Patent ID: 12197997

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In this disclosure, detailed non-limiting embodiments are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and may take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art.

With reference to the figures, a more detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments of a cable management device, system, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium will be provided. For ease of illustration and to facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used herein for like components and features throughout the drawings.

As previously described, a need exists for a cable management device, system, method, and application program designed to save time from tracing cables as well as create a way to quickly audit existing installations and dynamically upload data to cable management systems.

The present disclosure provides a cable management device, system, method, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium that addresses and/or meets such a need and solves the problems associated with the known cable management approaches described previously. The cable management device, system, method, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium of the present disclosure provide and/or utilize unique cable identifiers in conjunction with intelligence that can provide patch field cable documentation without the hassle of manually tracing cables and documenting their location. Once a patch field has been scanned, the cable management device, system, method, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium of the present disclosure can then use saved information to verify or find existing connections.

The cable management device, system, method and non-transitory computer readable medium of the present disclosure for identifying and documenting connections between patch panel ports may comprise, provide, and/or utilize one or more patch panels or pieces of equipment with multiple network ports for connecting cables. The cable management device, system, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium of the present disclosure may further comprise, provide, and/or utilize various features as described herein.

The cable management device, system, method, and medium may comprise one or more cables10connected between patch panels14,16as seen inFIG.1. Although this disclosure describes the cables10being connected between patch panels14,16according to exemplary embodiments, the cable management solution described herein may be implemented such that the cables10are connected between other networking devices such as servers, switches, routers, or other networking devices where cables are installed.

FIG.1shows a plurality of network cables10connected between a first patch panel A14and a second patch panel B16according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. One or more of the cables10have a label12attached, where the label12includes a unique identifier13(i.e., collectively may be referred to as a “unique ID cable”). A unique ID cable may comprise a network patch cable10including a unique identifier13that has been attached, affixed, or placed at or proximate each end of the cable10. According to some embodiments, the unique identifier13is placed a predetermined distance from the ends of the cable10such as within 3 inches of one, or both, ends of the cable10, or within a range of 0.25 to 6 inches from one, or both, ends of the cable10. According to some embodiments, the unique identifier13, is placed to provide a predetermined distance (e.g., 2 inches with a 0.5 inch tolerance) between the end of the cable plug boot to the edge of the label12. According to some embodiments, the unique identifier13is placed at a predetermined location (e.g., distance from the ends of the cable10such as between 0.25 to 6 inches from one, or both, ends of the cable10) based on the type of cable10being used (e.g., CAT6, shielded, breakout, fiber, etc.).

According to the illustrated embodiments inFIG.2, the unique identifier13is printed onto a label12and affixed onto the cable10, where the unique identifier13is printed in the form of barcodes. However, according to other embodiments the unique identifier13may be printed or etched directly onto the cable10. Further, the unique identifier13may take on other forms of machine-readable codes such as a QR code, alphanumeric passcodes, or other passively detectable forms. The unique identifier13is representative of an identification code associated to the cable10, and for corresponding the cable10with additional information such as installation location, production data, and/or cable attribute data.

FIG.2depicts a cable10with a label12having a unique identifier13on each end thereof according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In a system of multiple cables10, each unique identifier13is produced to identify a respective unique cable10and/or the location where each end of the cable10is installed. So according to some embodiments, the unique identifier13placed on each respective ends of a unique cable10will be slightly different to identify which end of the cable10the unique identifier13has been placed on. For example, the barcode placed at a first end A may correspond to a first identification code, and the barcode placed at a second end B may correspond to a second identification code, where the first and second identification code are mostly comprised of the same identification code other than a slight difference to identify their respective placement at the first end A or the second end B (e.g., 10000090A and 10000090B).FIG.3depicts a patch cable10with the machine-readable unique identifier13proximate an end of the cable10according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, the unique identifier13is placed at a predetermined location on the cable10(e.g., predetermined distance from a plug17that terminates an end of the cable10shown inFIG.3).

FIG.4is a simplified block diagram of a cable management system200according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As seen therein, the system200comprises a mobile computing device20, such as a tablet, smartphone, laptop, or other mobile computing device. The mobile computing device20may comprise a display24, a data storage medium or memory26, and a processor28configured to execute a cable management program or soft re according to the present disclosure (which application program may be referred to as the “cable management tool”).

The system200may further comprise a barcode scanner30, such as a general-purpose scanning device which may be used to scan the unique identifier13(e.g., barcode identifier) attached to the cable10, and to communicate barcode information to the mobile computing device20. Such communication may be accomplished via wired or wireless connection32between the barcode scanner30and the mobile computing device20. According to other embodiments, the barcode scanner30may be replaced with a different detection device that is either a stand-alone device or integrated into the mobile computing device20capable of reading the unique identifier13(e.g., digital video camera, digital image camera, RFID reader, or the like).

The system200may still further comprise a scanner clip34that is attached, affixed, or otherwise mounted to the barcode scanner30. Alternatively, the scanner clip34may be an integral part of or integrated with the barcode scanner30. The scanner clip34includes a viewing window36formed therein for allowing a user operating the barcode scanner30to view the unique identifier13of the cable10that is being held by the scanner clip34. The viewing window36may be a cut-out portion, or made from a sheet of non-opaque material. According to some embodiments, the viewing window36may not be included. The scanner clip34includes a hook portion38configured to receive/grab and isolate the individual cable10having the identifier13to be scanned, as will be described in more detail with reference toFIGS.5A and5B.

