Patent Description:
Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a fusion splicer that splices optical fibers to each other.

[Patent Literature <NUM>] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. <CIT>
<CIT> describes a fusion splicer capable of fusing optical fibers smoothly and well even in the case of working from any of the front and the back. A fusion splicer includes a pair of holder installation parts for mutually butting optical fibers in a first direction, and a fusion splicing part for mutually fusing and splicing the optical fibers by a pair of electrodes opposed along a second direction, and the holder installation part includes a base fixed to a body, and a positioning member in which a base fitting part fitted into the base is formed in a lower side, and the positioning member can be attached to and detached from both of the bases after an attitude is reversed, and a center position in a width direction along the second direction in the base fitting part is arranged in a straight line of the first direction passing through a center position between the electrodes even in a state in which the positioning member is fitted into any of the bases. <CIT> describes a method of tracking a mobile device includes determining by a tracked device, that a pairing status between the tracked device and a command device has changed from a paired status to an unpaired status. A timer is started on the tracked device in response to determining the unpaired status, and in response to the timer reaching a threshold time, a distress packet is transmitted from the tracked device that indicates the tracked device is lost.

The underlying problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Examples and technical descriptions of apparatuses, products and/or methods in the description and/or drawings which are not covered by the claims are presented not as embodiments of the invention but as background art or examples useful for understanding the invention. The present disclosure discloses a fusion splicer capable of sensing whether or not the fusion splicer is in a stolen state in cooperation with an external theft sensing device. This fusion splicer includes an authentication processing unit that authenticates the theft sensing device to connect the fusion splicer and the theft sensing device to each other through a predetermined communication technique, a storage unit that stores identification information of the theft sensing device subjected to authentication processing by the authentication processing unit, a decision unit that decides whether or not the fusion splicer is in a stolen state based on communication conditions of the predetermined communication technique with respect to the theft sensing device, a locking unit that locks at least a part of functions of the fusion splicer when the decision unit decides that the fusion splicer is in a stolen state, a releasing unit that temporarily releases the function of the fusion splicer locked by the locking unit, and an input unit that receives an input of a release ID for unlocking by the releasing unit. The releasing unit temporarily releases the locked state when the release ID input from the input unit corresponds to the identification information stored in the storage unit.

Fusion splicers as described above are used at a site where optical fibers are being laid. At a laying site, a user of a fusion splicer also performs work other than fusion work of optical fibers. Thus, the user may be absent from the fusion splicer, and the fusion splicer may be stolen at this time. In preparation for such theft, it is conceivable that a security function such as a password-based lock mechanism be provided in a fusion splicer. However, with a security function such as a password, it is difficult to prevent theft of a fusion splicer itself. In addition, there is also a possibility that the fusion splicer will be resold if the password is cracked. Therefore further improvement is desired from a viewpoint of the theft prevention.

Theft sensing systems capable of preventing theft of a fusion splicer have been examined. In such theft sensing systems, it is conceivable that when theft of the fusion splicer is sensed, occurrence of theft be immediately notified to a user and functions of the fusion splicer be locked and disabled, so that a sufficient preventing theft effect can be expected therewith. On the other hand, it is also conceivable that the device be misidentified as being in a stolen state due to malfunction in a part of the device although it has not actually been stolen, so that the fusion splicer is locked and disabled. Such a locked state can be devised to be able to be released using a master key or the like built into the fusion splicer in advance. However, even in such a case, there is a need to provide a requirement of a predetermined procedure, such as a user calling a support center to verify himself/herself due to a demand for the security, and there is concern regarding the time taken until the device is unlocked. Thus, for example, it may take one to several days to unlock the device, so that work using the fusion splicer has to be interrupted during this period, and thus improvement thereof is desired.

According to the present disclosure, theft of a fusion splicer can be prevented, and work can be continuously performed even when a device is misidentified as being stolen and locked due to malfunction or the like.

First, embodiments of the invention of this application is enumerated and described. A theft sensing system according to an aspect of the present invention is a fusion splicer capable of sensing whether or not a the fusion splicer is in a stolen state in cooperation with an external theft sensing device. This fusion splicer includes an authentication processing unit that authenticates the theft sensing device to connect the fusion splicer and the theft sensing device to each other through a predetermined communication technique, a storage unit that stores identification information of the theft sensing device subjected to authentication processing by the authentication processing unit, a decision unit that decides whether or not the fusion splicer is in a stolen state based on a communication condition of the predetermined communication technique with respect to the theft sensing device, a locking unit that locks at least a part of functions of the fusion splicer when the decision unit decides that the fusion splicer is in a stolen state, a releasing unit that temporarily releases the function of the fusion splicer locked by the locking unit, and an input unit that receives an input of a release ID for unlocking by the releasing unit. The releasing unit temporarily releases the locked state when the release ID input from the input unit corresponds to the identification information stored in the storage unit.

In this fusion splicer, the decision unit decides whether or not the fusion splicer is in a stolen state based on the communication condition with respect to the theft sensing device, and the locking unit locks at least a part of the functions of the fusion splicer when it is decided to be in a stolen state. In addition, the storage unit stores the identification information of the theft sensing device subjected to authentication processing, and the releasing unit temporarily releases the locked state described above when the release ID input from the input unit corresponds to this identification information. Thus, according to this fusion splicer, theft of the fusion splicer can be prevented due to deciding by the decision unit and locking of the functions by the locking unit, and a temporary release of the function locked in response to sensing of theft can be realized easily by the releasing unit. As a result, even when the communication condition deteriorates due to malfunction of the theft sensing device, a problem of communication (wireless or the like) with respect to the theft sensing device, or the like, so that it is erroneously decided that the fusion splicer is in a stolen state and the device functions are locked, the locked state can be released using the identification information. Thus, interruption of work due to the fusion splicer can be avoided and the work can be continuously performed. Since the unlocking described above is temporarily performed, an influence on the function inhibiting theft of the fusion splicer can be reduced.

