Data correction device, optical pulse tester, optical fiber measurement system, data correction method, and data correction program

Abstract

The invention provides a data correction device, an optical pulse tester, an optical fiber measurement system, a data correction method, and a data correction program. A data correction device (100) is provided with: an acquisition unit (140) that acquires measurement data from an optical pulse tester (200) that measures an event present in an optical fiber to be measured; a display unit (150) that displays the known event and the detected event such that the user can confirm the difference between the known event and the detected event; an input unit (110) that accepts, from a user, an operation input for correcting the detection event; and a correction unit (130) that corrects the detection event on the basis of an operation input received from a user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a data correction device, a data correction method and a data correction program for correcting measurement data of an optical fiber measured by an optical pulse tester, an optical pulse tester for measuring an optical fiber, and an optical fiber measurement system. Background Art

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, there is known an optical pulse tester for detecting an event related to an optical fiber, and the appropriateness of the detected event is studied.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-53542

[0004] Sometimes, the measured data of events such as the connection point or fusion point of an optical fiber is different from the information of the actual event. When the user knows the information of the actual event in advance, the measured data of the event is corrected manually. When the number of optical fiber events is large, the correction operation of the measured data becomes cumbersome. It is required to improve the convenience of the correction operation of the measured data. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention is proposed in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a data correction device, an optical pulse tester, an optical fiber measurement system, a data correction method and a data correction program that can improve the convenience of the correction operation of the measurement data of optical fiber events.

[0006] Several embodiments involve (1) a data correction device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires measurement data from an optical pulse tester that measures events existing in a measured optical fiber; a display unit that displays the known events and the detection events in a manner that allows a user to confirm the difference between a known event that is previously known to exist in the measured optical fiber and a detection event detected based on the measurement data; an input unit that receives an operation input from the user to correct the detection event; and a correction unit that corrects the detection event based on the operation input received from the user.

[0007] By displaying the difference between the known event and the detected event, the user can confirm only the correction target event. By confirming only the correction target event, the user can easily or efficiently perform the correction operation of the detected event detected based on the measurement data. As a result, the user's convenience is improved.

[0008] One embodiment of (2) is based on the data correction device described in (1), wherein the display unit displays the detected events that are not included in the known events as the difference, and displays the known events that are not included in the detected events as the difference. This makes it easier for the user to further identify the correction target event. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0009] One embodiment of (3) is based on the data correction device described in (2), wherein the display unit includes: an input data display unit that displays the known events; and a measurement data display unit that displays the detected events. The input data display unit can display events that are not included in the detected events but are only included in the known events in association with the blank columns of the measurement data display unit. The measurement data display unit can display events that are not included in the known events but are only included in the detected events in association with the blank columns of the input data display unit. This makes it easier for the user to further identify the correction target event. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0010] One embodiment of (4) is a data correction device according to (3), wherein the input data display unit and the measured data display unit do not display events that are common to the known events and the detected events. Thus, the user can identify only the correction target events that are not common to the known events and the detected events. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0011] One embodiment of (5) is a data correction device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the display unit includes a waveform display unit for displaying the waveform of the measurement data. The waveform display unit may display a range in which the position of the correction target event can be set when displaying the waveform corresponding to the correction target event among the detection events. By displaying the range in which the position of the event can be set, it is possible to prevent the user from mistakenly correcting the position of the event or adding the event to the wrong position.

[0012] One embodiment of (6) is a data correction device according to (5), wherein the waveform display unit displays a cursor for specifying the position of the correction target event. The input unit can receive an operation from the user to move the cursor and an operation to set the position of the correction target event to the position of the cursor. The correction unit can correct the position of the correction target event to the position of the cursor. By being able to set the position of the detection event by operating the cursor, the user can easily perform the correction operation. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0013] (7) An optical pulse tester according to some embodiments includes the data correction device described in any one of (1) to (6) above.

[0014] (8) An optical fiber measurement system according to some embodiments includes: a data correction device as described in any one of (1) to (6) above; and an optical pulse tester that outputs measurement data to the data correction device.

[0015] Several embodiments involve (9) a data correction method comprising the following steps: acquiring measurement data from an optical pulse tester that measures an event existing in a measured optical fiber; displaying the known event and the detection event in a manner that enables a user to confirm the difference between a known event that is previously determined to exist in the measured optical fiber and a detection event detected based on the measurement data; accepting operational input from the user to correct the detection event; and correcting the detection event based on the operational input accepted from the user.

[0016] Several embodiments involve (10) a data correction program that causes a processor to execute the following steps: obtaining measurement data from an optical pulse tester that measures events present in a measured optical fiber; displaying the known events and the detection events in a manner that enables a user to confirm the difference between a known event that is previously determined to exist in the measured optical fiber and a detection event detected based on the measurement data; accepting operational input from the user to correct the detection event; and correcting the detection event based on the operational input accepted from the user.

[0017] Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to the data correction device, optical pulse tester, optical fiber measurement system, data correction method and data correction program according to the present invention, the convenience of correction work of measurement data of optical fiber events is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 This is a display screen of measurement data of the optical pulse tester according to the comparative example.

[0020] Figure 2 This is an example of a waveform display screen in which the waveform of an event that is not automatically detected is included in the measurement data of the optical pulse tester.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an example of a waveform display screen in which the waveform of an event automatically erroneously detected is included in the measurement data of the optical pulse tester.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an optical fiber measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a data correction method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of automatic correction of measurement data.

[0026] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing a structural example of an optical fiber to be measured.

[0027] Fig. 9 This is an example of a screen for inputting events of the optical fiber to be measured in a table format.

