Fusion Splicer Theft Sensing via External Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fusion splicers used in optical fiber laying sites are vulnerable to theft, and existing security measures like password-based locks are ineffective in preventing theft and reselling of the splicers.
Innovation Solution
A fusion splicer equipped with an authentication processing unit, a storage unit, a decision unit, a locking unit, a releasing unit, and an input unit that collaborates with an external theft sensing device to authenticate, communicate, and decide on the stolen state, locking and unlocking functions accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If password-based lock mechanism is provided in fusion splicer, then security against unauthorized use is improved, but theft prevention capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a theft sensing device as an intermediary component that communicates with the fusion splicer via wireless communication. This external device detects the splicer's location and communicates its status, providing a layered security approach that goes beyond simple password protection to actively prevent theft through location monitoring and remote alerting mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If theft sensing device is integrated into fusion splicer, then theft prevention capability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the theft prevention functionality into a separate, external theft sensing device rather than integrating it directly into the fusion splicer. This segmentation allows the splicer to maintain its primary function while the theft prevention capability resides in a dedicated external component, reducing the complexity of the splicer itself while still providing comprehensive theft protection through wireless communication between the two devices.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If function locking is implemented when theft is detected, then theft deterrence is improved, but operational continuity deteriorates in case of false detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary notification mechanism where the system first alerts the user of the detected theft condition before executing the function lock. This preliminary action gives the user an opportunity to verify the situation and respond appropriately, preventing unnecessary operational disruptions in cases of false detection or legitimate user scenarios where the splicer was temporarily moved.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fusion splicer is capable of sensing whether or not the fusion splicer is in a stolen state in cooperation with a theft sensing device. The fusion splicer includes an authentication processing unit that authenticates the theft sensing device, a storage unit that stores identification information of the theft sensing device subjected to authentication processing, a decision unit that decides whether or not the fusion splicer is in a stolen state based on a communication condition with respect to the theft sensing device, a locking unit that locks at least a part of functions of the fusion splicer when it is decided that the fusion splicer is in a stolen state, a releasing unit that temporarily releases the locked function of the fusion splicer, and an input unit that receives an input of a release ID for releasing the locked state. The releasing unit temporarily releases the locked state when the input release ID corresponds to the identification information stored in the storage unit.