In that regard,FIGS.5A and5Bare perspective views of the scanner clip34for use with the barcode scanner30, where the scanner clip34is configured to hold the cable10while the barcode scanner30scans the unique identifier13according to non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG.5A, the scanner clip34includes mounting features37configured to attach, affix, or mount the scanner clip34to the barcode scanner30.

FIG.5Bdepicts the scanner clip34attached, affixed, or mounted to a scanning end of the barcode scanner30. As seen therein, the hook portion38of the scanner clip34is configured to receive/grab and isolate the individual cable10to bring the unique identifier13into view of a scanning input window at the scanning end of the barcode scanner30. The viewing window36in the scanner clip34enables a user holding the barcode scanner30to view the unique identifier13through the viewing window36as the cable10is being held by the hook portion38. The scanner clip34, therefore, enables the individual cable10to be quickly and easily isolated from other neighboring cables so that its unique identifier13can be successfully and accurately scanned for input into the cable management tool. This way, the scanner clip34helps increase the efficiency of the scanning processing for identifying and associating a large number of cables installed into panels14,16and port numbers by reducing the time needed to do so in a system of patch panels as shown inFIG.1.

Referring again toFIG.4, the cable10may be any type including, but not limited to, copper wire ethernet cable, fiber optic cable, hi-density fiber cable, or breakout cable. The cable10may comprise the label12including the unique identifier13near each end thereof, where the label12may take the form of a printed label attached or affixed to the cable10proximate each end thereof. The unique identifier13according to the described embodiments are barcodes, where the barcodes are used to obtain an identification code that is used to look-up the respective cable10, the cable's10to/from installation location, and/or cable production data such as, but not limited to, cable manufacturing information (e.g., cable length, part number, cable type), quality control data, country of origin, production date, material lot number, category of cable, plenum or LSZH material confirmation, test result data such as insertion loss, crosstalk, DC resistance, or other information known about the cable (hereinafter collectively referred to as the cable information). The unique identifier13is created to uniquely correspond to each associated cable10included in the system. To enable the look-up function, the identification code obtained from scanning the unique identifier13and the corresponding cable information may be stored as part of a lookup table or database that is part of the cable management tool described herein. In the case of a breakout cable, the cable ID may include a decimal format (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc.) to account for the single breakout cable including a plurality of individual cables that fan out from the main breakout cable formation.

It should be noted that the mobile computing device20, the barcode scanner30, and/or any other computing unit, module, controller, system, subsystem, mechanism, device, component or the like described herein may comprise appropriate circuitry, such as one or more appropriately programmed processors (e.g., one or more microprocessors including central processing units (CPU)) and associated memory or data storage medium, which may include stored operating system software and/or application software executable by the processor(s) for controlling operation thereof and for performing the particular algorithms represented by the various functions and/or operations described herein, including interaction and/or communication between and/or cooperation with each other. One or more of such processors or several such processors and/or circuitry and/or hardware may be distributed among several separate units, modules, controllers, systems, subsystems, mechanisms, devices, components or the like.

The cable management tool may be an app installed onto the mobile computing device for use in performing the cable management method of the present disclosure, and which may be implemented at least in part as machine (e.g., computer) executable instructions stored on or in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The cable management tool may further include software, hardware, middleware, application programming interface, circuitry, and/or other components for implementing the features described herein that relate to the cable management tool.

The cable management tool may be configured to run or be executed by the processor28of the mobile computing device20to manage and locate the large number of cables10that are found attached to patch panels14,16installed on a network rack (see e.g.,FIG.1). The cable management tool is configured to receive the unique identifier13information from the barcode scanner30and identify the identification code represented by the barcode. Then, the cable management tool is configured to search or lookup, in a database or table, the cable information associated to the identification code. For example, the cable management tool may communicate, via an application programming interface (API), with an offsite server to access the database or table stored on the server. The cable information stored within the database or table may be downloaded onto the mobile computing device20using the cable management tool, and further be printed onto labels. Communication with the server may be implemented via either the wired or wireless connection32provided by the mobile computing device20.

The cable management tool may operate within the cable management system200in any of three modes: 1) Scan Mode; 2) Scan and Verify Mode; or 3) Find Mode. The cable management tool may also be configured to generate reports detailing the cable locations. Such reports can be exported or uploaded to a data storage medium, such as cloud storage, which may comprise a database, transmitted to another user at a remote location, and/or stored on memory storage included in the mobile computing device20. The report may be in a flat file format according to some embodiments.

FIG.6shows an exemplary view of the mobile computing device20executing the cable management tool, and displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) of the cable management tool on the display24. As described, the mobile computing device20includes the hardware, software, and/or circuitry for executing the cable management tool. In particular, the machine-readable instructions that comprise the cable management tool are stored in the memory26, and the processor28reads these machine-readable instructions and executes them to run the cable management tool according to the present disclosure.

As previously described, the cable management system200includes the barcode scanner30which may be connected via Bluetooth, Universal Serial Bus (USB), or any other type of wired or wireless connection32to the mobile computing device20configured to run the cable management tool. Once again, the cable management system200further comprises the barcode scanner dip34used to isolate the individual cable10from a plurality of surrounding cables, to scan the unique identifier13from the cable10.