[0028] Fig.10 This is an example of a screen for inputting events of the optical fiber to be measured using icons simulating the optical fiber and the connection point.

[0029] Fig.11 This is a table showing an example of the automatic detection result of events of the optical fiber to be measured.

[0030] Fig.12 This is an example of a screen for correcting measurement data. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present invention relates to software or a device for correcting measurement data of an optical pulse tester (OTDR; Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) for measuring the distance of an optical fiber or measuring events such as a connection point or a break point.

[0032] When measuring optical fibers using an optical pulse tester, the distance of the measured optical fiber sometimes differs according to the wavelength of the measured light. Even when measuring optical fibers of the same length, the measured distance sometimes differs due to the difference in refractive index according to the wavelength. When repeatedly measuring a measurement path where multiple events exist between relatively short distances, it is sometimes difficult to calculate the distances of the events due to the deviation.

[0033] In addition, sometimes events such as the connection point or break point of the optical fiber are not properly detected due to the shape of the waveform detected by the optical pulse tester. For example, the change in the waveform at the position where the event should be detected in the optical fiber is too small, and sometimes the event that should be detected is not detected. In addition, sometimes an event is detected at a position where there is no event due to noise superimposed on the waveform detected by the optical pulse tester.

[0034] As described above, when an event is not properly detected, the user needs to manually correct the detection result of the event. However, the correction work of multiple measurement data increases the user's workload. The user expects that the position of each event can be automatically corrected in a way that can reduce the workload when the length of the optical fiber or the distance between each connection point is known in advance.

[0035] Therefore, according to the present invention, when a user analyzes the length, connection point, or break point of an optical fiber based on the measurement data of an optical pulse tester, the measurement data is automatically corrected according to the actual optical fiber length by inputting the distance information of the optical fiber in advance. The measurement data is automatically corrected to facilitate the analysis work of the user. In addition, when the actual distance between the connection points of the optical fiber is different from the analysis result of the measurement data, the different part can be prompted to the user. By prompting the user with the different part, the confirmation work or correction work of the user is facilitated. As a result, the work burden of the user is reduced.

[0036] Next, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in comparison with comparative examples.

[0037] (Comparative Example)

[0038] In optical communication systems that use optical signals for data communication, optical fibers are used as the medium for transmitting optical signals. When laying, removing obstacles, or maintaining optical fibers, it is necessary to evaluate the length of the optical fiber, or the loss or reflection at the connection point. An optical pulse tester (OTDR: Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) is used as a measuring instrument for evaluation. An optical pulse tester is a device that allows an optical pulse to be injected into the optical fiber to be measured, measures the power of the backscattered light or the light that returns to the incident end through Fresnel reflection in the time region, and performs display or analysis.

[0039] Backscattered light etc. returns to the incident side with a delay time proportional to the distance from the reflection point. The waveform of the power of light backscattered or Fresnel reflected at a fusion point, a connector connection point, a branch point, a bend point, or a cut point has a characteristic shape. Therefore, events such as a fusion point, a connector connection point, a branch point, a bend point, or a cut point are detected based on the waveform of the power of the detected light. In addition, the distance from the starting point of the measured optical fiber to the event is measured. The detection of the above events can be performed by the optical pulse tester body, or by a PC (Personal Computer) application that obtains and analyzes the measurement data from the optical pulse tester.

[0040] In the system involved in the comparative example, the optical pulse tester detects events in the optical fiber based on measuring the waveform of the optical fiber. Figure 1 As shown, the optical pulse tester displays the detected measurement data on a display unit 90 including a waveform display unit 91 and a measurement data display unit 92. The waveform display unit 91 displays the waveform measured by the optical pulse tester. The detected events are marked with a mark 93 in the waveform display unit 91. That is, the detected events can be schematically displayed using icons such as the mark 93. Figure 1 In the example of , five events and the end of the optical fiber are detected. The measurement data display unit 92 displays information related to the detected events as an event list.

[0041] In the system according to the comparative example, the detected event is drawn on the waveform as a mark 93, so that the user can determine that the mark 93 indicating the detected event is marked at the correct position relative to the characteristic point of the waveform. In addition, by displaying the detected events in a list format, the user can confirm the connection point of the measured optical fiber at a glance.

[0042] The distance from the incident end of the measured optical fiber to each event is calculated based on the time it takes for light to return to the incident end of the measured optical fiber. However, due to differences in the refractive index of the optical fiber, the actual length of the optical fiber may differ from the result calculated based on the time it takes for light to return.

[0043] Sometimes, when the length of the optical fiber or the position of the connection point or the abnormal part is known in advance, the user corrects the distance from the incident end of the measured optical fiber to each event to the actual length of the optical fiber. In this case, the user manually edits the distance to each event. However, in the case of multiple events or a large amount of measurement data, the operation sometimes becomes very cumbersome. In addition, sometimes the operation takes too much time. In addition, when the relationship between the algorithm for detecting events and the shape of the obtained waveform meets specific conditions, sometimes the phenomenon of not detecting an event where an event should exist, or detecting an event where an event should not exist occurs.

[0044] based on Figure 2 and Figure 3 The case where an event is not properly detected will be described using the waveform shown as an example. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The horizontal axis of the waveform curve represents the distance from the starting point of the optical fiber, and the vertical axis represents the magnitude of the light loss of the optical fiber.