In this fusion splicer, the decision unit may decide that the fusion splicer is in a stolen state when wireless communication from the theft sensing device through the predetermined communication technique is not able to be received for a predetermined time period. When the theft sensing device or a communication unit of the fusion splicer has malfunctioned or the like, wireless communication between the theft sensing device and the fusion splicer is completely lost. Thus, when the decision unit cannot receive wireless communication from the theft sensing device for a predetermined time period, the condition of the malfunction can be sensed more reliably by deciding that the fusion splicer is in a stolen state.

In this fusion splicer, the storage unit may execute processing of deleting or disabling the stored identification information of the theft sensing device after elapse of a predetermined time period. The locked functions of the fusion splicer can be temporarily released more reliably by executing such processing, and theft of the fusion splicer can be prevented more reliably.

In this fusion splicer, the locking unit may lock the function of the fusion splicer again after the locked state is temporarily released by the releasing unit. Consequently, theft of the fusion splicer can be prevented more reliably.

In this fusion splicer, the identification information of the theft sensing device may be acquired during authentication of the theft sensing device by the authentication processing unit, and the identification information thereof may be stored in the storage unit. In this case, the identification information of the theft sensing device can be acquired more reliably.

A theft sensing system according to another aspect of the present invention is a theft sensing system for sensing a stolen state of a fusion splicer using a theft sensing device. This theft sensing system includes an authentication processing unit that authenticates the fusion splicer to connect the fusion splicer and the theft sensing device to each other through a predetermined communication technique, an acquisition unit that acquires wireless condition data regarding wireless connection with respect to the fusion splicer by the authentication processing unit, a decision unit that decides whether or not the fusion splicer is in a stolen state based on a change in the wireless condition data acquired by the acquisition unit, and a notification unit that issues a notification when the decision unit decides that the fusion splicer is in a stolen state. In this theft sensing system, all of the authentication processing unit, the acquisition unit, the decision unit, and the notification unit described above may be provided in the theft sensing device, or a part thereof may be provided in a device (central management server or the like) other than the theft sensing device in the theft sensing system. In addition, the theft sensing device may be a dedicated device for sensing theft or may be a general-purpose information terminal (for example, a smartphone) or the like. In this case, the functions described above can be realized by installing a program which is executed by a computer system such as an information terminal.

This theft sensing system may further include a distance table that stores relationship data of at least one of a radiowave intensity and a response time between the fusion splicer and the theft sensing device and a distance between the fusion splicer and the theft sensing device. In this case, the decision unit may calculate the distance between the fusion splicer and the theft sensing device based on at least one of the radiowave intensity and the response time stored in the distance table and may decide whether or not the fusion splicer is in a stolen state based on a change in the distance.

In this theft sensing system, the acquisition unit may acquire data which is the wireless condition data of at least one of the radiowave intensity and the response time between the fusion splicer and the theft sensing device in a predetermined cycle. In this case, the decision unit may calculate the distance between the fusion splicer and the theft sensing device every time the wireless condition data is acquired and may decide that the fusion splicer is in a stolen state when a state where the distance becomes longer than a distance acquired prior thereto continues.

This theft sensing system may further include a releasing unit to temporarily release a locked state when it is decided that the fusion splicer is in a stolen state and a fusion mechanism of the fusion splicer is locked. In addition, the theft sensing system may further include a position acquisition unit that acquires positional information of the fusion splicer when it is decided that the fusion splicer is in a stolen state.

A theft sensing method according to another aspect of the present invention is a method for sensing theft of a fusion splicer using a theft sensing device. This theft sensing method includes a step of performing mutual authentication between the fusion splicer and the theft sensing device such that the fusion splicer and the theft sensing device are wirelessly connected to each other, a step of acquiring a reference value of wireless condition data between the fusion splicer and the theft sensing device which are wirelessly connected to each other, a step of acquiring the wireless condition data between the fusion splicer and the theft sensing device which are wirelessly connected to each other in a predetermined cycle after the reference value of the wireless condition data is acquired, and a step of deciding whether or not the fusion splicer is stolen based on the wireless condition data acquired in the predetermined cycle. In this theft sensing method, each of the steps described above may be executed by any of the theft sensing device and the fusion splicer. A part of the steps may be performed by a device (for example, a central management server or the like in a theft sensing system) other than the theft sensing device and the fusion splicer.

In this theft sensing method, in the step of deciding theft, a distance between the fusion splicer and the theft sensing device may be calculated based on at least one of a radiowave intensity and a response time stored in a distance table with reference to the distance table storing relationship data of at least one of the radiowave intensity and the response time between the fusion splicer and the theft sensing device and the distance between the fusion splicer and the theft sensing device. Then, it may be decided whether or not the fusion splicer is in a stolen state based on a change in the distance.

In this theft sensing method, in the step of acquiring the wireless condition data in the predetermined cycle, data which is the wireless condition data of at least one of the radiowave intensity and the response time between the fusion splicer and the theft sensing device may be acquired in the predetermined cycle. In addition, in the step of deciding theft, the distance between the fusion splicer and the theft sensing device may be calculated every time the wireless condition data is acquired, and it may be decided that the fusion splicer is in a stolen state when a state where the distance becomes longer than a distance acquired prior thereto continues.

In this theft sensing method, in step of acquiring the reference value of the wireless condition data, at least one of the radiowave intensity and the response time between the fusion splicer and the theft sensing device may be acquired. In addition, this theft sensing method may further include a step of acquiring positional information of the fusion splicer when it is determined that the fusion splicer is in a stolen state.

A fusion splicer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the examples. The present invention is indicated by the claims,.