As previously noted, the cable management tool may operate in or according to various modes. Such modes may comprise a “scan” mode, a “scan and verify” mode, and a “find” mode for managing cables as a front of panel solution where cables are being installed between networking devices. Various non-limiting steps, functions, functionality, operations, features, and/or processes for such modes will now be described. In that regard, it should be noted that such steps, functions, functionality, operations, features, and/or processes may be performed at different times, in an order or orders other than those described, and/or that one or more may be omitted. The “scan” mode, the “scan and verify” mode, and the “find” mode, may each comprise one or more of the following steps 1-6:Step 1: Start with an existing patch field that incorporates the unique ID cables described herein. The existing patch field may comprise one or more patch panels14,16(seeFIG.1) containing multiple ports. The patch field utilizes unique ID patch cables10to make connections between two ports in the patch field.Step 2: Run the cable management tool on the mobile computing device20. Once again,FIG.6depicts the mobile computing device20displaying a GUI on the display24of the mobile computing device20based on an execution of machine-readable instructions of the cable management tool, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.Step 3: Change, enter, and/or set the software mode to “scan” mode. In that regard,FIG.7depicts the mobile computing device20executing machine-readable instructions for running the “scan” mode40and displaying a GUI of the “scan” mode40on the display24, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.Step 4: Enter the name of the patch panel being scanned into the “Panel Name” field.FIG.8depicts the mobile computing device20executing machine-readable instructions for running the “scan” mode40to enable entry of patch panel name information into the “Panel Name” information entry field42included in the GUI of the “scan” mode40displayed on the display24, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. A user may utilize an input device (e.g., touch screen keyboard, mechanical keyboard, speech input, or the like) to enter the patch panel name information into the “Panel Name” information entry field42.Step 5: Enter the port number into the “Scanning Port” field. In that regard,FIG.9depicts the mobile computing device executing machine-readable instructions for running the “scan” mode40to enable entry of port number information into the “Scanning Port” information entry field44included in the GUI of the “scan” mode40displayed on the display24, according to one non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. A user may utilize an input device (e.g., touch screen keyboard, mechanical keyboard, speech input, or the like) to enter the port number information into the “Scanning Port” information entry field44.Step 6: Scan the unique identifier13of the cable10associated with the patch panel and port entered. After scanning the unique identifier13with the barcode scanner30, the port number in the “Scanning Port” information entry field44(see e.g.,FIG.9) increments by one automatically to allow data entry at the next port. If the incremented port number displayed in the “Scanning Port” information entry field44is not correct, the user may manually enter the next patch panel name and/or correct next port number to scan in information. This process is continued until all cables10connected to ports have been scanned.Step 7: While the user is scanning the unique identifier13of the cables10, the cable management tool stores the information Obtained from scanning the unique identifier13in a database along with the corresponding panel and port number (i.e., location information). The cable management tool is now able to accurately locate matching unique identifiers and correlate them to the associated cables and their physical patch panel and port locations. The cable management tool may also display these matches on the display24of the mobile computing device20as connections.

In that regard,FIG.10depicts the display24of the mobile computing device20displaying an output GUI that matches unique identifier tags with their corresponding physical port information1001a,1001bin the “scan” mode40, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. These results can be exported48and/or transmitted as desired, such as to a remote user, a data storage medium such as cloud storage (which may comprise a database), an excel spreadsheet, or a comma separated values file for import into other management systems.

For example, data may be exported via a comma-separated text file (.csv file extension). Each file represents a telecom room or data center. The location fields may be manually entered in the cable management tool, where the ID fields are the value of the scanned unique identifier13. As seen inFIG.10, the output fields may be Near End port location (NE Port)1010, Near End ID Number (NE ID)1020, Far End port location (FE Port)1030, Far End ID number (FE ID)1040. Sample output for such fields in a comma separated .csv file format with the data shown inFIG.10may appear as follows:SwtchA-01,10000090,Panel-28,10000090SwtchA-02,10000059,Panel-27,10000059SwtchA-03,10000001,Panel-26,10000001SwtchA-04,10000012,Panel-25,10000012

The “scan and verify” mode50may further comprise one or more steps 8-10 as described below with reference toFIGS.11-13. Once again, it should be noted that such steps, functions, functionality, operations, features, and/or processes may be performed at different times, in an order or orders other than those described, and/or that one or more may be omitted.Step 8: Select “scan and verify” mode50. In that regard,FIG.11depicts the mobile computing device20executing machine-readable instructions for entering the “scan and verify” mode according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. InFIG.11, a GUI corresponding to the “scan and verify” mode50is displayed on the display24of the mobile computing device20. The “scan and verify” mode50uses previously saved results from the “scan” mode40(see e.g.,FIGS.7-10) operation to verify whether cables10have moved since the last scanning. If saved results do not exist, steps 1 through 6 described previously are performed. In addition or alternatively, according to some embodiments the saved results used for verification may be downloaded as a set of predetermined installation location results so that the current scanning operation can be compared against.Step 9: Enter panel name and port number of the current patch panel port location to be verified,FIG.12depicts the mobile computing device20executing machine-readable instructions for running the “scan and verify” mode50to enable entry of patch panel name information into the “Panel Name” information entry field52included in the GUI of the “scan and verify” mode50displayed on the display24, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.12also depicts the mobile computing device20executing machine-readable instructions for running the “scan and verify” mode50to enable entry of scanning port name information into the “Scanning Port” information entry field54included in the GUI of the “scan and verify” mode50displayed on the display24, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. A user may utilize an input device (e.g., touch screen keyboard, mechanical keyboard, speech input, or the like) to enter the patch panel name information into the “Panel Name” information entry field52as well as the scanning port name information into the “Scanning Port” information entry field54.Step 10: Scan unique identifier13of the cable10in a selected port. The cable management tool identifies the current cable10based the scanned unique identifier13, and looks up its corresponding installation location information from the stored database that tracks its panel and/or port installation location info anon from the last time it has been scanned (or based on previously downloaded installation location data). The comparison is then given a PASS/FAIL grade based on whether the comparison of the inputted location from Step 9 matches the previously installed location information looked up in Step 10 (PASS) or does not match (FAIL), and a corresponding notification may be output to the display24. In that regard,FIG.13depicts the mobile computing device20displaying the results of the PASS/FAIL status information55(which may take the form of color-coded information, such as green for pass and red for fail, or other visual indicator such as a flag or other symbol to identify failing status or passing status) based on the comparison in the “scan and verify” mode50, according to one non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. If the current location information that has been inputted matches the stored and expected location information for the cable that has been identified from the stored database based on the scanned unique identifier13, a “pass” status is reported. If the current location does not match the stored database record for that cable's identification code obtained from the scanning of the unique identifier13, a “fail” status is reported. The fail status also reports the last recorded cable identification code56(cable identification code 10000007 Expected Near End ID (Exp NE ID)) for that location as an expected identifier value.