[0045] exist Figure 2 An example of a measured waveform in which an event is not correctly detected is shown in the figure. The areas surrounded by the dotted boxes represented by A01, A02, and A03 are locations where events originally existed. The waveforms surrounded by the dotted boxes represented by A01 and A03 are in the shape of steps, so they can be considered to be locations where optical fibers are fused. In addition, the waveform surrounded by the dotted box represented by A02 is formed in a large upright shape, so it can be considered to be a location where optical fibers are connected to each other using a connector. The user can easily understand by visual inspection that the shape of the above waveform indicates the existence of an event. However, when the device analyzes the waveform, the detection of the event sometimes fails. In fact, the waveform is not detected. Figure 2 The portion surrounded by the dotted frame represented as A02 is marked with a mark corresponding to the event. That is, regardless of whether the event originally exists, Figure 2 The portion surrounded by the dotted frame represented as A02 is not detected as an event. In the case where the mark corresponding to the event is not marked, it is determined that the detection of the event has failed. In the case of failure to detect the event, the user needs to manually set the event for the waveform represented as A02.

[0046] exist Figure 3, an example of a measured waveform in the case where an event that does not exist is detected is shown. The waveforms surrounded by the dotted boxes represented as B01 and B05 have steps, so they can be considered as the places of welding. In addition, the waveform surrounded by the dotted boxes represented as B02 has an upright shape, so it can be considered as the place connected by the connector. On the other hand, the waveforms surrounded by the dotted boxes represented as B03 and B04 maintain a straight line shape without characteristic changes, so they can be considered as neither the welding point nor the connection point. However, a mark corresponding to the event is marked. That is, it is judged that the waveform event surrounded by the dotted boxes represented as B03 and B04 is erroneously detected. In the case of erroneous detection of an event, the user needs to manually delete the detected event for the waveforms represented as B03 and B04.

[0047] Here, in order to confirm whether the event of the optical fiber is properly detected, the user needs to confirm the waveform from the start point to the end point of the optical fiber, or the list of detected events. In addition, if the user finds that the event of the optical fiber is not properly detected, the user needs to manually correct the detection result of the event. The more the measurement data of the optical fiber increases, the greater the burden of the operation of confirming the detection result of the event and the operation of correcting the detection result of the event. It is required to improve the convenience of the user in a way that can reduce the user's work burden.

[0048] Next, in the present invention, an optical fiber measurement system and a data correction device 100 (see Figure 4 ) is explained. The purpose of the present invention is to improve the convenience of the event detection function by providing an event distance editing function that is easy for users to understand using an event distance correction function and a UI (User Interface). In addition, in the present invention, when information such as the length of the optical fiber to be measured or the position of the connection point is known, the distance information of each event is input into the software in advance and the distance is automatically corrected when the event analysis is performed. In addition, when the event detection result is different from the data input in advance, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) with a function of correcting the event and a wizard function for the user is provided to shorten the time of the event position correction operation.

[0049] (Configuration example of optical fiber measurement system)

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, an optical fiber measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a data correction device 100 and an optical pulse tester (OTDR) 200 .

[0051] <Data Correction Device 100>

[0052] The data correction device 100 includes a display unit 150 , an operation input unit 110 , a storage unit 120 , an event correction unit 130 , and an acquisition unit 140 .

[0053] The display unit 150 may include various displays such as a liquid crystal display, for example. The display unit 150 may be a touch panel display that displays a GUI that functions as the operation input unit 110 and receives input from a user. That is, the display unit 150 may be integrally formed with the operation input unit 110 .

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown in the example, the display unit 150 displays a file list 154, a waveform display unit 151, an input data display unit 152, and a measurement data display unit 153. The content of the information displayed in each part of the display unit 150 will be described later. The display unit 150 can display a cross key 111, an event setting button 112, and a confirmation button 113 as a GUI for the operation input unit 110.

[0055] The operation input unit 110 may be configured to include an input device for receiving input from a user. The input device may include, for example, a keyboard or physical keys, or may include a touch panel, a touch sensor, or a pointing device such as a mouse. As described above, the operation input unit 110 may be configured as a touch panel display integrated with the display unit 150. The operation input unit 110 is also referred to as an input unit.

[0056] In this embodiment, the display unit 150 is integrally formed with the operation input unit 110. The display unit 150 displays the cross key 111, event setting button 112, and confirmation button 113 as the GUI of the operation input unit 110. The display unit 150 detects a user's touch input and receives an operation input to the GUI.

[0057] The storage unit 120 stores various information used for the operation of the data correction device 100 or programs used to realize the functions of the data correction device 100. The storage unit 120 can function as a working memory of a processor included in the data correction device 100. The storage unit 120 can be composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like. The storage unit 120 can be configured to include a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. At least a part of the storage unit 120 can be configured as a storage device connected to the outside of the data correction device 100.

[0058] The acquisition unit 140 acquires the measurement data from the optical pulse tester 200. The acquisition unit 140 may include a communication device for connecting to other devices such as the optical pulse tester 200 in a wired or wireless manner. The communication device may include, for example, a communication interface such as a LAN (Local Area Network), RS-232C, or RS-485. The communication device is not limited thereto, and may also be configured to include various other communication interfaces.

[0059] The event correction unit 130 corrects the measurement data acquired by the acquisition unit 140. The event correction unit 130 can automatically correct the measurement data, or can correct the measurement data based on the user's operation acquired from the operation input unit 110. The event correction unit 130 can be configured to include a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The event correction unit 130 can implement a specified function by causing the processor to execute a specified program. The event correction unit 130 can be configured to include a dedicated circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The event correction unit 130 is also simply referred to as a correction unit.

[0060] The data correction device 100 may further include a control unit for controlling each component. The control unit may include a processor such as a CPU, for example. The control unit may be integrated with the event correction unit 130 .

