Optical connector, optical communication apparatus, and optical cable

Abstract

To enable improvement of the ease of use of a communication system that uses an optical cable having a removable optical connector to connect devices separated in distance from each other. An optical connector (10A) of the present technology includes a housing (11), a bending portion (13), and a reflecting portion (14, 15). By the bending portion (13), input light input from a transmission path (16) outside a transmission-side connector arranged on one end side of the housing is bent and emitted into a space formed inside the housing. The bending angle of the bending portion is set so that the bent light emitted from the bending portion into the space is transmitted toward the reflecting portion. The reflecting portion (14, 15) is provided inside the housing. By the reflecting portion, the bent light emitted from the bending portion into the space is reflected. The reflection angle of the reflecting portion is set so that the reflected light reflected by the reflecting portion is transmitted toward a transmission path (19) outside a reception-side connector arranged on one end side of the housing via the bending portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology relates to optical connectors, optical communication equipment, and optical cables, and more specifically, to optical connectors that have the function of returning light when disconnected. Background Technology

[0002] A communication system is known that uses optical cables with detachable optical connectors to connect geographically separated devices. The aim is to improve the ease of use of such a communication system.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-273478

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-014991

[0007] Patent Document 3: International Publication No. 2017 / 056889 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical problems to be solved

[0009] The purpose of this technology is to improve the ease of use of communication systems that connect geographically separated devices to each other using optical cables with detachable optical connectors.

[0010] Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0011] The concept of this technology lies in optical connectors, which include:

[0012] case;

[0013] A bending portion that bends and emits one or more transmitted light rays input from one or more transmitting-side connectors located at one end of the housing through external transmission paths into a space formed within the housing; and

[0014] A reflector, disposed within the housing, reflects the one or more transmitted lights emitted from the curved portion into the space.

[0015] The bending angle of the curved portion is set to an angle that causes the one or more transmitted light beams to propagate toward the reflective portion.

[0016] The reflection angle of the reflector is set to the angle at which one or more transmitted light rays are transmitted via the bend toward one end of the housing and to one or more external transmission paths of the receiving connector, which are respectively grouped with the external transmission paths of the one or more transmitting connectors.

[0017] The optical connector of this technology includes a housing, a bending portion, and a reflective portion. The bending portion bends one or more transmitted light beams input from one or more external transmission paths located at one end of the housing, causing them to exit into a space formed within the housing. Here, the bending angle of the bending portion is set to an angle that allows one or more transmitted light beams to propagate towards the reflective portion.

[0018] A reflector is disposed within the housing. The reflector reflects one or more transmitted light beams emitted from the curved section into space. Here, the reflection angle of the reflector is set such that one or more transmitted light beams are transmitted via the curved section toward one or more external transmission paths of the receiving connector located at one end of the housing and grouped with one or more external transmission paths of the transmitting connector.

[0019] For example, when no other optical connectors are fitted on the other end of the housing, a non-fitted optical path can be constructed for transmitting one or more transmit lights toward the external transmission path of the receiving connector. Conversely, when other optical connectors are fitted on the other end of the housing, a fitted optical path can be constructed in cooperation with these connectors to transmit one or more transmit lights from the other end toward the other connectors while simultaneously transmitting one or more receive lights from the other connectors toward the external transmission path of the receiving connector. Thus, when other optical connectors are fitted on the other end of the housing, optical transmission with these other connectors can be achieved.

[0020] Alternatively, for example, multiple transmit optical paths input from multiple transmit-side connector external transmission paths and multiple transmit-side connector internal transmission paths grouped together with any one of the multiple transmit-side connector internal transmission paths can be configured into individual optical connector internal transmission path groups. In this case, for example, the individual optical connector internal transmission paths can be grouped according to the correspondence between the identifiers of the optical connectors.

[0021] Additionally, for example, the reflective portion can be composed of one or more reflective surfaces, and the curved portion can be composed of a prism or a reflective surface. Furthermore, for example, the external transmission path of the receiving-side connector can be a dedicated probe transmission path not used for actual data communication.

[0022] Thus, in this technology, when no other optical connector is engaged on the other end of the housing, the light input from the external transmission path of the transmitting connector is returned to the external transmission path of the receiving connector via the bending or reflecting part, which can detect the connection / disconnection of the optical connector.

[0023] Another concept of this technology lies in an optical communication device, which includes:

[0024] This optical connector includes: a housing; a bending portion that bends one or more transmitted light rays input from one or more transmitting devices located at one end of the housing and emits them into a space formed within the housing; and a reflective portion disposed within the housing and reflecting the one or more transmitted light rays emitted from the bending portion into the space, wherein the bending angle of the bending portion is set to an angle such that the one or more transmitted light rays are transmitted toward the reflective portion.

[0025] The reflection angle of the reflector is set to the angle at which the one or more transmitted light rays are transmitted via the curved portion toward one end of the housing and respectively with the transmission paths within the one or more transmitting devices that are grouped together with the transmission paths within the receiving devices.

[0026] One or more transmitting units transmit the transmitted light to the transmission paths within the one or more transmitting side devices respectively;

[0027] One or more receiving units receive one or more transmitted light beams transmitted via a transmission path within the one or more receiving side devices as one or more detection receiving light beams; and

[0028] The control unit detects connection relationship information based on the reception status of the one or more detection receiving lights in the one or more receiving units.

[0029] The optical communication device of this technology includes an optical connector, one or more transmitters, one or more receivers, and a control unit. Here, the optical connector includes a housing, a bend, and a reflector.

[0030] This optical connector has a housing, a bend, and a reflector. Through the bend, one or more transmitted light beams input from one or more transmitting devices located at one end of the housing are bent and emitted into a space formed inside the housing. Here, the bend angle of the bend is set to the angle at which the one or more transmitted light beams are transmitted toward the reflector.

[0031] A reflector is disposed inside the housing. One or more transmitted light beams emitted from the curved section into space are reflected by the reflector. Here, the reflection angle of the reflector is set to the angle at which the one or more transmitted light beams travel via the curved section toward one or more transmission paths within a receiving device located at one end of the housing and grouped with transmission paths within one or more transmitting devices.

[0032] Transmit light is transmitted to transmission paths within the one or more transmitting devices via one or more transmitting units. Furthermore, one or more receiving units receive the one or more transmitted lights transmitting along the transmission paths within the one or more receiving devices as one or more detection receiving lights. Then, a control unit detects connection relationship information based on the reception status of the one or more detection receiving lights in the one or more receiving units.

[0033] For example, the receiving status can be based on the connection relationship between the optical connector of this device and the optical connector of the connected communication device.

[0034] Alternatively, for example, it can be configured such that, in a non-engaged state where no other optical connectors are engaged on the other end of the housing, a non-engaged optical path is established for one or more transmitted lights from one or more transmitters to transmit towards a transmission path within the receiving device, and one or more receivers receive one or more transmitted lights as one or more detection receivers. In a engaged state where the other optical connectors are engaged on the other end of the housing, an engaged optical path is established for one or more transmitted lights from one or more transmitters to transmit from the other end towards the other optical connectors to cooperate with the other optical connectors. In this case, for example, one or more lights input from other optical connectors to the optical connector of this device via the engaged optical path can also transmit towards a transmission path within the receiving device.

[0035] Furthermore, for example, the optical connector of this device can be configured to be mechanically and optically connected to the optical connector of the target communication device via one or more optical intermediate connection devices including at least one optical fiber, wherein the optical connector of the target communication device is configured to be connected to one of the optical fibers in the optical intermediate connection devices. In this case, for example, one or more optical intermediate connection devices may be equipped with intermediate connection device optical connectors at one end and the other end, and the control unit may be configured to detect connection relationship information based on the reception state of one or more receivers for detecting received light when a non-interlocking optical path is established at any of the intermediate connection device optical connectors, wherein the intermediate connection device optical connector is located at the other end of the optical connector of this device or one or more optical intermediate connection devices.

[0036] Furthermore, for example, the optical connector of this device may be configured to be mechanically and optically connectable to the optical connector of the target communication device via a connection of an intermediate connection device optical connector of a first optical cable in one or more optical intermediate connection devices including at least an optical cable, the target communication device optical connector being configured to connect to a first optical cable in one or more optical intermediate connection devices or a second optical cable different from the first optical cable, the first optical cable being equipped with an intermediate connection device optical connector at one end and the other end respectively.

[0037] Furthermore, for example, the optical connector of this device can be configured to be indirectly connected to the optical connector of the communication device being connected via an optical intermediate connection device including at least one optical fiber.

[0038] Furthermore, for example, the optical connector of this device can be configured to be indirectly connected to the optical connector of the communication device via an optical intermediate connection device comprising at least one optical cable and configured to be connectable to the optical connector of this device.

[0039] Furthermore, for example, connection relationship information could be disengagement information indicating the separation of two optical connectors that should be mated between the optical connector of this device and the optical connector of the connected communication device. In this case, for example, connection relationship information could be disengagement location information indicating the location of the separation.

[0040] Furthermore, for example, for each of one or more transmitting units, any one of one or more receiving units can form a group, and each transceiver group is constituted by the transmitting and receiving units that form the group, and the control unit can be configured to detect connection relationship information for each transceiver group.

[0041] Furthermore, for example, the control unit can be configured to detect, as connection relationship information, which of the multiple receiving units receives each of the multiple transmitted light beams transmitted from each of the multiple transmitting units. In this case, for example, the control unit can be configured to detect, as connection relationship information, identifier information of the connector that identifies the immediate preceding connection state of the disconnected position based on the path information. Furthermore, in this case, for example, the control unit can be configured to detect, as connection relationship information, disconnection position information indicating the disconnected position based on the path information.

[0042] Furthermore, for example, the connection relationship information may be disconnection information indicating a break in the connection between one or more transmitters and the optical connector of the connected communication device. Additionally, for example, the connection relationship information may include disconnection location information indicating a break in the connection location, and disconnection information indicating a break in the connection between one or more transmitters and the optical connector of the connected communication device.

[0043] Therefore, in this technology, by detecting connection relationship information based on one or more detection receiving lights in one or more receiving units, it is possible to realize detection of disconnection information indicating a disconnection between two optical connectors, and disconnection information indicating a break in the optical connector between one or more transmitting units and the communication device to which the connection is being made.

[0044] In addition, other concepts of this technology include:

[0045] One or more optical fiber transmission path groups consist of one or more transmitting optical fiber transmission paths and one or more receiving optical fiber transmission paths that are grouped with the one or more transmitting optical fiber transmission paths.

[0046] A first optical connector is disposed at one end of the transmission path group within the one or more optical cables; and

[0047] A second optical connector is disposed at the other end of the transmission path group within the one or more optical cables.

[0048] The second optical connector includes:

[0049] case;

[0050] A bending portion, allowing one or more external transmission paths of the transmitting-side optical cable located at one end of the housing to be input to the first optical connector, and one or more transmitted light received via the internal transmission path of the transmitting-side optical cable to be bent and emitted into a space formed within the housing; and

[0051] A reflector is disposed within the housing and reflects the one or more transmitted lights emitted from the curved portion into the space.

[0052] The bending angle of the curved portion is set to an angle that causes the one or more transmitted light beams to propagate toward the reflective portion.

[0053] The reflection angle of the reflector is set to the angle at which the one or more transmitted light rays are transmitted via the bend toward one end of the housing and are respectively grouped with one or more receiving-side optical fiber external transmission paths. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 The diagram shows an example of the structure of an optical connector (the curved part is a prism, and there are two reflective surfaces that serve as reflective parts).

[0055] Figure 2 It is a perspective view that briefly shows the sockets and plugs located at the ends of the optical cables of the equipment.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of the optical cable.

[0057] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the state of the plug being inserted into the socket.

[0058] Figure 5 This diagram shows the state where the plug on one end of the optical cable is inserted into the socket of device A, and the plug on the other end of the optical cable is inserted into the socket of device B.

[0059] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the detached state of the optical cable, where one end of the plug is engaged with the socket of device A, and the other end of the plug is not engaged.

[0060] Figure 7 The diagram shows another example of the optical connector structure (the curved part is a prism, and the reflective surface, which serves as the reflective part, is a single structure).

[0061] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the state of the plug being inserted into the socket.

[0062] Figure 9 The diagram shows other structural examples of the optical connector (the curved part is a prism, and a reflective surface is set as a reflective part, and a dedicated transmission path for detection is added).

[0063] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of the optical cable.

[0064] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the state of the plug being inserted into the socket.

[0065] Figure 12 This diagram shows the state in which one end of the optical cable is plugged into the socket of device A and the other end is plugged into the socket of device B.

[0066] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the detached state of the optical cable, where one end of the plug is engaged with the socket of device A, and the other end of the plug is not engaged.

[0067] Figure 14 The diagram shows other structural examples of the optical connector (the curved part is a prism, and there are two reflective surfaces that serve as reflective parts, and a dedicated transmission path for detection is added).

[0068] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the state of the plug being inserted into the socket.

[0069] Figure 16 The diagram shows other structural examples of an optical connector (a structure in which the bent portion has two reflective surfaces, and the reflective surfaces that serve as the reflective portion are set to two).

[0070] Figure 17 The diagram shows the plug being inserted into the socket.

[0071] Figure 18 A diagram showing other structural examples of an optical connector (a structure that returns light on the path corresponding to the identifier when disconnected) is shown.

[0072] Figure 19 A diagram showing an example of route information is provided.

[0073] Figure 20 A diagram illustrating an example where the transmission path setting number identifies the optical signal as a pulse signal is shown.

[0074] Figure 21 A diagram showing an example of the structure of a relay adapter is provided.

[0075] Figure 22 The diagram shows a state where the plug is engaged with one end of the repeater adapter and not engaged with the other end.

[0076] Figure 23 The diagram shows the state where the plug is engaged with one end of the repeater adapter and the plug is also engaged with the other end of the repeater adapter.

[0077] Figure 24 A diagram showing an example of the structure of an optical communication system (a system that connects two devices with a single optical cable) is provided.

[0078] Figure 25 A diagram summarizing the various transmission paths in an optical communication system is provided.

[0079] Figure 26 The diagram shows another example of an optical communication system structure (a system that connects two devices using two optical cables connected in series).

[0080] Figure 27 The diagram shows another example of an optical communication system structure (a system that connects two devices using multiple optical cables connected via a repeater adapter).

[0081] Figure 28 A diagram showing another example of an optical communication system architecture (a system using an optical circulator for line break detection) is provided.

[0082] Figure 29 A diagram showing another example of an optical communication system structure (a system with a transmission path for detection) is shown.

[0083] Figure 30 A flowchart illustrating an example of the processing steps in an optical communication system, including connection detection processing and subsequent communication processing, is provided.

[0084] Figure 31 A flowchart illustrating another example of the processing steps in an optical communication system, including connection detection processing and subsequent communication processing, is shown.

[0085] Figure 32 A flowchart illustrating another example of the processing steps in an optical communication system, including connection detection processing and subsequent communication processing, is shown.

[0086] Figure 33 A flowchart of an example of connection detection processing (only identifying disconnections) is shown.

[0087] Figure 34 A flowchart is shown for an example of connection detection processing (an example of not separately determining the disconnection of the transmission path on the sending side and the transmission path on the receiving side).

[0088] Figure 35 A flowchart is shown for another example of connection detection processing (an example of separately determining the disconnection of the transmission path on the sending side and the transmission path on the receiving side).

[0089] Figure 36 A flowchart is shown for another example of connection detection processing (an example that does not separately determine the disconnection of the transmission path on the sending side and the transmission path on the receiving side).

[0090] Figure 37 A flowchart is shown for another example of connection detection processing (an example of separately determining the disconnection of the transmission path on the sending side and the transmission path on the receiving side).

[0091] Figure 38 A flowchart is shown as an example of connection detection processing (an example with a dedicated transmission path for detection and only detecting disconnection).

[0092] Figure 39 A flowchart is shown for another example of connection probing processing (an example in which a dedicated probe transmission path is set up and disconnections in the transmitting and receiving transmission paths are not determined separately).

[0093] Figure 40 A flowchart is shown for another example of connection detection processing (an example in which a dedicated transmission path for detection is set up and disconnections in the transmitting-side transmission path and the receiving-side transmission path are determined separately).

[0094] Figure 41 A flowchart illustrating an example of communication processing is shown.

[0095] Figure 42 A diagram showing an example of the specific structure of a first method for determining the disengagement position (using pulsed light and determining the disengagement position from the delay time of the returning light).

[0096] Figure 43 A flowchart illustrating an example of the process for determining the disengagement position (first method) is shown.

[0097] Figure 44 A diagram showing an example of the specific structure for implementing a second method for determining the departure position (using continuous light and determining the departure position from the delay time of the returning light).

[0098] Figure 45This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for determining the disengagement position (second method).

[0099] Figure 46 This is another example of the specific structure of a second method for determining the escape position (using continuous light and determining the escape position from the delay time of the returning light).

[0100] Figure 47 This is a flowchart illustrating another example of the process in determining the disengagement position (second method).

[0101] Figure 48 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the specific structure of a third method for determining the disengagement position (a method for determining the disengagement position using the identifier (ID) inherent to the other end-side connector held by the connected object device after the connection is completed).

[0102] Figure 49 This is a diagram showing an example of route information obtained at a socket or repeater adapter and an example of route information obtained at an optical fiber cable.

[0103] Figure 50 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship information between the connection points and their distances and the identifiers.

[0104] Figure 51 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process of generating and storing relational information that represents the correspondence between connection points, their distances, and identifiers.

[0105] Figure 52 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the connection probing process before actual data communication begins in an optical communication system, as well as subsequent communication processing (using a disconnection position determination method).

[0106] Figure 53 It is a block diagram representing an example of a computer's hardware structure. Detailed Implementation

[0107] The following describes the methods for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as "implementation methods"). The descriptions will proceed in the following order.

[0108] 1. Implementation Method

[0109] 1-1. Example of an optical connector structure

[0110] 1-1-1. A structure in which the curved part is a prism and the reflecting surface, which serves as the reflecting part, is set as two.

[0111] 1-1-2. A structure in which the curved part is a prism and the reflecting surface, which serves as the reflecting part, is set as a single element.