The “find” mode60may further comprise steps 11-13 as described below with reference toFIG.14. Once again, it should be noted that such steps, functions, functionality, operations, features, and/or processes may be performed at different times, in an order or orders other than those described, and/or that one or more may be omitted.Step 11: Select the “find” mode60. In that regard,FIG.14depicts the mobile computing device20executing machine-readable instructions for entering the “find” mode60, according to one non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.14shows a GUI that is displayed on the display24of the mobile computing device20according to the “find” mode60. The “find” mode60is useful when one end of the cable10has been located and it is desired to find the other end of that same cable10. With the “find” mode60, there is a first known cable10that a user is trying to match and there are target cables10that could potentially be the other end of the first known cable10.Step 12: Scan the unique identifier13on the first end of the cable10(i.e., first location). Once the unique identifier13at the first end has been scanned, the cable identification code corresponding to this scanned unique identifier13is obtained as this first cable identification code represents the cable ends trying to be found. Then all following cable identification codes that are obtained from subsequent scans of unique identifiers13in Step 13 while in the “find” mode are compared against this first cable identification code and given a PASS status when the subsequently obtained cable identification code matches the first cable identification code, and a FAIL status when the subsequently scanned unique identifier13does not match the first unique identifier13.Step 13: Scan subsequent unique identifier13at a second end of the cable10(i.e., second location) to obtain the cable identification code for the unknown cable end at the second location. While in this “find” mode, each of the cable identification codes that are obtained from the scanning of subsequent unique identifier13at the second location are compared against the first cable identification code and given a PASS status when the subsequently Obtained cable identification code matches the first cable identification code, and a FAIL status when the subsequently obtained cable identification code does not match the first cable identification code. The status may be reported to the user via display onto the “find” mode GUI displayed on the display24.

As previously noted, in each of the “scan” mode40, “scan and verify” mode50, and “find” mode60, the cable management tool may also be configured to generate reports detailing the cable installation locations. Such results can also be saved, exported, and/or transmitted as desired, such as to a remote user or remote location, a data storage medium such as cloud storage (which may comprise a database), an excel spreadsheet, or a comma separated values file for import into other management systems. The GUI shown inFIG.14includes a save button61and an export button62to implement these respective functions. The cable management tool may also be configured to provide an option for the user to save and move on, or save and quit, after each scan and/or after each time new data is input to the lookup table storing the cable information.

FIG.15is a logic flowchart1500describing a process implemented by the cable management tool for the “scan” mode40and the “scan and verify” mode50described herein, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the cable management tool may start execution based on two scenarios (72): first, a new installation environment where unique ID cables have not yet been fully installed (74); or second, a previously installed environment where unique ID cables have already been partially, or fully, installed (76). Upon starting execution of the cable management tool (72), the cable management tool may enter the “scan” mode40, the “scan and verify” mode50, or the “find” mode60.

As previously described and shown in the flowchart1500, the “scan” mode40proceeds with the cable management tool receiving panel name information (80) and port number information (82). For example, the panel name information and/or port number information may be entered into their respective fields in the GUI via an input device (e.g., keyboard or touchscreen), or in some embodiments received from another data source.

Thereafter the unique identifier on the current cable is scanned (84), where the information obtained from scanning the unique identifier may be used to create or add to a database (86). For example, the cable management tool obtains a cable identification code based on the scanned unique identifier, and creates a database entry for the cable under the obtained cable identification code. Then, the database stores corresponding cable information to associate with the database entry for the cable identification code. Such cable information may include or more of cable ends installation location, cable production data, and/or other cable attribute information that is accessed based on the cable identification code. Thus the database becomes an effective and efficient store of relevant information for an installer to access as it identifies the cables used in the installation and associates them to their corresponding cable information. The database may be constructed as, for example, a lookup table format.