[0061] The data correction device 100 can be implemented as a computer such as a desktop PC (Personal Computer) or a notebook PC. The data correction device 100 can be implemented as a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0062] <Light Pulse Tester 200>

[0063] The optical pulse tester 200 injects an optical pulse into the optical fiber to be measured, and measures the power of the backscattered light or the light returning to the incident end by Fresnel reflection in the time domain. The backscattered light etc. returns to the incident end at a delay time corresponding to the distance from the scattering point or the reflection point and the refractive index of the optical fiber to be measured in the path through which the light passes. The optical pulse tester 200 outputs the measurement data in which the power of the light returning to the incident end is correlated with the delay time.

[0064] The measurement data is represented as a waveform of the power of the detected light. In an event of the measured optical fiber such as a fusion point, a connector connection point, a branch point, a bend point, or a cut point, the waveform of the power of the light scattered backward or reflected by Fresnel has a characteristic shape. The event of the measured optical fiber such as a fusion point, a connector connection point, a branch point, a bend point, or a cut point is detected by analyzing the characteristic shape contained in the waveform of the power of the detected light. In addition, the distance from the starting point of the measured optical fiber to the event is measured based on the delay time corresponding to the characteristic shape contained in the waveform. Regarding the detection of the above-mentioned event or the measurement of the distance to the event, in the present invention, it is performed using the data correction device 100 that obtains the measurement data from the optical pulse tester 200.

[0065] The detection of the event or the measurement of the distance to the event may be performed by the optical pulse tester 200. In this case, the data correction device 100 may be configured as a part of the optical pulse tester 200. That is, the optical pulse tester 200 may be configured to include the data correction device 100.

[0066] (Operation Example of Data Correction Device 100)

[0067] The data correction device 100 acquires the measurement data of the measured optical fiber from the optical pulse tester 200 using the acquisition unit 140. The data correction device 100 detects an event of the measured optical fiber based on the measurement data. The event of the measured optical fiber detected based on the measurement data is also called a detected event. The detection result of the event based on the measurement data includes information for specifying the type and position of the detected event. The position of the event is represented as the distance from the incident end of the measured optical fiber.

[0068] On the other hand, the data correction device 100 obtains the path information of the measured optical fiber. The path information of the measured optical fiber includes information for determining the type and position of an event that is pre-determined to exist in the measured optical fiber. The path information of the measured optical fiber is data pre-entered by the user, also referred to as input data. In other words, the input data is the path information of the measured optical fiber pre-entered by the user. An event that is pre-determined to exist in the measured optical fiber is also referred to as a known event. The input data includes information for determining a known event. The input data may be data input by a user who operates the data correction device 100, or data input by another user. The input data is pre-stored in the storage unit 120. The input data may also be stored in a device external to the data correction device 100.

[0069] The data correction device 100 corrects the position of the detection event based on the position of the known event determined by the input data. For example, the data correction device 100 corrects the position of the detection event to match the position of the known event corresponding to the detection event.

[0070] Sometimes the data correction device 100 cannot correct the position of at least a portion of the detected events based on the input data. For example, sometimes there is no known event corresponding to the detected event. In this case, the data correction device 100 cannot simply correct the position of the detected event in a manner that matches the position of the known event determined by the input data.

[0071] In addition, sometimes an event corresponding to a known event is not detected based on the measurement data. In this case, the data correction device 100 cannot correct the position of the undetected detection event. In addition, the data correction device 100 cannot automatically add the event that was not automatically detected as a detection event.

[0072] In this way, when there is a difference between the detected event and the known event, the data correction device 100 cannot automatically correct the detected event.

[0073] The data correction device 100 allows the user to confirm the detection event that cannot be corrected, and the user corrects it as needed. The detection event that cannot be corrected by the data correction device 100 is also called a correction object event. When there is a correction object event, the data correction device 100 displays the waveform of the measurement data corresponding to the correction object event on the display unit 150. When it is determined that it is necessary to observe the waveform of the measurement data displayed on the display unit 150 and actually correct the correction object event, the user inputs the correction operation to the operation input unit 110. The data correction device 100 corrects the correction object event according to the correction operation received in the operation input unit 110. When the user determines that there is no need to correct the correction object event, the data correction device 100 does not correct the correction object event but directly determines it.

[0074] Next, a specific operation example of the data correction device 100 is described. The data correction device 100 can execute a Figure 6 and Figure 7 The data correction method includes the flow chart shown as an example in FIG. The data correction method can be implemented as a data correction program executed by a processor constituting the data correction device 100. The data correction program can also be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0075] <Automatic detection and automatic correction of measurement data>

[0076] Reference Figure 6, the event correction unit 130 of the data correction device 100 acquires the measurement data of the measured optical fiber from the optical pulse tester 200 via the acquisition unit 140, and detects the characteristic shape included in the waveform of the measurement data as an event (step S1). The event correction unit 130 calculates the distance from the incident end to the event, which indicates the position of the event, based on the group refractive index (IOR; Index Of Reference) of the measured optical fiber set in the data correction device 100 and the delay time of light.

[0077] Here, due to the difference between the group refractive index of the measured optical fiber set in the data correction device 100 and the actual group refractive index of the measured optical fiber, an error may occur between the position of the detected event and the actual position of the event of the measured optical fiber. The event correction unit 130 automatically corrects the measurement data (step S2). That is, the event correction unit 130 automatically corrects the position of the detection event detected based on the measurement data.

[0078] When multiple events are detected based on the measurement data, the event correction unit 130 performs automatic correction for the multiple detected events in sequence. Before performing the automatic correction, the event correction unit 130 obtains the path information of the measured optical fiber measured by the optical pulse tester 200, that is, input data, from the storage unit 120 or an external device. As described above, the input data as the path information of the measured optical fiber includes information for identifying the position of the known event. The input data may also include information for identifying the type of the known event.