[0112] 1-1-3. The curved part is a prism, and the reflecting surface, which serves as the reflecting part, is set as one, and a dedicated transmission path for detection is added.

[0113] 1-1-4. The curved part is a prism, and two reflecting surfaces are set as the reflecting part, and a dedicated transmission path for detection is added.

[0114] 1-1-5. A structure in which the curved section has two reflecting surfaces and the reflecting surfaces that serve as the reflecting section are set to be two.

[0115] 1-1-6. Upon detachment, return the construction of the light via the path corresponding to the identifier.

[0116] 1-1-7. A repeater adapter for cable connections was used.

[0117] 1-2. Example of the structure of an optical communication system

[0118] 1-2-1. Construction of connecting two devices via a single optical fiber cable

[0119] 1-2-2. Structure of connecting two devices via multiple optical cables

[0120] 1-2-3. Construction of connecting two devices via multiple optical cables connected by a repeater adapter

[0121] 1-2-4. Construction of a circuit using an optical circulator for wire breakage detection

[0122] 1-2-5. Construction with a probe transmission path

[0123] 1-3. An example of a processing procedure including connection detection processing, communication processing, etc.

[0124] 1-3-1. Connection Detection Processing

[0125] 1-3-2. Communication Processing

[0126] 1-4. Determining the detachment position

[0127] 1-4-1. Use pulsed light (optical signal) and determine the decoupling position from the delay time of the returning light.

[0128] 1-4-2. Use continuous light (optical signal) and determine the decoupling position from the delay time of the returning light.

[0129] 1-4-3. Use the unique identifier (ID) of the connection part to determine the disengagement position.

[0130] 1-5. Specific examples of applying this technology

[0131] 1-6. Processing performed by software

[0132] 2. Variations

[0133] <1. Implementation Method>

[0134] <1-1. Example of an optical connector structure>

[0135] <1-1-1. A structure in which the curved part is a prism and the reflecting surface, which serves as the reflecting part, is set as two.>

[0136] Figure 1 (a1) shows a structural example of the socket 10A, which is an optical connector included in the device. Figure 1 (a2) shows a structural example of a plug 30A, which is an optical connector for optical cable 30Aa and is fitted into the socket 10A. The plug 30A is a plug (first optical connector) provided at one end of optical cable 30Aa, and the same plug (second optical connector) is also provided at the other end of optical cable 30Aa. There is an optical cable body 30A between the plug 30A and the plug at the other end.

[0137] Here, the device with socket 10A is referred to as device A, and the device connected to device A via an optical cable with plug 30A is referred to as device B. The transmitting side and receiving side are defined as the transmitting side and receiving side as viewed from device A. In this case, light transmitted from device A to device B (light transmitted by device A) is defined as transmitted light, and the transmission path for transmitting this transmitted light is called the transmitting side transmission path (first transmission path). Furthermore, light transmitted from device B to device A (light transmitted by device B) is defined as received light, and the transmission path for transmitting this received light is called the receiving side transmission path (second transmission path). These definitions also apply to other examples of optical connector structures described later.

[0138] Here, the transmission paths within a device include those within the socket (i.e., the transmission paths within the connector (socket) – both the transmitting-side connector transmission path and the receiving-side connector transmission path) and those outside the socket – both the transmission paths within the device (both the transmitting-side and receiving-side device transmission paths). Similarly, within an optical cable, the transmission paths exist within the plugs at both ends – both the transmitting-side connector transmission path and the receiving-side connector transmission path – and within the cable body – both the transmitting-side and receiving-side optical cable transmission paths. These definitions also apply to other examples of optical connector structures described later.

[0139] Figure 2 A simplified perspective view shows the sockets of the device and the plugs located at the ends of the optical cables. Figure 1The x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis directions shown correspond to, for example, the x-axis direction, y-axis direction, and z-axis direction. Figure 2 The directions shown are as follows: the x-axis corresponds to the vertical direction of the socket and plug, the y-axis corresponds to the horizontal direction of the socket and plug, and the z-axis corresponds to the front-back direction of the socket and plug.

[0140] refer to Figure 1 (a1) describes the socket 10A provided by the device. The socket 10A has a housing 11, a plug 12, a prism 13, a reflector 14, and a reflector 15.

[0141] Lens (collimating lens) 17 and lens (condensing lens) 18 are integrally formed on the ferrule 12. Lens (collimating lens) 17 is used to collimate the light (transmitted light) transmitted from the transmission path (transmitter connector external transmission path) 16 disposed at one end of the housing 11 and send it to the prism 13. Lens (condensing lens) 18 is used to concentrate the light input from the prism 13 and send it to the transmission path (receiver connector external transmission path) 19 disposed at one end of the housing 11. In this case, the transmission path 16 of the transmission device constitutes part of the transmission path (first transmission path), and the transmission path 19 of the receiving device constitutes part of the receiving path (second transmission path). One transmission path 16 and one transmission path 19 of the receiving device constitute a group of transmission paths within the device.

[0142] Furthermore, despite Figure 1 (a1) illustrates one transmitting-side intra-device transmission path 16 and one receiving-side intra-device transmission path 19. However, multiple transmitting-side intra-device transmission paths 16 and receiving-side intra-device transmission paths 19 can be configured separately. That is, multiple groups of intra-device transmission paths can be provided. For example, when multiple groups of intra-device transmission paths are provided, these multiple groups of intra-device transmission paths can be connected along... Figure 1 The depth direction, that is, the above Figure 2The transmission paths are arranged in a left-right (y-axis direction). In this case, each transmitting-side device's internal transmission path 16 is grouped with a certain receiving-side device's internal transmission path 19, and the grouped transmitting-side device's internal transmission paths 16 and receiving-side device's internal transmission paths 19 each constitute an internal transmission path group. Furthermore, each internal transmission path group is provided corresponding to each communication channel (transmit / receive channel). In addition, in this case, each transmitting-side optical connector's internal transmission path corresponding to each transmitting-side device's internal transmission path 16 exists within the socket 10A, and each receiving-side optical connector's internal transmission path corresponding to each receiving-side device's internal transmission path 19 also exists. Moreover, each transmitting-side optical connector's internal transmission path is grouped with a certain receiving-side optical connector's internal transmission path, and the grouped transmitting-side optical connector's internal transmission paths and receiving-side optical connector's internal transmission paths each constitute an optical connector's internal transmission path group.

[0143] Here, lenses 17 and 18 may not be integrally formed with ferrule 12, but may be formed separately from ferrule 12. In addition, the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device and the transmission path 19 within the receiving device may be constituted by optical waveguides such as optical fibers, but may also be constituted by spatial transmission paths.

[0144] The prism 13 forms a curved section, which bends the light (transmitted light) input from the transmission path 16 in the transmitting device and emits it into the space formed in the housing 11. The bending angle is set such that the light (bent light) emitted from the prism 13 into the space is transmitted toward the reflector 14.

[0145] The reflective surfaces of reflectors 14 and 15 constitute a reflective portion. Reflectors 14 and 15 are formed on the inner side of the other end of the housing 11 at positions opposite to each other. The reflection angle of the reflective portion is set such that the light reflected by the reflective portion (reflected light) is transmitted via prism 13 toward the transmission path 19 within the receiving device.

[0146] In this case, such as Figure 1 As shown in (b1), in order to reflect the light from prism 13 upwards in the figure, the reflecting surface of mirror 14 is set to be rotated θy11 degrees from the z-axis with the y-axis as the central axis, as follows. Figure 1 As shown in (b1), in order to reflect light from the lower direction in the figure toward prism 13, the reflecting surface of mirror 15 is set to a state where it is rotated -θy11 degrees from the z-axis with the y-axis as the central axis. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the reflecting surfaces of mirrors 14 and 15 are flat, but they can be of any shape as long as they do not impede their function as reflective elements. For example, the reflecting surface of mirror 14 can be concave, and the reflecting surface of mirror 15 can be convex, or vice versa.

[0147] As shown in the figure, this illustrates the operation of the socket 10A in a disengaged state, where the plug 30A is not engaged with the socket 10A. In this case, light entering the ferrule 12 from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device is collimated by the lens (collimating lens) 17, then bent in the prism 13 and incident on the reflecting surface of the lower reflector 14. Next, the light reflected by the reflector 14 incident on the reflecting surface of the upper reflector 15. The light reflected by the reflector 15 (reflected light) is then bent in the prism 13, focused by the lens (condenser lens) 18, and input as detection light (here, disengaged state detection light, non-connected state detection light) into the transmission path 19 within the receiving device.

[0148] This creates a non-interlocking optical path. Light transmitted from transmission path 16 within the transmitting device to the ferrule 12 is returned to transmission path 19 within the receiving device via prism 13, reflectors 14, and 15 as detection light (disconnection detection light, non-connection detection light). In other words, in the non-interlocking state where no other optical connector, plug 30A, is engaged at the other end of housing 11, a non-interlocking optical path is constructed that transmits one or more transmitted lights from one or more transmitting units (described later) toward transmission path 19 within the receiving device. One or more receiving units receive one or more transmitted lights as one or more detection light sources. Thus, a device with socket 10A can detect a connection relationship as if plug 30A is disconnected from socket 10A, or in other words, if the device with optical cable 30A is disconnected from the device with socket 10A. Furthermore, in this case, light transmitted from transmission path 16 within the transmitting device to the ferrule 12 will not be output to the outside from the other end of housing 11, thus achieving eye safety.

[0149] Below, for reference Figure 1 (a2) describes the plug 30A (first optical connector) of the optical cable 30Aa. Furthermore, the optical cable 30Aa has an optical cable main transmission path group (optical cable internal transmission path group) consisting of two transmission paths: a transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path (transmitting-side connector external transmission path, transmitting-side optical cable internal transmission path) 39 and a receiving-side optical cable main transmission path (receiving-side connector external transmission path, receiving-side optical cable internal transmission path) 36. Plugs are provided at one end and the other end of this optical cable main transmission path group, but... Figure 1 (a2) shows a plug 30A on one end.

[0150] The plug 30A has a housing 31, a plug 32, a prism 33, a reflector 34, and a reflector 35.

[0151] A lens (collimating lens) 37 and a lens (condensing lens) 38 are integrally formed in the ferrule 32. The lens (collimating lens) 37 is used to collimate the light (received light) input from the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path (receiving-side connector external transmission path) 36 disposed at the other end of the housing 31 and input it to the prism 33. The lens (condensing lens) 38 is used to concentrate the light input from the prism 33 and input it to the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path (transmitting-side connector external transmission path) 39 disposed at the other end of the housing 31. In this case, the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 39 constitutes part of the transmitting-side transmission path (first transmission path), and the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path 36 constitutes part of the receiving-side transmission path (second transmission path). The transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 39 and the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path 36 constitute an optical cable main transmission path group.

[0152] In addition, Figure 1 In (a2), a transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 39 and a receiving-side optical cable main transmission path 36 are shown, but multiple transmitting-side optical cable main transmission paths 39 and multiple receiving-side optical cable main transmission paths 36 can be provided respectively. That is, multiple groups of optical cable main transmission paths can be provided. For example, when multiple groups of optical cable main transmission paths are provided, these multiple groups of optical cable main transmission paths can be along... Figure 1 The depth direction, i.e., the above Figure 2 The optical fiber main transmission paths 39 are arranged in a left-right (y-axis direction) configuration. In this case, each transmitting-side optical fiber main transmission path 39 is grouped with a certain receiving-side optical fiber main transmission path 36, and the grouped transmitting-side optical fiber main transmission paths 39 and receiving-side optical fiber main transmission paths 36 constitute optical fiber main transmission path groups. In addition, each optical fiber main transmission path group is set up corresponding to each communication channel (transmit and receive channel).

[0153] Here, lenses 37 and 38 may not be integrally formed with ferrule 32, but can be formed separately from ferrule 32. Furthermore, the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 39 and the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path 36 are constructed from optical waveguides such as optical fibers.

[0154] The prism 33 forms a bend that bends the light (received light) input from the optical cable main body transmission path 36 on the receiving side and emits it into the space formed inside the housing 31. The bend angle is set such that the light (bent light) emitted from the prism 33 into the space is transmitted toward the reflector 34.

[0155] The reflective surfaces of reflectors 34 and 35 constitute a reflective portion. Reflectors 34 and 35 are formed on the inner side of one end of the housing 31, facing each other. The reflection angle of the reflective portion is set such that the light reflected by the reflective portion (reflected light) is transmitted via prism 33 toward the transmission path 39 of the transmitting optical cable body.

[0156] In this case, such as Figure 1 As shown in (b2), in order to make the light from prism 33 reflect upwards in the figure, the reflecting surface of mirror 34 is set to be rotated θy31 degrees around the z-axis with the y-axis as the central axis, as shown in Figure 33. Figure 1 As shown in (b2), in order to ensure that light from the downward direction is reflected towards prism 33 in the figure, the reflecting surface of mirror 35 is set to be rotated -θy31 degrees from the z-axis about the y-axis. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the reflecting surfaces of mirrors 34 and 35 are planar, but they can be of any shape without hindering their function as reflective elements. For example, the reflecting surface of mirror 34 can be concave, and the reflecting surface of mirror 35 can be convex, or vice versa.

[0157] As shown in the figure, the operation of plug 30A in the state where it is not engaged in socket 10A, i.e., in the disengaged state, is described. In this case, the light input from the receiving-side ferrule main body transmission path 36 to ferrule 32 is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 37, then bent by prism 33 and incident on the reflecting surface of lower reflector 34. Then, the light reflected by reflector 34 is incident on the reflecting surface of upper reflector 35. Then, the light reflected by reflector 35 (reflected light) is bent by prism 33, focused by lens (condenser lens) 38, and input as detection receiving light, here as disengaged state detection light (non-connected state detection light), into transmitting-side ferrule main body transmission path 39.

[0158] Therefore, a non-interlocking optical path is formed. Light transmitted from the receiving-side ferrule main body transmission path 36 to the ferrule 32 is returned to the transmitting-side ferrule main body transmission path 39 via the prism 33 and reflectors 34 and 35 as a disconnection state detection light (non-connection state detection light). In this case, the light transmitted from the receiving-side ferrule main body transmission path 36 to the ferrule 32 is not output to the outside from one end of the housing 31, thus achieving privacy protection. Furthermore, in Figure 1 In (a1) and (a2), the arrows indicate the direction of light travel, as shown later. Figure 4 The arrows in the diagram also indicate the direction of light travel.

[0159] Figure 3The diagram illustrates the overall structure of a ferrule 30Aa, in which the aforementioned plug 30A is positioned as a first optical connector at one end, and a plug 30A', constructed similarly to plug 30A, is positioned as a second optical connector at the other end. A ferrule body 30A" exists between plugs 30A and 30A', and this ferrule body 30A" includes the aforementioned ferrule body transmission paths (receiving-side ferrule body transmission path 36, transmitting-side ferrule body transmission path 39) serving as internal transmission paths within the ferrule. Since plug 30A' is constructed identically to plug 30A, its detailed description is omitted. Each part of plug 30A' is assigned apostrophe reference numerals corresponding to the parts of plug 30A, thus clearly defining the correspondence between the parts of plug 30A' and the parts of plug 30A.

[0160] Furthermore, the connector 30Aa is configured as a crossover cable, with the receiving-side connector main body transmission path 36 and the transmitting-side connector main body transmission path 39 crossing each other midway through the connector body 30A'. Therefore, in the connector 30Aa, light output from the lens (condenser lens) 38 of the plug 30A and input to the transmitting-side connector main body transmission path 39 is output from the transmitting-side connector main body transmission path 39 and input to the lens (collimating lens) 37' of the plug 30A'. Similarly, in the connector 30Aa, light output from the lens (condenser lens) 38' of the plug 30A' and input to the receiving-side connector main body transmission path 36 is output from the receiving-side connector main body transmission path 36 and input to the lens (collimating lens) 37' of the plug 30A.

[0161] Figure 4 The diagram shows the plug 30A fitted into the socket 10A. Although not described, the socket 10A and plug 30A are optical connectors that connect the transmission path through space. In the socket 10A and plug 30A, although not shown, it is preferable, for example, to provide an anti-reflective coating at the interface with the space of prism 13 or prism 33 to reduce losses caused by reflections at the interface during fitting.

[0162] As shown in the figure, with the plug 30A engaged in the socket 10A, a gap is provided between the prism 13 of the socket 10A and the prism 33 of the plug 30A. Preferably, this arrangement prevents damage to the anti-reflective coatings provided on the prisms 13 and 33. Alternatively, with the plug 30A engaged in the socket 10A, a structure without a gap between the prism 13 of the socket 10A and the prism 33 of the plug 30A is also possible.

[0163] With plug 30A engaged in socket 10A, light entering the ferrule 12 from transmission path 16 within the transmitting device on the socket 10A side is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 17, then focused by lens (condensing lens) 38 via prisms 13 and 33, and finally input into transmission path 39 of the transmitting ferrule body on the plug 30A side. Furthermore, with plug 30A engaged in socket 10A, light entering the ferrule 32 from transmission path 36 within the receiving ferrule body on the plug 30A side is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 37, then focused by lens (condensing lens) 18 via prisms 33 and 13, and finally input into transmission path 19 of the receiving device on the socket 10A side.

[0164] Thus, when the plug 30A is engaged with the socket 10A, an engagement optical path is formed connecting the socket 10A side and the plug 30A side. That is, when another optical connector, i.e., the plug 30A, is engaged at the other end of the housing 11, the engagement optical path, which transmits one or more transmitted lights from one or more transmitting units (described later) from the other end towards the other optical connector, i.e., the plug 30A, is constructed in cooperation with that other optical connector, i.e., the plug 30A. Furthermore, via the engagement optical path, one or more lights input from the other optical connector, i.e., the plug, into the optical connector, i.e., the socket 10A of this device are transmitted towards the transmission path 19 within the receiving device.

[0165] Therefore, the transmission path 19 within the receiving device functions as both a receiving and detection transmission path for receiving light transmitted from device B and for receiving detection light (disconnection detection light, non-connection detection light). Here, the optical path from the lens (collimating lens) 17 of socket 10A to the lens (condenser lens) 38 of plug 30A, or from the lens (collimating lens) 37 of plug 30A to the lens (condenser lens) 18 of socket 10A, can be achieved through the design of prisms 13 and 33.