After such scanning (84), the port number is automatically incremented (88), and the cable management tool comes to a decision point where a determination is made as to whether the next port number is, or will be, populated with a cable (90). If so, the cable management tool goes through the looped process of scanning the unique identifier of the next cable to obtain the cable identification code of the next cable (84), adding the next cable's identification code to the database as well as accessing any known cable information to the database entry (86), and automatically incrementing the port number (88). Otherwise, the cable management tool determines whether all cables associated with the current panel have been scanned (92). If not, then the process for the “scan” mode40moves to the next port populated with a cable on the current panel (94). Otherwise, the cable management tool determines whether all scanning has been completed for additional panels (96). If there are additional panels left for scanning, then the process for the “scan” mode40moves to a new panel (98). Otherwise, when there are no more panels for scanning the process for the “scan” mode ends (100).

As also previously described, the “scan and verify” mode50may proceed with loading saved result for scanned cables from a database (102). The saved results may be obtained from a previous iteration of the “scan” mode, or previously downloaded cable installation results. Panel name information and port number information is then entered into the cable management tool and/or received by the cable management tool (104).

Thereafter, a unique identifier of a current cable is scanned (106), and a PASS/FAIL result is reported by the cable management tool based on whether the location (panel name and port number information) entered and/or received for the current cable's unique identifier matches the previously stored location for that cable, where the cable is identified based on its scanned unique identifier (108). The port number may then be automatically incremented (110), and the cable management tool determines whether another cable unique identifier is to be scanned to perform another “scan and verify” operation (112). If there are additional cables to be verified, the process for the “scan and verify” mode50is repeated by looping back to entering/receiving the panel name information and port number information for the next cable being verified (104). Otherwise, the process for the “scan and verify” mode50ends (100).

FIG.16is a logic flowchart1600describing a process implemented by the cable management tool for a “find” mode60, according to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Once again, as seen therein, the cable management tool may initially start execution based on two scenarios (72): first, a new installation environment where unique ID cables have not yet been fully installed (74); or second, a previously installed environment where unique ID cables have already been partially, or fully, installed (76). Upon starting execution of the cable management tool (72), the cable management tool may enter the “scan” mode40, the “scan and verify” mode50, or the “find” mode60.

As previously described, the cable management tool implements the “find” mode60by identifying a first cable end from scanning the unique identifier at a first location (120). By scanning the unique identifier, the cable management tool looks up the corresponding cable identification code to establish as the first cable end, with the intention of finding the corresponding second cable end using the “find” mode60.

Thereafter, the user travels to a second location to begin scanning unique identifiers off of cable ends found at the second location in an effort to find the matching second cable end. So at this second location, the unique identifier off a target cable end is scanned and the cable management tool identifies the cable identification code for the target cable end (122). Then the cable identification codes for the first cable end and the target cable end are compared to see if they match (124). A match may identify the same cable identification code with their respective location code (e.g., 10000090A and 10000090B).

If the cable management tool determines there is a match, a PASS status is reported (126), such as via the display of the mobile computing device and/or via a first audible tone emitted by the mobile computing device20. If the cable management tool determines there is not a match, then a FAIL status is reported (128), such as via the display of the mobile computing device and/or via a second audible tone different than the first audible tone emitted by the mobile computing device.

When the cable management tool reports the FAIL status, the unique identifier at a different target cable end at the second location is scanned to continue the search for the other end to the first cable end (122). This looping process may continue until a match is found to present the PASS status (126), or until the user exits the “find” mode.

FIG.17shows an exemplary structured cabling system1000where a first cabinet (e.g., Cabinet A) is located a distance away from a second cabinet (e.g., Cabinet B) and connected using bulk cable. A cable150is used to connect connector panels (e.g., modular patch panels or fiber enclosure trays) mounted in cabinet A to connector panels mounted in cabinet A in a one-to-one manner. In this structured cabling system1000, cabinet A and cabinet B are directed connected in a one-to-one manner using one or more cable runs of the cable150that are mounted between the connector panels installed into the respective cabinet A and cabinet B. According to the structured cabling system1000, the cable150may be representative of one or more distinct runs of the same type of cable.

In the one-to-one wiring method as shown in the structured cabling system1000, port No. 1 on a patch panel or fiber enclosure in cabinet A will be cabled to port No. 1 in the corresponding patch panel or fiber enclosure in cabinet B. So during an installation process the installer is tasked with keeping track of the cable150to ensure it is the proper cable to being routed to the correct ports. In past implementations, the installers may have installed temporary labels onto the cable150to help with identification during the cable pulling process. However, in situations where the cable150is not labelled with pulling labels, or pulling labels are dislodged in the installation process, additional time must be spent troubleshooting and identifying the cable150to install them in the proper corresponding positions.

Besides pulling cable and terminating connectors on cable ends, the system installer may also provide documentation of pulled cables to a customer. Structured cabling is used to connect two endpoints in different locations, and therefore documentation of structured cabling focuses on to and from locations, specifically information that describes which port a first cable end is from (one terminated end of the cable or near end) to which port a second cable end to the same cable is going (other terminated end of the same cable or far end).

In an effort to aid in the management of the cable150used in the structed cabling system1000, the cable150itself is a bulk cable having pre-printed unique identifiers151placed directly on the cable jacket at predetermined intervals as it is manufactured and wound onto a cable spool prior to installation, as shown inFIG.18. The unique identifiers151may be a multi-part barcode that includes a unique number identifying each individual spool of cable, and may also include a distance marker that indicates the distance of cable unwound from the spool, as well as other descriptive information. The unique identifiers151are described herein as being barcodes for exemplary purposes, although other types unique identifiers may be used (e.g., machine-readable codes such as QR codes, or unique alpha-numeric code for image recognition).

