjacent point, which is a fusion splice point adjacent to the reference point, in the target optical fiber line; a step of setting a first range for determining a first candidate point to be a primary adjacent point from among a plurality of first candidate points based on the first distance information; a step of determining a first candidate point located within the first range among the plurality of first candidate points as a primary adjacent point; and a step of generating map information based on the location of the reference point and the location of the primary adjacent point.

[0018] In the above-described method for generating map information for optical fiber lines, the locations of multiple fusion splice points in the target optical fiber line, which are included in the fusion splice data, and first distance information are used when generating map information for the target optical fiber line. By using the locations of each fusion splice point and the first distance information in this way, it is possible to determine the primary adjacent points adjacent to the reference point while minimizing the need for human judgment. Therefore, it becomes possible to generate map information for optical fiber lines with reduced human effort. In other words, it becomes possible to generate map information for optical fiber lines almost automatically.

[0019] [Details of Embodiments of the Disclosure] Specific examples of the optical fiber line map information generation system and map information generation method relating to the Disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The Disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is as indicated by the claims, and all changes within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included. In the following description, the same elements in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0020] The map information generation system described herein is a system that generates map information of optical fiber lines formed by connecting multiple optical fibers. Map information of an optical fiber line refers to information indicating the geographical attributes of the optical fiber line. For example, map information of an optical fiber line indicates at least the locations of points where optical fibers are connected.

[0021] The connection of optical fibers as described above is achieved, for example, by fusion splicing. Fusion splicing is performed, for example, by a fusion splicer, and the location of the spliced ​​point is stored by the fusion splicer. An optical fiber line is formed by performing such a fusion splicing operation one or more times. Hereinafter, the spliced ​​point may be referred to as a "fusion splice point."

[0022] In conventional fusion splicing operations, only the location of the fusion splice point is recorded. Therefore, after the optical fiber line is formed, it is not possible to determine the order in which each fusion splice point was connected, making it difficult to generate optical fiber line map information in a labor-saving manner. In contrast, the map information generation system according to this disclosure uses the distance between fusion splice points in addition to the location of the fusion splice points to generate the aforementioned optical fiber line map information largely automatically.

[0023] [First Embodiment] Referring to Figure 1, the outline of the map information generation system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the map information generation system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The map information generation system 1 is a system for generating map information of optical fiber lines and comprises a fusion splicer 10, a communication unit 53 of a server 50, and a generation unit 52 of the server 50. The fusion splicer 10 performs fusion splicing of optical fibers. The communication unit 53 of the server 50 receives fusion splicing data D3 from the fusion splicer 10 via an information communication network. The generation unit 52 of the server 50 executes a generation process to generate map information of the target optical fiber line. In this embodiment, the map information generation system 1 may also include a measuring instrument 40 and a server 50. Furthermore, the map information generation system 1 may also include an information terminal 30. For example, in the map information generation system 1, the fusion splicer 10 performs fusion splicing of optical fibers in one or more optical fiber lines, including the optical fiber line that is the target of map information generation. In this disclosure, the optical fiber lines that are the subject of map information generation are referred to as "target optical fiber lines."

[0024] The information terminal 30 is a terminal used by the project manager of the construction project that uses the fusion splicer 10. The information terminal 30 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. For example, in the map information generation system 1, fusion splicing of optical fibers is performed using the fusion splicer 10 and the information terminal 30.

[0025] The measuring instrument 40 measures the transmission loss of an optical fiber line formed by multiple optical fibers. The multiple optical fibers are fusion-spliced ​​together by a fusion splicer 10. The measuring instrument 40 measures the transmission loss of the optical fiber line by, for example, transmitting light having a predetermined wavelength through the optical fiber line. As the measuring instrument 40, for example, an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) can be used. An OTDR is a measuring instrument for measuring the transmission loss of an optical fiber line based on the intensity of Rayleigh scattered light. Rayleigh scattered light is one of the various types of scattered light that occur when light incident on an optical fiber line travels through the optical fiber line. Among the various types of scattered light, Rayleigh scattered light has the same frequency as the incident light. The light intensity of Rayleigh scattered light depends on the loss in each part of the optical fiber line.

[0026] Server 50 is a management server that oversees the fusion splicing of optical fibers by the fusion splicer 10. Server 50 executes generation processing GS to generate map information of the target optical fiber line. Server 50 is a computer that can communicate with the fusion splicer 10, information terminal 30, and measuring instrument 40 via an information and communication network 60. The information and communication network 60 is, for example, the Internet. Server 50 is located in a certain region on Earth, while the fusion splicer 10, information terminal 30, and measuring instrument 40 are located in different regions from the location of Server 50.

[0027] Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the external appearance of the fusion splicer 10. Figure 2 shows the external appearance with the windbreak cover closed. Figure 3 shows the external appearance with the windbreak cover open, revealing the internal structure of the fusion splicer 10. The fusion splicer 10 is a device for fusion splicing optical fibers together. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the fusion splicer 10 is equipped with a box-shaped housing 2. The upper part of the housing 2 is provided with a fusion splicing section 3 for fusion splicing optical fibers together, and a heater 4 for heating and shrinking the fiber reinforcement sleeve placed over the fusion splice of the optical fibers fused in the fusion splicing section 3. The fusion splicer 10 is equipped with a monitor 5 that displays the fusion splicing status of the optical fibers as captured by a camera (not shown) located inside the housing 2. Furthermore, the fusion splicer 10 is equipped with a windbreak cover 6 to prevent wind from entering the fusion splicing section 3.

[0028] The fusion splicer 3 has a holder mounting section on which a pair of optical fiber holders 3a can be mounted, a pair of fiber positioning sections 3b, and a pair of discharge electrodes 3c. Each optical fiber to be fused is held and fixed in an optical fiber holder 3a, and each optical fiber holder is mounted and fixed in the holder mounting section. The fiber positioning section 3b is positioned between the optical fiber holders 3a and positions the tip of the optical fiber held in each optical fiber holder 3a. The discharge electrodes 3c are positioned between the fiber positioning sections 3b and are electrodes for fusing the tips of the optical fibers together by arc discharge.

[0029] The windshield cover 6 is connected to the housing 2 so as to be able to open and close and cover the fusion splice 3. Each side surface 6a of the windshield cover 6 has an inlet 6b formed therein for introducing optical fibers into the fusion splice 3 (i.e., into each of the optical fiber holders 3a).

[0030] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functions of the control unit of the fusion splicer 10. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware of the fusion splicer 10. As shown in Figure 4, the fusion splicer 10 functionally comprises a communication unit 11, a fusion splice data generation unit 12, and a GPS position acquisition unit 13. As shown in Figure 5, the fusion splicer 10 includes a computer as its control unit, which is equipped with hardware such as a CPU 10a, RAM 10b, ROM 10c, input device 10d, wireless communication module 10e, auxiliary storage device 10f, and output device 10g. These elements operate according to a program or the like to provide the various functions of the fusion splicer 10. In addition to the control unit, the fusion splicer 10 also includes various fusion splice mechanisms 10h.