A fusion splicer <NUM> having a function of sensing theft will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> are perspective views illustrating the external appearance of the fusion splicer. <FIG> illustrates the external appearance of the fusion splicer in a state where a windshield cover is closed, and <FIG> illustrates the external appearance in a state where the windshield cover is open such that an internal structure of the fusion splicer can be seen. The fusion splicer <NUM> is a device for performing fusion splicing of optical fibers to each other and includes a box-shaped casing <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. In an upper portion of the casing <NUM>, a fusion device <NUM> for performing fusion between optical fibers, and a heater <NUM> heating and contracting a fiber reinforcing sleeve covered with a fusion splicing portion of the optical fibers fused by the fusion device <NUM> are provided. The fusion splicer <NUM> includes a monitor <NUM> displaying an image of fusion splicing conditions between optical fibers captured by a camera (not illustrated) disposed inside the casing <NUM>. Moreover, the fusion splicer <NUM> includes a windshield cover <NUM> for preventing wind from entering the fusion device <NUM>.

The fusion device <NUM> has a holder mounting unit capable of mounting a pair of optical fiber holders 3a, a pair of fiber positioning units 3b, and a pair of discharging electrodes 3c. Optical fibers (fusion targets) are respectively held and fixed by the optical fiber holders 3a, and each of the optical fiber holder is mounted and fixed to the holder mounting unit. The fiber positioning units 3b are disposed between the optical fiber holders 3a for positioning of tip portions of optical fibers respectively held by the optical fiber holders 3a. The discharging electrodes 3c are electrodes disposed between the fiber positioning units 3b for fusion between tips of optical fibers through arc discharging.

The windshield cover <NUM> is joined to the casing <NUM> such that the fusion device <NUM> is covered in a manner of being able to be opened and closed freely. An introduction port 6b for introducing an optical fiber to the fusion device <NUM> (that is, to each of the optical fiber holders 3a) is formed on each side surface 6a of the windshield cover <NUM>.

Next, a constitution of a theft sensing system <NUM> for sensing a stolen state of the fusion splicer <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> is a block diagram showing an overview of a theft sensing system of the fusion splicer. As illustrated in <FIG>, the theft sensing system <NUM> includes the fusion splicer <NUM> and an information terminal <NUM> which can be wirelessly connected to each other. The theft sensing system <NUM> has a function of deciding whether or not the fusion splicer <NUM> is in a stolen state in accordance with a condition of wireless communication between the two, and issuing a notification to a user or locking (disabling) the functions of the fusion splicer <NUM> when it is decided to be in a stolen state. <FIG> illustrates an example in which one fusion splicer <NUM> is wirelessly connected to one information terminal <NUM>. A constitution in which a plurality of fusion splicers <NUM> are wirelessly connected to one information terminal <NUM> may be adopted. A constitution in which one or a plurality of fusion splicers <NUM> are wirelessly connected to a plurality of information terminals <NUM> may be adopted.

A constitution of the information terminal <NUM> which functions as a theft sensing device will be described. For example, the information terminal <NUM> is constituted of a portable wireless communication terminal such as a smartphone and includes a wireless communication unit <NUM>, an authentication processing unit <NUM>, a display unit <NUM>, an acquisition unit <NUM>, a decision unit <NUM>, a notification unit <NUM>, a releasing unit <NUM>, a position acquisition unit <NUM>, and a distance table <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the information terminal <NUM> is constituted to include a computer having hardware such as a CPU 20a, a RAM 20b, a ROM 20c, an input device 20d, a wireless communication module 20e, an auxiliary memory device 20f, and an output device <NUM>. When these constituent elements are operated by a program or the like, each of the functions (which will be described below) of the information terminal <NUM> is achieved. Regarding these functions, each of the functions can be implemented in the information terminal <NUM> by installing a predetermined program in the information terminal <NUM> from a central management server or the like of the theft sensing system <NUM> through a cable or wireless communication. Each of the functions of the fusion splicer <NUM> may be implemented through similar installation.

The wireless communication unit <NUM> is constituted of the wireless communication module 20e, and transmits and receives various kinds of message signals through wireless communication with respect to a wireless communication unit <NUM> of the fusion splicer <NUM>. For example, the wireless communication unit <NUM> is constituted of a wireless LAN module built into a terminal and performs communication, for example, at a band of <NUM> conforming to IEEE <NUM> such that it corresponds to the wireless communication standards of the wireless communication unit <NUM>. As long as wireless communication can be performed with respect to the wireless communication unit <NUM>, other bands or other communication standards may be adopted.

The authentication processing unit <NUM> performs authentication procedure such as pairing processing with respect to the fusion splicer <NUM> (authentication processing unit <NUM>). The authentication processing unit <NUM> causes the display unit <NUM> (which will be described below) to display a four-digit number which is pairing information for performing pairing processing with respect to the fusion splicer <NUM>, and transmits a message signal including the four-digit number to the fusion splicer <NUM> (authentication processing unit <NUM>) via the wireless communication unit <NUM>. When a message signal including information indicating "perform pairing" is received from the fusion splicer <NUM> (authentication processing unit <NUM>), the authentication processing unit <NUM> completes pairing processing with respect to the fusion splicer <NUM>. When information indicating "perform pairing" is received from the fusion splicer <NUM>, the authentication processing unit <NUM> may transmit the information to the management server (not illustrated) collectively controlling a system including the theft sensing system. During the pairing processing described above, the authentication processing unit <NUM> transmits an identification ID (for example, a phone number, a mail address, or the like of the information terminal <NUM>) identifying the individual information terminal <NUM> to the fusion splicer <NUM> via the wireless communication units <NUM> and <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> is a part displaying various kinds of information in the information terminal <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> displays a four-digit number generated by the authentication processing unit <NUM> for pairing in a display of the information terminal <NUM> for a predetermined time (for example, <NUM> seconds as a pairing standby time). The display unit <NUM> displays an interval (for example, every minute, every ten minutes, every hour, or every day) for sensing the presence or absence of theft and/or a total time (for ten minutes, for an hour, for a day, for thirty days, or the like) of sensing the presence or absence of theft in the theft sensing system <NUM> in the display as a selection screen. The display unit <NUM> delivers a desired interval and/or a desired total time selected by a worker to the acquisition unit <NUM>.