FIG.18shows a partial view of the cable150that includes two instances of the unique identifier151spaced apart by a predetermined interval distance. Whereas the unique identifier13illustrated inFIG.2is printed onto labels12, the unique identifier151shown inFIG.18is pre-printed directly onto the cable150. The unique identifier151is printed at locations to be spaced apart by the predetermined interval length (e.g., 12 inches or less, 18 inches or less, 24 inches or less, or another predetermined interval distance). The unique identifier151is scanned by the cable management tool to then identify a cable identification code for the cable from which the unique identifier151was scanned from. With the cable identification code, the cable management tool may further obtain cable production data such as, but not limited to, cable manufacturing information (e.g., cable length, part number, cable type), quality control data, country of origin, production date, material lot number, category of cable, plenum or LSZH material confirmation, test result data such as insertion loss, crosstalk, DC resistance, or other information known about the cable (hereinafter collectively referred to as the cable information). While in some embodiments the cable information may be stored on the mobile computing device20as part of the cable management tool, according to other embodiments the cable management tool communication with a remote server, via APIs, to access and download the cable information.

In addition or alternatively, according to some embodiments the cable150may further include one or more labels that include the unique identifier151or other information (e.g., cable information). The label may be attached near one or both of the cable ends, similar to the labels12described inFIG.2. The labels may be attached at a position that is at the predetermined distance from the cable end it is attached nearest to, or further away from.

The cable150may be used in the cable management system200, where the unique identifiers151are scanned by the barcode scanner30to obtain the corresponding information from the unique identifiers151. The barcode scanner30may then similarly transmit the scanned information to the mobile computing device20executing the cable management tool for the cable management tool to obtain cable identification codes and/or other cable information using the scanned information. For example, a process for identifying the cable runs during a bulk cable installation process in the structured cabling system1000may be implemented, at least in part, by the cable management tool according to the processes described in flowchart1900shown inFIG.19.

According to a first step in the flowchart1900, an inventory of the number of cable runs needed for the installation is accounted for by determining how many cable runs will be used in the current installation (1901). This step may also include assigning a unique identification code to the cable runs and inputting the unique identification codes into the cable management tool. Then the installer may physically pull the number of cable runs needed (1902).

As each cable run may come from its own individual cable spool, next an inventory of the spools that are being used to pull the cable from is accounted for by identifying the cable spools from which the cable runs will be pulled from (1903). This step may also include inputting the identification of the cable spools into the cable management tool (1904).

Next, the cable management tool is updated to create a lookup table that includes a data insertion row for each of the cable runs that have been identified for this current installation, and associating each cable run to their unique identification code and cable information such as, for example, its origination spool information (1905).

Next, the installer moves to a first location and inserts a first cable end into a first port at the first location (1906). After this insertion step, the installer inputs the name of the port where the cable end has been installed into the cable management tool and uses the barcode scanner30to scan the unique identifier151of the cable. The scanned information is received by the cable management tool running on the mobile device20to auto-populate the cable information into the table and assign it to the appropriate port where the first cable end has been installed within the table (1907). For example, the installer may manually enter the patch panel and port information where the cable end was mounted into the cable management application tool (i.e. name=RoomA-panelA, port=01) and then scan the unique identifier151located near the terminated cable so that the corresponding cable identification code and/or cable information is auto-populated into the cable management application tool (e.g., the table) as being associated with the manually input patch panel and port location.

The cable management tool then determines whether there are additional cable ends to inset into remaining ports at the first location (1908). If the cable management tool determines additional cable ends are left for inserting into remaining ports, then the additional cable ends are inserted into the remaining ports (1909), while also similarly scanning the unique identifiers as the cable ends are installed into their respective ports (1907). This way, the cable management tool receives the correct identification information for assigning the proper cables to their mounted port location at the first location. This looped process is continued until no more cables are left for installation at the first location.

When no further cables ends are left for mounting into ports at the first location, the installer moves to a second location where the opposite cable ends are to be inserted into their corresponding ports located at the second location (2000).

Here at the second location, the installer uses the barcode scanner30to scan the unique identifier151of the cable at the second cable end (2001). The cable management tool reads the unique identifier151of the cable and identifies the corresponding identification code to obtain the corresponding cable installation location from when it was previously identified and mounted at its port location at the first location. From this identification, the cable management tool displays the port location for where the corresponding first cable end was mounted at the first location. Then with this information the installer determines the intended port mounting location for the second cable end at the second location based on where the first cable end was mounted into the patch panel at the first location (e.g., mirror the mounting positions).

In addition or alternatively, the cable management tool may have pre-stored information that identifies the intended port mounting location (e.g., not mirrored mounting positions) for the cable at the second location. Then after identifying the cable based on the scanned unique identifier151, the cable management tool displays the intended port mounting location for the second cable end based on the pre-stored information.

Once installed, the scanned information received by the cable management tool running on the mobile device20auto-populates the cable information into the table and assigns it to the appropriate port where the second cable end has been mounted at the second location. Therefore, the cable management tool will have a record for where both the first cable end and the second cable end for the same cable have been mounted for future reference.

The cable management tool determines whether there are additional cable ends to install into remaining ports at the second location (2002). When the cable management tool determines there are cable ends remaining to install into ports at the second location, the remaining cable ends are inserted into the remaining ports until no more cables are left (2003), while scanning the respective unique identifier151as the remaining cable ends are being installed (2001). The scanning of the unique identifiers ensures the cable management tool will have a record for where both the first cable end and the second cable end for the same cable have been mounted for future reference. As the second location may be the location where the cable spool is located, the cables may be cut from the spool after being scanned here at the second location.