[0166] Figure 5 The socket 10A of device A is shown via the ferrule 30Aa (reference). Figure 3 The device is connected to the socket 10A' of device B. In this case, the plug 30A, which is provided as a first optical connector at one end of the ferrule 30Aa, is fitted into the socket 10A of device A, and the plug 30A', which is provided as a second optical connector at the other end of the ferrule 30Aa, is fitted into the socket 10A' of device B. Furthermore, since the socket 10A' is constructed in the same way as the socket 10A, its detailed description is omitted. The parts of the socket 10A' are given apostrophe symbols corresponding to the parts of the socket 10A, thus clarifying the correspondence between the parts of the socket 10A' and the parts of the socket 10A.

[0167] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated state, light entering the ferrule connector 12 from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device on the socket 10A side is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 17, then passed through prisms 13 and 33, and focused by lens (condensing lens) 38 before entering the transmitting optical cable main transmission path 39 on the plug 30A side. Then, light output from this transmitting optical cable main transmission path 39 is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 37' on the plug 30A' side, then passed through prisms 33' and 13', and focused by lens (condensing lens) 18' before entering the transmitting device transmission path 19' on the socket 10A' side.

[0168] In addition, Figure 5 In the illustrated state, light entering the receiver-side optical cable main transmission path 36 from the receiving device within the socket 10A' side via transmission path 16' to the ferrule connector 12' is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 17', then passed through prisms 13' and 33', and focused by lens (condensing lens) 38' before entering the receiver-side optical cable main transmission path 36 on the plug 30A' side. Then, light output from this receiver-side optical cable main transmission path 36 is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 37 on the plug 30A side, then passed through prisms 33 and 13, and focused by lens (condensing lens) 18 before entering the receiver-side device transmission path 19 on the socket 10A side. In this way, in Figure 5 In the state shown, a mating optical path is formed between the socket 10A side of device A and the socket 10A' side of device B.

[0169] Figure 6 The diagram shows a state where a plug 30A, acting as a first optical connector, is engaged with a socket 10A of device A, but a plug 30A', acting as a second optical connector, is not engaged with a socket 10A' of device B. In this case, the plug 30A' side is in a disengaged state.

[0170] exist Figure 6In the illustrated state, light entering the ferrule connector 12 from the transmitting-side device internal transmission path (transmitting-side optical cable external transmission path) 16 on the socket 10A side is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 17, then passed through prisms 13 and 33, and focused by lens (condensing lens) 38, before entering the transmitting-side optical cable main body transmission path (transmitting-side optical cable internal transmission path) 39 on the plug 30A side. Then, light output from this transmitting-side optical cable main body transmission path 39 is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 37', bent by prism 33', and incident on the reflecting surface of the lower reflector 34'. Next, the light reflected by reflector 34' incident on the reflecting surface of the upper reflector 35'. Finally, the light reflected by reflector 35' (reflected light) is bent by prism 33', focused by lens (condensing lens) 38', and entered on the receiving-side optical cable main body transmission path 36 on the plug 30A' side. Then, the light output from the main transmission path 36 of the receiving optical cable is collimated by the lens (collimating lens) 37, passes through the prism 33 and prism 13, is focused by the lens (condensing lens) 18, and inputs into the transmission path (external transmission path of the receiving optical cable) 19 of the receiving device on the socket 10A side.

[0171] This creates a non-interlocking optical path. Light transmitted from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device to the ferrule 12 is returned to the transmission path 19 within the receiving device via prism 33' and reflectors 34' and 35' within the plug 30A' as detection light (disconnection detection light, non-connection detection light). This allows device A, equipped with socket 10A, to detect that the plug 30A' is disconnected relative to the socket 10A' of device B, providing connection information. Furthermore, in this configuration, light transmitted from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device to the ferrule 12 is not output to the outside from the other end of the housing 31' of the plug 30A', thus ensuring eye safety.

[0172] "1-1-2. A structure in which the curved part is a prism and the reflecting surface, which serves as the reflecting part, is set as one."

[0173] Figure 7 (a1) shows a structural example of the socket 10B, which is an optical connector included in the device, and Figure 7 (a2) shows a structural example of a plug 30B, which serves as an optical connector provided by the optical cable 30Ba, and is fitted into the socket 10B. The plug 30B is a plug (first optical connector) located at one end of the optical cable 30Ba, and a similar plug (second optical connector) is located at the other end of the optical cable 30Ba. An optical cable body 30B is located between the plug 30B and the plug at the other end. Figure 7 In (a1) and (a2), with Figure 1The components corresponding to (a1) and (a2) are marked with the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0174] refer to Figure 7 (a1) describes socket 10B. Socket 10B has a housing 11, a ferrule 12, a prism 13 and a reflector 20.

[0175] The ferrule 12 integrally forms a lens (collimating lens) 17 for collimating and transmitting light (transmitted light) transmitted from the transmitting-side device internal transmission path (transmitting-side connector external transmission path) 16 disposed at one end of the housing 11 to the prism 13, and a lens (condensing lens) 18 for focusing light input from the prism 13 and transmitting it to the receiving-side device internal transmission path (receiving-side connector external transmission path) 19 disposed at one end of the housing 11. In this case, the transmitting-side device internal transmission path 16 constitutes part of the transmitting-side transmission path (first transmission path), and the receiving-side device internal transmission path 19 constitutes part of the receiving-side transmission path (second transmission path), forming a device internal transmission path group.

[0176] It should be noted that, Figure 7 In (a1), one transmitting-side device intra-device transmission path 16 and one receiving-side device intra-device transmission path 19 are shown, but multiple transmitting-side device intra-device transmission paths 16 and receiving-side device intra-device transmission paths 19 can be set separately. That is, multiple groups of intra-device transmission paths can be provided. For example, when multiple groups of intra-device transmission paths are provided, the multiple groups of intra-device transmission paths can be arranged along... Figure 7 The depth direction (i.e., the above) Figure 2 The transmission paths are configured in the left-right direction (y-axis direction). In this case, each transmitting-side device's internal transmission path 16 is grouped with a certain receiving-side device's internal transmission path 19, and each group of transmitting-side device internal transmission paths 16 and receiving-side device internal transmission paths 19 constitutes a device internal transmission path group. Furthermore, each device internal transmission path group is configured corresponding to each communication channel (transmit / receive channel).

[0177] The prism 13 forms a curved section that bends the light (transmitted light) input from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device to enter the cavity formed within the housing 11. The bending angle of this curved section is set to the angle at which the light (bent light) emitted from the prism 13 into the space is transmitted toward the reflector 20.

[0178] The reflective surface of the reflector 20 constitutes a reflective portion. The reflector 20 is formed inside the housing 11 at the other end. The reflection angle of this reflective portion is set to the angle at which the light reflected by the reflective portion (reflected light) is transmitted via the prism 13 towards the transmission path 19 within the receiving device. In this case, as... Figure 7 As shown in (b1), in order to return the light from the prism 13 to different positions of the prism 13, the reflecting surface of the reflector 20 is set to rotate θy12 around the z-axis with the y-axis as the central axis.

[0179] The operation of socket 10B when plug 30B is not engaged with socket 10B (i.e., disengaged state) as shown in the figure is described below. In this case, light entering the ferrule 12 from transmission path 16 within the transmitting device is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 17, then bent by prism 13 and incident on the reflecting surface of mirror 20. Next, the light reflected by mirror 20 (reflected light) is bent by prism 13 and focused by lens (condensing lens) 18, and then input into transmission path 19 within the receiving device.

[0180] In this way, a non-interlocking optical path is formed. By sending light from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device to the ferrule 12 via the prism 13 and the reflector 20 back to the transmission path 19 within the receiving device, the device with the socket 10B can detect that it is in a disengaged state. Furthermore, in this case, the light sent from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device to the ferrule 12 will not be output to the outside from the other end of the housing 11, thus also achieving eye safety.

[0181] refer to Figure 7 (a2) describes the plug 30B (first optical connector) of the optical cable 30Ba. Incidentally, as the main transmission path of the optical cable, the optical cable 30Ba has an optical cable main transmission path group consisting of two transmission paths: a transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path (transmitting-side connector external transmission path) 39 and a receiving-side optical cable main transmission path (receiving-side connector external transmission path) 36. Plugs are provided at one end and the other end of this optical cable main transmission path group, but... Figure 7 (a2) shows a plug 30B on one end side.

[0182] The plug 30B has a housing 31, a plug 32, a prism 33 and a reflector 40.

[0183] The ferrule 32 integrally comprises: a lens (collimating lens) 37 for collimating the light (received light) transmitted from the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path (receiving-side connector external transmission path) 36 disposed at the other end of the housing 31 and inputting it into the prism 33; and a lens (condensing lens) 38 for focusing the light input from the prism 33 and inputting it into the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path (transmitting-side connector external transmission path) 39 disposed at the other end of the housing 31. In this case, the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 39 constitutes part of the transmitting-side transmission path (first transmission path), and the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path 36 constitutes part of the receiving-side transmission path (second transmission path), forming an optical cable main transmission path group.

[0184] In addition, Figure 7 (a2) shows one transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 39 and one receiving-side optical cable main transmission path 36, but multiple transmitting-side optical cable main transmission paths 39 and receiving-side optical cable main transmission paths 36 can be provided respectively. That is, multiple groups of optical cable main transmission paths can be provided. For example, when multiple groups of optical cable main transmission paths are provided, these multiple optical cable transmission path groups can be along Figure 7 The depth direction (i.e., the above) Figure 2 The optical fiber main transmission path 39 is configured in the left-right direction (y-axis direction). In this case, each transmitting-side optical fiber main transmission path 39 is grouped with a certain receiving-side optical fiber main transmission path 36, and the grouped transmitting-side optical fiber main transmission path 39 and receiving-side optical fiber main transmission path 36 each constitute an optical fiber main transmission path group. In addition, each optical fiber main transmission path group is set up correspondingly with each communication channel (transmit / receive channel).

[0185] The prism 33 forms a bend that bends the light (received light) input from the receiving ferrule body transmission path 36 so that it is emitted into the space formed within the housing 31. The bend angle of this bend is set such that the light (bent light) emitted from the prism 33 into the space is transmitted toward the reflector 40.

[0186] The reflective surface of the reflector 40 constitutes a reflective portion. The reflector 40 is formed inside one end of the housing 31. The reflection angle of this reflective portion is set such that the light reflected by this reflective portion (reflected light) is transmitted via the prism 33 towards the transmission path 39 of the transmitting side ferrule body. In this case, as... Figure 7 As shown in (b2), in order to return the light from the prism 33 to different positions of the prism 33, the reflecting surface of the reflector 40 is set to a state in which it is rotated θy32 from the z-axis with the y-axis as the central axis.

[0187] The operation of plug 30B when it is not engaged in socket 10B (i.e., disengaged state) is described below. In this case, light input from the receiving-side ferrule body transmission path 36 into ferrule 32 is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 37, then bent by prism 33 and incident on the reflecting surface of mirror 40. Then, the light reflected by mirror 40 (reflected light) is bent by prism 33, focused by lens (condensing lens) 38, and input into transmitting-side ferrule body transmission path 39.

[0188] In this way, a non-interlocking optical path is formed, and the light sent from the receiving-side ferrule main body transmission path 36 to the ferrule 32 is returned to the transmitting-side ferrule main body transmission path 39 via the prism 33 and the reflector 40. In this case, since the light sent from the receiving-side ferrule main body transmission path 36 to the ferrule 32 is not output to the outside from one end of the housing 31, eye safety is achieved.

[0189] Furthermore, although detailed descriptions are omitted, in the plug 30B described above, which serves as the first optical connector on one end of the ferrule 30Ba, a plug 30B' with the same configuration as the plug 30B is provided on the other end as the second optical connector. Moreover, the ferrule 30Ba is configured as a crossover cable, and at the midway point of the ferrule body 30B', the receiving-side ferrule body transmission path 36 and the transmitting-side ferrule body transmission path 39 cross over each other. These are the same as those for the ferrule 30Aa described above (see [link to documentation]). Figure 3 ).

[0190] Figure 8 The diagram shows the state in which the plug 30B is engaged with the socket 10B. With the plug 30B engaged with the socket 10B, light entering the ferrule 12 from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device on the socket 10B side is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 17, then passes through prisms 13 and 33, and is focused by lens (condensing lens) 38 before entering the transmission path 39 of the transmitting ferrule body on the plug 30B side. Furthermore, with the plug 30B engaged with the socket 10B, light entering the ferrule 32 from the receiving ferrule body transmission path 36 on the plug 30B side is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 37, then passes through prisms 33 and 13, and is focused by lens (condensing lens) 18 before entering the transmission path 19 of the receiving device on the socket 10B side.

[0191] Thus, with the plug 30B engaged in the socket 10B, an engagement optical path is formed connecting the socket 10B side and the plug 30B side. Therefore, the transmission path 19 within the receiving device serves as both a receiving transmission path for receiving light transmitted from device B and a receiving transmission path for receiving light for detection (disconnection state detection light, non-connection state detection light). Here, the optical paths from the lens (collimating lens) 17 of the socket 10B to the lens (condenser lens) 38 of the plug 30B and from the lens (collimating lens) 37 of the plug 30B to the lens (condenser lens) 18 of the socket 10B can be achieved through the design of prisms 13 and 33.

[0192] Furthermore, a detailed description of the state in which socket 10B of device A is connected to socket 10B' of device B via pin 30Ba is omitted here. This state is the same as the state described above where socket 10A of device A is connected to socket 10A' of device B via pin 30Aa (see [link to documentation]). Figure 5 This forms a mating optical path connecting the socket 10B side of device A and the socket 10B' side of device B.

[0193] Furthermore, a detailed description of the state in which a plug 30B, configured as a first optical connector at one end of the optical cable 30Ba, is engaged with a socket 10B of device A, but a plug 30B', configured as a second optical connector at the other end of the optical cable 30Ba, is not engaged with a socket 10B' of device B (the plug 30B' side is in a disengaged state) is omitted here. This state is the same as the state in which a plug 30A, configured as a first optical connector at one end of the optical cable 30Aa, is engaged with a socket 10A of device A, but a plug 30A', configured as a second optical connector at the other end of the optical cable 30Aa, is not engaged with a socket 10A' of device B (the plug 30A' side is in a disengaged state) (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 6 Device A, equipped with socket 10B, can detect that the plug 30B' of optical cable 30Ba is disconnected from socket 10B' of device B.

[0194] "1-1-3. The curved section is a prism, with a single reflecting surface serving as the reflector, and a dedicated transmission path for detection is incorporated."

[0195] Figure 9 (a1) shows a structural example of a socket 10C, which is a device having an optical connector, and Figure 9(a2) shows a structural example of a plug 30C, which is an optical connector for an optical cable 30Ca, and is fitted into the socket 10C. The plug 30C is a plug (first optical connector) located at one end of the optical cable 30Ca, and a similar plug (second optical connector) is located at the other end of the optical cable 30Ca. An optical cable body 30C exists between the plug 30C and the plug at the other end. Figure 9 In (a1) and (a2), for... Figure 1 The parts corresponding to (a1) and (a2) are given the same labels, and their detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0196] refer to Figure 9 (a1) describes socket 10C. Socket 10C has a housing 11, a plug 21, a prism 13 and a reflector 22.

[0197] The ferrule 21 integrally forms with: a lens (collimating lens) 17 for collimating light (transmitted light) transmitted from the transmission path (transmitter connector external transmission path) 16 disposed on one end of the housing 11 and inputting it into the prism 13; a lens (condensing lens) 18 for focusing the light input from the prism 13 and inputting it into the first receiver internal transmission path 19 disposed on one end of the housing 11 and inputting it into the transmission path 19 used for communication; and a lens (condensing lens) 23 for focusing the light input from the prism 13 and inputting it into the detection-dedicated internal transmission path 24 disposed on one end of the housing 11, which is the second receiver internal transmission path (receiver connector external transmission path) and is not used for actual data communication.

[0198] The probe-dedicated equipment internal transmission path 24 is configured between the transmitting-side equipment internal transmission path 16 and the first receiving-side equipment internal transmission path 19. In this case, the transmitting-side equipment internal transmission path 16 constitutes part of the transmitting-side transmission path (first transmission path), and the first receiving-side equipment internal transmission path 19 constitutes part of the receiving-side transmission path (second transmission path). Furthermore, the transmitting-side equipment internal transmission path 16, the first receiving-side equipment internal transmission path 19, and the probe-dedicated equipment internal transmission path 24 constitute an internal transmission path group.

[0199] In addition, Figure 9 In (a1), a transmitting-side device intra-device transmission path 16, a first receiving-side device intra-device transmission path 19, and a probe-dedicated device intra-device transmission path 24 are shown. However, multiple transmitting-side device intra-device transmission paths 16, 19, and 24 can be provided respectively. That is, multiple groups of intra-device transmission paths can be provided. For example, when multiple groups of intra-device transmission paths are provided, these multiple groups of intra-device transmission paths can be arranged along... Figure 9 The depth direction (i.e., the above) Figure 2 The left and right directions (y-axis direction) are arranged side by side.

[0200] In this configuration, each transmitting-side device's internal transmission path 16 is grouped with a first receiving-side device's internal transmission path 19 and a probe-dedicated device's internal transmission path 24 (corresponding to a communication channel), and each group of transmitting-side device internal transmission paths 16, first receiving-side device internal transmission paths 19, and probe-dedicated device internal transmission paths 24 constitutes an internal transmission path group. Furthermore, each internal transmission path group is configured corresponding to a communication channel (transmit / receive channel). Additionally, in Figure 9 In (a1), the transmission path 24 within the probe dedicated device is configured between the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device and the transmission path 19 within the first receiving device as an example, but the transmission path 24 within the probe dedicated device need not be configured between the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device and the transmission path 19 within the first receiving device.

[0201] Here, lenses 17, 18, and 23 may not be integrally formed with ferrule 21, but may be formed separately from ferrule 21. In addition, the transmission path 16 in the transmitting side equipment, the transmission path 19 in the first receiving side equipment, and the transmission path 24 in the detection dedicated equipment are, for example, composed of optical waveguides such as optical fibers, but they may also be spatial transmission paths.