The acquisition unit <NUM> acquires wireless condition data between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM> which are wirelessly connected to each other through authentication processing. For example, the acquisition unit <NUM> acquires a wireless radiowave intensity and/or a response time of communication between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM> as the wireless condition data at a predetermined cycle (sensing interval described above). The acquisition unit <NUM> may acquire only the wireless radiowave intensity between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM>, may acquire only the response time of communication between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM>, or may acquire both the wireless radiowave intensity and the response time, as the wireless condition data. The wireless condition data acquired by the acquisition unit <NUM> is not limited to those described above, and other kinds of information may be acquired and used as long as the information is wireless communication related information corresponding to a change in distance between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM>.

The decision unit <NUM> decides whether or not the fusion splicer <NUM> has moved in a direction away from the information terminal <NUM> based on a change in the wireless condition data acquired by the acquisition unit <NUM>. Specifically, the decision unit <NUM> checks the distance table <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) for the wireless condition data (radiowave intensity and/or response time) acquired by the acquisition unit <NUM> and calculates the distance between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, a relationship between the wireless condition data (radiowave intensity and response time) between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM> and the distance between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM> is set in advance in the distance table <NUM>, for example. Distance information or the like listed in the distance table <NUM> may be set to include a predetermined relational expression in advance such that fine adjustment may be performed in accordance with a radiowave intensity or a response time obtained at a site.

When the distance calculated by checking the distance table <NUM> is larger than a distance calculated prior thereto (when there is a change), the decision unit <NUM> decides that the fusion splicer <NUM> has moved in a direction away from the information terminal <NUM> (refer to <FIG>). When deciding that the calculated distance is larger than the distance calculated prior thereto continues a predetermined number of times (for example, three times) in this deciding step, the decision unit <NUM> may decide that the fusion splicer <NUM> has moved in a direction away from the information terminal <NUM>. In this case, it is possible to more reliably exclude erroneous detection of movement of the fusion splicer <NUM> which has not been stolen, as a stolen state.

The notification unit <NUM> is a part performing predetermined notification processing in the information terminal <NUM> and informing a worker of the result when the decision unit <NUM> decides that the fusion splicer <NUM> has moved in a direction away from the information terminal <NUM>. When such a stolen state is sensed, the notification unit <NUM> notifies a user of the result using a notification means such as a sound (buzzer), displaying a screen message, or applying vibration. Consequently, a user holding the information terminal <NUM> can sense the theft condition of the fusion splicer <NUM>.

The releasing unit <NUM> is a part for releasing a locked state from the information terminal <NUM> when it is decided that the fusion splicer <NUM> is in a stolen state and a fusion mechanism is locked. When an instruction of releasing the locked state of the fusion splicer <NUM> locked due to a predetermined condition is received through input processing from a user, the releasing unit <NUM> generates a release signal including the pairing information retained by the authentication processing unit <NUM> and transmits the release signal to the fusion splicer <NUM> via the wireless communication unit <NUM>. When a release signal is received on the fusion splicer <NUM>, the pairing information included in the release signal is checked for. When the release signal matches the pairing information held on the fusion splicer <NUM>, the locking processing is released by a locking unit <NUM>. Consequently, the locked state of the fusion splicer <NUM> can be released from the information terminal <NUM>. The function of the releasing unit <NUM> described above may be provided in a server of an integrated system including the theft sensing system <NUM>. In this case as well, the server can perform unlocking processing by transmitting a signal for releasing a locked state by the locking unit <NUM> to the fusion splicer <NUM> via any wireless communication means using the pairing information which is authentication information acquired in advance, similar to that described above. In place of the pairing information described above or together with the pairing information, the releasing unit <NUM> may use the identification ID of the information terminal <NUM> as a release signal.

When the decision unit <NUM> decides that the fusion splicer <NUM> has moved in a direction away from the information terminal <NUM>, or when the decision unit <NUM> decides that wireless communication between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM> is disconnected, the position acquisition unit <NUM> decides that the fusion splicer <NUM> has been stolen and acquires positional information of the fusion splicer <NUM>. If the fusion splicer <NUM> has been stolen, an application for a theft report or a theft insurance will be made. At this time, there is a need to indicate the location of theft. Here, if the information terminal <NUM> has acquired approximate information of such a theft position, the positional information can be verified easily at the time of the application. For example, the position acquisition unit <NUM> is constituted to include a GPS or the like and acquires positional information using the GPS or the like. The position acquisition unit <NUM> may be constituted to acquire positional information of the fusion splicer <NUM> at all times or regularly and may acquire the positional information as particular positional information when it is decided as described above.

Next, the fusion splicer <NUM> capable of sensing whether or not the fusion splicer <NUM> is in a stolen state in cooperation with the information terminal <NUM> which is a theft sensing device described above will be described. As illustrated in <FIG>, the fusion splicer <NUM> functionally includes the wireless communication unit <NUM>, the authentication processing unit <NUM>, a display unit <NUM>, a response processing unit <NUM>, a decision unit <NUM>, the locking unit <NUM>, a storage unit <NUM>, a releasing unit <NUM>, and an input unit <NUM>. The fusion splicer <NUM> further includes a power source unit (battery) for driving these units. As illustrated in <FIG>, the fusion splicer <NUM> is constituted to include a computer serving as a control unit thereof and having hardware such as a CPU 10a, a RAM 10b, a ROM 10c, an input device 10d, a wireless communication module 10e, an auxiliary memory device 10f, and an output device <NUM>. When these constituent elements are operated by a program or the like, each of the functions (which will be described below) of the fusion splicer <NUM> is achieved. The fusion splicer <NUM> includes various kinds of fusion splicing mechanisms <NUM> in addition to the control unit.

The wireless communication unit <NUM> is a part performing wireless communication with respect to the information terminal <NUM> (wireless communication unit <NUM>). For example, the wireless communication unit <NUM> is constituted of a wireless LAN card and performs wireless communication at a band of <NUM> conforming to IEEE <NUM> with respect to the information terminal <NUM>.