When all the cable ends have been mounted into their locations and accounted for in the cable management tool, the cable management tool may be executed to run an analysis to ensure the installation has been accomplished correctly (2004). The resulting cable location data (e.g., the table) may be stored locally on the mobile device20or transmitted to an offsite storage device (e.g., cloud storage or server computer).

According to some embodiments, custom labels may be created by the installer using, for example, the cable management tool (2005). After creating the custom labels, the custom labels are sent to an on-site portable cable printer for printing (2006). The custom label may then be attached to the intended cable (2007). The custom label may include information not included in the unique identifiers151. For example, the custom label may include one or more pieces of the cable production data that has been downloaded based on the identification of the cable from the scanned unique identifier151. The intended cable for receiving the custom label may be located using the information gathered by the cable management application tool.

According to some embodiments, the cable150including the unique identifiers151that are pre-printed at the predetermined interval on the outer layer may also be used by the cable management tool during implementation of the “scan” mode, the “scan and verify” mode, and/or the “find” mode described herein. In other words, the unique identifiers151found on the cable150included in the structured cabling system1000may be scanned by the barcode scanner30to use the scanned information to implement the “scan” mode, the “scan and verify” mode, and/or the “find” mode described herein.

The process described by flowchart1900is a more efficient and effective installation process which saves the installer the initial step in traditional installation jobs of creating and pulling labels to apply them to the bulk cable as was needed previously.

So the installation process in which an installer pulls the cable from one location to another can greatly affect the amount of time spent identifying cables and creating relevant documentation. According to some embodiments, the management application tool may include a digital imaging feature that captures an image of the location (e.g., server room) where the cable management is taking place and include the image along with the generated report in a data file corresponding to the location.

According to some embodiments, the management application tool may save the data files based on a room name to better manage the data files as the cable management projects increase in scale. A database, stored locally on the mobile computing device20or remotely at a cloud storage, may also be utilized to store data files and reports generated by the management application tool.

According to some embodiments, the cable management tool may implement a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes an increase (e.g., “+”) and/or decrease (e.g., “−”) button(s) for easily transitioning to a next, or previous, port and/or panel during any one or more of the processes described herein.

FIG.20shows an exemplary cable bundling system2000. The cable bundling system2000comprises a pair of cable bundlers, which includes a first cable bundler110and a second cable bundler120, for securing a bundle of cables that includes one or more cables101. The cable bundling system2000is configured to secure the bundle of cables101at two different installation locations. For example, the first cable bundler110may be configured to secure a first end of the cables101at a first location. Then the second cable bundler120may similarly be configured to secure a second end of the cables101at a second location. The cable management tool may be configured to identify the pair of cable bundlers including the first cable bundler110and the second cable bundler120. The cable management tool may further be configured to obtain and record the installation locations for the bundle of cables101as they are being secured into the first cable bundler110and the second cable bundler120, as will be described in more detail below.

FIG.21shows a perspective view of the first cable bundler110in a closed state having a bundle of cables101secured within it. The first cable bundler110is comprised of a body112, a belt111, a bridge115, a first identifier113, and a second identifier114. The first identifier113identifies the first cable bundler110as being the first within the pair of cable bundlers by assigning the first cable bundler110, for example, an alphanumeric value (e.g., “A”). As shown inFIG.24, the second cable bundler120will have a corresponding first identifier123that identifies the second cable bundler120as being the second within the pair of cable bundlers by assigning the second cable bundler120, for example, a corresponding alphanumeric value (e.g., “B”). By including the first identifiers113,123on the first cable bundler110and the second cable bundler120, respectively, an installer may know which end of the cable bundle they are locating during an installation, removal, or maintenance procedure. In addition or alternatively, the first identifiers113,123on the first cable bundler110and the second cable bundler120, respectively, may be representative of which end the cable101they are locating during an installation, removal, or maintenance procedure.

Both the first cable bundler110and the second cable bundler120may additionally have a second identifier114,124for uniquely identifying the first cable bundler110and the second cable bundler120, respectively. The second identifier114,124may be a unique machine-readable identifier (e.g., bar code, QR code, RFID tag, or the like) assigned to uniquely identify each of the first cable bundler110and the second cable bundler120. The second identifier114,124may be used to look up one or more identifying attributes associated with the respective cable101, including, but not limited to, a unique cable identification, cable manufacturing date, cable manufacturing location, cable manufacturing supplier, or the like. The second identifier114,124may also be used to look up one or more physical attributes associated with the respective cable101, including, but not limited to, a conductor thickness gauge (e.g., represented in American Wire Gauge “AWG”), cable tolerance information (e.g., capacitance, inductance, etc.), cable length, cable conductor material information, cable twisted pair lay length information, or the like. The cable attribute information may be stored in the database, as described herein.

As shown inFIG.22, the body112includes one or more rows118, where each row118includes one or more holders117for securing an individual cable101. The holders117may be shaped to match the curvature of the cable101in an effort to better secure the cable101into the holder117. Each of the holders117may include a unique location identifier116to indicate a unique cable installation location within the first cable bundler110to assist an installer to trace the cable ends installed into the first cable bundler110and the second cable bundler120. The location identifier116may be an alphanumeric value visible and understandable by a human installer. The location identifier116may further be used to identify the respective cable101. For example, the location identifier116may be used to look up one or more identifying attributes associated with the respective cable101, including, but not limited to, a unique cable identification, cable manufacturing date, cable manufacturing location, cable manufacturing supplier, or the like. The location identifier116may also be used to look up one or more physical attributes associated with the respective cable101, including, but not limited to, a conductor thickness gauge (e.g., represented in American Wire Gauge “AWG”), cable tolerance information (e.g., capacitance, inductance, etc.), cable length, cable conductor material information, cable twisted pair lay length information, or the like. The cable attribute information may be stored in the database, as described herein.