[0031] The communication unit 11 communicates with the server 50. The communication unit 11 includes a communication module such as a wireless LAN module. The communication unit 11 sends and receives various signals with the server 50 via an information and communication network 60 such as the Internet. The communication unit 11 sends and receives various signals with the server 50 via wireless communication.

[0032] The fusion splicing data generation unit 12 generates fusion splicing data D1. Fusion splicing data D1 is automatically generated for each fusion splicing operation. Fusion splicing data D1 includes, for example, the date and time of the operation, an estimated value of the splicing loss, the type of optical fiber, a splicing image which is an image of the location where the optical fibers are fused together, the operator's identification number (ID), the ID of the fusion splicer 10, the discharge power and discharge current during fusion splicing, the atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity around the fusion splicer 10, etc. The generation of one fusion splicing data D1 means that one fusion splicing operation has been performed. In response to a transmission request Ea (see Figure 1) from the server 50, the fusion splicing data generation unit 12 transmits the generated fusion splicing data D1 to the server 50 via the communication unit 11.

[0033] The GPS position acquisition unit 13 acquires location information D2 of the fusion splicer 10 using GPS functionality. Location information D2 is indicated, for example, by latitude and longitude. Location information D2 may also be acquired using means other than GPS functionality; for example, location information D2 may be acquired using Wi-Fi functionality.

[0034] The location information D2 acquired by the GPS position acquisition unit 13 is included in the fusion splice data D1 generated by the fusion splice data generation unit 12, for example. In one example, the GPS position acquisition unit 13 receives the fusion splice data D1 from the fusion splice data generation unit 12 and includes the location information D2 in the fusion splice data D1. This generates the fusion splice data D3. That is, the GPS position acquisition unit 13 generates the fusion splice data D3 by including the location information D2 in the fusion splice data D1. The GPS position acquisition unit 13 transmits the generated fusion splice data D3 to the server 50 via the communication unit 11 (see Figure 1).

[0035] Here, since the fusion splicing of optical fibers by the fusion splicer 10 is performed on one or more optical fiber lines, including the target optical fiber line, the location information D2 may include the locations of fusion splice points on optical fiber lines other than the target optical fiber line. Therefore, it can be said that the location of each fusion splice point indicated by the location information D2 also indicates the location of candidate point CP1 (see Figure 16) for the fusion splice point on the target optical fiber line. In other words, it can be said that the fusion splice data D3, which includes the location information D2, includes the locations of multiple candidate points CP1 (first candidate points) that include multiple fusion splice points on the target optical fiber line.

[0036] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the functions of the information terminal 30. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware common to the information terminal 30. As shown in Figure 6, the information terminal 30 includes a communication unit 31 and a display unit 32. Also, as shown in Figure 7, the information terminal 30 includes a computer with hardware such as a CPU 20a, RAM 20b, ROM 20c, input device 20d, communication module 20e, auxiliary storage device 20f, and output device 20g. The information terminal 30 provides the functions shown in Figure 6 through the operation of these elements by programs, etc.

[0037] In the information terminal 30, the communication unit 31 includes a communication module 20e such as a LAN module, and transmits and receives various signals to and from the server 50 via an information and communication network 60 such as the Internet. The display unit 32 displays map information of optical fiber lines transmitted from the server 50 (details will be described later).

[0038] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the functions of the control unit of the measuring instrument 40. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the hardware of the measuring instrument 40. As shown in Figure 8, the measuring instrument 40 functionally includes a communication unit 41 and a loss change information generation unit 42. As shown in Figure 9, the measuring instrument 40 includes a computer as its control unit, which is equipped with hardware such as a CPU 40a, RAM 40b, ROM 40c, input device 40d, wireless communication module 40e, auxiliary storage device 40f, and output device 40g. These elements operate according to a program or the like to provide the various functions of the measuring instrument 40. In addition to the control unit, the measuring instrument 40 also includes various measuring mechanisms 40h.

[0039] The communication unit 41 communicates with the server 50. The communication unit 41 sends and receives various signals with the server 50 via an information and communication network 60 such as the Internet.

[0040] The loss change information generation unit 42 generates loss change information D4. The loss change information D4 shows the change in transmission loss in the optical fiber line with respect to the length of the optical fiber line. Transmission loss refers to the degree of attenuation of the transmission intensity of light transmitted through the optical fiber. In other words, the loss change information D4 includes the transmission intensity values ​​at each length position of the optical fiber line. The loss change information D4 is automatically generated each time a transmission intensity measurement is performed for a single optical fiber line. Furthermore, the generation of one loss change information D4 means that one transmission intensity measurement has been performed.

[0041] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the functions of server 50. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the hardware of server 50. As shown in Figure 10, the server 50 functionally comprises a storage unit 51, a generation unit 52, and a communication unit 53. As shown in Figure 11, the server 50 includes a computer as a control unit, which has hardware such as a CPU 50a, RAM 50b, ROM 50c, a communication module 50d, and an auxiliary storage device 50e. These elements operate according to programs and the like to provide the various functions of server 50.

[0042] The storage unit 51 holds fusion splice data D3 and optical fiber line map information D5. The map information D5 indicates, for example, where the optical fibers forming the target optical fiber line are connected. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the map information D5 includes line ID, location, connection point type, and order. The line ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies the optical fiber line. The location indicates the location of the connection point in the optical fiber line. The connection point type indicates what type of connection was made at the corresponding location. In this embodiment, for example, the connection point type includes fusion splice by the fusion splicer 10 described above and optical connection by a connector, etc. The order indicates the connection order of the optical fibers in the target optical fiber line.

[0043] The generation unit 52 executes the generation process GS. That is, the map information generation system 1 includes a generation unit 52 that executes the generation process GS. In this embodiment, the generation process GS is a process that includes the generation of map information D5 and the addition of map information D5. The generation unit 52 executes the generation process GS based on the fusion splice data D3 obtained from the fusion splicer 10 and the loss change information D4 obtained from the measuring instrument 40. In this embodiment, the generation unit 52 generates and adds map information D5 based on the position information D2 included in the fusion splice data D3 and the distance between connection points calculated from the loss change information D4. Details of the generation and addition of map information D5 by the generation unit 52 will be described later.

[0044] The communication unit 53 communicates with the fusion splicer 10, the information terminal 30, and the measuring instrument 40 via an information communication network 60 such as the Internet. The communication unit 53 receives the fusion splicing data D3 from the fusion splicer 10 and the loss change information D4 from the measuring instrument 40 via the information communication network 60. That is, the map information generation system 1 includes the communication unit 53 that receives the fusion splicing data D3 from the fusion splicer 10 via the information communication network 60. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the communication unit 53 transmits the map information D5 generated by the generation unit 52 to the monitor 70 or the information terminal 30. The map information D5 is presented to, for example, an administrator by the display unit 32 of the monitor 70 or the information terminal 30. The monitor 70 is, for example, a monitor for the server 50 connected to the server 50, and displays the map information of the optical fiber line transmitted from the server 50, similar to the display unit 32. That is, the map information generation system 1 may further include the monitor 70.

[0045] Next, the processing performed in the map information generation system 1 will be described. First, referring to FIG. 13, the generation of the map information D5 in the generation process GS will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the processing performed in the map information generation system shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 13, in the present embodiment, the generation process GS includes steps S11 to S18 as the process of generating the map information D5.