[0079] Here, if Figure 8 As shown in the example, the optical fiber to be measured in this embodiment is an optical fiber having five events No. 1 to No. 5 between the incident end connected to the optical pulse tester (OTDR) 200 and the end (E). The optical fiber to be measured includes six different optical fibers. The six optical fibers are connected by five events.

[0080] like Fig. 9 As shown in the example, you can use the table input interface to input Figure 8 The input data is used to determine the positions of the five events in the measured optical fiber. Fig.10 As shown in the example, the input data can be entered using the GUI. Fig.10 The GUI shown in the example includes an icon 114 indicating an event such as a connection point included in the path of the measured optical fiber, an icon 115 for adding an event at the end of the measured optical fiber, and an input box 116 for inputting the distance to the event. The icon 114 can be configured to change the type of event. The icon 115 can be configured to specify and add the type of event. The form of the GUI is not limited to the above example, and can also be implemented in other forms.

[0081] The data correction device 100 can receive input data in the data correction device 100. The data correction device 100 can acquire input data input in an external device.

[0082] The event correction unit 130 serves as Figure 7 The automatic correction of the measurement data is performed according to the process of the flowchart. The event correction unit 130 starts the automatic correction of the measurement data (step S11). That is, the event correction unit 130 starts the automatic correction of the position of the detection event detected according to the measurement data. In the case where multiple events are detected according to the measurement data, the event correction unit 130 selects the events as the objects of automatic correction in sequence from the incident end of the measured optical fiber for the multiple detection events, and determines whether the object event can be corrected (step S12). In the case where the object event is associated with a known event determined by the input data, the event correction unit 130 determines that the object event can be corrected.

[0083] When the event of the object can be corrected (step S12: YES), the event correction unit 130 performs automatic correction on the event of the object (step S13). Specifically, the event correction unit 130 corrects the position of the event of the object to match the position of the known event determined by the input data. That is, the event correction unit 130 corrects the position of the event of the object as the input data. After executing the process of step S13, the event correction unit 130 enters the process of step S15.

[0084] When the target event cannot be corrected (step S12: NO), the event correction unit 130 marks the target event as an error (step S14). After executing the process of step S14, the event correction unit 130 proceeds to the process of step S15.

[0085] The event correction unit 130 determines whether the correction of the target event up to the end of the measured optical fiber has been completed (step S15). That is, the event correction unit 130 determines whether correction is possible for all detected events detected based on the measurement data of the measured optical fiber, and determines whether automatic correction of correctable events has been completed.

[0086] If the calibration to the end of the measured optical fiber is not completed (step S15: NO), the event calibration unit 130 selects the next event as the event to be automatically calibrated, and executes the process after step S12. If the calibration to the end of the measured optical fiber is completed (step S15: YES), the event calibration unit 130 ends the automatic calibration of the measurement data (step S16).

[0087] When the automatic correction of the measurement data is completed, the event correction unit 130 saves the file of the automatically corrected measurement data. The event correction unit 130 may store the automatically corrected measurement data in the storage unit 120 or an external device.

[0088] When correction cannot be performed for at least one event, the event correction unit 130 may store an identifier indicating an error in association with the measurement data including the uncorrectable event so that the measurement data including the uncorrectable event can be distinguished.

[0089] Sometimes, an event corresponding to a known event determined by the input data is not detected based on the measurement data. That is, sometimes at least a portion of the known events are not detected based on the measurement data. In this case, the event correction unit 130 may store an identifier indicating an error in association with the measurement data in which the undetected event exists in a manner that enables the measurement data in which the undetected event exists to be distinguished.

[0090] When the measurement data is corrected like the input data and all known events specified by the input data are detected from the measurement data, the event correction unit 130 may store an identifier indicating that there is no error in association with the measurement data.

[0091] The event correction unit 130 may store the file of the automatically corrected measurement data together with the input data used to automatically correct the measurement data. The input data used to automatically correct the measurement data is also referred to as the corresponding input data of the measurement data.

[0092] As an example of automatic correction, assume that Fig.11 The table shows the location of the detection event and Fig. 9 Automatic correction is performed in a manner that matches the locations of known events determined by the input data. Fig.11 The detection events No.1, 2 and 3 before automatic correction and Fig. 9 The known events No. 1, 2 and 3 of . In addition, Fig.11 The detection event No.4 before automatic correction is Fig. 9 The event correction unit 130 will Fig.11 The positions of the detection events No. 1, 2, 3, and 4 before the automatic correction are corrected to Fig. 9 The locations of the known events No. 1, 2, 3 and 5 match each other.

[0093] on the other hand, Fig.11 The detection event of No.5 is not related to Fig. 9 corresponds to any known event contained in the input data. That is, Fig. 9 The input data does not contain Fig.11 The event correction unit 130 determines that the detected event No. 5 corresponds to a known event. Fig.11 The detection event No. 5 before the automatic correction cannot be automatically corrected, and the detection event No. 5 is marked as an error. In addition, when the event correction unit 130 saves the measurement data including the detection event after the automatic correction, it can associate the measurement data including the detection event that cannot be corrected with an identifier indicating the presence of an error.

[0094] in addition, Fig.11 The detection events do not include Fig. 9 The event corresponding to the known event No. 4 included in the input data of . When the event correction unit 130 saves the automatically corrected measurement data, it may associate an identifier indicating that an error exists as the measurement data in which an undetected event exists.

[0095] After executing the process of step S16, the event correction unit 130 returns to Figure 6 The flowchart ends the execution of the automatic correction process of step S2 and enters the process of step S3.