The outer circumference of the body112may include one or more of the top portion, one or more of the side portions, and/or the bottom portion of the body112. As shown inFIG.23, the belt111may be removed from the bridge115and loosened from the outer circumference of the body112to better allow the cables101to be installed into their respective holders117. Then after the cables101are installed into their respective holders117, the belt111may again be threaded under the bridge115, and secured to an attachment feature119on a side of the body112. Portions of the belt111may, for example, include tiny fabric hooks while the attachment feature119may include tiny fabric loops, or vice versa. In this way, the belt111and the attachment feature119may be attached to each other to form a secure, detachable, bond. The belt111may be made from a material that is different from the body112. For example, the belt111may be made from a nylon material, or another synthetic fabric material. The belt111may have a width that is the same, or substantially the same, as the body112.

The body112may be made of a plastic, or other polymer material. According to some embodiments, the body112may be made from a pliable material having some level of elasticity or pliability. It follows that when the belt111is tightened around the body112and attached to the attachment feature119, the body112may flex in a squeezing manner so that the holders117squeeze around the cable101installed within it. By allowing for this squeezing feature, the holders117are able to better secure/hold their respectively installed cable101.

The first cable bundler110is shown to include three rows118, each row118including three holders117, for a total cable capacity of nine cables101installed when the first cable bundler110is fully populated. However, according to other embodiments the first cable bundler110may be configured to have different total cable capacities when fully populated. Typical capacities may include six cables, nine cables (as illustrated inFIG.20), or twelve cables. To enable the different cable capacities, the first cable bundler110may have a single row, each row including two or more holders. The first cable bundler110may have two rows, each row including two or more holders. Or the first cable bundler110may have four or more rows, each row including two or more holders. The holders117may also be sized smaller or larger to accommodate cables having different wire gauge sizes.

It should be noted that other than the particular identifiers, the physical features of the second cable bundler120are the same as described for the first cable bundler110. For example,FIG.24shows a perspective view of the second cable bundler120. The second cable bundler120includes a belt121, a bridge125, an attachment feature129, and a body122, where the body122includes rows128. The second cable bundler120also includes the first identifier123(e.g., the letter “B”) and the second identifier124(e.g., barcode).

FIG.25shows a flowchart2500describing a process for installing two ends to a cable bundle at two different locations using the cable bundling system2000and the cable management tool. The flowchart2500assumes that the first identifier113and the second identifier114have been uniquely assigned to the first cable bundler110, and that the first identifier123and the second identifier124have been uniquely assigned to the second cable bundler120.

According to a first step2501in the flowchart2500, the first side ends of one or more cables101comprising the cable bundle may be installed into the first cable bundler110. To install the first end of the cables101, each individual cable101in the cable bundle is installed into their respective holder117within the first cable bundler110.

Then according to a second step2502in the flowchart2500, after the cables101are installed into their respective holder117of the first cable bundler110, the installer may scan the second identifier114into the cable management tool. By scanning the second identifier114into the cable management tool, the cable management tool may receive and record identification and location information. For example, the cable management tool may identify the first cable bundler110, associate the first cable bundler110to a first install location, and record it into a database based on the second identifier114being scanned.

If there are additional cable bundles being installed, the cable management tool may iterate to a next install location, and steps2501and2502may be repeated for the installation of the first ends for the additional cable bundles. According to some embodiments, alternatively steps2501and2502may be switched.

Following the installation of the first ends to the cable bundle(s), the installer may move to the second location corresponding to the installation location for the second end of the cable bundle. According to step2503in the flowchart2500, the second side ends of the one or more cables101comprising the cable bundle may be installed into the second cable bundler120. To install the second end of the cables101, each individual cable101in the cable bundle is installed into their respective holder127within the second cable bundler120.

Then according to step2504in the flowchart2500, after the cables101are installed into their respective holder127the installer may scan the second identifier124into the cable management tool. By scanning the second identifier124into the cable management tool, the cable management tool may receive and record identification and location information. For example, the cable management tool may identify the second cable bundler120, associate the second cable bundler120to a second install location, and record it into a database based on the second identifier124being scanned.

If there are additional cable bundles being installed, the cable management tool may iterate to a next install location and steps2503and2504may be repeated for the installation of the second ends for the additional cable bundles. According to some embodiments, alternatively steps2503and2504may be switched.

The present disclosure thus describes a cable management device, system, method, and application program comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium that solve the problems associated with the known cable management approaches described previously. The cable management device, system, method, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium of the present disclosure provide and/or utilize unique cable identifiers in conjunction with intelligent software that can provide patch field cable documentation without the hassle of manually tracing cables and documenting their location. Once a patch field has been scanned, the cable management device, system, method, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium of the present disclosure can then use saved information to verify or find existing connections.

As is readily apparent from the foregoing, various non-limiting embodiments of a cable management device, system, method, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium have been described. While various embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, they are exemplary only and it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all those possible. Instead, the words used herein are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.