[0046] First, the generation unit 52 acquires the loss change information D4 (step S11). The generation unit 52 acquires the loss change information D4 from the measuring instrument 40 via the communication unit 53. In the present embodiment, the generation unit 52 acquires the loss change information D4 for one optical fiber line. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the optical fiber line indicated by the loss change information D4 acquired in step S11 becomes the target optical fiber line.

[0047] In this embodiment, the loss change information D4 includes first loss change information D4a and second loss change information D4b. That is, in this embodiment, the generation unit 52 acquires the first loss change information D4a and the second loss change information D4b from the measuring instrument 40. The first loss change information D4a indicates the loss change information D4 when light having a first wavelength is transmitted through the target optical fiber line. The second loss change information D4b indicates the loss change information D4 when light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength is transmitted through the target optical fiber line. In this embodiment, the first wavelength is 1310 nm and the second wavelength is 1550 nm.

[0048] Next, the generation unit 52 specifies the connection point length (step S12). The connection point length indicates the length of the target optical fiber line at each of the plurality of fusion connection points. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the process of specifying the connection point length in this embodiment will be described in more detail. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of loss change information. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another example of loss change information. The horizontal axes of FIGS. 14 and 15 indicate the length positions in the target optical fiber line, and the vertical axes of FIGS. 14 and 15 indicate the transmission intensity of light at the corresponding length positions. The first loss change information D4a is shown in FIG. 14, and the second loss change information D4b is shown in FIG. 15.

[0049] The generation unit 52 specifies the connection point length based on the change amount of the transmission loss. First, the generation unit 52 calculates the change amount of the transmission loss in each of the first loss change information D4a and the second loss change information D4b. The change amount of the transmission loss is an index indicating how much the transmission loss changes per a predetermined length. In this embodiment, the change amount of the transmission loss is indicated by the slope of the loss change at each length position.

[0050] In optical fiber lines, the change in transmission loss described above is larger in the negative direction at fusion splice points or locations where the optical fiber is physically bent, compared to other locations. Hereafter, locations where the optical fiber is physically bent may be referred to as "bending points." Furthermore, when two lights with different wavelengths are transmitted through an optical fiber, the changes in transmission loss for the two lights are different at the bending point, whereas at the fusion splice point, the changes in the two lights are approximately the same. For example, comparing light with a wavelength of 1310 nm and light with a wavelength of 1550 nm, at the bending point, the change in loss for the light with a wavelength of 1550 nm is larger in the negative direction than the change in loss for the light with a wavelength of 1310 nm. In the map information generation system 1, the connection point length and connection point type are determined by utilizing this relationship between the change in transmission loss and the wavelength of the light.

[0051] Specifically, first, the generation unit 52 calculates the slope of the loss change at each length position in both the first loss change information D4a and the second loss change information D4b. Next, the generation unit 52 identifies the length positions in both the first loss change information D4a and the second loss change information D4b where the slope of the loss change is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold. In the examples shown in Figures 14 and 15, length positions L1, L2, L3, and L4 are identified.

[0052] Next, the generation unit 52 compares the slope of the loss change at the specified length position between the first loss change information D4a and the second loss change information D4b. As described above, in this embodiment, the first wavelength is 1310 nm and the second wavelength is 1550 nm, so at the bending point, the slope of the loss change in the second loss change information D4b is greater than the slope of the loss change in the first loss change information D4a. In the example shown in Figures 14 and 15, at length position L4, the slope of the loss change in the first loss change information D4a and the slope of the loss change in the second loss change information D4b satisfy the above-described relationship of magnitude.

[0053] On the other hand, at length positions L1, L2, and L3, the slope of the loss change in the first loss change information D4a and the slope of the loss change in the second loss change information D4b are approximately the same. From the above, it is understood that in the examples shown in Figures 14 and 15, length positions L1, L2, and L3 correspond to fusion splice points, and length position L4 corresponds to a bending point. Next, the generation unit 52 identifies the length of the optical fiber line at the length position corresponding to the fusion splice point as the connection point length. In this way, step S12 identifies which length position the fusion splice point in the target optical fiber line is located at. In the examples shown in Figures 14 and 15, the lengths of the optical fiber line at length positions L1, L2, and L3 are identified as the connection point lengths.

[0054] Next, the generation unit 52 calculates the distance between fusion splice points (step S13). The generation unit 52 calculates the distance between adjacent fusion splice points in the target optical fiber line. In this embodiment, in step S13, the generation unit 52 calculates the distance between adjacent fusion splice points based on the specified connection point lengths. The generation unit 52 calculates the difference between the specified connection point lengths as the distance between adjacent fusion splice points. In the example shown in Figures 14 and 15, the difference between the length at length position L1 and the length at length position L2 is calculated as the distance d1 between fusion splice points, and the difference between the length at length position L2 and the length at length position L3 is calculated as the distance d2 between fusion splice points.

[0055] The generation unit 52 calculates the distance between fusion splice points in the target optical fiber line by identifying the connection point lengths and calculating the difference between the identified connection point lengths along the entire length of the target optical fiber line. The generation unit 52 may temporarily store the information indicating each calculated distance in the auxiliary storage device 50e, or it may store the information indicating each calculated distance in the storage unit 51. In this case, the generation unit 52 stores the length position that serves as the starting point for the distance calculation in association with the calculated distance. That is, the generation unit 52 stores the information in which the distance and the length position are associated with each other in the auxiliary storage device 50e or the storage unit 51. For example, in the example shown in Figures 14 and 15, the generation unit 52 stores the length position L1 associated with distance d1, and stores the length position L2 associated with distance d2.

[0056] Next, the generation unit 52 sets a reference point RP (see Figure 16) (step S14). The reference point RP is a point whose location has been specified in advance and serves as a reference point when generating map information D5. The reference point RP is determined, for example, by an administrator. In this case, the administrator may, in step S12, determine one of the candidate points CP1 whose length position in the target optical fiber line has been specified as the reference point RP. Information indicating the determined reference point RP may be input to the server 50 (generation unit 52) ​​via the information and communication network 60 by the administrator, for example. The generation unit 52 may then set the reference point RP based on the information input by the administrator. Therefore, in this example, the generation unit 52 may set one of the multiple fusion splice points in the target optical fiber line (candidate point CP1) as the reference point RP.

[0057] Alternatively, the generation unit 52 may receive the above information indicating the reference point RP from another computer system and set the reference point RP based on the received information. In this case, the generation unit 52 may set an optical connection point as the reference point RP, or it may set any point on the target optical fiber line as the reference point RP. That is, the reference point RP can be any point whose position has been specified in advance. The reference point RP may be, for example, a fusion splice point, an optical connection point, or any point on the target optical fiber line. In the following, we will explain as an example the case in which one of the multiple fusion splice points on the target optical fiber line (candidate point CP1) is set as the reference point RP.