The authentication processing unit <NUM> is a part performing authentication work such as pairing processing with respect to the information terminal <NUM> (authentication processing unit <NUM>) via the wireless communication units <NUM> and <NUM>. The authentication processing unit <NUM> extracts pairing information from a signal which is transmitted from the information terminal <NUM> as a message signal (for example, a text (TXT) file) including the pairing information and is received by the wireless communication unit <NUM>. For example, the authentication processing unit <NUM> acquires four-digit number information which becomes the pairing information. The authentication processing unit <NUM> delivers this acquired four-digit number information to the display unit <NUM>, causes the monitor to display the number for a predetermined time, and causes the display unit <NUM> to display a selection screen of "perform or do not perform pairing" with respect to the information terminal <NUM>. When selection information indicating "perform pairing" with respect to the information terminal <NUM> is received from the display unit <NUM> (which will be described below), the authentication processing unit <NUM> generates a message signal indicating the fact and transmits the generated signal to the information terminal <NUM> (wireless communication unit <NUM> and authentication processing unit <NUM>) via the wireless communication unit <NUM>. During pairing processing, the authentication processing unit <NUM> acquires an identification ID (for example, a phone number, a mail address, or the like of the information terminal <NUM>) identifying the individual information terminal <NUM> and delivers the identification ID to the storage unit <NUM> as identification information of the information terminal <NUM> (refer to the part (a) of <FIG>). The storage unit <NUM> stores the identification information.

For example, the display unit <NUM> is constituted to include the monitor <NUM> described above and displays the selection screen showing a four-digit number required during pairing processing with respect to the information terminal <NUM>, "perform or do not perform pairing" with respect to the information terminal <NUM> based on instruction information from the authentication processing unit <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> causes the monitor <NUM> to display the four-digit number based on the four-digit number of the pairing information acquired by the authentication processing unit <NUM> and displays the selection screen of "perform or do not perform pairing" with respect to the information terminal <NUM>. When "perform pairing" with respect to the information terminal <NUM> is selected, the display unit <NUM> delivers information indicating the selection to the authentication processing unit <NUM>.

After pairing processing (authentication) with respect to the information terminal <NUM> is completed, the response processing unit <NUM> makes a predetermined response, for example, a reply of one dispatch confirmation signal for one received message regarding a message signal (condition confirmation information) sent from the information terminal <NUM> in a predetermined cycle, to the information terminal <NUM> at a lower protocol level via the wireless communication unit <NUM>. The information terminal <NUM> can calculate the response time for a wireless signal (which will be described below) upon reception of the dispatch confirmation signal (refer to <FIG>).

The decision unit <NUM> is a part secondarily deciding whether or not the fusion splicer <NUM> is in a stolen state based on communication conditions of wireless communication with respect to the information terminal <NUM>. Main decision of a stolen state is executed by the decision unit <NUM> of the information terminal <NUM> described above. The decision unit <NUM> confirms the presence of a message signal or a pairing number in a file wirelessly transmitted from the information terminal <NUM> in a predetermined cycle after pairing processing, and performs processing of deleting the received message signals when it can be confirmed that a message signal is being sent in each predetermined cycle or when the pairing numbers coincide with each other. On the other hand, the decision unit <NUM> decides that the fusion splicer <NUM> is in a stolen state when no message signal is present (has not been transmitted) or the pairing numbers do not match each other during confirmation processing in a predetermined cycle. The expression "deciding whether or not being in a stolen state" stated herein denotes deciding whether or not being in a state which may occur when stolen (for example, a state where the fusion splicer <NUM> is away from an original position such that wireless communication cannot be performed) instead of directly deciding whether being actually stolen. When absence of a message signal or mismatch of the pairing number continuously occurs a stipulated number of times (for example, three times), the decision unit <NUM> may decide that the fusion splicer <NUM> is in a stolen state. Consequently, it is possible to determine that the fusion splicer <NUM> is a stolen state with higher accuracy.

The locking unit <NUM> is a part locking and disabling all or a part of the functions of the fusion splicer <NUM> when the decision unit <NUM> decides that the fusion splicer <NUM> is in a stolen state. When it is decided that the fusion splicer <NUM> is in a stolen state, the locking unit <NUM> electronically locks and disables all or a part of fusion splicing functions (fusion splicing mechanism <NUM> performing fusion between fibers through arc discharging, heating the fiber reinforcing sleeve, or the like) of the fusion splicer <NUM>. When the locking processing is performed, the locking unit <NUM> may also perform automatic notification processing to the police, issue an antitheft buzzer notification, or the like in parallel.

The storage unit <NUM> is a part storing the identification ID (identification information) of the information terminal <NUM> subjected to authentication processing by the authentication processing unit <NUM>. When the releasing unit <NUM> (which will be described below) refers to for the identification ID of the information terminal <NUM>, the storage unit <NUM> delivers the stored identification ID of the information terminal <NUM> to the releasing unit <NUM>. The storage unit <NUM> stores the stored identification ID of the information terminal <NUM> until a predetermined time period (for example, a week) elapses after wireless communication from the information terminal <NUM> is lastly confirmed, and the storage unit <NUM> deletes the data of the identification ID thereafter. The storage unit <NUM> may perform processing of disabling the identification ID after a predetermined time period has elapsed, instead of deleting the stored identification ID of the information terminal <NUM> after a predetermined time period has elapsed. In this case, disabled identification IDs can be restored by a hidden recovery technique set in advance.

The releasing unit <NUM> is a part temporarily releasing the functions of the fusion splicer <NUM> locked by the locking unit <NUM>. The releasing unit <NUM> is a part temporarily releasing the locked state when wireless transmission and reception are lost due to malfunction of the information terminal <NUM> or the like so that the functions of the fusion splicer <NUM> is locked by the locking unit <NUM>, and when a user desires to temporarily use the fusion splicer <NUM>. When an input of unlocking from a user is received via the input unit <NUM>, the releasing unit <NUM> first causes the display unit <NUM> to display an input screen for a release ID. Then, the releasing unit <NUM> decides whether or not the release ID input from a user matches the identification ID of the information terminal <NUM> stored in the storage unit <NUM>. When the release ID and the identification ID match each other, the functions of the fusion splicer <NUM> locked by the locking unit <NUM> are temporarily released (refer to the part (b) of <FIG>). The temporary release period is one to several days, for example. When the predetermined time period described above elapses after the releasing unit <NUM> has temporarily released the functions locked by the locking unit <NUM>, the locking unit <NUM> performs processing of canceling unlocking by the releasing unit <NUM> such that the functions are in a locked state again. It is preferable that the releasing unit <NUM> uses the identification ID of the information terminal <NUM> as the identification information for checking for the release ID. In place thereof, the releasing unit <NUM> may check for the release ID using the pairing information as the identification information of the information terminal <NUM> or may use a different ID generated based on the identification ID.