[0096] <Manual correction of measurement data>

[0097] The event correction unit 130 determines whether the input data and the measurement data are consistent (step S3). Specifically, when all the detection events detected based on the measurement data after automatic correction are common to all the known events included in the corresponding input data, the event correction unit 130 determines that the input data and the measurement data are consistent. On the contrary, when there are events included in the detection events but not included in the known events, the event correction unit 130 determines that the input data and the measurement data are inconsistent. In addition, when there are events that are not included in the detection events but included in the known events, the event correction unit 130 also determines that the input data and the measurement data are inconsistent. When the event correction unit 130 determines that the input data and the measurement data are consistent (step S3: YES), the data correction device 100 ends. Figure 6 That is, the data correction device 100 completes the correction of the measurement data.

[0098] When the event correction unit 130 determines that the input data and the measurement data are inconsistent (step S3: NO), the data correction device 100 displays the measurement data to be corrected on the display unit 150 (step S4). The measurement data to be corrected is the measurement data that is inconsistent with the input data. In addition, the measurement data to be corrected is the measurement data that includes the correction event.

[0099] The data correction device 100 receives input of a file of measurement data to be corrected by the user through the operation input unit 110 , and displays the selected measurement data and the corresponding input data on the display unit 150 .

[0100] like Fig.12 As shown in the example in FIG. 1 , the data correction device 100 can display the selected measurement data and the corresponding input data on the display unit 150. The display unit 150 displays the file of the measurement data, the waveform of the measurement data, the input data, or the detection result of the event based on the measurement data on the screen. That is, the screen displayed on the display unit 150 includes a file list 154, a waveform display unit 151, an input data display unit 152, and a measurement data display unit 153. In addition, the screen displayed on the display unit 150 also includes a cross key 111, an event setting button 112, and a confirmation completion button 113 as a GUI of the operation input unit 110.

[0101] The file list 154 displays the files of the automatically corrected measurement data in a list form. The file list 154 can display whether there is an error in the measurement data of the file in the form of OK or NG, etc. in association with the file name. The measurement data with errors is the measurement data to be corrected including the correction object event. By displaying whether there is an error in the measurement data, the user can easily find the file of the measurement data to be corrected including the correction object event. As a result, the convenience of the user is improved.

[0102] The waveform display unit 151 displays the waveform of the measurement data. The vertical axis of the curve representing the waveform of the measurement data is the power of the light scattered at the scattering point of the measured optical fiber or reflected at the reflection point and returned to the incident end. The horizontal axis is the distance from the incident end of the measured optical fiber to the scattering point or reflection point of the light.

[0103] The input data display unit 152 displays the positions of the known events determined by the input data. The positions of the known events are represented as the distance from the incident end of the measured optical fiber to each known event. Fig. 9 The event displayed as No. E represents the end of the measured optical fiber.

[0104] The measurement data display unit 153 displays information related to the detection event detected based on the measurement data. Fig.12 In the display example, the position of the detection event and the interval refractive index are displayed. The position of the detection event is represented as the distance from the incident end of the measured optical fiber to each detection event. The interval refractive index is the group refractive index of the interval of the measured optical fiber including each corrected event.

[0105] The data correction device 100 displays the selected measurement data and the corresponding input data on the display unit 150 in such a manner that the detected event and the known event correspond to each other.

[0106] The input data display unit 152 and the measured data display unit 153 can display the common events between the detected events of the measured data and the known events corresponding to the input data in parallel horizontally. Fig.12 In the display example, the four events No. 1, 2, 3, and 5 are displayed in the input data display section 152 and the measurement data display section 153, which are common events between the detection events of the measurement data and the known events corresponding to the input data. Fig. 9 The four detection events No. 1, 2, 3 and 5 displayed in the measurement data display unit 153 correspond to the four known events No. 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Fig.11 These correspond to the four detection events No. 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively.

[0107] When there are undetected events that are not detected by the measurement data among the known events identified by the input data, the measurement data display unit 153 displays the column corresponding to the undetected event as a blank column. The input data display unit 152 displays the known events corresponding to the undetected events in parallel horizontally to the blank column of the measurement data display unit 153. Fig.12 In the display example, as shown by the dotted rectangle indicated as C01, the column No. 4 of the measurement data display section 153 is blank. The blank column of the measurement data display section 153 indicates that the known event No. 4 of the input data display section 152 is an event that has not been detected based on the measurement data. In other words, the blank column of the measurement data display section 153 indicates that there is an event that has not been detected in the measurement data.

[0108] When there is an erroneously detected event that is not included in the known events among the detected events detected based on the measurement data, the input data display unit 152 displays the column corresponding to the erroneously detected event as a blank column. The measurement data display unit 153 displays the erroneously detected events in parallel horizontally with the blank column of the input data display unit 152. Fig.12 In the display example, as shown by the dotted rectangle indicated as C02, the detection event No. 6 is displayed in the measurement data display part 153. In contrast, the column of the event No. 6 in the input data display part 152 is blank. The blank column in the input data display part 152 indicates that an event that is not included in the known event is erroneously detected based on the measurement data. In other words, the blank column in the input data display part 152 indicates that there is an erroneously detected event in the measurement data.

[0109] As described above, the display unit 150 displays the known events and the detected events in a manner that allows the user to confirm the difference between the known events and the detected events. This makes it easy for the user to identify the correction target event, thereby improving user convenience.

[0110] The display unit 150 can display the events that are not included in the known events among the detected events and the events that are not included in the detected events among the known events as differences. This makes it easier for the user to further identify the correction target events. As a result, the convenience of the user is improved.