[0058] Next, the generation unit 52 acquires distance information (first distance information) indicating the distance between the reference point RP and the primary adjacent point AP1 (step S15). In this disclosure, the primary adjacent point AP1 refers to a fusion splice point adjacent to the reference point RP in the target optical fiber line. In this embodiment, the generation unit 52 acquires information from the information stored in step S13 that includes the distance associated with the length position of the fusion splice point set as the reference point RP, as the distance information. As described above, the distance calculated in step S13 is the distance between adjacent fusion splice points, so the distance associated with the fusion splice point set as the reference point RP indicates the distance between the reference point RP and the primary adjacent point AP1. In the example shown in Figures 14 and 15, for example, if the length position of the fusion splice point set as the reference point RP is length position L1, the generation unit 52 acquires distance d1 as the distance information.

[0059] Next, the generation unit 52 sets a range R1 (first range) for determining candidate points CP1 that will become the primary adjacent point AP1 (step S16). The generation unit 52 sets the range R1 based on the distance indicated by the distance information acquired in step S15. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, the generation unit 52 sets the range R1 to be a range inside a predetermined distance from the circumference of circle C1 and a range outside the circumference of circle C1 by the predetermined distance. Circle C1 is a circle centered on the reference point RP and with a radius of the distance indicated by the distance information (for example, distance d1). Alternatively, the generation unit 52 may set the range R1 to be only the range inside a predetermined distance from the circumference of circle C1. In these cases, the predetermined distance may be, for example, 0.01 km or more and 5.0 km or less. Actual optical fiber lines may extend in the vertical direction, so the calculated distance between fusion splice points may include the vertical distance in addition to the horizontal distance. Furthermore, in actual optical fiber lines, each optical fiber may be laid along an actual road, so the calculated distance between fusion splice points may not be shown as a straight-line distance. Therefore, by setting the range for determining candidate point CP1 to a predetermined distance from the circumference of circle C1 with the calculated distance as its radius, a decrease in accuracy when determining the primary adjacent point AP1 in subsequent processing can be prevented. Alternatively, the generation unit 52 may set the range R1 to be the circumference of circle C1.

[0060] Next, the generation unit 52 determines the primary adjacent point AP1 (step S17). The generation unit 52 determines the candidate point CP1 located within the range R1 set in step S16 from among the multiple candidate points CP1 as the primary adjacent point AP1 (see Figure 16). In the example shown in Figure 16, the multiple candidate points CP1 include candidate points CP1a, CP1b, CP1c, CP1d, and CP1e. In Figure 16, candidate point CP1a is set as the reference point RP, and the primary adjacent point AP1 is determined from among the candidate points CP1b to CP1e. Of the candidate points CP1b, CP1c, CP1d, and CP1e, candidate point CP1c is located within the range R1. In the example shown in Figure 16, the generation unit 52 determines this candidate point CP1c as the primary adjacent point AP1.

[0061] Next, the generation unit 52 generates map information D5 (step S18). The generation unit 52 generates map information D5 based on the position of the reference point RP and the position of the primary adjacent point AP1, which are indicated by the position information D2 included in the fusion splice data D3. In this embodiment, first, the generation unit 52 generates a line ID corresponding to the target optical fiber line, and associates the position of the reference point RP, information indicating the connection point type, and a number corresponding to the order with the generated line ID to generate a data record of map information D5. Next, the generation unit 52 further generates a data record of map information D5 by associating the position of the primary adjacent point, information indicating the connection point type, and a number corresponding to the order with the same line ID as the reference point RP.

[0062] For example, the number corresponding to the order is set to the number corresponding to the order in which the data records for a single track ID were generated. That is, in step S18, the number indicating the order associated with the position of reference point RP is "1", and the number indicating the order associated with the position of primary adjacent point AP1 is "2".

[0063] In the example shown in Figure 16, a data record of map information D5 is generated in which the location of candidate point CP1a, information indicating the type of connection point, and a number indicating the order (e.g., "1") are associated with the line ID, and a data record of map information D5 is generated in which the location of candidate point CP1c, information indicating the type of connection point, and a number indicating the order (e.g., "2") are associated with the line ID. The generation unit 52 then stores the two generated data records as map information D5 in the storage unit 51. In this way, the map information D5 of the target optical fiber line is generated in the map information generation system 1.

[0064] In the map information generation system 1, the map information D5 is presented to, for example, an administrator by being displayed on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30. In this case, the display unit 32 may present the map information D5 to the administrator with each location included in the map information D5 mapped onto a map, and objects connecting each location superimposed on the map. With such a display, the administrator can easily grasp the positional relationships of connection points in the target optical fiber line.

[0065] In the map information generation system 1, the fusion splice image and loss change information D4 at each fusion splice point included in the fusion splice data D3 may be presented to the administrator together with the map information D5. In this case, the administrator can easily determine whether the cause of transmission loss at locations with high transmission loss is due to fusion splicing by referring to both the loss change information D4 and the fusion splice image.

[0066] Next, the addition of map information D5 in the generation process GS will be explained. In this embodiment, the addition of map information D5 includes adding the location of a new primary adjacent point AP1 to map information D5 and adding the locations of candidate points for optical connection points to map information D5.

[0067] First, with reference to Figure 17, the process of adding the location of the new primary adjacent point AP1 to the map information D5 will be explained. Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the process performed by the map information generation system shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 17, in this embodiment, the generation process GS includes steps S21 to S25 as the process of adding the location of the new primary adjacent point AP1 to the map information D5.

[0068] First, the generation unit 52 updates the reference point RP (step S21). The generation unit 52 updates the reference point RP to the candidate point CP1 that was most recently determined as the primary adjacent point AP1 from among the multiple candidate points CP1. Figure 18 shows an example in which map information D5 is added to the example shown in Figure 16. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 18, the reference point RP is updated to the candidate point CP1c that was determined as the primary adjacent point AP1 in Figure 16. Step S21 can also be described as the step of setting a new reference point RPn. The generation unit 52 can also be described as setting the candidate point CP1 that was most recently determined as the primary adjacent point AP1 as the new reference point RPn. That is, in the example shown in Figure 18, candidate point CP1c is set as the new reference point RPn.

[0069] Next, the generation unit 52 acquires information (third distance information) indicating the distance between the reference point RPn and the new primary adjacent point AP1n (step S22). In this disclosure, the new primary adjacent point AP1n refers to a fusion splice point adjacent to the updated reference point RPn in the target optical fiber line. In this embodiment, the generation unit 52 acquires information from the information stored in step S13 that includes the distance associated with the length position of the fusion splice point set as the reference point RPn, as the distance information. In the example shown in Figure 18, when the candidate point CP1 is updated to the reference point RPn, the generation unit 52 acquires the distance d2 as the distance information.

[0070] Next, the generation unit 52 sets a range R2 (third range) for determining a candidate point CP1 that will become a new primary adjacent point AP1n (step S23). The generation unit 52 sets the range R2 based on the distance indicated by the distance information acquired in step S22. In step S23, the generation unit 52 also sets the range R2 to include a range that is a predetermined distance inside the circumference of circle C2 and a range that is a predetermined distance outside the circumference of circle C2. Circle C2 is a circle centered on the reference point RPn and with a radius of the distance indicated by the distance information (for example, distance d2). The predetermined distance may be the same as, for example, the predetermined distance in range R1. The generation unit 52 may set only the range that is a predetermined distance inside the circumference of circle C2 as range R2, or it may set the circumference of circle C2 as range R2.