The power source unit (battery) is accommodated inside a casing of the fusion splicer <NUM>. It is preferable that electricity be supplied from this power source unit to the theft sensing system <NUM> at all times. Accordingly, the theft sensing system can be operated at all times without being affected by the usage state of the fusion splicer <NUM> (fusion splicing function). The power source unit may be shared with a unit for driving a fusion splicing mechanism. As long as safety is a priority, the power source unit may be separate from a power source unit for driving the fusion splicing mechanism and the power source unit for a theft sensing system may be accommodated at a place where a user cannot easily take out the power source unit.

Next, pairing processing (authentication processing) in the theft sensing system <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> is a sequence diagram for performing pairing processing between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM> in the theft sensing system <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the theft sensing system <NUM>, application for the theft sensing system is first run on the information terminal <NUM> by a user (Step S1). When this application is run, a screen for a theft prevention system is displayed in the information terminal <NUM>, and a four-digit number for pairing is displayed in the screen for a predetermined time (for example, <NUM> seconds as a pairing standby time) by the display unit <NUM> (Step S2). The information terminal <NUM> uploads or transmits a message signal (for example, a TXT file) including pairing information for mutual authentication to the fusion splicer <NUM> using the wireless communication unit <NUM> substantially at the same time as the screen is displayed in Step S2 (Step S3). This message signal is not limited to a text file, and other forms may be adopted.

Next, in the fusion splicer <NUM> in which the message signal including pairing information is received by the wireless communication unit <NUM>, the authentication processing unit <NUM> extracts four-digit numerical information for pairing included in the message signal, and the monitor displays the four-digit number. The fusion splicer <NUM> causes the monitor to display a selection screen such as "perform or do not perform pairing" with respect to the information terminal <NUM> using the authentication processing unit <NUM>. Then, a user (the same user as the information terminal <NUM>) of the fusion splicer <NUM> selects a selection item of either "perform or do not perform pairing" (Step S5). When selection indicating "performing pairing" is received by the authentication processing unit <NUM>, the fusion splicer <NUM> generates a message signal (pairing selection result information) indicating "performing pairing", and transmits or uploads the generated signal to the information terminal <NUM> via the wireless communication unit <NUM> (Step S6). When selection indicating "do not performing pairing" is received, the fusion splicer <NUM> ends the processing using the authentication processing unit <NUM> (Step S7).

Next, the information terminal <NUM> which has received the information (the pairing selection result information) indicating "performing pairing" sets a predetermined cycle for sensing such as theft sensing, the radiowave intensity, and/or the response time using the acquisition unit <NUM>. For example, the information terminal <NUM> causes the display unit <NUM> to display an interval (for example, every minute, every ten minutes, every hour, or every day) for sensing the presence or absence of theft in the theft sensing system <NUM>, and/or a total time (for ten minutes, for an hour, for a day, for thirty days, or the like) of sensing the presence or absence of theft in the display as a selection screen, and sets the desired interval and/or the desired total time selected by a worker using the acquisition unit <NUM>. The information terminal <NUM> transmits the information (the pairing setting information) such as the desired interval and/or the desired total time to the paired fusion splicer <NUM> (Step S9). The information terminal <NUM> may transmit the pairing information (the pairing selection result information) received from the fusion splicer <NUM> to the management server collectively controlling the entire system (Step S8). Regarding Step S8, the information (the pairing selection result information and the pairing setting information) may be transmitted to the management server after the sensing interval, the total time, and/or the like are set. Through the foregoing processing, the theft sensing system <NUM> starts sensing theft (Step S10).

Next, with reference to <FIG>, a method for sensing theft of the paired fusion splicer <NUM> using the information terminal <NUM> will be described. <FIG> is a flowchart showing the method for sensing theft in the theft sensing system <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM> subjected to pairing processing are disposed within <NUM>, and the radiowave intensity between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM> at this time (at a reference position) is measured using the acquisition unit <NUM> (Step S11). In the present embodiment, for example, it is assumed that the radiowave intensity at this time is -<NUM> dBm.

Subsequently, the information terminal <NUM> judges whether or not a predetermined time (for example, an hour) has elapsed after theft sensing processing has started, using the acquisition unit <NUM> (Step S12). When the predetermined time has elapsed as a result of judging whether the predetermined time has elapsed in Step S12, the information terminal <NUM> measures the radiowave intensity between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM> again using the acquisition unit <NUM> (Step S13). The decision unit <NUM> of the information terminal <NUM> checks the distance table <NUM> shown in <FIG> with the measured radiowave intensity and calculates the distance between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM> (Step S14). When this distance is larger than a distance based on the radiowave intensity measured prior thereto, the process proceeds to Step S15.

In the information terminal <NUM>, in deciding in Step S14, when deciding that the distance between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM> checked and calculated based on the measured radiowave intensity and the distance table <NUM> is larger than a distance based on the radiowave intensity measured prior thereto occurs a predetermined number of times (for example, continues three times) (Step S15), the decision unit <NUM> senses that the fusion splicer <NUM> has moved in a direction away from the information terminal <NUM>, that is, the fusion splicer <NUM> is in a stolen state (Step S16). When it is sensed that the fusion splicer <NUM> is in a stolen state, notification processing is performed using a buzzer or the like in the information terminal <NUM>, and the fact is notified to a user (Step S17). The user can be informed that the fusion splicer <NUM> is the stolen state through the notification. In a case of such a stolen state, in which the information can be transmitted to the fusion splicer <NUM> (in a case where wireless communication is not disconnected yet), a signal indicating that the fusion splicer <NUM> is moving in a direction away from the information terminal <NUM> may be transmitted to the fusion splicer <NUM>, such that operation of the fusion splicing mechanism <NUM> is locked by the locking unit <NUM> in the fusion splicer <NUM>. In the example described above, the method for deciding theft sensing has been described with an example of the radiowave intensity. The same applies to the case of sensing theft using the response time shown in <FIG>.