[0111] The display unit 150 may include an input data display unit 152 that displays known events determined by the input data, and a measurement data display unit 153 that displays detected events detected based on the measurement data. The input data display unit 152 may display events that are not included in the detected events but are only included in the known events in association with the blank column of the measurement data display unit 153. The measurement data display unit 153 may display events that are not included in the known events but are only included in the detected events in association with the blank column of the input data display unit 152. Thus, the user can more easily identify the correction target event. As a result, the user's convenience is improved.

[0112] The input data display unit 152 and the measured data display unit 153 may not display the events common to the known events and the detected events. Thus, the user can recognize only the events that are not common to the known events and the detected events, that is, the correction target events. As a result, the user's convenience is improved.

[0113] The undetected event No. 4 and the erroneously detected event No. 6 enclosed by the dotted rectangles shown as C01 and C02 correspond to correction target events. Correction target events can be displayed in different forms so as to be distinguishable from events that are not correction targets. Fig.12 In the display example, the number in the column No. of the correction target event is marked with an asterisk (*). The correction target event can be displayed, for example, by marking the background of the display column with a hatching line or color. The correction target event is not limited to these methods, and can be displayed in various other methods.

[0114] Back to Figure 6, the data correction device 100 uses the operation input unit 110 to accept the user's operation to modify the detection event (step S5). That is, the data correction device 100 uses the operation input unit 110 to accept the user's operation input to modify the detection event. Specifically, the data correction device 100 uses the operation input unit 110 to accept the user's input of selecting a correction target event from the events displayed on the input data display unit 152 and the measurement data display unit 153. The data correction device 100 displays the waveform of the measurement data corresponding to the selected correction target event on the waveform display unit 151.

[0115] exist Fig.12 In the display example, the waveform display unit 151 displays the cursor 162 for specifying the corrected position of the event together with the waveform of the measurement data of the portion corresponding to the correction target event. The setting of the position of the detection event includes the correction of the position of the detection event and the addition of the detection event. The operation input unit 110 accepts the operation input of moving the cursor 162 using the cross key 111, and accepts the operation input of setting the position of the detection event to the position of the cursor 162 using the event setting button 112. The position of the detection event can be set by operating the cursor 162, so that the user can easily perform the correction operation. As a result, the convenience of the user is improved.

[0116] The waveform display unit 151 may further display a vertical line indicating an event setting range 161 that indicates a range in which the position of the detection event can be set. By displaying the event setting range 161, the user is prevented from mistakenly correcting the position of the event or adding the event to the wrong position.

[0117] When the correction target event is an undetected event, the user determines the position where the event should be detected based on the characteristics of the waveform shape. The user moves the cursor 162 to the position where the event is determined to be detected and touches, clicks, or presses the event setting button 112 to specify the position where the event is to be added. The event correction unit 130 of the data correction device 100 newly adds an event to the measurement data at the position specified by the user. The event correction unit 130 calculates the interval refractive index in such a manner that the position of the newly added event matches the position of the known event corresponding to the event.

[0118] When the correction target event is an erroneously detected event, the user determines whether to delete the correction target event or keep it as it is based on the characteristics of the waveform shape. For example, when the waveform of the portion corresponding to the correction target event has a non-characteristic shape such as a straight line, the user determines that the correction target event is actually an erroneously detected event and inputs an operation to delete the correction target event. The event correction unit 130 deletes the correction target event from the events of the measurement data according to the operation to delete the correction target event.

[0119] When the waveform of the portion corresponding to the correction target event has a characteristic shape such as a step or a pulse peak, the user can determine that the correction target event is not an event detected by mistake, but an unexpected event such as a disconnection that has not been determined so far. In this case, the user does not input an operation to delete the correction target event, so that the correction target event is directly retained.

[0120] Back to Figure 6 The data correction device 100 updates the display of the measurement data (step S6 ). Specifically, the data correction device 100 reflects the display of the newly set correction target event or the deleted correction target event on the input data display unit 152 and the measurement data display unit 153 .

[0121] The data correction device 100 determines whether the user has completed the confirmation of the measured data (step S7). The data correction device 100 can determine that the confirmation is completed when the user touches, clicks, or presses the confirmation completion button 113. The data correction device 100 can determine that the confirmation is completed when the input data and the measured data are consistent through the user's correction operation.

[0122] When determining that the confirmation is not completed (step S7 : NO), the data correction device 100 returns to the flow of step S4 to accept the correction operation of the user for the next correction target event.

[0123] When the data correction device 100 determines that the confirmation is completed (step S7: YES), it saves the corrected measurement data as the measurement result of the measured optical fiber (step S8). The data correction device 100 can store the measurement result in the storage unit 120 or an external device. The measurement result of the measured optical fiber can be used for the inspection report of the measured optical fiber, etc. The data correction device 100 ends after executing the process of step S8. Figure 6 After executing the process of step S8, the data correction device 100 may return to the process of step S4 to accept the selection operation of the next measurement data file.

[0124] Summary

[0125] As described above, the data correction device 100 according to the present invention can automatically detect an event of the optical fiber under test based on the measurement data of the optical fiber under test of the optical pulse tester 200. In addition, the data correction device 100 can automatically correct the position of the detection event detected based on the measurement data in accordance with the position of the known event specified by the input data.

[0126] For example, Fig.11The detection event No. 1 before the automatic correction is analyzed as the distance from the incident end is 2.00139km, and the interval refractive index is 1.48. On the other hand, Fig.12 The measured data display unit 153 shows that the detected event No. 1 after automatic correction is corrected to a distance of 2.00000 km from the incident end, and the interval refractive index is 1.48103. That is, the event correction unit 130 can correct the interval refractive index in a manner that matches the correction of the distance, thereby correcting the distance from the incident end to the detected event to match the position of the known event determined by the input data.