[0202] The prism 13 forms a curved section that bends the light (transmitted light) input from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device and projects it into the space formed within the housing 11. The bending angle of this curved section is set such that the light (bent light) emitted from the prism 13 into the space is transmitted toward the reflector 22.

[0203] The reflective surface of the reflector 22 constitutes a reflective portion. The reflector 22 is formed on the inner side of the other end of the housing 11. The reflection angle of this reflective portion is set such that the light reflected by this reflective portion (reflected light) is transmitted via the prism 13 towards the transmission path 24 inside the detection device. In this case, as... Figure 9 As shown in (b1), in order to return the light from the prism 13 to different positions of the prism 13, the reflecting surface of the reflector 22 is set to rotate θy13 degrees from the z-axis with the y-axis as the central axis.

[0204] As shown in the figure, this illustrates the state where the plug 30C is not engaged with the socket 10C, i.e., the operation of the socket 10C in the disengaged state. In this case, the light input from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device to the ferrule 21 is collimated by the lens (collimating lens) 17, then bent by the prism 13 and incident on the reflecting surface of the reflector 22. Next, the light reflected by the reflector 22 (reflected light) is bent by the prism 13, focused by the lens (condensing lens) 23, and input as the detection receiving light, here as the disengaged state detection light (non-connected state detection light), into the transmission path 24 within the detection-dedicated device.

[0205] In this way, a non-interlocking optical path is formed, and by returning the transmitted light from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device to the ferrule 21 via the prism 13 and the reflector 22 to the transmission path 24 within the detection-dedicated device, the device equipped with the socket 10C can detect that it is in a disengaged state. Furthermore, in this case, since the light transmitted from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device to the ferrule 21 is not output to the outside from the other end of the housing 11, eye safety is also achieved.

[0206] Furthermore, in serving as Figure 9 In the example structure of the optical connector socket 10C shown in (a1), the transmission path 24 within the probe-dedicated device is positioned at an offset point between the transmission path 16 within the transmitting-side device and the transmission path 19 within the first receiving-side device. This is to ensure eye safety when light is output from the transmission path 24 within the probe-dedicated device.

[0207] When the transmission path 24 within the detection device is positioned between the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device and the transmission path 19 within the first receiving device, when light is output from the transmission path 24, it travels horizontally to the right in the figure, enters the protrusion of the prism 13, and travels in two branches in the vertical direction. At this time, because the angle of the protrusion of the prism 13 becomes shallower, the light entering the prism 13 travels almost horizontally to the right in the figure, is output from the other end of the housing 11, and eye safety is compromised. Furthermore, regarding the case of light output from the transmission path 24, for example, it is possible that the transmission path 24 is broken, and the light (reflected light) input to the transmission path 24 is reflected at the break point, and its reflected component is output from the transmission path 24.

[0208] Here, the reason why the angle of the protrusion of prism 13 becomes shallower is that when the socket 10C and the plug 30C are engaged, the light (reflected light) output from the transmission path 44 of the detection-dedicated plug body on the plug 30C side is input to the protrusion of prism 33 on the plug 30C side, and travels in two branches in the vertical direction. Then, it passes through prism 33 and prism 13 on the socket 10C side. However, a lens (condenser lens) 23 is needed to focus the light of the two branches so that the light of the two branches is input into the transmission path 24 inside the detection-dedicated device.

[0209] like Figure 9 As shown in (a1), when the transmission path 24 inside the detection device is configured at a position offset from the middle of the transmission path 16 inside the transmitting device and the transmission path 19 inside the first receiving device, when the socket 10C and the plug 30C are engaged, the light (reflected light) output from the transmission path 44 of the detection dedicated plug body on the plug 30C side can be prevented from entering the protrusion of the prism 33 on the plug 30C side. This prevents the light from splitting in the vertical direction, and thus it can be configured such that the angle of the protrusion of the prism 33 is deeper to a certain extent.

[0210] In this case, the light output from transmission path 24 within the detection device is input to a position offset from the protrusion of prism 33, and without bibranching, propagates at a relatively large angle relative to the right transverse direction in the figure (in...). Figure 9 (In (a1), the light path is schematically illustrated with a dashed arrow P). Therefore, by designing a structure that sufficiently ensures the length of the other end of the housing 11, the light output from the transmission path 24 inside the detection device is not directly output to the outside, thus ensuring eye safety.

[0211] In addition, Figure 9 In the example structure of the socket 10C shown as an optical connector (a1), although the transmission path 24 in the probe-dedicated device is configured at a position offset from the middle of the transmission path 16 in the transmitting-side device and the transmission path 19 in the first receiving-side device, it is also possible to configure the transmission path 24 in the middle of the transmission path 16 in the transmitting-side device and the transmission path 19 in the probe-dedicated device if there is no possibility of light being output from the transmission path 24 in the probe-dedicated device, or if there is a possibility of light being output from the transmission path 24 in the probe-dedicated device but its level is small enough that it will not cause eye safety problems.

[0212] refer to Figure 9(a2) describes the plug 30C (first optical connector) of the optical cable 30Ca. Furthermore, as the main transmission path of the optical cable, the optical cable 30Ca has an optical cable main transmission path group consisting of two transmission paths: a transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path (transmitting-side connector external transmission path) 39 and a receiving-side optical cable main transmission path (receiving-side connector external transmission path) 36. Plugs are provided at one end and the other end of this optical cable main transmission path group, but... Figure 9 In (a2), the plug 30C on one end is shown.

[0213] The plug 30C has a housing 31, a plug 41, a prism 33 and a reflector 42.

[0214] The ferrule 41 integrally forms with: a lens (collimating lens) 37 for collimating the light (received light) transmitted from the receiving ferrule body transmission path (receiving connector external transmission path) 36 disposed at the other end of the housing 31 and inputting it into the prism 33; a lens (condensing lens) 38 for condensing the light input from the prism 33 and inputting it into the first transmitting ferrule body transmission path 39 disposed at the other end of the housing 31; and a lens (condensing lens) 43 for condensing the light input from the prism 33 and inputting it into the second transmitting ferrule body transmission path, i.e., the detection dedicated ferrule body transmission path (transmitting connector external transmission path) 44 disposed at the other end of the housing 31.

[0215] The probe-dedicated ferrule main body transmission path 44 is configured between the receiving-side ferrule main body transmission path 36 and the first transmitting-side ferrule main body transmission path 39. Here, although detailed descriptions are omitted, similarly, just as the probe-dedicated device internal transmission path 24 on the socket 10C side is configured at a position offset midway between the transmitting-side device internal transmission path 16 and the first receiving-side device internal transmission path 19, the probe-dedicated ferrule main body transmission path 44 is configured at a position offset midway between the receiving-side ferrule main body transmission path 36 and the first transmitting-side ferrule main body transmission path 39. In this case, the receiving-side ferrule main body transmission path 36 constitutes part of the receiving-side transmission path (second transmission path), and the first transmitting-side ferrule main body transmission path 39 constitutes part of the transmitting-side transmission path (first transmission path). Furthermore, the receiving-side ferrule main body transmission path 36, the first transmitting-side ferrule main body transmission path 39, and the probe-dedicated ferrule main body transmission path 44 constitute a ferrule main body transmission path group.

[0216] In addition, Figure 9In (a2), a receiving-side ferrule main transmission path 36, a first transmitting-side ferrule main transmission path 39, and a probe-dedicated ferrule main transmission path 44 are shown. However, multiple receiving-side ferrule main transmission paths 36, multiple first transmitting-side ferrule main transmission paths 39, and multiple probe-dedicated ferrule main transmission paths 44 can be provided respectively. That is, multiple ferrule main transmission path groups can be provided. For example, when multiple ferrule main transmission path groups are provided, these multiple ferrule main transmission path groups can be along... Figure 9 The depth direction (i.e., the above) Figure 2 The left and right directions (y-axis direction) are arranged side by side.

[0217] In this configuration, each receiving-side ferrule main transmission path 36 is grouped with a first transmitting-side ferrule main transmission path 39 and a probe-dedicated ferrule main transmission path 44. These grouped receiving-side ferrule main transmission paths 36, 39, and 44 constitute ferrule main transmission path groups. Furthermore, each ferrule main transmission path group is configured corresponding to each communication channel (transmit / receive channel). Additionally, in... Figure 9 In (a2), the probe-dedicated ferrule main body transmission path 44 is configured between the receiving-side ferrule main body transmission path 36 and the first transmitting-side ferrule main body transmission path 39. However, the probe-dedicated ferrule main body transmission path 44 does not necessarily need to be set between the receiving-side ferrule main body transmission path 36 and the first transmitting-side ferrule main body transmission path 39.

[0218] Here, lenses 37, 38, and 43 may not be integrally formed with ferrule 41, but may be formed separately from ferrule 41. In addition, the receiving-side ferrule main body transmission path 36, the first transmitting-side ferrule main body transmission path 39, and the probe-dedicated ferrule main body transmission path 44 are, for example, composed of optical waveguides such as ferrules.

[0219] The prism 33 forms a curved section, which bends the light (received light) input from the receiving side ferrule body transmission path 36 so that it enters the space formed inside the housing 31. The bending angle of this curved section is set to the angle at which the light (bent light) emitted from the prism 33 into the space is transmitted toward the reflector 42.

[0220] The reflective surface of the reflector 42 constitutes a reflective portion. The reflector 42 is formed on the inner side of one end of the housing 31. The reflection angle of this reflective portion is set to the angle at which the light reflected by this reflective portion (reflected light) is transmitted via the prism 33 toward the transmission path 44 of the detection-dedicated ferrule body. In this case, as... Figure 9 As shown in (b2), in order to return the light from the prism 33 to different positions of the prism 33, the reflecting surface of the reflector 42 is set to be rotated θy33 degrees from the z axis with the y axis as the central axis.

[0221] As shown in the figure, the operation of plug 30C when it is not engaged in socket 10C (i.e., in the disengaged state) will be explained below. In this case, the light input from the receiving side ferrule body transmission path 36 to ferrule 41 is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 37, then bent by prism 33 and incident on the reflecting surface of mirror 42. Next, the light reflected by mirror 42 (reflected light) is bent by prism 33 and focused by lens (condensing lens) 43, and input as detection receiving light, here as disengaged state detection light (non-connected state detection light), into detection dedicated ferrule body transmission path 44.

[0222] This creates a non-interlocking optical path, where light transmitted from the receiving ferrule main body transmission path 36 to the ferrule 41 is returned to the detection-dedicated ferrule main body transmission path 44 via the prism 33 and the reflector 42. In this case, the light transmitted from the receiving ferrule main body transmission path 36 to the ferrule 41 is not output to the outside from one end of the housing 31, thus achieving eye safety.

[0223] Figure 10 The diagram shows the overall structure of the ferrule 30Ca, in which the aforementioned plug 30C is disposed as the first optical connector at one end and the plug 30C', which is constructed in the same manner as the plug 30C, is disposed as the second optical connector at the other end. A ferrule body 30C" exists between the plug 30C and the plug 30C', and the aforementioned ferrule body transmission paths (receiving-side ferrule body transmission path 36 and transmitting-side ferrule body transmission path 39) are contained within this ferrule body 30C". Since the plug 30C' is constructed in the same manner as the plug 30C, its detailed description is omitted. The various parts of the plug 30C' are assigned apostrophe symbols corresponding to the various parts of the plug 30C, thus clarifying the correspondence between the various parts of the plug 30C' and the various parts of the plug 30C.

[0224] Furthermore, the ferrule 30Ca is configured as a cross-cable structure, with the receiving-side ferrule body transmission path 36 and the transmitting-side ferrule body transmission path 39 crossing midway through the ferrule body 30C". Therefore, in the ferrule 30Ca, light output from the lens (condenser lens) 38 of the plug 30C and input to the transmitting-side ferrule body transmission path 39 is output from the transmitting-side ferrule body transmission path 39 and input to the lens (collimating lens) 37' of the plug 30C'. Furthermore, in the ferrule 30Ca... Light output from the lens (condenser lens) 38' of plug 30C' and input into the receiving-side ferrule body transmission path 36 is output from the receiving-side ferrule body transmission path 36 and input into the lens (collimating lens) 37 of plug 30C. Furthermore, in ferrule 30Ca, light output from the lens (condenser lens) 43' of plug 30C' and input into the detection-dedicated ferrule body transmission path 44 is output from the detection-dedicated ferrule body transmission path 44 and input into the lens (collimating lens) 43 of plug 30C.

[0225] Figure 11 The diagram shows the state in which the plug 30C is engaged with the socket 10C. With the plug 30C engaged in the socket 10C, light entering the ferrule 21 from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device on the socket 10C side is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 17, then passed through prisms 13 and 33, and focused by lens (condensing lens) 38 before entering the first transmitting-side ferrule body transmission path 39 on the plug 30C side. Furthermore, with the plug 30C engaged in the socket 10C, light entering the ferrule 41 from the receiving-side ferrule body transmission path 36 on the plug 30C side is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 37, then passed through prisms 33 and 13, and focused by lens (condensing lens) 18 before entering the receiving-side device transmission path 19 on the socket 10C side. Furthermore, with the plug 30C fitted into the socket 10C, the light input from the probe-dedicated ferrule body transmission path 44 on the plug 30C side to the ferrule 41 is collimated by the lens (collimating lens) 43, then passed through the prism 33 and prism 13, and focused by the lens (condensing lens) 23 before being input into the probe-dedicated device transmission path 24 on the socket 10C side.

[0226] Thus, with the plug 30C engaged in the socket 10C, an optical path is formed connecting the socket 10C side and the plug 30C side. Here, the optical paths from the lens (collimating lens) 17 of the socket 10C to the lens (condensing lens) 38 of the plug 30C, from the lens (collimating lens) 37 of the plug 30C to the lens (condensing lens) 18 of the socket 10C, and from the lens (collimating lens) 43 of the plug 30C to the lens (condensing lens) 23 of the socket 10C can be achieved through the design of prisms 13 and 33.

[0227] Figure 12 The socket 10C of device A is shown via the ferrule 30Ca (reference). Figure 10 The state of the socket 10C' connected to device B. In this case, the plug 30C, which is provided as a first optical connector at one end of the optical cable 30Ca, is fitted into the socket 10C of device A, and the plug 30C', which is provided as a second optical connector at the other end of the optical cable 30Ca, is fitted into the socket 10C' of device B. Furthermore, the socket 10C' is constructed in the same way as the socket 10C, therefore its detailed description is omitted. The various parts of the socket 10C' are given apostrophe symbols corresponding to the various parts of the socket 10C, making the correspondence between the various parts of the socket 10C' and the various parts of the socket 10C clear.

[0228] exist Figure 12 In the shown state, light entering the ferrule 12 from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device on the socket 10A side is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 17, then passes through prisms 13 and 33, is focused by lens (condenser lens) 38, and then enters the transmission path 39 within the transmitting ferrule body on the plug 30C side. Furthermore, light output from this transmission path 39 is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 37' on the plug 30C' side, then passes through prisms 33' and 13', is focused by lens (condenser lens) 18', and then enters the transmission path 19' within the transmitting device on the socket 10C' side.

[0229] In addition, Figure 12 In the shown state, light input from transmission path 16' within the receiving device into the ferrule 12' is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 17', passes through prisms 13' and 33', is focused by lens (condensing lens) 38', and is input into the receiving-side ferrule main body transmission path 36 on the plug 30C' side. Then, light output from this receiving-side ferrule main body transmission path 36 is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 37 on the plug 30C side, passes through prisms 33 and 13, is focused by lens (condensing lens) 18, and is input into the receiving-side device transmission path 19 on the socket 10A side. Thus, in Figure 12 In the state shown, a mating optical path is formed between the socket 10C side of device A and the socket 10C' side of device B.

[0230] Figure 13 The diagram shows a plug 30C, which serves as a first optical connector, engaging with a socket 10C in device A, but a plug 30C', which serves as a second optical connector, not engaging with a socket 10C' in device B. In this case, the plug 30C' side is in a disengaged state.

[0231] exist Figure 13 In the shown state, light input from transmission path 16 within the transmitting device of socket 10C to ferrule 12 is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 17, passes through prisms 13 and 33, and is focused by lens (condensing lens) 38 before being input to transmission path 39 of the transmitting ferrule body on plug 30C side. Then, light output from this transmission path 39 is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 37' on plug 30C' side, bent by prism 33', and incident on the reflecting surface of mirror 42'. Next, the light reflected by mirror 42' (reflected light) is bent by prism 33', focused by lens (condensing lens) 43', and input to probe-dedicated ferrule body transmission path 44. Then, the light output from the detection-dedicated plug body transmission path 44 is collimated by the lens (collimating lens) 43 on the plug 30C side, and then focused by the lens (condensing lens) 23 through the prism 33 and prism 13, and input into the detection-dedicated device transmission path 24 on the socket 10C side.

[0232] In this way, a non-interlocking optical path is formed. Light transmitted from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device to the ferrule 12 via the prism 33' and reflector 42' inside the plug 30C' is returned to the transmission path 24 within the detection-dedicated device as detection light (disconnection state detection light, non-connection state detection light). Device A, equipped with socket 10C, can detect that the plug 30C' of ferrule 30C is in a disconnected state relative to the socket 10C' of device B. Furthermore, in this case, the light transmitted from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device to the ferrule 12 will not be output to the outside from the other end of the housing 31' of the plug 30C', thus achieving eye safety.

[0233] In addition, Figure 9 In the socket 10C shown in (a1), an example is shown where the curved portion is formed by a prism 13 and the reflecting portion is formed by the reflecting surface of a single mirror 22, but it is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to consider a curved portion formed by the reflecting surface of a mirror and a reflecting portion formed by the reflecting surfaces of two mirrors. In this case, for example, the curved portion can be formed by a prism and the reflecting portion can also be formed by the reflecting surfaces of two mirrors. Furthermore, in this case, for example, the curved portion can be formed by the reflecting surface of a mirror and the reflecting portion can also be formed by the reflecting surface of a single mirror or the reflecting surface of two mirrors. In this case, it is necessary to guide the light to the reflector of the transmission path 24 within the detection-dedicated device in the non-engaged state without interfering with the engagement optical path. Additionally, this in… Figure 9 The same applies to plug 30C shown in (a2).