Next, with reference to <FIG>, locking processing of the fusion splicing mechanism in the fusion splicer <NUM> will be described. A part or all of the sequences shown in <FIG> are practically duplicate processing as the flow of sensing theft shown in <FIG>. However, they may be separately performed.

First, in the information terminal <NUM>, when a predetermined sensing interval has elapsed (Step S21), a message signal (condition confirmation information) (for example, a TXT file) indicating whether the fusion splicer <NUM> is stolen is transmitted (uploaded) to the fusion splicer <NUM> (Step S22). This signal includes pairing information including a pairing number. This message signal is not limited to a text file.

Subsequently, the pairing number is extracted from the signal in the fusion splicer <NUM> which has received the signal, and the locking unit <NUM> confirms the pairing number in the file (Step S23). Then, when the pairing number matches the number stored in the fusion splicer <NUM> in advance, the locking unit <NUM> deletes the received message signal (condition confirmation information) (Step S24). When the pairing number does not match the number in Step S24, the process returns to Step S23. The fusion splicer <NUM> performs this confirmation procedure in a predetermined cycle set in advance, and confirms whether mismatching of the pairing number or failure of receiving (failure of confirming) a message signal from the information terminal <NUM> continues a predetermined number of times (Step S25).

Subsequently, when it is judged in deciding in Step S25 that mismatching of the pairing number or failure of receiving (failure of confirming) a message signal from the information terminal <NUM> continues a predetermined number of times in the fusion splicer <NUM>, the decision unit <NUM> judges that the fusion splicer <NUM> is in a stolen state, and the process proceeds to Step S26. Then, the locking unit <NUM> locks the fusion functions of the fusion splicer <NUM> (Step S26). Consequently, when the fusion splicer <NUM> is stolen, it can be made unusable.

Incidentally, it is conceivable that the wireless communication unit <NUM> of the fusion splicer <NUM> or the wireless communication unit <NUM> of the information terminal <NUM> has malfunctioned while being in use so that transmitting and receiving the wireless signal described above and theft sensing processing cannot be appropriately executed and it is determined as a stolen state although it is not actually stolen, and therefore the fusion functions of the fusion splicer <NUM> are locked by the locking unit <NUM> as illustrated in Step S26. Here, the fusion splicer <NUM> may be provided with a constitution in which the locked state can be temporarily released in such a case.

Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the fusion splicing functions of the fusion splicer <NUM> are locked due to malfunction or the like of the wireless device of the information terminal <NUM> (Step S31), a user starts release processing for performing temporary unlocking with respect to the input unit <NUM> (Step S32).

Subsequently, when release processing for performing temporary unlocking is input to the input unit <NUM>, the fusion splicer <NUM> displays a screen for inputting the release ID in order to urge a user to input the release ID for performing unlocking (Step S33).

Subsequently, when the release ID is input, the releasing unit <NUM> reads the identification ID of the information terminal <NUM> stored in the storage unit <NUM> and checks whether or not the input release ID matches the identification ID of the information terminal <NUM> (Step S34). When the input release ID matches the identification ID, the releasing unit <NUM> releases the locked functions of the fusion splicer <NUM> locked by the locking unit <NUM> and executes processing to make it usable (Step S35). In such a manner described above, a user can temporarily use the fusion splicer <NUM>. Since the releasing is temporarily performed, all the functions released by the releasing unit <NUM> are locked again by the locking unit <NUM> after a predetermined time period (day to several days) has elapsed (Step S36). Since there is a period for temporary unlocking, a user can call a support center or the like and can restore the information terminal. Therefore, work due to the fusion splicer <NUM> can continue without interruption.

According to the theft sensing system <NUM> of the present invention, the fusion splicer <NUM> moving in a direction away from the position is sensed based on the position of the information terminal <NUM> which a user can carry at all times, so that a user can be easily informed of the fact. Thus, theft of the fusion splicer <NUM> can be prevented.

The theft sensing system <NUM> includes the distance table <NUM> in which the relationship between the wireless condition data between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM> and the distance between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM> is set in advance. The decision unit <NUM> checks the distance table <NUM> with the wireless condition data acquired by the acquisition unit <NUM> and calculates the distance between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM>. When the calculated distance is larger than a distance calculated prior thereto, it is decided that the fusion splicer <NUM> has moved in a direction away from the information terminal <NUM>. According to the theft sensing system <NUM>, since movement of the fusion splicer <NUM> is determined using the distance table <NUM> set in advance, deciding processing can be simplified.

In the theft sensing system <NUM>, the acquisition unit <NUM> acquires the wireless condition data including the radiowave intensity and/or the response time of wireless communication between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM>. In this manner, according to the theft sensing system <NUM>, unauthorized movement of the fusion splicer <NUM> is judged utilizing information which is related to a wireless device and is often provided for adding other functions (for example, general data management of the fusion splicer). Thus, the fusion splicer <NUM> can be provided with a new function such as theft prevention without adding any new component or with less components added thereto.

In the theft sensing system <NUM>, the acquisition unit <NUM> continuously acquires the wireless condition data in a predetermined cycle. Since the wireless condition data is continuously acquired in a predetermined cycle, it is possible to continuously sense that the fusion splicer <NUM> is moving away from the information terminal <NUM>, and theft of the fusion splicer <NUM> can be determined more reliably while movement of the fusion splicer <NUM> other than theft is excluded from the deciding, so that theft can be further prevented.