[0071] Next, the generation unit 52 determines a new primary adjacent point AP1n (step S24). The generation unit 52 determines a candidate point CP1 that is located within the range R2 set in step S24 from among a plurality of candidate points CP1 as the new primary adjacent point AP1n. In the example shown in Figure 18, among candidate points CP1b, CP1d, and CP1e, candidate point CP1d is located within the range R2. In the example shown in Figure 18, the generation unit 52 determines this candidate point CP1d as the new primary adjacent point AP1n.

[0072] Next, the generation unit 52 adds map information D5 (step S25). The generation unit 52 adds the location of the new primary adjacent point AP1n, indicated by the location information D2 included in the fusion splice data D3, to the map information D5. In this embodiment, the generation unit 52 generates a new data record that associates the location of the new primary adjacent point AP1n, information indicating the connection point type, and a number indicating the order with the same track ID as the track ID assigned to the initial reference point RP. As described above, the number corresponding to the order is set to a number corresponding to the order in which data records associated with a single track ID were generated. Therefore, in step S25, the number indicating the order that is associated with the location of the new primary adjacent point AP1n is an integer of "3" or more. Then, the generation unit 52 adds the generated data record to the map information D5. In this way, the location of the new primary adjacent point AP1 is added to the map information D5 in the map information generation system 1.

[0073] Next, with reference to Figure 19, the process of adding the locations of candidate points for optical connection points to map information D5 will be described. Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the process performed by the map information generation system shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, based on the loss change information D4 described above, the location of candidate point CP2 (second candidate point) for optical connection points is identified, and the identified location of candidate point CP2 is added to map information D5. As shown in Figure 19, in this embodiment, the generation process GS includes steps S31 to S34 as the process of adding the locations of candidate points for optical connection points to map information D5.

[0074] First, the generation unit 52 determines the length of the target optical fiber line at the optical connection point based on the loss change information D4 (step S31). In step S31, either the first loss change information D4a or the second loss change information D4b may be used as the loss change information D4. That is, in step S31, the generation unit 52 may determine the length of the target optical fiber line at the optical connection point based on the first loss change information D4a, or it may determine the length of the target optical fiber line at the optical connection point based on the second loss change information D4b.

[0075] As shown in Figure 20, in optical fiber lines, the amount of change in transmission loss described above may be larger in the positive direction at the optical connection point compared to other locations. Figure 20 shows yet another example of loss change information. The horizontal axis of Figure 20 represents the length position in the target optical fiber line. The vertical axis of Figure 20 represents the optical transmission intensity at the corresponding length position. In the map information generation system 1, the length of the target optical fiber line at the optical connection point is determined based on the magnitude of such changes in transmission loss.

[0076] Specifically, first, the generation unit 52 calculates the slope of the loss change at each length position in the loss change information D4. Next, the generation unit 52 identifies the length position in the loss change information D4 where the slope of the loss change is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. In the example shown in Figure 20, length position L6 corresponds to the optical connection point, and length positions L5 and L7 correspond to the fusion splice points. Next, the generation unit 52 identifies the length of the optical fiber line at the length position corresponding to the optical connection point. The generation unit 52 identifies the length of the optical fiber line at the length position corresponding to the fusion splice point as the connection point length. The identification of length positions L5 and L7 and the connection point length corresponding to the fusion splice point in step S31 is the same as in step S12 described above, so the explanation is omitted.

[0077] Next, the generation unit 52 calculates the distance between the optical connection point and the fusion splice point (step S32). The generation unit 52 calculates the distance (second distance) between the optical connection point and each of the two adjacent fusion splice points. In this embodiment, in step S31, the generation unit 52 calculates the distance between the optical connection point and each of the two adjacent fusion splice points based on the length of the target optical fiber line at the identified optical connection point and the connection point lengths for the two adjacent fusion splice points. The generation unit 52 calculates the difference between the length of the target optical fiber line at the identified optical connection point and each of the two connection point lengths as the distance between the optical connection point and each of the two fusion splice points. In the example shown in Figure 20, the difference between the length at length position L5 and the length at length position L6 is calculated as the distance d3 between the optical connection point and one of the fusion splice points. The difference between the length at position L6 and the length at position L7 is calculated as the distance d4 between the optical connection point and the other fusion connection point.

[0078] Next, the generation unit 52 identifies the position of candidate point CP2 for the optical connection point (step S33). The generation unit 52 identifies the position of candidate point CP2 based on the distances calculated in step S32 between the optical connection point and each of the two fusion connection points adjacent to the optical connection point. In this embodiment, the generation unit 52 determines the intersection of a circle C3 and a circle C4, centered on one of the fusion connection points and with a radius of the distance indicated by the distance information (for example, distance d3), as candidate point CP2 (see Figure 21).

[0079] Circle C3 is a circle centered at one of the fusion splice points and with a radius equal to the distance between that fusion splice point and the optical connection point (for example, distance d3). Circle C4 is a circle centered at the other fusion splice point and with a radius equal to the distance between that fusion splice point and the optical connection point (for example, distance d4). The generation unit 52 then calculates the position of each intersection point based on the position of the one fusion splice point and the position of the other fusion splice point indicated by the position information D2, and identifies the calculated position as the position of the determined candidate point CP2.

[0080] In the example shown in Figure 21, candidate point CP1f is a candidate point indicating one of the fusion splice points, and candidate point CP1g is a candidate point indicating the other fusion splice point. In Figure 21, of the two intersection points of the two circles C3 and C4, one intersection point is determined as candidate point CP2a, and the other intersection point is determined as candidate point CP2b. Then, based on the positions of candidate points CP1f and CP1g, the positions of the two intersection points of circles C3 and C4 are calculated, the position of one intersection point is identified as the position of candidate point CP2a, and the position of the other intersection point is identified as the position of candidate point CP2b.

[0081] Next, the generation unit 52 adds map information D5 (step S34). The generation unit 52 adds the locations of the candidate points CP2 (for example, candidate points CP2a, CP2b) identified in step S33 to the map information D5. In this embodiment, the generation unit 52 generates a new data record that associates the location of candidate point CP2, information indicating the type of connection point, and a number indicating the order with the same line ID as the line ID assigned to the initial reference point RP. Next, the generation unit 52 adds the generated data record to the map information D5. In this way, the locations of candidate points CP2 of the optical connection points are added to the map information D5 in the map information generation system 1.

[0082] In the map information generation system 1, the locations of candidate optical connection points CP2 may be displayed on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30, and the administrator may be asked to select which candidate point CP2 corresponds to the actual optical connection point. In this case, the server 50 may receive information indicating which candidate point CP2 the administrator has selected. The generation unit 52 may then update the connection point type in the data record for the selected candidate point CP2 from optical connection candidate point to optical connection point. Furthermore, the generation unit 52 may delete the data records for the unselected candidate point CP2 from the map information D5.