[0234] [1-1-4. The curved section is a prism, and two reflecting surfaces are set as the reflecting part, and a dedicated transmission path for detection is added.]

[0235] Figure 14 (a1) shows a structural example of the socket 10D, which is an optical connector, in the device. Figure 14 (a2) shows an example of the configuration of a plug 30D, which is an optical connector, belonging to an optical cable 30Da fitted into the socket 10D. The plug 30D is a plug (first optical connector) provided at one end of the optical cable 30Da, and a similar plug (second optical connector) is provided at the other end of the optical cable 30Da. An optical cable body 30D is located between the plug 30D and the plug at the other end. Figure 14 In (a1) and (a2), for the relationship with Figure 9 The corresponding parts of (a1) and (a2) are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0236] refer to Figure 14 (a1) describes socket 10D. Socket 10D has a housing 11, a ferrule 21, a prism 13, a reflector 27, and a reflector 28.

[0237] The ferrule 21 integrally forms with: a lens (collimating lens) 17 for collimating light (transmitted light) transmitted from a transmission path (transmitter connector external transmission path) 16 disposed at one end of the housing 11 and inputting it into the prism 13; a lens (converging lens) 18 for focusing light input from the prism 13 and inputting it into a first receiver internal transmission path 19 disposed at one end of the housing 11 and serving as a communication transmission path; and a lens (converging lens) 23 for focusing light input from the prism 13 and inputting it into a second receiver internal transmission path (receiver connector external transmission path and detection-dedicated transmission path internal transmission path 24) disposed at one end of the housing 11 and serving as a detection-dedicated transmission path.

[0238] The transmission path 24 within the detection-dedicated equipment is configured between the transmission path 16 within the transmitting-side equipment and the transmission path 19 within the first receiving-side equipment. Detailed descriptions are omitted here, but are consistent with the above... Figure 9Similarly, in the structural example of socket 10C (a1), the transmission path 24 within the probe-dedicated device is configured at a position offset from the middle of the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device and the first transmission path 19 within the receiving device. In this case, the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device constitutes part of the transmitting-side transmission path (first transmission path), and the first transmission path 19 within the receiving device constitutes part of the receiving-side transmission path (second transmission path). Furthermore, the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device, the first transmission path 19 within the receiving device, and the transmission path 24 within the probe-dedicated device constitute a group of transmission paths within the device.

[0239] In addition, Figure 14 In (a1), a transmitting-side device intra-device transmission path 16, a first receiving-side device intra-device transmission path 19, and a probe-dedicated device intra-device transmission path 24 are shown. However, multiple transmitting-side device intra-device transmission paths 16, first receiving-side device intra-device transmission paths 19, and probe-dedicated device intra-device transmission paths 24 can also be provided. That is, multiple groups of intra-device transmission paths can be provided. For example, when multiple groups of intra-device transmission paths are provided, these multiple groups of intra-device transmission paths can be connected along... Figure 14 The depth direction (i.e., the above) Figure 2 The left and right directions (y-axis direction) are arranged side by side.

[0240] In this configuration, each transmitting-side device's internal transmission path 16 is grouped with a first receiving-side device's internal transmission path 19 and a probe-dedicated device's internal transmission path 24 (equivalent to a communication channel). The grouped transmitting-side device's internal transmission path 16, the first receiving-side device's internal transmission path 19, and the probe-dedicated device's internal transmission path 24 constitute an internal transmission path group. Furthermore, each internal transmission path group is configured corresponding to each communication channel (transmit / receive channel). Additionally, in... Figure 14 In (a1), as an example of a transmission path 24 configured between the transmission path 16 in the transmitting device and the transmission path 19 in the first receiving device, a probe dedicated device transmission path 24 is shown. However, it is not necessary for the probe dedicated device transmission path 24 to be configured between the transmission path 16 in the transmitting device and the transmission path 19 in the first receiving device.

[0241] Here, lenses 17, 18, and 23 may be formed separately from or not integrally with ferrule 21. Furthermore, the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device, the transmission path 19 within the first receiving device, and the transmission path 24 within the detection device are, for example, constructed from optical waveguides such as optical fibers, but these could also be spatial transmission paths.

[0242] The prism 13 forms a bend that bends the light (transmitted light) input from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device so that it exits into the space formed within the housing 11. The bend angle of this bend is set such that the light (bent light) emitted from the prism 13 into the space is transmitted toward the reflector 27.

[0243] The reflective surfaces of reflectors 27 and 28 constitute a reflective portion. Reflectors 27 and 28 are formed at opposite positions inside the housing 11 at the other end. The reflection angle of the reflective portion is set such that the light reflected by the reflective portion (reflected light) is transmitted via prism 13 toward the transmission path 24 inside the detection device.

[0244] In this case, the reflecting surface of mirror 27 is as follows: Figure 14 As shown in (b1), in order to reflect the light from prism 13 upwards in the figure, it is set to a state rotated θy14 degrees from the z-axis with the y-axis as the central axis (θy14 = 0 in the example shown). The reflecting surface of mirror 28 is as follows: Figure 14 As shown in (b1), the mirror is configured to be rotated -θy15 degrees from the z-axis with the y-axis as the center axis in order to reflect light from the lower direction in the figure toward the prism 13. Furthermore, in the example shown, the reflecting surfaces of mirrors 27 and 28 are flat, but they can be of any shape as long as they do not impede their function as reflective elements. For example, the reflecting surface of mirror 27 can be concave, and the reflecting surface of mirror 28 can be convex, or vice versa.

[0245] As shown in the figure, this illustrates the state where the plug 30D is not engaged with the socket 10D, i.e., the operation of the socket 10D in the disengaged state. In this case, the light input from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device to the ferrule 21 is collimated by the lens (collimating lens) 17, then bent by the prism 13 and incident on the reflecting surface of the lower reflector 27. Next, the light reflected by the reflector 27 is incident on the reflecting surface of the upper reflector 28. Then, the light reflected by the reflector 28 (reflected light) is bent by the prism 13, focused by the lens (condenser lens) 23, and input as the detection receiving light, here as the disengaged state detection light (non-connected state detection light), into the transmission path 24 within the detection-dedicated device.

[0246] This creates a non-interlocking optical path. The transmitted light, sent from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device to the ferrule 21 via prism 13, reflectors 27, and 28, is returned as detection receiving light (disconnection detection light, non-connection detection light) to the transmission path 24 within the dedicated detection device. The device with the socket 10D can detect that it is in a disconnected state. Furthermore, in this configuration, the light sent from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device to the ferrule 21 is not output to the outside from the other end of the housing 11, thus also ensuring eye safety.

[0247] The following is for reference. Figure 14 (a2) This describes the plug 30D (first optical connector) of the optical cable 30Da. Furthermore, as the main transmission path of the optical cable, the optical cable 30Da has an optical cable main transmission path group consisting of two transmission paths: a transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path (transmitting-side connector external transmission path) 39 and a receiving-side optical cable main transmission path (receiving-side connector external transmission path) 36. Plugs are provided at one end and the other end of this optical cable main transmission path group, but... Figure 14 (a2) shows the plug 30D on one end.

[0248] The plug 30D has a housing 31, a plug 41, a prism 33, a reflector 47, and a reflector 48.

[0249] The ferrule 41 integrally comprises: a lens (collimating lens) 37 for collimating light (received light) transmitted from the receiving ferrule body transmission path (receiving connector external transmission path) 36 disposed at the other end of the housing 31 and inputting it into the prism 33; a lens (condensing lens) 38 for focusing the light input from the prism 33 and inputting it into the first transmitting ferrule body transmission path 39 disposed at the other end of the housing 31; and a lens (condensing lens) 43 for focusing the light input from the prism 33 side and inputting it into the second transmitting ferrule body transmission path, i.e., the detection dedicated ferrule body transmission path (transmitting connector external transmission path) 44 disposed at the other end of the housing 31.

[0250] The probe-dedicated ferrule main body transmission path 44 is configured between the receiving-side ferrule main body transmission path 36 and the first transmitting-side ferrule main body transmission path 39. Here, although detailed descriptions are omitted, similarly, the probe-dedicated ferrule main body transmission path 44 is configured at a position offset from the midpoint between the transmitting-side device transmission path 16 and the first receiving-side device transmission path 19 on the socket 10D side, and the probe-dedicated ferrule main body transmission path 36 is configured at a position offset from the midpoint between the receiving-side ferrule main body transmission path 36 and the first transmitting-side ferrule main body transmission path 39. In this case, the receiving-side ferrule main body transmission path 36 constitutes part of the receiving-side transmission path (second transmission path), and the first transmitting-side ferrule main body transmission path 39 constitutes part of the transmitting-side transmission path (first transmission path). Furthermore, the receiving-side ferrule main body transmission path 36, the first transmitting-side ferrule main body transmission path 39, and the probe-dedicated ferrule main body transmission path 44 constitute a ferrule main body transmission path group.

[0251] It should be noted that, in Figure 14In (a2), a receiving-side ferrule main transmission path 36, a first transmitting-side ferrule main transmission path 39, and a probe-dedicated ferrule main transmission path 44 are shown. However, multiple receiving-side ferrule main transmission paths 36, first transmitting-side ferrule main transmission paths 39, and probe-dedicated ferrule main transmission paths 44 can be provided. That is, multiple ferrule main transmission path groups can be configured. For example, in the case of multiple ferrule main transmission path groups, these multiple ferrule main transmission path groups can be arranged along... Figure 14 The depth direction (i.e., the above) Figure 2 The main transmission paths 36 of the receiving-side ferrule are arranged side-by-side in the left-right direction (y-axis direction). In this case, each receiving-side ferrule main transmission path 36 is grouped with a first transmitting-side ferrule main transmission path 39 and a probe-dedicated ferrule main transmission path 44. The grouped receiving-side ferrule main transmission paths 36, first transmitting-side ferrule main transmission paths 39, and probe-dedicated ferrule main transmission paths 44 constitute ferrule main transmission path groups. It should be noted that each ferrule main transmission path group is set corresponding to each communication channel (transmit / receive channel). Furthermore, in Figure 14 In (a2), the detection dedicated ferrule main body transmission path 44 is configured between the receiving side ferrule main body transmission path 36 and the first transmitting side ferrule main body transmission path 39 as an example. However, the detection dedicated ferrule main body transmission path 44 does not necessarily have to be set between the receiving side ferrule main body transmission path 36 and the first transmitting side ferrule main body transmission path 39.

[0252] Here, lenses 37, 38, and 43 may not be integrally formed with ferrule 41, but may be formed separately from ferrule 41. Furthermore, the receiving-side ferrule main body transmission path 36, the first transmitting-side ferrule main body transmission path 39, and the probe-dedicated ferrule main body transmission path 44 are constructed of optical waveguides such as optical fibers.

[0253] The prism 33 forms a curved section, which bends the light (received light) input from the receiving side ferrule body transmission path 36 so that it is emitted into the space formed within the housing 31. The bending angle of this curved section is set such that the light (bent light) emitted from the prism 33 into the space is transmitted toward the reflector 47.

[0254] The reflective surfaces of reflectors 47 and 48 constitute a reflective element. Reflectors 47 and 48 are formed inside the housing 31 at opposite positions. The reflection angle of the reflective element is set such that the light reflected by the reflective element (reflected light) is transmitted via prism 33 toward the transmission path 44 inside the detection device.

[0255] In this case, such as Figure 14As shown in (b2), in order to reflect the light from prism 33 upwards in the figure, the reflecting surface of mirror 47 is set to be rotated θy34 degrees from the z-axis with the y-axis as the central axis, as follows. Figure 14 As shown in (b2), in order to reflect light from the lower direction in the figure toward prism 33, the reflecting surface of mirror 48 is set to be rotated by -θy35 degrees about the y-axis from the z-axis. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the reflecting surfaces of mirrors 47 and 48 are formed into flat shapes, but they can be of any shape as long as they do not impede their function as reflective elements. For example, the reflecting surface of mirror 47 can be concave, and the reflecting surface of mirror 48 can be convex, or vice versa.

[0256] As shown in the figure, the operation of plug 30D in the state where plug 30D is not engaged (i.e., in the disengaged state) in socket 10D is explained below. In this case, the light input from the receiving side plug body transmission path 36 to plug 41 is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 37, bent by prism 33, and incident on the reflecting surface of reflector 47. Next, the light reflected by reflector 47 is incident on the reflecting surface of upper reflector 48. Next, the light reflected by reflector 48 (reflected light) is bent by prism 33, focused by lens (condensing lens) 43, and input to the detection dedicated plug body transmission path 44.

[0257] In this way, a non-interlocking optical path is formed. The light sent from the receiving ferrule main body transmission path 36 to the ferrule 41 is returned to the detection-dedicated ferrule main body transmission path 44 via the prism 33, reflectors 47 and 48 as detection receiving light (disconnection state detection light, non-connection state detection light). In this case, since the light sent from the receiving ferrule main body transmission path 36 to the ferrule 41 is not output to the outside from one end of the housing 31, eye safety is achieved.

[0258] Furthermore, although detailed descriptions are omitted, the optical cable 30Da, which is configured as the first optical connector at one end of the aforementioned plug 30D, and the plug 30D', which is configured as the second optical connector at the other end of the same optical cable, are similarly constructed. Moreover, the optical cable 30Da is configured as a crossover cable, where the receiving-side ferrule transmission path 36 and the transmitting-side ferrule transmission path 39 cross over each other midway through the optical cable body 30D'. These are the same as those for the aforementioned optical cable 30Ca (see [link to documentation]). Figure 10 ).

[0259] Figure 15The diagram shows the state in which the plug 30D is engaged with the socket 10D. With the plug 30D engaged with the socket 10D, light entering the ferrule 21 from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device on the socket 10D side is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 17, then passes through prisms 13 and 33, and is focused by lens (condensing lens) 38 before being input into the first transmitting ferrule body transmission path 39 on the plug 30D side. Furthermore, with the plug 30D engaged with the socket 10D, light entering the ferrule 41 from the receiving ferrule body transmission path 36 on the plug 30D side is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 37, then passes through prisms 33 and 13, and is focused by lens (condensing lens) 18 before being input into the receiving ferrule body transmission path 19 on the socket 10D side. Furthermore, when the plug 30D is fitted into the socket 10D, the light input from the probe-dedicated ferrule body transmission path 44 on the plug 30D side to the ferrule 41 is collimated by the lens (collimating lens) 43, passes through the prism 33 and prism 13, is focused by the lens (condensing lens) 23, and is input into the probe-dedicated device transmission path 24 on the socket 10D side.

[0260] Thus, with the plug 30D engaged in the socket 10D, an engagement optical path is formed connecting the socket 10D side and the plug 30D side. Here, the optical path from the lens (collimating lens) 17 of the socket 10D to the lens (condenser lens) 38 of the plug 30D, or from the lens (collimating lens) 37 of the plug 30D to the lens (condenser lens) 18 of the socket 10D, and from the lens (collimating lens) 43 of the plug 30D to the lens (condenser lens) 23 of the socket 10D, can be realized through the design of prisms 13 and 33.

[0261] Furthermore, a detailed description of the state in which the socket 10D of device A is connected to the socket 10D' of device B via the ferrule 30Da is omitted here. This state becomes the same as the state described above in which the socket 10C of device A is connected to the socket 10C' of device B via the ferrule 30Ca (see [link to documentation]). Figure 12 This forms a mating optical path between the socket 10D side of device A and the socket 10D' side of device B.

[0262] Additionally, here, the plug 30D, which serves as the first optical connector at one end of the optical cable 30Da, is engaged with the socket 10B of device A. However, a detailed explanation of the state where the plug 30D', which serves as the second optical connector at the other end of the optical cable 30Da, is not engaged with the socket 10B' of device B (the plug 30D' side is in a disengaged state) is omitted. This state is the same as the state where the plug 30C, which serves as the first optical connector at one end of the optical cable 30Ca, is engaged with the socket 10C of device A, but the plug 30C', which serves as the second optical connector at the other end of the optical cable 30Ca, is not engaged with the socket 10C' of device B (the plug 30C' side is in a disengaged state) (see [reference]). Figure 13 Device A, which has a socket 10D, can detect that the plug 30D' of the ferrule 30Da is disconnected from the socket 10D' of device B.

[0263] [1-1-5. The curved section has two reflective surfaces, and the reflective surface of the reflective section is provided with two surfaces.]

[0264] Figure 16 (a1) shows a structural example of the socket 10E, which is an optical connector, in the device. Figure 16 (a2) shows a structural example of a plug 30E, which serves as an optical connector for the optical cable 30Ea, and is fitted into the socket 10E. The plug 30E is a plug (first optical connector) located at one end of the optical cable 30Ea, and a similar plug (second optical connector) is also located at the other end of the optical cable 30Ea. An optical cable body 30E" exists between the plug 30E and the plug at the other end. Figure 16 In (a1) and (a2), regarding the relationship with Figure 1 The components corresponding to (a1) and (a2) are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0265] refer to Figure 16 (a1) The socket 10E is described. The socket 10E has a housing 11, a plug 12, a reflector 25, a reflector 26, a reflector 14 and a reflector 15.

[0266] The ferrule 12 integrally comprises: a lens (collimating lens) 17 for inputting light (transmitted light) transmitted from the transmitting-side device internal transmission path (transmitting-side connector external transmission path) 16 disposed on one end of the housing 11 to the reflector 25; and a lens (converging lens) 18 for focusing the light input from the reflector 26 and inputting it to the receiving-side device internal transmission path 19 (receiving-side connector external transmission path) disposed on one end of the housing 11. In this case, the transmitting-side device internal transmission path 16 constitutes part of the transmitting-side transmission path (first transmission path), and the receiving-side device internal transmission path 19 constitutes part of the receiving-side transmission path (second transmission path). The transmitting-side device internal transmission path 16 and the receiving-side device internal transmission path 19 together form a device internal transmission path group.