The theft sensing system <NUM> further includes the locking unit <NUM> locking the functions of the fusion splicer in the fusion splicer <NUM> when the decision unit <NUM> decides that the fusion splicer <NUM> has moved in a direction away from the information terminal <NUM> or decides that wireless communication between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM> is disconnected. According to such a theft sensing system <NUM>, even if it is stolen, locking (disable processing) is performed from the information terminal <NUM>. Thus, even if only the fusion splicer <NUM> is stolen, it is difficult to unlock the device, so that theft of the fusion splicer <NUM> can be further prevented. In this case, this theft sensing system <NUM> may further include the releasing unit <NUM> which releases functions locked by the locking unit <NUM>. When such a release means is provided, even in a case where the fusion splicer <NUM> is locked, the locked state can be released through an appropriate recovery procedure performed by an authorized user, and thus the fusion splicer <NUM> can be used again. Such a releasing unit may be provided on the server acquiring the authentication information by the authentication processing unit <NUM>, or the server may transmit a signal for releasing the functions locked by the locking unit <NUM> using the authentication information to the fusion splicer <NUM>. In this case as well, similar effects can be exhibited.

The theft sensing system <NUM> further includes the position acquisition unit <NUM> acquiring positional information of the fusion splicer <NUM>. Due to this constitution, even if the fusion splicer <NUM> is stolen, the positional information related to the theft position required for a theft report or a theft insurance can be stored in the information terminal <NUM>. Even if the fusion splicer <NUM> is stolen, it is possible simplify various kinds of processing to be performed thereafter. Regarding the positional information, it may be acquired when the decision unit <NUM> decides that the fusion splicer <NUM> has moved in a direction away from the information terminal <NUM> or decides that wireless communication between the fusion splicer <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM> is disconnected. Alternatively, the positional information may be regularly acquired, saved, and updated at a predetermined time interval, and the latest positional information acquired when it is decided as described may be saved.

In the fusion splicer <NUM>, the storage unit <NUM> stores the identification ID of the information terminal <NUM> subjected to authentication processing, and the releasing unit <NUM> temporarily releases the device functions locked by the locking unit <NUM> when the release ID input from the input unit <NUM> matches this identification ID. Thus, according to the fusion splicer <NUM>, in addition to preventing theft of the fusion splicer <NUM> due to deciding by the decision unit <NUM> and locking of the functions by the locking unit <NUM>, temporary releasing of the locked functions caused by theft sensing can be easily realized by the releasing unit <NUM>. As a result, when the communication conditions deteriorate due to malfunction of the information terminal <NUM>, a problem of communication (wireless communication or the like) with respect to the information terminal <NUM>, or the like, such that it is erroneously decided that the fusion splicer <NUM> is a stolen state and the device functions are locked, the locked state can be temporarily released using the identification ID. Thus, interruption of work due to the fusion splicer <NUM> is avoided, so that work can be continuously performed. Furthermore, since the unlocking described above is temporarily performed, the influence on the function preventing theft of the fusion splicer <NUM> can be reduced.

In the fusion splicer <NUM>, the decision unit <NUM> decides that the fusion splicer <NUM> is in a stolen state when wireless communication from the information terminal <NUM> cannot be received for a predetermined time period. When the wireless communication unit <NUM> or <NUM> of the information terminal <NUM> or the fusion splicer <NUM> has malfunctioned or the like, wireless communication between the information terminal <NUM> and the fusion splicer <NUM> is completely lost. Since the decision unit <NUM> decides that the fusion splicer <NUM> is in a stolen state when wireless communication from the information terminal <NUM> cannot received for a predetermined time period, the condition of the malfunction can be sensed more reliably.

In the fusion splicer <NUM>, the storage unit <NUM> executes processing of deleting or disabling the stored identification information of the information terminal <NUM> after elapse of a predetermined time period. Releasing of the locked functions of the fusion splicer <NUM> can be temporarily performed more reliably by executing this processing, and therefore theft of the fusion splicer <NUM> can be prevented more reliably.

In the fusion splicer <NUM>, the locking unit <NUM> locks the functions of the fusion splicer <NUM> again after the locked state is temporarily released by the releasing unit <NUM>. Consequently, theft of the fusion splicer <NUM> can be prevented more reliably.

In the fusion splicer <NUM>, the identification information of the information terminal <NUM> is acquired during authentication of the information terminal <NUM> performed by the authentication processing unit <NUM>, and the identification information is stored in the storage unit <NUM>. Thus, the identification information of the information terminal <NUM> can be acquired more reliably.

Claim 1:
A fusion splicer (<NUM>) capable of sensing whether or not the fusion splicer (<NUM>) is in a stolen state in cooperation with an external theft sensing device, the fusion splicer (<NUM>) comprising:
an authentication processing unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) that is configured to authenticate the theft sensing device to connect the fusion splicer (<NUM>) and the theft sensing device to each other through a predetermined communication technique;
a storage unit (<NUM>) that is configured to store identification information of the theft sensing device subjected to authentication processing by the authentication processing unit (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a decision unit (<NUM>) that is configured to decide whether or not the fusion splicer (<NUM>) is in a stolen state based on a communication condition of the predetermined communication technique with respect to the theft sensing device;
a locking unit (<NUM>) that is configured to lock at least a part of functions of the fusion splicer (<NUM>) when the decision unit (<NUM>) decides that the fusion splicer (<NUM>) is in a stolen state;
a releasing unit (<NUM>) that is configured to temporarily release the function of the fusion splicer (<NUM>) locked by the locking unit (<NUM>); and
an input unit (<NUM>) that is configured to receive an input of a release ID for unlocking by the releasing unit (<NUM>),
wherein the releasing unit (<NUM>) temporarily releases the locked state when the release ID input from the input unit (<NUM>) corresponds to the identification information stored in the storage unit (<NUM>), and
wherein the locking unit (<NUM>) is configured to lock the function of the fusion splicer (<NUM>) again after the locked state is temporarily released by the releasing unit (<NUM>).