[0083] In the map information generation system 1 according to this embodiment, when generating map information D5 of a target optical fiber line, the positions of each of the multiple fusion splice points in the target optical fiber line and distance information indicating the distance between the reference point RP and the primary adjacent point AP1, which are included in the fusion splice data D3, are used. By using the positions of each fusion splice point and the above distance information, it is possible to determine the primary adjacent point AP1 adjacent to the reference point RP while minimizing the need for human judgment. Therefore, it becomes possible to generate the map information D5 of the optical fiber line with reduced manpower. In other words, it becomes possible to generate the map information of the optical fiber line almost automatically.

[0084] In the map information generation system 1 according to this embodiment, the generation process GS includes the steps of acquiring loss change information D4 and calculating the distance between adjacent fusion splice points in the target optical fiber line based on the loss change information D4. In the step of acquiring distance information indicating the distance between a reference point RP and a primary adjacent point AP1, the distance information may be acquired based on the calculated distance. This makes it possible to easily acquire distance information indicating the distance between a reference point RP and a primary adjacent point AP1.

[0085] In the map information generation system 1 according to this embodiment, the step of calculating the distance between adjacent fusion splice points in a target optical fiber line includes the step of identifying the splice length based on the change in transmission loss, and the step of calculating the distance between adjacent fusion splice points based on the acquired splice lengths. In an optical fiber line, the change in transmission loss at a fusion splice point shows a different change than at other locations. For example, at a fusion splice point, the change in transmission loss is larger in the negative direction compared to other locations. Therefore, by referring to such a change in transmission loss, the splice length at each of the multiple fusion splice points can be accurately identified. As a result, the accuracy of calculating the first distance can be improved.

[0086] In the map information generation system 1 according to this embodiment, the loss change information D4 includes first loss change information D4a and second loss change information D4b. In the step of determining the connection point length, the connection point length is determined by comparing the amount of change in the first loss change information D4a with the amount of change in the second loss change information D4b. In optical fiber lines, the amount of change in transmission loss may also show a similar change at bending points as at fusion splice points. However, at bending points, the amount of change in transmission loss differs depending on the wavelength of the light transmitted through the optical fiber, whereas at fusion splice points, the amount of change in transmission loss is almost independent of the wavelength of the light. Specifically, when two lights with different wavelengths are transmitted through an optical fiber, at bending points the two amounts of change in transmission loss are different, whereas at fusion splice points the two amounts of change are approximately the same. Therefore, by utilizing this relationship between the amount of change in transmission loss and the wavelength of the light, the connection point length at each of multiple fusion splice points can be determined more accurately. As a result, the accuracy of calculating the distance between adjacent fusion splice points in the target optical fiber line can be further improved.

[0087] In the map information generation system 1 according to this embodiment, the generation process GS includes the steps of: calculating the distance between an optical connection point and each of two fusion splice points adjacent to the optical connection point based on loss change information D4; identifying the location of a candidate point CP2 that will be a candidate point for the optical connection point based on the two calculated distances; and adding the location of the identified candidate point CP2 to the map information D5. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of the map information of the optical fiber line.

[0088] In the map information generation system 1 according to this embodiment, the generation process GS includes the steps of: updating the reference point RP to the candidate point CP1 that was most recently determined as the primary adjacent point AP1 from among a plurality of candidate points CP1; acquiring distance information indicating the distance between the updated reference point RPn and a new primary adjacent point AP1n adjacent to the updated reference point RPn in the target optical fiber line; setting a range R2 for determining the candidate point CP1 that will become the new primary adjacent point AP1n from among a plurality of candidate points CP1 based on the distance information; identifying the candidate point CP1 located within the range R2 from among the plurality of candidate points CP1 as the new primary adjacent point AP1n; and adding the location of the new primary adjacent point AP1n indicated by the location information to the map information D5. As a result, the reference point is updated and a new primary adjacent point is determined, thereby improving the map information of the optical fiber line.

[0089] Here, a modified example of the process for determining the primary adjacent point AP1 in step S17 will be explained with reference to Figure 22. Figure 22 is a flowchart for explaining a modified example of the process for determining the primary adjacent point shown in Figure 13. As shown in Figure 22, in this modified example, step S17 includes steps S171 to S173. Steps S171 to S173 in this modified example are performed, for example, when there are multiple candidate points CP1 located within range R1. Hereafter, candidate points CP1 located within range R1 will be referred to as primary adjacent candidate points CP3 that indicate candidate points for primary adjacent point AP1. That is, steps S171 to S173 in this modified example are performed, for example, when there are multiple primary adjacent candidate points CP3 located within range R1.

[0090] In this modified example, first, the generation unit 52 acquires information indicating the distance between the primary adjacent point AP1 and the secondary adjacent point AP2 (second distance information) (step S171). In this disclosure, the secondary adjacent point AP2 refers to a fusion splice point adjacent to the primary adjacent point AP1 and different from the reference point RP. In step S13, the generation unit 52 acquires information from the information stored, including the distance associated with the length position of the fusion splice point corresponding to the primary adjacent point AP1, as the distance information.

[0091] Next, the generation unit 52 sets a range R3 (second range) for determining candidate points CP1 that will become secondary adjacent points AP2 (step S172). The generation unit 52 sets range R3 based on the distance indicated by the distance information acquired in step S171. In step S172, the generation unit 52 sets range R3 as the range inside a predetermined distance from the circumference of a circle centered on the primary adjacent candidate point CP3 and with a radius of the distance indicated by the distance information, and the range outside the circumference of circle C3 by the predetermined distance (see Figure 23). The predetermined distance may be the same as, for example, the predetermined distance in range R1. The generation unit 52 may set only the range inside the circumference of circle C3 by the predetermined distance as range R3, or it may set the circumference of circle C3 as range R3.

[0092] Next, the generation unit 52 determines the primary adjacent point AP1 (step S173). The generation unit 52 determines the primary adjacent point AP1 from among the multiple primary adjacent candidate points CP3 that has a candidate point CP1 located within range R3. In the example shown in Figure 23, multiple primary adjacent candidate points CP3a and CP3b are located within range R1. Range R3 in Figure 23 is defined as a range inside a predetermined distance from the circumference of circle C5 and a range outside of circle C5 by the same predetermined distance. Circle C5 is a circle with primary adjacent candidate points CP3a and CP3b as centers and a radius of distance d5. In Figure 23, candidate point CP1i is located within range R3 related to primary adjacent candidate point CP3a. On the other hand, there is no candidate point CP1 located within range R3 related to primary adjacent candidate point CP3b. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 23, the primary adjacent candidate point CP3a is determined to be the primary adjacent point AP1.

[0093] In this modified example, the step of determining a primary adjacent point AP1 includes, when there are multiple primary adjacent candidate points CP3 including candidate point CP1 located within range R1, the step of acquiring distance information indicating the distance between primary adjacent point AP1 and secondary adjacent point AP2 in the target optical fiber line; the step of setting range R2 for determining a candidate point CP1 that will become secondary adjacent point AP2 from among the multiple candidate points CP1 based on the distance information; and the step of determining a primary adjacent candidate point CP3 that contains a candidate point CP1 located within range R2 as primary adjacent point AP1. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of the optical fiber line map information.