[0267] In addition, although Figure 16 (a1) illustrates one intra-device transmission path 16 on the transmitting side and one intra-device transmission path 19 on the receiving side, but multiple intra-device transmission paths 16 and 19 on the receiving side can also be configured. That is, multiple groups of intra-device transmission paths can be provided. For example, when multiple groups of intra-device transmission paths are provided, these multiple groups of intra-device transmission paths can be connected along... Figure 16 The depth direction (i.e., the above) Figure 2 The transmission paths 16 and 19 are arranged side-by-side in the left-right direction (y-axis direction). In this case, each transmitting-side device transmission path 16 is grouped with a receiving-side device transmission path 19, and the grouped transmitting-side device transmission paths 16 and receiving-side device transmission paths 19 constitute device transmission path groups. In addition, each device transmission path group is configured to correspond to each communication channel (transmit / receive channel).

[0268] The reflective surfaces of reflectors 25 and 26 form curved sections. The reflective surface of reflector 25 bends the light (transmitted light) input from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device and projects it into the space formed within the housing 11. This bending angle is set as the angle at which the light (bent light) emitted from reflector 25 into the space propagates toward reflector 14. Additionally, the reflective surface of reflector 26 bends the light (reflected light) input from reflector 15 and projects it toward the transmission path 19 within the receiving device. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the reflective surfaces of reflectors 25 and 26 are flat, but they can be of any shape as long as they do not impede their function as curved sections. For example, the reflective surface of reflector 25 can be convex, and the reflective surface of reflector 26 can be concave, or vice versa.

[0269] The reflective surfaces of reflectors 14 and 15 constitute a reflective portion. Reflectors 14 and 15 are formed in a position opposite to each other inside the housing 11 at the other end. The reflection angle of this reflective portion is set to the angle at which the light reflected by the reflective portion (reflected light) is transmitted via reflector 26 toward the transmission path 19 inside the receiving device.

[0270] In this case, such as Figure 16 As shown in (b1), in order to reflect the light from the reflector 25 upwards, the reflecting surface of the reflector 14 is set to be rotated θy11 degrees about the y-axis from the z-axis, as follows: Figure 16 As shown in (b1), in order to reflect light from the downward direction toward the reflector 26, the reflecting surface of the reflector 15 is set to be rotated by -θy11 degrees from the z-axis with the y-axis as the central axis.

[0271] As shown in the figure, the operation of socket 10E in the disengaged state (plug 30E not engaged with socket 10E) will be explained. In this case, the light input from transmission path 16 in the transmitting device to the ferrule 12 is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 17, then bent by reflector 25 and incident on the reflecting surface of lower reflector 14. Then, the light reflected by reflector 14 is incident on the reflecting surface of upper reflector 15. Then, the light reflected by reflector 15 (reflected light) is bent by reflector 26, focused by lens (condenser lens) 18, and input into transmission path 19 in the receiving device as detection light, here as disengaged state detection light (non-connected state detection light).

[0272] In this way, a non-interlocking optical path is formed. Light transmitted from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device to the ferrule 12 is returned to the transmission path 19 within the receiving device as detection light (disconnection state detection light, non-connection state detection light) through the reflectors 25 and 26 constituting the bend and the reflectors 14 and 15 constituting the reflection. Thus, the device with the socket 10E can detect that the plug 30E is disconnected relative to the socket 10E. In other words, the device with the optical cable 30E is disconnected relative to the device with the socket 10E. Furthermore, in this case, the light transmitted from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device to the ferrule 12 is not output to the outside from the other end of the housing 11, thus also achieving a safety eye.

[0273] Reference Figure 16(a2) The plug 30E (first optical connector) of the optical cable 30Ea is described. Note that, as the main transmission path of the optical cable, the optical cable 30Ea has an optical cable main transmission path group consisting of two transmission paths: a transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path (transmitting-side connector external transmission path) 39 and a receiving-side optical cable main transmission path (receiving-side connector external transmission path) 36. Plugs are provided at one end and the other end of this optical cable main transmission path group, but... Figure 16 (a2) shows a plug 30E on one end.

[0274] The plug 30E has a housing 31, a plug 32, a reflector 45, a reflector 46, a reflector 34, and a reflector 35.

[0275] The ferrule 32 integrally comprises: a lens (collimating lens) 37 for inputting light (received light) from the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path (receiving-side connector external transmission path) 36 disposed at the other end of the housing 31 to the reflector 45; and a lens (condensing lens) 38 for focusing the light from the reflector 46 and inputting it to the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path (transmitting-side connector external transmission path) 39 disposed at the other end of the housing 31. In this case, the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 39 constitutes part of the transmitting-side transmission path (first transmission path), the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path 36 constitutes part of the receiving-side transmission path (second transmission path), and the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path 36 and the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 39 together constitute an optical cable main transmission path group.

[0276] In addition, Figure 16 In (a2), a receiving-side ferrule body transmission path 36 and a transmitting-side ferrule body transmission path 39 are shown, but multiple receiving-side ferrule body transmission paths 36 and transmitting-side ferrule body transmission paths 39 can be provided respectively. That is, multiple ferrule body transmission path groups can be provided. For example, when multiple ferrule body transmission path groups are provided, these multiple ferrule body transmission path groups can be along Figure 16 The depth direction, i.e., the above Figure 2 The ferrule bodies are arranged side-by-side in the left-right direction (y-axis direction). In this case, each receiving-side ferrule body transmission path 36 is grouped with a certain transmitting-side ferrule body transmission path 39, and the grouped receiving-side ferrule body transmission paths 36 and transmitting-side ferrule body transmission paths 39 constitute ferrule body transmission path groups. In addition, each ferrule body transmission path group is configured to correspond to each communication channel (transmit / receive channel).

[0277] The reflective surfaces of reflectors 45 and 46 form a curved portion. The reflective surface of reflector 45 bends the light (received light) input from the receiving-side ferrule body transmission path 36 to project it into the space formed within the housing 31. This bending angle is set such that the light (bent light) emitted from the reflector 45 into the space is transmitted towards the reflector 34. Furthermore, the reflective surface of reflector 46 bends the light (reflected light) input from reflector 35 to project it into the transmitting-side ferrule body transmission path 39. In this example, the reflective surfaces of reflectors 45 and 46 are formed in a flat shape, but they can be of any shape as long as they do not impede their function as curved portions. For example, the reflective surface of reflector 45 can be convex, and the reflective surface of reflector 46 can be concave, or vice versa.

[0278] The reflective surfaces of reflectors 34 and 35 constitute a reflective portion. Reflectors 34 and 35 are formed on the inner side of one end of the housing 31, facing each other. The reflection angle of the reflective portion is set such that the light reflected by the reflective portion (reflected light) is transmitted via reflector 46 toward the transmission path 39 of the transmitting side ferrule body.

[0279] In this case, such as Figure 16 As shown in (b2), in order to reflect the light from the reflector 45 upwards in the figure, the reflecting surface of the reflector 34 is set to be rotated θy31 degrees around the z-axis with the y-axis as the central axis, as follows. Figure 16 As shown in (b2), in order to make the light from the lower direction in the figure reflect towards the reflector 46, the reflecting surface of the reflector 35 is set to be rotated by -θy31 degrees from the z-axis with the y-axis as the central axis.

[0280] As shown in the figure, this illustrates the operation of plug 30E in the disconnected state, i.e., the state of plug 30E not being engaged with socket 10E. In this case, the light input from the receiving-side ferrule body transmission path 36 to ferrule 32 is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 37, then bent by reflector 45 and incident on the reflecting surface of lower reflector 34. Next, the light reflected by reflector 34 is incident on the reflecting surface of upper reflector 35. Then, the light reflected by reflector 35 (reflected light) is bent by reflector 46, focused by lens (condenser lens) 38, and input as detection receiving light, specifically as disconnected state detection light (non-connected state detection light), into transmitting-side ferrule body transmission path 39.

[0281] This creates a non-interlocking optical path, and the light transmitted from the receiving-side ferrule body transmission path 36 to the ferrule 32 is returned to the transmitting-side ferrule body transmission path 39 via the reflectors 45 and 46 constituting the curved portion and the reflectors 34 and 35 constituting the reflecting portion. In this case, the light transmitted from the receiving-side ferrule body transmission path 36 to the ferrule 32 is not output to the outside from one end of the housing 31, thereby achieving eye safety.

[0282] Figure 17 The diagram shows the state in which the plug 30E and socket 10E are engaged. In this engaged state, light entering the ferrule 12 from the transmission path 16 within the transmitting device on the socket 10E side is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 17, then passes through mirrors 25 and 46, and is focused by lens (condensing lens) 38 before being input into the transmitting optical cable main transmission path 39 on the plug 30E side. Furthermore, in the engaged state, light entering the ferrule 32 from the receiving optical cable main transmission path 36 on the plug 30E side is collimated by lens (collimating lens) 37, then passes through mirrors 45 and 26, and is focused by lens (condensing lens) 18 before being input into the receiving device transmission path 19 on the socket 10E side.

[0283] Therefore, when the plug 30E and the socket 10E are engaged, an engagement optical path is formed connecting the socket 10E side and the plug 30E side. Thus, the transmission path 19 within the receiving device functions as both a receiving transmission path for receiving light transmitted from device B and a receiving transmission path for receiving light for detection (disconnection state detection light, non-connection state detection light). Here, the optical paths from the lens (collimating lens) 17 of the socket 10E to the lens (condenser lens) 38 of the plug 30E, and from the lens (collimating lens) 37 of the plug 30E to the lens (condenser lens) 18 of the socket 10E, can be achieved through the design of reflectors 25, 26, 36, and 37.

[0284] Furthermore, detailed descriptions of the connection between socket 10E of device A and socket 10E' of device B via optical fiber 30Ea are omitted here. This connection is identical to the connection between socket 10A of device A and socket 10A' of device B via optical fiber 30Aa (see [link to documentation]). Figure 5 This forms a mating optical path between the socket 10E side of device A and the socket 10E' side of device B.

[0285] Furthermore, a detailed description of the state in which the plug 30E, which is the first optical connector located at one end of the optical cable 30Ea, is engaged in the socket 10E of device A, but the plug 30E', ​​which is the second optical connector located at the other end of the optical cable 30Ea, is not engaged in the socket 10E' of device B (the plug 30E' side is in a detached state) is omitted here. This state is the same as the state in which the plug 30A, which is the first optical connector located at one end of the aforementioned optical cable 30Aa, is engaged in the socket 10A of device A, but the plug 30A', which is the second optical connector located at the other end of the optical cable 30Aa, is not engaged in the socket 10A' of device B (the plug 30A' side is in a detached state) (see [link to documentation]). Figure 6 Device A, which has a socket 10E, can detect that the plug 30E' of the optical cable 30Ea is disconnected from the socket 10E' of device B.

[0286] "1-1-6. Upon detachment, return the structure of the light along the path corresponding to the identifier."

[0287] Figure 18 (a), (c), and (d) show examples of the structure of an optical connector 60F (a socket 10F of a device or a plug 30F of an optical cable).

[0288] The optical connector 60F has multiple, here four, groups of external transmission paths that serve as both transmitting-side and receiving-side external transmission paths. Here, for the socket 10F, the transmitting-side external transmission path is an internal transmission path within the transmitting device, and the receiving-side external transmission path is an internal transmission path within the receiving device. Furthermore, for the plug 30F, the transmitting-side external transmission path is a transmitting-side ferrule body transmission path, and the receiving-side external transmission path is a receiving-side ferrule body transmission path.

[0289] Figure 18 (a) shows along Figure 2 Side view of optical connector 60F viewed in the direction indicated by the middle arrow L1. Figure 18 (c) shows the route along Figure 2 A top view of the optical connector 60F as seen in the direction indicated by the middle arrow L2. Figure 18 (d) shows the route along Figure 2 A front view of the optical connector 60F as seen in the direction indicated by the middle arrow L3.

[0290] Four transmitting-side external transmission paths 66-1, 66-2, 66-3, and 66-4 arranged side-by-side in the left-right direction within the four external transmission path groups, and four receiving-side external transmission paths 69-1, 69-2, 69-3, and 69-4 arranged side-by-side in the left-right direction within the four external transmission path groups, are configured at different positions in the vertical direction, as if the transmission paths of each external transmission path group are associated with each other. In this case, the transmitting-side external transmission paths and the receiving-side external transmission paths, which are grouped and optically connected by a correspondence with identifiers, form external transmission path groups. Furthermore, each external transmission path group is provided corresponding to each communication channel (transmit / receive channel). In addition, in this case, within the optical connector 60F, there are internal transmission paths within each transmitting-side optical connector corresponding to each transmitting-side external transmission path 66-1, 66-2, 66-3, and 66-4, and internal transmission paths within each receiving-side optical connector corresponding to each receiving-side external transmission path 69-1, 69-2, 69-3, and 69-4. In addition, each transmission path within the transmitting-side connector is grouped with a transmission path within the receiving-side optical connector according to the corresponding correspondence with the identifier. The grouped transmission paths within the transmitting-side optical connector and the transmission paths within the receiving-side optical connector respectively constitute a group of transmission paths within the optical connector.

[0291] The optical connector 60F has a housing 61, a ferrule 62, a prism 63, mirrors 64-1, 64-2, 64-3, 64-4 and mirrors 65-1, 65-2, 65-3, 65-4.

[0292] The ferrule 62 integrally comprises: lenses (collimating lenses) 67-1, 67-2, 67-3, and 67-4 for collimating light (transmitted light) transmitted from the external transmission paths 66-1, 66-2, 66-3, and 66-4 of the transmitting-side connector disposed at one end of the housing 61 and inputting it into the prism 63; and lenses (converging lenses) 68-1, 68-2, 68-3, and 68-4 for focusing light input from the prism 63 and inputting it into the external transmission paths 69-1, 69-2, 69-3, and 69-4 of the receiving-side connector disposed at one end of the housing 61. In this case, the external transmission paths 66-1, 66-2, 66-3, and 66-4 of the transmitting-side connector constitute part of the transmitting-side transmission path (first transmission path), and the external transmission paths 69-1, 69-2, 69-3, and 69-4 of the receiving-side connector constitute part of the receiving-side transmission path (second transmission path).

[0293] Prism 63 forms a bend that bends the light (transmitted light) input from the external transmission paths 66-1, 66-2, 66-3, and 66-4 of the transmitting-side connector, and projects it into the space formed within the housing 61. This bend angle is set such that the light (bent light) emitted from the prism 63 into the space is transmitted towards the reflectors 64-1, 64-2, 64-3, and 64-4.

[0294] The reflective surfaces of reflectors 64-1, 64-2, 64-3, 64-4 and 65-1, 65-2, 65-3, 65-4 constitute a reflective portion. Reflectors 64-1, 64-2, 64-3, 64-4 and 65-1, 65-2, 65-3, 65-4 are formed on the inner side of the other end of the housing 61, wherein each reflector 64-1, 64-2, 64-3, 64-4 is formed at a position opposite to the corresponding reflector 65-1, 65-2, 65-3, 65-4. The reflection angle of this reflective portion is set such that the light reflected by this reflective portion (reflected light) is transmitted via prism 63 towards the external transmission paths 69-1, 69-2, 69-3, 69-4 of the receiving connector.

[0295] In this case, when viewed from the side (reference) Figure 18 (a)), such as Figure 18 As shown in (b), in order to reflect the light from prism 63 upwards in the figure, the reflecting surfaces of mirrors 64-1, 64-2, 64-3, and 64-4 are set to be rotated θy11 degrees from the z-axis with the y-axis as the central axis, as follows: Figure 18 As shown in (b), in order to reflect light from the downward direction in the figure toward prism 63, the reflecting surfaces of mirrors 65-1, 65-2, 65-3, and 65-4 are set to be rotated by -θy11 degrees from the z-axis with the y-axis as the central axis.

[0296] Furthermore, in this case, when viewed from the front (reference) Figure 18 (d)), such as Figure 18 As shown in (e), in order to reflect the light from prism 63 to one of the mirrors 65-1, 65-2, 65-3, and 65-4 that correspond to the identifier of optical connector 60F, the reflecting surfaces of mirrors 64-1, 64-2, 64-3, and 64-4 are set to a state where they are rotated -θz11 degrees from the y-axis with the z-axis as the central axis, as shown in (e). Figure 18 As shown in (e), in order to input light from one of the reflectors 64-1, 64-2, 64-3, 64-4 via prism 63 to the external transmission paths 69-1, 69-2, 69-3, 69-4 of the receiving-side connector, the reflecting surfaces of the reflectors 65-1, 65-2, 65-3, 65-4 are set to a state where they are rotated by -θz11 degrees from the y-axis with the z-axis as the central axis.

[0297] The rotation angle (-θz11 degrees) of each of the reflectors 64-1, 64-2, 64-3, and 64-4 varies depending on which of the reflectors 65-1, 65-2, 65-3, and 65-4 the light is reflected from. Furthermore, the rotation angle (-θz11 degrees) of each of the reflectors 65-1, 65-2, 65-3, and 65-4 receives the light from which of the reflectors 64-1, 64-2, 64-3, and 64-4.

[0298] Figure 18 (d) shows an example where the external transmission paths 66-1, 66-2, 66-3, and 66-4 of the transmitting-side connector are configured to correspond to the external transmission paths 69-4, 69-3, 69-1, and 69-2 of the receiving-side connector, respectively. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, illustrations of the light paths from the external transmission paths 66-3 and 66-4 of the transmitting-side connector are omitted.

[0299] The figure illustrates the operation of optical connector 60F in its disengaged state, where no other optical connectors are engaged with it. In this case, light entering the ferrule 62 from the external transmission paths 66-1, 66-2, 66-3, and 66-4 of the transmitting connector is collimated by lenses (collimating lenses) 67-1, 67-2, 67-3, and 67-4, then bent by prism 63 and incident on the reflecting surfaces of the lower reflectors 64-1, 64-2, 64-3, and 64-4. Next, the light reflected by reflectors 64-1, 64-2, 64-3, and 64-4 is incident on the reflecting surface of one of the reflectors 65-1, 65-2, 65-3, and 65-4, which corresponds to the identifier of optical connector 60F. Next, the light reflected by mirrors 65-1, 65-2, 65-3, and 65-4 (reflected light) is bent by prism 63, focused by lenses (condensing lenses) 68-1, 68-2, 68-3, and 68-4, and input to the external transmission paths 69-1, 69-2, 69-3, and 69-4 of the receiving connector.