[0127] Therefore, according to the data correction device 100 of the present invention, the problem that the length of the optical fiber calculated from the measurement data is different from the actual length of the optical fiber due to the difference in the refractive index of the optical fiber is solved.

[0128] In addition, the data correction device 100 according to the present invention displays the difference between the detection event detected based on the measurement data of the measured optical fiber and the known event determined by the input data. By confirming the difference, the user does not need to confirm all the detection events, but only confirms the correction target event corresponding to the difference. By being able to confirm only the correction target event, the user can easily and effectively perform the correction operation of the detection event detected based on the measurement data. As a result, the convenience of the user is improved.

[0129] (Other embodiments)

[0130] Other embodiments of the optical fiber measurement system and the data correction device 100 will be described.

[0131] <Method of Data Correction Device 100>

[0132] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the data correction device 100 is described as a device that is configured as a device different from the optical pulse tester 200. The function of the data correction device 100 may be realized as a part of the function of the optical pulse tester 200. That is, the function of the data correction device 100 may be realized by the firmware of the main body of the optical pulse tester 200. In the case where the function of the data correction device 100 is realized as a part of the function of the optical pulse tester 200, input data that specifies an event that is previously determined to exist in the optical fiber to be measured may be input to the optical pulse tester 200 in the preparation stage of the work of measuring the optical fiber to be measured using the optical pulse tester 200. By inputting the input data to the optical pulse tester 200 in advance, the man-hours for editing the event on site during the work of measuring the optical fiber to be measured, or the man-hours for correcting the measurement data when the event set as the object of confirmation or inspection is not automatically detected, etc. can be reduced.

[0133] <How to display the difference between measured data and input data>

[0134] As described above, the input data display unit 152 and the measurement data display unit 153 of the display unit 150 display the detection events detected based on the measurement data and the known events determined by the corresponding input data in a manner corresponding to each other. In order to display the detection events and the known events in an associated manner, the input data display unit 152 and the measurement data display unit 153 may display them in parallel horizontally or in parallel vertically. With regard to the input data display unit 152 and the measurement data display unit 153, as long as the user can understand the corresponding relationship between the detection events and the known events, they are not limited to being displayed in parallel horizontally or vertically, and the detection events and the known events may also be displayed in other manners.

[0135] In the embodiments of the present invention, the invention is described based on the drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications or changes based on the invention. Therefore, it should be noted that the above-mentioned modifications or changes are included in the scope of the invention. For example, the functions included in each structural part can be reconfigured in a logically non-contradictory manner, and multiple structural parts can be combined into one or divided.

[0136] Description of the label

[0137] 100 Data Correction Device

[0138] 110 Operation input unit (111: cross key, 112: event setting button, 113: confirmation button, 114, 115: icons, 116: input box)

[0139] 120 Storage

[0140] 130 Incident Correction Department

[0141] 140 Acquisition Department

[0142] 150 Display section (151: waveform display section, 152: input data display section, 153: measurement data display section, 154: file list, 161: event setting range, 162: cursor)

[0143] 200 Optical Pulse Tester (OTDR).

Claims

1. A data correction device, wherein: The data correction device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires measurement data from an optical pulse tester that measures an event existing in the optical fiber to be measured; a display unit for displaying the known event and the detected event in a manner that allows a user to confirm a difference between a known event that is previously known to exist in the measured optical fiber and a detected event detected based on the measurement data; an input unit that receives an operation input for modifying the detection event from the user; as well as A correction unit corrects the detected event based on an operation input received from the user.

2. The data correction device according to claim 1, wherein: The display unit displays the events among the detected events that are not included in the known events as the differences, Events that are not included in the detected events among the known events are displayed as the differences.

3. The data correction device according to claim 2, wherein: The display unit includes: an input data display unit that displays the known event; and a measurement data display unit that displays the detected event. The input data display section displays an event that is not included in the detected event but is included only in the known event, in association with a blank column in the measurement data display section. The measurement data display portion displays events that are not included in the known events but are included only in the detected events, in association with blank fields in the input data display portion.

4. The data correction device according to claim 3, wherein: The input data display unit and the measurement data display unit do not display events that are common to the known events and the detected events.

5. The data correction device according to claim 1, wherein: The display unit includes a waveform display unit for displaying a waveform of the measurement data. The waveform display unit displays a range in which a position of the correction target event can be set, when displaying the waveform corresponding to the correction target event among the detected events.

6. The data correction device according to claim 5, wherein: The waveform display unit displays a cursor that specifies the position of the correction target event. The input unit receives from the user an operation of moving the cursor and an operation of setting the position of the correction target event to the position of the cursor. The correction unit corrects the position of the correction target event to the position of the cursor.

7. An optical pulse tester, wherein: The optical pulse tester includes the data correction device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An optical fiber measurement system, wherein: The optical fiber measurement system comprises: the data correction device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and an optical pulse tester that outputs measurement data to the data correction device.

9. A data correction method, wherein: The data correction method comprises the following steps: Acquiring measurement data from an optical pulse tester that measures events present in the optical fiber being measured; Displaying the known event and the detected event in a manner that allows a user to confirm a difference between a known event that is previously known to exist in the measured optical fiber and a detected event detected based on the measurement data; accepting an operation input from the user to modify the detected event; as well as The detected event is corrected based on an operation input received from the user.

10. A data correction program, wherein: The data correction program causes the processor to execute the following steps: Acquiring measurement data from an optical pulse tester that measures events present in the optical fiber being measured; Displaying the known event and the detected event in a manner that allows a user to confirm a difference between a known event that is previously known to exist in the measured optical fiber and a detected event detected based on the measurement data; accepting an operation input from the user to modify the detected event; as well as The detected event is corrected based on an operation input received from the user.

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