[0094] [Second Embodiment] Next, an overview of the map information generation system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 24. Figure 24 is a schematic diagram showing the map information generation system according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Hereinafter, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same points as the first embodiment may be omitted from the description. As shown in Figure 24, in the second embodiment, the map information generation system 1A further comprises an information terminal 20. As shown in Figure 24, in the second embodiment, the map information generation system 1A comprises a fusion splicer 10A instead of a fusion splicer 10. The map information generation system 1A may further comprise an information terminal 20.

[0095] Information terminal 20 is a terminal used by the project manager of a construction project using the fusion splicer 10A. Information terminal 20 is, for example, a portable wireless communication terminal such as a smartphone. The fusion splicer 10A is connected to information terminal 20 for communication purposes, for example, by wireless connection. Information terminal 20 may be installed at each construction site where optical fiber fusion splicing is performed by the fusion splicer 10A. In the map information generation system 1A, fusion splicing of optical fibers is performed using the fusion splicer 10A and information terminals 20 and 30. In this case, information terminal 30 is a terminal for displaying the generated map information D5. In the map information generation system 1A, information terminal 30 may be a terminal used by the project manager of a construction project using the fusion splicer 10A, or it may be a terminal carried by a worker using the fusion splicer 10A.

[0096] In the second embodiment, the server 50 is a computer capable of communicating with information terminals 20, 30 and measuring instruments 40 via an information and communication network 60. The server 50 is located in a different region from the location of the fusion splicer 10A and the information terminals 20.

[0097] Figure 25 is a block diagram showing another example of the functions of the control unit of a fusion splicer. As shown in Figure 25, the fusion splicer 10A functionally comprises a communication unit 11 and a fusion splice data generation unit 12. Similar to the fusion splicer 10, the fusion splicer 10A includes a computer equipped with hardware such as a CPU 10a, RAM 10b, ROM 10c, input device 10d, wireless communication module 10e, auxiliary storage device 10f, and output device 10g. These elements operate according to a program or the like to provide the various functions of the fusion splicer 10A. In addition to the control unit, the fusion splicer 10A also includes various fusion splice mechanisms 10h.

[0098] In the fusion splicer 10A, the communication unit 11 communicates with the information terminal 20. The communication unit 11 communicates with the information terminal 20 using wireless communication compliant with, for example, IEEE 802.11 (registered trademark: Wi-Fi) or IEEE 802.15.1 (registered trademark: Bluetooth). The fusion splice data generation unit 12 transmits the generated fusion splice data D1 to the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 11 in response to a transmission request Ea (see Figure 24) from the information terminal 20.

[0099] Figure 26 is a block diagram showing the functions of the information terminal 20. As shown in Figure 26, the information terminal 20 includes a communication unit 21 and a GPS position acquisition unit 22. Furthermore, like the information terminal 30, the information terminal 20 includes a computer with hardware such as a CPU 20a, RAM 20b, ROM 20c, input device 20d, communication module 20e, auxiliary storage device 20f, and output device 20g, as shown in Figure 7. The information terminal 20 provides the functions shown in Figure 26 through the operation of these elements by programs and the like.

[0100] In the information terminal 20, the communication unit 21 includes, for example, a communication module 20e such as a wireless LAN module built into the terminal. The communication unit 21 transmits and receives various signals wirelessly with the fusion splicer 10A. The communication unit 21 performs communication in accordance with, for example, IEEE 802.11 or IEEE 802.15.1 to correspond to the wireless standard of the fusion splicer 10A. Other frequency bands and communication standards may be used for communication by the communication unit 21 as long as wireless communication with the fusion splicer 10A is possible. The communication unit 21 transmits and receives various signals with the server 50 via an information communication network 60 such as the Internet. For this purpose, the communication unit 21 may also serve as the wireless LAN module described above, or it may be equipped with a different communication module.

[0101] The communication unit 21 transmits radio waves, for example, within a predetermined area (for example, around a radius of 10m). Therefore, when a user brings the fusion splicer 10A near the location where the information terminal 20 is installed, wireless communication is initiated between the fusion splicer 10A and the communication unit 21 (information terminal 20) which is transmitting radio waves within the aforementioned area.

[0102] The GPS location acquisition unit 22 acquires location information D2 of the information terminal 20 using GPS functionality. The GPS location acquisition unit 22 includes the location information D2 in the fusion splice data D1 acquired by the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 21. The fusion splice data D3, including the location information D2, is transmitted to the server 50 via the communication unit 21 (see Figure 24).

[0103] The information terminal 20 is transported together with the fusion splicer 10A to the location where the optical fiber fusion splicing is performed. Furthermore, the fusion splicer 10A and the information terminal 20 are connected to each other, for example, by wireless communication. Therefore, the location information D2 of the information terminal 20 indicates approximately the same location as the fusion splicing point where the optical fiber fusion splicing is performed by the fusion splicer 10A. Thus, even when the location information D2 is acquired by the information terminal 20 (GPS location acquisition unit 22), the location of each fusion splicing point indicated by the location information D2 can also be said to indicate the location of candidate point CP1 for the fusion splicing point in the target optical fiber line.

[0104] In the second embodiment, the generation unit 52 executes a generation process GS based on fusion splice data D3 obtained from the information terminal 20 and loss change information D4 obtained from the measuring instrument 40. The communication unit 53 communicates with the information terminals 20, 30 and the measuring instrument 40 via an information communication network 60 such as the Internet. The communication unit 53 receives fusion splice data D3 from the information terminal 20 and loss change information D4 from the measuring instrument 40 via the information communication network 60. In other words, the map information generation system 1A includes a communication unit 53 that receives fusion splice data D3 from the information terminal 20 via the information communication network 60.

[0105] In the map information generation system 1A, the same processing is performed as in the map information generation system 1. That is, in the map information generation system 1A, the generation of map information D5 and the addition of map information D5 are performed.

[0106] The map information generation system and map information generation method for optical fiber lines according to this embodiment have been described above. However, the map information generation system and map information generation method according to this disclosure are not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be applied.

[0107] In each of the embodiments described above, the map information generation system 1, 1A is equipped with a measuring instrument 40. However, the map information generation system 1, 1A does not necessarily have to be equipped with a measuring instrument 40. In this case, a different system from the map information generation system 1, 1A may be equipped with a measuring instrument 40. That is, the measuring instrument 40 may be an element of the map information generation system 1, 1A, or an element of the other system described above. If the measuring instrument 40 is located outside the map information generation system 1, 1A, the map information generation system 1, 1A acquires loss change information D4 from the measuring instrument 40 outside the system and executes the processing described above.

[0108] In each of the embodiments described above, the generation unit 52 calculates the distance between adjacent fusion splice points in the target optical fiber line based on the loss change information D4 acquired from the measuring instrument 40. However, in the map information generation systems 1 and 1A, the server 50 may receive information indicating the distance between adjacent fusion splice points in the target optical fiber line itself, instead of the loss change information D4. In this case, steps S11 to S13 may be omitted in the generation process GS, and the processing corresponding to steps S11 to S13 may be executed by a different server in a different system from the map information generation systems 1 and 1A.