[0300] In this way, a non-interlocking optical path is formed. Light transmitted from the transmitting-side connector external transmission paths 66-1, 66-2, 66-3, 64-4 to the ferrule 62 via prisms 63, reflectors 64-1, 64-2, 64-3, 64-4, and reflectors 65-1, 65-2, 65-3, 65-4 returns to the receiving-side connector external transmission paths 69-1, 69-2, 69-3, 69-4. Devices equipped with optical connector 60F can detect that optical connector 60F is in a disengaged state. Furthermore, in this case, light transmitted from the transmitting-side connector external transmission paths 66-1, 66-2, 66-3, 66-4 to the ferrule 62 is not output to the outside from the other end of the housing 61, thus achieving eye safety.

[0301] Furthermore, in this configuration, light transmitted from external transmission paths 66-1, 66-2, 66-3, and 66-4 to the ferrule 62 is returned to one of the external transmission paths 69-1, 69-2, 69-3, and 69-4 to the receiving connector according to the correspondence with the identifier of the optical connector 60F. In this case, by using the light transmitted from external transmission paths 66-1, 66-2, 66-3, and 66-4 to the ferrule 62 as a transmission path group number identification signal (channel number identification signal), route information (path information) indicating which of the external transmission paths 69-1, 69-2, 69-3, and 69-4 to which the light transmitted from external transmission paths 66-1, 66-2, 66-3, and 66-4 to the ferrule 62 is returned, can be obtained. Devices equipped with optical connector 60F (receptor 10F) can then obtain the identifier (ID) of optical connector 60F from this route information. This identifier can identify whether it is a socket or an optical cable (plug), what type of socket or optical cable it is, and at least one of the following: the type and specifications of the device equipped with the optical connector 60F (device A, device B, optical intermediate connection device (optical cable, repeater adapter)). For example, the specifications of the optical cable include at least one of the following: the number of transmission path groups, optical wavelength, insertion loss, fiber type, total transmission bandwidth, and cable length.

[0302] Figure 19An example of path information is shown. The path information is obtained as described above when the external transmission paths 66-1, 66-2, 66-3, and 66-4 of the transmitting connector are set to correspond to the external transmission paths 69-4, 69-3, 69-1, and 69-2 of the receiving connector, respectively. In this case, route P1 represents the route from external transmission path 1 of the transmitting connector to external transmission path 4 of the receiving connector, route P2 represents the route from external transmission path 2 of the transmitting connector to external transmission path 3 of the receiving connector, route P3 represents the route from external transmission path 3 of the transmitting connector to external transmission path 1 of the receiving connector, and route P4 represents the route from external transmission path 4 of the transmitting connector to external transmission path 2 of the receiving connector. For example, the identifier "4312" can be obtained from this path information. In this case, for example, information such as whether it is a socket or a plug, and what type of socket or plug it is, can be obtained from this identifier. Additionally, when there are four transmission path groups, 24 patterns of identifiers can be used.

[0303] The transmission path group number identification optical signal is, for example, a pulse signal. It is assumed that the transmission path group number (channel number) is identified based on pulse count, pulse timing, pulse width, etc., but it is not limited to this; it can also be identified based on value, wavelength, etc. Furthermore, the transmission path group number identification optical signal does not change a certain value corresponding to the transmission path group number, but can be, for example, a signal with constant power. In this case, for example, the transmission path group number can be identified by performing time-division processing.

[0304] Figure 20 (a)-(c) show examples where the transmission path group number identifies the optical signal as a pulse signal. Figure 20 (a) is an example of identifying the transmission path group number by the number of pulses. For example, as shown in the figure, the number of pulses for identifying the optical signal in transmission path group 1 "TL1" is set to 1, the number of pulses for identifying the optical signal in transmission path group 2 "TL2" is set to 2, and the same applies to subsequent transmission path groups 3 "TL3" and 4 "TL4".

[0305] Figure 20 (b) is an example of identifying the transmission path group number by pulse timing. For example, as shown in the figure, the pulse timing for identifying the optical signal for the transmission path group number of transmission path group 1 "TL1" is set to the earliest first timing t1, and the pulse timing for identifying the optical signal for the transmission path group number of transmission path group 2 "TL2" is set to the second timing t2, which is later than the first timing t1. The same applies to the subsequent transmission path group 3 "TL3" and transmission path group 4 "TL4".

[0306] Figure 20(c) is an example of identifying the transmission path group number by pulse width. For example, as shown in the figure, the pulse width of the transmission path group number identification optical signal for transmission path group 1 "TL1" is set to the shortest first width w1, and the pulse width of the transmission path group number identification optical signal for transmission path group 2 "TL2" is set to a second width w2 that is longer than the first width w1. The same setting is used in subsequent transmission path groups 3 "TL3" and 4 "TL4".

[0307] Furthermore, although the illustration is omitted, when the optical cable plug is inserted into the socket 10F, which serves as the optical connector 60F, the light transmitted from the transmission path (transmitter-side connector external transmission path) 66-1, 66-2, 66-3, 66-4 on the transmitting side of the socket 10F to the ferrule 62 is collimated by the lenses (collimating lenses) 67-1, 67-2, 67-3, 67-4, then passes through the prism 63 and the prism of the plug on one end of the optical cable, is focused by the lens (condensing lens) of the plug on one end, and is input into the transmitting side optical cable main transmission path of the optical cable via the plug on one end.

[0308] Furthermore, when the plug is engaged with the socket 10F, which serves as the optical connector 60F, the light transmitted from the receiving optical cable main transmission path on the plug side to the ferrule on the plug side is collimated by the lens (collimating lens) of the plug, passes through the prism of the plug and the prism 63 of the socket 10F, and is focused by lenses (condensing lenses) 68-1, 68-2, 68-3, and 68-4, before entering the transmission path 69-1, 69-2, 69-3, and 69-4 within the receiving device on the socket 10F side. Thus, when the optical cable plug is engaged with the socket 10F, an engaged optical path is formed connecting the socket 10F side and the optical cable plug side.

[0309] Here, the plug at one end of the optical cable is fitted into the socket 10F, which is the optical connector 60F. Furthermore, if the plug 30F of the optical connector 60F at the other end of the optical cable is not fitted into other devices (e.g., device B with a socket that is different from device A with socket 10F) or into a repeater adapter or extension cable between the optical cable and device B, an unfitted optical path is constructed by the plug 30F at the other end of the optical cable. The optical cable is then transmitted to the ferrule of the plug at one end via the receiving side optical cable body transmission path (receiving side connector external transmission path) of the optical cable corresponding to the identifier of the plug 30F at the other end.

[0310] Then, the light transmitted from the optical cable main transmission path on the receiving side of the optical cable to the ferrule on the plug side of one end is collimated by the lens (collimating lens) of the plug on one end, and then by the prism of the plug on one end and the prism 63 of the socket 10F. The light is then focused by the lenses (condensing lenses) 68-1, 68-2, 68-3, and 68-4 and input into the transmission path (transmission path outside the receiving connector) 69-1, 69-2, 69-3, and 69-4 on the receiving side of the socket 10F.

[0311] Therefore, device A with socket 10F can detect that plug 30F is in a disengaged state. In addition, in this case, light transmitted from external transmission paths 66-1, 66-2, 66-3, and 66-4 of the transmitting-side connector to the ferrule 62 will not be output to the outside from the other end of the housing 61 of plug 30F, thus also achieving eye safety.

[0312] In this case, by using the light transmitted from the transmitting side device within the socket 10F via transmission paths 66-1, 66-2, 66-3, and 66-4 to the ferrule 62 as a transmission path group number identification light signal (channel number identification light signal), route information (path information) indicating which of the transmission paths 69-1, 69-2, 69-3, and 69-4 transmitted from the transmitting side device to the ferrule 62 was returned to can be obtained. Device A with socket 10F can obtain the identifier (ID) of socket 30F from this path information.

[0313] Furthermore, although detailed descriptions are omitted, for example, when one end of the optical cable is plugged into the socket 10F (which is the optical connector 60F), and the other end of the optical cable is plugged into an optical intermediate connection device such as a repeater adapter or extension cable, and the optical intermediate connection device in the immediate preceding disconnected position is disconnected from the portion of the optical connector 60F at the other end, the device A with the socket 10F can detect that the optical connector 60F at the other end of the immediate preceding disconnected position is disconnected. In this case, the device A with the socket 10F can detect the identifier (ID) of the optical connector 60F of the immediate preceding disconnected optical intermediate connection device from the route information; in other words, the path information of the identifier (ID) of the immediate preceding disconnected optical intermediate connection device. Furthermore, when the socket 10F (which is the optical connector 60F) is disconnected from one end of the optical cable, the identifier (ID) of the socket 10F, i.e., the identifier (ID) of the device A with the socket 10F (which is the optical connector 60F), can be detected. Therefore, device A can detect the disconnection location information, which is the connection relationship information, based on the path information and represents the disconnection location.

[0314] Furthermore, when the plug at one end of the optical cable is inserted into the socket 10F, which serves as the optical connector 60F, and the plug at the other end of the optical cable is inserted into the socket of device B directly or via a predetermined number of optical intermediate connection devices (such as repeater adapters or extension cables), the mutual insertion of the connectors cooperates to construct a mating optical path from all the insertion points. As a result, an optical path connecting device A and device B is constructed.

[0315] Despite Figure 18 The optical connector 60F shown in (a), (c), and (d) illustrates an example where the curved portion is formed by a prism 63 and the reflecting portion is formed by the reflecting surfaces of two mirrors (mirrors 64 (64-1, 64-2, 64-3, 64-4) and mirror 65 (65-1, 65-2, 65-3, 65-4)), but it is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to form the curved portion by the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors. Furthermore, for example, in the case where the curved portion is formed by a prism 63, it is also possible to form the reflecting portion by the reflecting surface of a single mirror.

[0316] <1-1-6. Construction using a repeater adapter for cable connection>

[0317] Figure 21 (a2) shows a structural example of a repeater adapter 50 for connecting optical cables. Figure 21 (a1) shows a structural example of a plug 30A' that is fitted into one end (left end) of a repeater adapter 50. Figure 21 (a3) shows a structural example of a plug 30A that serves as an optical connector fitted to the other end (right end) of the repeater adapter 50.

[0318] Figure 21 The plug 30A' shown in (a1) and Figure 21 The plug 30A shown in (a3) ​​is respectively connected to the above-mentioned Figure 3 The plug 30A', which serves as the other end of the second optical connector in the optical cable 30Aa shown, and the plug 30A, which serves as one end of the first optical connector, are similarly constructed, therefore their description is omitted. Note that in Figure 21 In (a1) and (a3), regarding the relationship with Figure 3 The corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals to indicate them.

[0319] In addition, Figure 21 For simplicity, the diagram shows a structure related to one transmission path group, i.e., one communication channel (transmit / receive channel), but multiple transmission path groups are also possible. For example, in the case of multiple transmission path groups, these multiple transmission path groups can be along... Figure 21 The depth direction, i.e., the above. Figure 2 The paths are arranged in a left-right (y-axis) configuration. In this case, each transmission path group is set up corresponding to each communication channel (transmit / receive channel).

[0320] Reference Figure 21 (a2) The repeater adapter 50 is described. The repeater adapter 50 has a housing 51, a reflector 52, a reflector 53, a prism 54, a prism 55, a prism 56, a reflector 57, and a reflector 58.

[0321] Reflectors 52 and 53 are positioned opposite each other on the inner side of one end (left end in the figure) of housing 51. Although detailed descriptions are omitted, reflectors 52 and 53 are similar to those described above. Figure 1 The reflectors 14 and 15 in the socket 10A shown in (a1) function similarly and constitute a reflective portion. The reflection angle of the reflective portion is set such that the light reflected by the reflective portion (reflected light) is transmitted via prisms 54 to 56 toward the transmission path (transmitter-side connector external transmission path) 39 of the optical cable having a plug 30A' connected at one end (right end in the figure).

[0322] Reflectors 57 and 58 are formed opposite each other on the inner side of the other end (right end in the figure) of the housing 51. Although detailed description is omitted, reflectors 57 and 58 are also similar to those described above. Figure 1 The reflectors 14 and 15 in the socket 10A shown in (a1) function similarly and constitute a reflective portion. The reflection angle of the reflective portion is set such that the light reflected by the reflective portion (reflected light) is transmitted via prisms 56 to 54 toward the receiving-side optical cable body transmission path (receiving-side connector external transmission path) 36 of the optical cable having a plug 30A' connected at one end (left end in the figure).

[0323] Prisms 54 to 56 and the above Figure 1 The prism 13 in the socket 10A shown in (a1) also functions similarly and forms a bend. Prisms 54 to 56 bend the light (input light) entering from the transmission path 39 of the optical cable body on the transmitting side, which has a plug 30A' connected at one end (left end in the figure), and shoot it out into the space formed inside the housing 51 at the other end (right end in the figure). In this case, the bending angle is set such that the light (bent light) emitted from the prism 56 into the space at the other end is transmitted toward the reflector 57.

[0324] Furthermore, prisms 54 to 56 bend the light (input light) entering from the transmission path 36 of the optical cable body receiving side of the optical cable having a plug 30A connected at the other end (right end in the figure), and emit it into the space formed at one end (left end in the figure) within the housing 51. In this case, the bending angle is set such that the light (bent light) emitted from prism 54 into the space at one end is transmitted toward the reflector 52.

[0325] In this repeater adapter 50, regarding the transmission direction, prisms 54 to 56 and reflectors 57 and 58 are configured to... Figure 1 The same optical connector as socket 10A shown in (a1) has, in the space on one end (left end in the figure) of prism 54, a transmitting-side connector external transmission path and a receiving-side connector external transmission path (not shown) that function as spatial transmission paths, similar to the transmitting-side transmission path 16 and the receiving-side transmission path 19 within the device. Furthermore, in this repeater adapter 50, regarding the receiving direction, prisms 56 to 54 and reflectors 52 and 53 constitute a configuration similar to... Figure 1 The same optical connector as socket 10A shown in (a1) has a transmitting-side connector external transmission path and a receiving-side connector external transmission path in the space on the other end (right end in the figure) of prism 56, which function as spatial transmission paths (not shown) in the same way as transmitting-side transmission path 16 and receiving-side transmission path 19 in the device.

[0326] Figure 22 The diagram shows the state where plug 30A' is engaged with one end of repeater adapter 50 and not engaged with the other end of repeater adapter 50, i.e., the state where the other end of repeater adapter 50 is disengaged.

[0327] In this configuration, light transmitted from the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path (transmitting-side connector external transmission path) 39 of the optical cable with a plug 30A' fitted into one end of the repeater adapter 50 to the ferrule 32' is collimated by a lens (collimating lens) 37', then bent by prisms 33', 54-56, and incident on the reflecting surface of the mirror 57 on the lower side of the other end of the repeater adapter 50. Next, the light reflected by mirror 57 incident on the reflecting surface of mirror 58 on the upper side of the other end of the repeater adapter 50. Then, the light reflected from mirror 58 (reflected light) is bent by prisms 56-54, then by prism 33' of the plug 30A', focused by a lens (condensing lens) 38', and input to the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path (receiving-side connector external transmission path) 36 of the plug 30A'.

[0328] In this way, a non-interlocking optical path is formed. Light from the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 39 of the optical cable with the plug 30A' interlocked at one end of the repeater adapter 50, transmitted to the ferrule 32', returns via prisms 33', 54-56 constituting the bend and mirrors 57, 58 constituting the reflector to the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path 36 of the optical cable with the plug 30A' interlocked at one end of the repeater adapter 50. Therefore, the device A, equipped with a socket for an optical cable with an optical connector interlocked at the other end of the repeater adapter 50, can detect that the other end of the repeater adapter 50 is in a disengaged state. Furthermore, in this case, light from the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 39 of the plug 30A' interlocked at one end of the repeater adapter 50, transmitted to the ferrule 32', will not be output to the outside from the other end of the housing 51 constituting the repeater adapter 50, thereby also achieving eye safety.

[0329] Additionally, in this case, although a detailed description is omitted, the other end of the relay adapter 50 is similar to the one described above. Figure 18 The illustrated optical connector 60F is similarly configured, enabling device A, which has a socket for an optical cable having an optical connector that mates with the repeater adapter 50 at the other end, to obtain the identifier of the other end of the repeater adapter 50 based on the light returning to each receiving-side intra-device transmission path 19 in multiple intra-device transmission path groups (transmission path group number identification optical signal). Furthermore, this allows device A to identify disconnection at the other end of the repeater adapter 50. Moreover, as described above, the repeater adapter 50 is applicable not only to optical communication systems that perform both disconnection detection and identifier acquisition, but also to optical communication systems that perform only either disconnection detection or identifier acquisition.

[0330] Figure 23 The diagram shows the state where plug 30A' is engaged at one end of repeater adapter 50 and plug 30A is also engaged at the other end of repeater adapter 50.

[0331] In this case, the light transmitted from the transmitting optical cable main transmission path 39 on the plug 30A' side to the ferrule 32' is collimated by the lens (collimating lens) 37' of the plug 30A', then passes through the prism 33' of the plug 30A', the prisms 54-56 of the repeater adapter 50, and further through the prism 33 of the plug 30A, and is focused by the lens (condensing lens) 38 of the plug 30A, and input to the transmitting optical cable main transmission path 39 on the plug 30A side.

[0332] In this case, the light transmitted from the receiving optical cable main transmission path 36 on the plug 30A side to the ferrule 32 is collimated by the lens (collimating lens) 37 of the plug 30A, and then focused by the lens (condensing lens) 38' of the plug 30A side through the prism 33 of the plug 30A, the prisms 56-54 of the repeater adapter 50, and the prism 33' of the plug 30A', before being input to the receiving optical cable main transmission path 36 on the plug 30A' side. With the plug 30A' and plug 30A fitted at one end of the repeater adapter 50 and the plug 30A fitted at the other end, a fitted optical path connecting the plug 30A' side and the plug 30A side is formed.

[0333] In addition, Figure 21 In the relay adapter 50 shown in (a2), an example is shown where the curved section is formed by prisms 54-56, but it is not limited to this. For example, the curved section could also be formed by the reflective surface of a mirror.