[0109] In the embodiments described above, the example was explained in which one of the multiple fusion splice points (candidate point CP1) in the target optical fiber line is set as the reference point RP. However, as described above, the reference point RP can be any point whose location has been specified in advance. For example, if an optical connection point or any point on the target optical fiber line is set as the reference point RP, in step S15, the generation unit 52 may acquire information including the distance between the reference point RP and the primary adjacent point AP1, for example, by receiving input from an administrator. Alternatively, the generation unit 52 may acquire the information by receiving information including the distance between the reference point RP and the primary adjacent point AP1 transmitted from another computer system. That is, in step S15, the generation unit 52 may acquire information received from an administrator or information received from another computer system as distance information indicating the distance between the reference point RP and the primary adjacent point AP1, instead of the information stored in step S13.

[0110] In step S18, the generation unit 52 may generate map information D5 based on the location of the reference point RP indicated by information different from the location information D2 included in the fusion splice data D3, and the location of the primary adjacent point AP1 indicated by the location information D2. In this case, the server 50 (generation unit 52) ​​may acquire the above information different from the location information D2 by accepting input from the administrator, or it may receive the above information different from the location information D2 transmitted from another computer system.

[0111] It should be understood that at least one configuration or feature described in each embodiment and example can be combined with other embodiments and examples, or modified in various ways.

[0112] 1…Map information generation system 2…Housing 3…Fusion splicing unit 3a…Optical fiber holder 3b…Fiber positioning unit 3c…Discharge electrode 4…Heater 5…Monitor 6…Windshield cover 6a…Side 6b…Inlet 10…Fusion splicer 10a…CPU 10b…RAM 10c…ROM 10d…Input device 10e…Wireless communication module 10f…Auxiliary storage device 10g…Output device 10h…Fusion splicing mechanism 11…Communication unit 12…Fusion splicing data generation unit 20…Information terminal 20a…CPU 20b…RAM 20c…ROM 20d…Input device 20e…Communication module 20f…Auxiliary storage device 20g…Output device 21…Communication unit 22…GPS position acquisition unit 30…Information terminal 31…Communication unit 32…Display unit 40…Measuring instrument 40a…CPU 40b...RAM 40c...ROM 40d...Input device 40e...Wireless communication module 40f...Auxiliary storage device 40g...Output device 40h...Measurement mechanism 41...Communication unit 42...Loss change information generation unit 50...Server 50a...CPU 50b...RAM 50c...ROM 50d...Communication module 50e...Auxiliary storage device 51...Storage unit 52...Generation unit 53...Communication unit 60...Information communication network 70...Monitor AP1...Primary neighbor AP1n...Primary neighbor (new primary neighbor) AP2...Secondary neighbor C1 to C5...Circle CP1...Candidate point (first candidate point) CP1a to CP1i...Candidate point CP2...Candidate point (second candidate point) CP2a to CP2b...Candidate point CP3...Primary neighbor candidate point CP3a to CP3b... Primary adjacent candidate points D1... Fusion splice data D2... Location information D3... Fusion splice data D4... Loss change information D4a... First loss change information D4b... Second loss change information D5... Map information d1 to d5... Distance Ea... Transmission request GS... Generation process L1 to L7... Length and position R1... Range (first range) R2... Range (third range) R3... Range (second range) RP... Reference point RPn... Reference point (new reference point)

Claims

1. A system for generating map information of an optical fiber line, comprising: a fusion splicer that performs fusion splicing of optical fibers; a communication unit that receives fusion splicing data via an information communication network from at least one of an information terminal that can communicate with the fusion splicer and the fusion splicer; and a generation unit that performs a generation process to generate map information of a target optical fiber line, wherein the fusion splicing data includes location information indicating the location of each of a plurality of first candidate points, including a plurality of fusion splicing points, in the target optical fiber line, the generation process includes: setting a point whose location has been identified in advance as a reference point; acquiring first distance information indicating the distance between the reference point and a primary adjacent point, which is a fusion splicing point adjacent to the reference point, in the target optical fiber line; setting a first range for determining a first candidate point to be the primary adjacent point from among the plurality of first candidate points based on the first distance information; and determining a first candidate point located within the first range among the plurality of first candidate points as the primary adjacent point. A map information generation system for optical fiber lines, comprising the step of generating map information based on the position of the reference point and the position of the primary adjacent point.

2. The map information generation system according to claim 1, wherein the generation process further includes the steps of: obtaining loss change information that shows the change in transmission loss in the target optical fiber line with respect to the length of the target optical fiber line; and calculating a first distance, which is the distance between adjacent fusion splice points in the target optical fiber line, based on the loss change information, and in the step of obtaining the first distance information, the first distance information is obtained based on the calculated first distance.

3. The map information generation system according to claim 2, wherein the step of calculating the first distance includes: identifying a connection point length indicating the length of the target optical fiber line at each of the plurality of fusion splice points based on the amount of change in transmission loss; and calculating the first distance based on the plurality of connection point lengths obtained.

4. The map information generation system according to claim 3, wherein the loss change information includes first loss change information indicating the loss change information when light having a first wavelength is transmitted to the target optical fiber line, and second loss change information indicating the loss change information when light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength is transmitted to the target optical fiber line, and in the step of determining the connection point length, the connection point length is determined by comparing the amount of change in the first loss change information with the amount of change in the second loss change information.

5. The map information generation system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising the steps of: calculating two second distances, which are the distances between an optical connection point and each of two fusion splice points adjacent to the optical connection point, based on the loss change information; identifying the location of a second candidate point that is a candidate point for the optical connection point based on the two second distances; and adding the identified location of the second candidate point to the map information.

6. The map information generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the step of determining a primary adjacent point includes, when there are a plurality of primary adjacent candidate points including the first candidate point located within the first range, the step of obtaining second distance information indicating the distance between the primary adjacent point and a secondary adjacent point which is a fusion splice point adjacent to the primary adjacent point and different from the reference point in the target optical fiber line; the step of setting a second range for determining the first candidate point which will be the secondary adjacent point from among the plurality of first candidate points based on the second distance information; and the step of determining the primary adjacent candidate point among the plurality of primary adjacent candidate points which has a first candidate point located within the second range as the primary adjacent point.

7. The map information generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: updating the reference point to the first candidate point among the plurality of first candidate points that was immediately determined to be the primary adjacent point; acquiring third distance information indicating the distance between the updated reference point and a new primary adjacent point adjacent to the updated reference point in the target optical fiber line; setting a third range for determining the first candidate point to be the new primary adjacent point from among the plurality of first candidate points based on the third distance information; identifying the first candidate point located within the third range among the plurality of first candidate points as the new primary adjacent point; and adding the location of the new primary adjacent point indicated by the location information to the map information.

8. A method for generating map information of an optical fiber line, comprising the step of performing a generation process for generating map information of a target optical fiber line, wherein the step of performing the generation process includes: acquiring location information indicating the location of each of a plurality of first candidate points including a plurality of fusion splice points in the target optical fiber line; setting a point whose location has been specified in advance as a reference point; acquiring first distance information indicating the distance between the reference point and a primary adjacent point which is a fusion splice point adjacent to the reference point in the target optical fiber line; setting a first range for determining a first candidate point to be the primary adjacent point from among the plurality of first candidate points based on the first distance information; determining a first candidate point located within the first range among the plurality of first candidate points as the primary adjacent point; and generating the map information based on the location of the reference point and the location of the primary adjacent point.

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