[0334] "1-2. Example of the structure of an optical communication system"

[0335] "1-2-1. A system that uses a single fiber optic cable to connect two devices."

[0336] Figure 24 An example of the configuration of an optical communication system 100A is shown. In this optical communication system 100A, device (device A) 200 and device (device B) 300, which constitutes a connection target communication device in the connection target device, are connected via an optical fiber 400, which constitutes an optical intermediate connection device in the connection target device. Here, device 200 and device 300 each constitute an optical communication device (optical communication equipment).

[0337] The optical cable 400 corresponds to the first to the Nth (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) multiple transmission path groups (communication channels). The optical cable 400 has the following structure: the plug 402, which serves as the first optical connector, is located on one end of the optical cable body 401, and the plug 403, which serves as the second optical connector, is located on the other end of the optical cable body 401.

[0338] The optical cable body 401 and each transmission path group have corresponding optical cable body transmission path groups consisting of two optical cable body transmission paths, namely, the transmitting side optical cable body transmission path (transmitting side connector external transmission path) 401T and the receiving side optical cable body transmission path (receiving side connector external transmission path) 401R. The optical cable 400 is formed as a crossover cable structure, in which the transmitting side optical cable body transmission path 401T and the receiving side optical cable body transmission path 401R cross each other in the middle of the optical cable body 401.

[0339] Here, the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 401T is the transmission path for transmitting light (optical signal) as transmitted light from device 200 to device 300, and the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path 401R is the transmission path for transmitting light (optical signal) as received light from device 300 to device 200. Both the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 401T and the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path 401R are composed of optical fibers.

[0340] exist Figure 24 In order to simplify the accompanying drawings, only one of the multiple optical cable main transmission path groups from the first to the Nth (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) is shown, such as the transmitting side optical cable main transmission path 401T and the receiving side optical cable main transmission path 401R corresponding to the first optical cable main transmission path group.

[0341] The optical cable 400 can be a so-called skeleton optical cable, in which the individual optical fibers are arranged side by side in a row, or it can be a so-called bundled tube optical cable, in which the individual optical fibers are arranged within a cylindrical resin cavity. Additionally, the optical cable 400 can have multi-core optical fibers, which have multiple cores corresponding to multiple channels within a single optical fiber.

[0342] Optical cable 400 has a plug 402 and a plug 403 at one end and the other end, respectively. Here, optical cable 400 constitutes an optical intermediate connection device, and plugs 402 and 403 respectively constitute optical connectors of the intermediate connection device. Plug 402 of optical cable 400 is fitted into socket 201 of device 200, and plug 403 of optical cable 400 is fitted into socket 301 of device 300. Thus, device 200 and optical cable 400 are mechanically and optically connected, and optical cable 400 and device 300 are mechanically and optically connected.

[0343] Here, sockets 201 and 301 respectively constitute optical connectors for communication devices. Furthermore, in this case, from the perspective of device 200, socket 201 constitutes the optical connector of this device, and socket 301 constitutes the optical connector of the target communication device; from the perspective of device 300, socket 301 constitutes the optical connector of this device, and socket 201 constitutes the optical connector of the target communication device. Additionally, the optical connector of this device is configured to be indirectly connected to the optical connector of the target communication device via an optical intermediate connection device including at least one optical fiber. Moreover, the optical connector of this device is configured to be indirectly connected to the optical connector of the target communication device via a connection between an optical fiber of one or more optical intermediate connection devices, including an optical fiber configured to be connected to the optical connector of this device, and the intermediate connection device's optical connector.

[0344] In addition to the aforementioned socket 201, device 200 also includes a control unit 202, a communication signal input / output unit 203, a signal processing unit 204, a transmitting unit 205T, a receiving unit 205R, a presentation unit 206, and a storage unit 207. The transmitting unit 205T is connected to the socket 201 via a transmission path within the transmitting device (transmission path outside the transmitting connector) 210T. Similarly, the receiving unit 205R is connected to the socket 201 via a transmission path within the receiving device (transmission path outside the receiving connector) 210R.

[0345] Here, the transmitting unit 205T and the receiving unit 205R are configured corresponding to each of the first to Nth plurality of transmission path groups described above. Figure 24 To simplify the accompanying drawings, only two transmission path groups from the first to the Nth transmission path groups are shown. For example, the transceiver group corresponding to the first transmission path group (first communication channel) consists of a first transmitting unit 205T (Tx1) and a first receiving unit 205R (Rx1), and the transceiver group corresponding to the second transmission path group (second communication channel) consists of a second transmitting unit 205T (Tx2) and a second receiving unit 205R (Rx2). Furthermore, one of the one or more receiving units may be grouped relative to one or more transmitting units, and the grouped transmitting and receiving units constitute each transceiver group.

[0346] The control unit 202 controls the operation of various parts of the device 200. The display unit 206, consisting of a display or speaker, displays the operating status of the device 200 or warnings to the user on the display, or outputs warning sounds from the speaker. The storage unit 207 stores various information.

[0347] The signal processing unit 204 performs signal processing, such as converting the transmitted data into a signal suitable for optical communication, and sends it to the light-emitting element (laser, etc.) constituting the transmitting unit 205T. Additionally, the signal processing unit 204 performs predetermined signal processing on the received data transmitted from the light-receiving element (photodiode, etc.) constituting the receiving unit 205R.

[0348] Transmitted data obtained from an external device connected via the Internet or the like, or output from a predetermined internal location such as the control unit 202 or a recording unit (not shown), is supplied to the signal processing unit 204 via the communication signal input / output unit 203. Additionally, received data obtained in the signal processing unit 204 is appropriately supplied via the control unit 202 or the communication signal input / output unit 203 to a predetermined internal location such as an external device connected via the Internet or a recording unit (not shown). Furthermore, in communications used for control purposes such as connection / disconnection detection, data is exchanged between the signal processing unit 204 and the control unit 202, and actual data such as image data is exchanged between the signal processing unit 204 and the communication signal input / output unit 203.

[0349] Although detailed descriptions are omitted, device 300 is configured similarly to device 200 described above. In addition to the aforementioned socket 301, it includes a control unit 302, a communication signal input / output unit 303, a signal processing unit 304, a transmitting unit 305T, a receiving unit 305R, a display unit 306, and a storage unit 307. The transmitting unit 305T is connected to the socket 301 via a transmission path within the receiving device (transmission path outside the receiving connector) 310R. Similarly, the receiving unit 305R is connected to the socket 301 via a transmission path within the transmitting device (transmission path outside the transmitting connector) 310T.

[0350] Figure 25 The various transmission paths in the optical communication system 100A are summarized. Light transmitted from device (device A) 200 towards device (device B) 300 (light transmitted by device A) is the transmitting light, and the transmission path that transmits this transmitting light is called the transmitting-side transmission path (first transmission path). Conversely, light transmitted from device (device B) 300 towards device (device A) 200 (light transmitted by device B) is the receiving light, and the transmission path that transmits this receiving light is called the receiving-side transmission path (second transmission path). Here, "transmitting side" and "receiving side" are defined from the perspective of device (device A) 200.

[0351] In device (device A) 200, there are two transmission paths: one within the socket 201, i.e., the transmission path within the connector (socket) (transmitter-side connector transmission path and receiver-side connector transmission path), and another outside the socket 201, i.e., the transmission path within the device (transmitter-side device transmission path 210T and receiver-side device transmission path 201R). Similarly, in optical cable 400, there are two transmission paths: one within the plugs 402 and 403 at each end, i.e., the transmission path within the connector (plug) (transmitter-side connector transmission path and receiver-side connector transmission path), and another within the optical cable body 401, i.e., the optical cable body transmission path (transmitter-side optical cable body transmission path 401T and receiver-side optical cable body transmission path 401R). In addition, in device (device B) 300, there are two transmission paths: the transmission path inside the socket 301, namely the transmission path inside the connector (socket) (transmitter-side connector transmission path, receiver-side connector transmission path) and the transmission path outside the socket 301, namely the transmission path inside the device (transmitter-side device transmission path 310T, receiver-side device transmission path 310R).

[0352] The optical cable 400 is installed on the device 200 by user operation, so that the plug 402 of the optical cable 400 is fitted into the socket 201 of the device 200. The plug 402 and the socket 201 cooperate to form a fitted optical path. Here, the socket 201 and the plug 402 are related to the above-mentioned Figure 1The socket 10A and plug 30A shown above, Figure 7 The socket 10B and plug 30B shown above, Figure 16 The socket 10E and plug 30E shown are or the ones described above. Figure 18 The optical connector 60F shown is constructed similarly. Furthermore, although... Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 16 The structure illustrates a communication channel (a group of transmission paths), but as already explained, these structures can have multiple communication channels.

[0353] Additionally, the optical cable 400 is installed on the device 300 by user operation, thereby fitting the plug 402 of the optical cable 400 into the socket 301 of the device 300. Here, the socket 301 and the plug 403 are the same as described above. Figure 1 The socket 10A and plug 30A shown above, Figure 7 The socket 10B and plug 30B shown above, Figure 16 The socket 10E and plug 30E shown are or the ones described above. Figure 18 The optical connector 60F shown is constructed similarly. Furthermore, although... Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 16 The structure illustrates a communication channel (a group of transmission paths), but as already explained, these structures can have multiple communication channels.

[0354] Device 300 is constructed in the same manner as device 200; therefore, device 200 will be described below, and the description of device 300 will be omitted.

[0355] The control unit 202 of device 200, for example, after power-on and before initiating actual data communication with device 300 such as images or sounds, performs a first connection detection process, a second connection detection process, or a third connection detection process for each transmission path group (communication channel) and for each transceiver group, detecting connection relationship information indicating whether it is in a connected or disconnected state. Based on the detection results, it performs actual data communication processing. Here, the first connection detection process, the second connection detection process, or the third connection detection process is performed based on the receiving state of the receiving unit 205R. Furthermore, when actual data communication is interrupted, it can also be configured to automatically or by user intervention to perform these first connection detection processes, second connection detection processes, or third connection detection processes, and perform actual data communication processing based on their detection results.

[0356] Here, "connection state" refers to the state in which the socket 201 of device 200 is mechanically and optically connected to the socket 301 of device 300, which is the communication device to be connected. Conversely, "non-connection state" refers to the state of no connection, including at least one of a disconnection state where neither mechanical nor optical connection exists, and a disconnection state where mechanical connection exists but not optical connection exists. Therefore, the connection relationship information may include at least one of disengagement information indicating a disengagement state between two optical connectors that should be mated among a plurality of optical connectors between the optical connector of this device and the optical connector of the communication device to be connected, and disconnection information indicating a disconnection state.

[0357] For example, in the first connection detection process, optical signals are output from each transmitter 205T (Tx1, Tx2, ...) of device 200. These optical signals are sent to socket 201 via transmission path 210T within the transmitter-side device, and further sent to device 300 via transmission path 401T of the transmitter-side optical cable body of optical cable 400. In this state, control unit 202 of device 200 performs the detection of connection relationship information (here, disconnection information) indicating whether the device is in a connected state or a disconnected state (here, disconnected).

[0358] First, when at least one receiving unit 205R (Rx1, Rx2, ...) receives optical signals from device 200 via transmission path 210R within the receiving device as detection light by constructing a non-interlocking optical path, the control unit 202 of device 200 determines that the optical cable 400 is disconnected. Furthermore, when all receiving units 205R cease receiving optical signals from device 200 by constructing an interlocking optical path, the control unit 202 of device 200 determines that all transmission path groups are in a connected state. In other words, device 200 and device 300 are in a connected state.

[0359] In addition, it will be used later. Figure 33 The flowchart shown describes the details of this process. Here, the disconnect information is configured as connection relationship information detected based on the fact that the connection state between the socket 201 of device 200 and the socket 301 of device 300 is at least optically non-connected.

[0360] Furthermore, for example, in a second connection detection process, which is another example of connection detection processing, optical signals are output from each transmitting unit 205T (Tx1, Tx2,...) of device 200. These optical signals are transmitted to socket 201 via transmission path 210T within the transmitting device and further transmitted to device 300 via transmission path 401T of the transmitting optical cable body of optical cable 400. In this second connection detection process, optical signals are also output from each transmitting unit 305T (Tx1, Tx2,...) of device 300. These optical signals are transmitted to socket 301 via transmission path 310R within the receiving device and further transmitted to device 200 via transmission path 401R of the receiving optical cable body of optical cable 400. In this state, control unit 202 of device 200 performs detection of whether the device is in a connected or disconnected state as follows.

[0361] First, when at least one receiving unit 205R (Rx1, Rx2, ...) receives an optical signal from device 200 as a detection receiving light by constructing a non-interlocking optical path, the control unit 202 of device 200 determines that the optical cable 400 has detached.

[0362] Furthermore, if no optical signal is received from either device 200 or device 300 in any of the receiving units 205R (Rx1, Rx2, ...), the control unit 202 of device 200 determines that the corresponding transmission path group of optical cable 400 is disconnected. That is, although it is determined that a spliced ​​optical path has been established because no optical signal is received from device 200, it is determined that the connection is broken because no optical signal is received from device 300.

[0363] Furthermore, if, during the construction of a spliced ​​optical path, no optical signal from device 200 is received in any of the receiving units 205R, but an optical signal from device 300 is received, the control unit 202 of device 200 determines that all transmission path groups are in a connected state. In other words, it determines that device 200 and device 300 are in a connected state. That is, since no optical signal from device 200 is received, it is determined that a spliced ​​optical path has been constructed; since an optical signal from device 300 is received, it is determined that no disconnection has occurred, and therefore, it is determined that the connection is established.

[0364] Additionally, use later Figure 34The flowchart shown illustrates the details of this process. Here, disconnection or breakage constitutes connection information, which is detected based on the connection status between the socket 201 of device 200 and the socket 301 of device 300, which is at least optically disconnected. Furthermore, in the above description, only optical signals from device 200 and device 300 are considered; however, when these optical signals are output simultaneously, pilot optical signals or optical signals with different wavelengths (frequency) can be used to identify them.

[0365] Additionally, for example, in a third connection detection process, which is another example of connection detection processing, optical signals are output from each transmitting unit 205T (Tx1, Tx2, ...) of device 200. These optical signals are transmitted to socket 201 via transmission path 210T within the transmitting device, and then transmitted to device 300 via transmission path 401T of the transmitting optical cable main body of optical cable 400. Furthermore, in this third connection detection process, optical signals are output from each transmitting unit 305T (Tx1, Tx2, ...) of device 300. These optical signals are transmitted to socket 301 via transmission path 310R within the receiving device, and then transmitted to device 200 via transmission path 401R of the receiving optical cable main body of optical cable 400.

[0366] Furthermore, in this third connection detection process, based on the optical signals received from device 200 by each receiving unit 305R (Rx1, Rx2, ...) of device 300, each transmitting unit 305T (Tx1, Tx2, ...) of device 300 outputs a reception acknowledgment optical signal (ACK optical signal) indicating that the optical signal from device 200 has been received. This reception acknowledgment optical signal is sent to socket 301 via transmission path 310R within the receiving device, and then to device 200 via transmission path 401R of the receiving optical cable main body of optical cable 400. In this state, the control unit 202 of device 200 performs detection regarding whether it is in a connected state or a disconnected state in the following manner.

[0367] First, when at least one receiving unit 205R (Rx1, Rx2, ...) receives an optical signal from device 200 as a detection receiving light by constructing a non-interlocking optical path, the control unit 202 of device 200 determines that optical cable 400 is disconnected.

[0368] Furthermore, if no optical signal is received from either device 200 or device 300 in any receiving unit 205R (Rx1, Rx2, ...), the control unit 202 of device 200 determines that at least one of the receiving-side transmission path and the transmitting-side transmission path in the corresponding transmission path group of optical cable 400 is broken.

[0369] That is, in cases where the optical signal from device 200 is not received by receiver 205R, it also includes situations where plug 403 is not engaged in socket 301 of device 300 but has been disconnected, and the main transmission path 401T of the transmitting optical cable is broken. In this case, although plug 403 is not engaged in socket 301 of device 300 and has been disconnected, because the main transmission path 401T of the transmitting optical cable is broken, no non-engaged optical path is established, and no optical signal from device 200 is received in receiver 205R.

[0370] Furthermore, in this situation, since the plug 403 has disengaged from the socket 301 of the device 300, the receiving unit 205R does not receive the optical signal from the device 300. Additionally, the situation where the receiving unit 205R does not receive the optical signal from the device 200 includes cases where disengagement has not occurred and a mating optical path has been established. In this case, if the main optical cable transmission path 401R on the receiving side is broken, the receiving unit 205R will not receive the optical signal from the device 300.

[0371] Therefore, if no optical signal from device 200 or optical signal from device 300 is received by any receiving unit 205R (Rx1, Rx2, ...), the control unit 202 of device 200 determines that at least one of the receiving-side transmission path and the transmitting-side transmission path in the transmission path group corresponding to optical cable 400 is broken.

[0372] Furthermore, if any receiving unit 205R (Rx1, Rx2, ...) does not receive an optical signal from device 200 but receives an optical signal from device 300, and does not receive a reception confirmation optical signal indicating that an optical signal from device 200 has been received from device 300, the transmission path 401T of the transmitting side optical cable in the corresponding transmission path group is disconnected. Furthermore, if all receiving units 205R do not receive an optical signal from device 200 but receive an optical signal from device 300, and receive a reception confirmation optical signal indicating that an optical signal from device 200 has been received from device 300, the control unit 202 of device 200 determines that all transmission path groups are in a connected state. In other words, it determines that device 200 and device 300 are in a connected state.

[0373] Furthermore, the details of this process will be used later. Figure 35The flowchart shown illustrates this. Here, disconnection or breakage constitutes connection information, which is detected based on the connection status between socket 201 of device 200 and socket 301 of device 300 being at least optically disconnected. Furthermore, the above description only assumes optical signals from device 200 and device 300; however, when these optical signals are output simultaneously, pilot optical signals or optical signals with different wavelengths (frequency) could be used to identify them.

[0374] In addition, the first, second and third connection detection processes on the device 200 side have been described above, but detailed descriptions have been omitted. The same processes can also be performed on the device 300 side.

[0375] "1-2-2. A system that connects two devices by connecting two optical cables in series."

[0376] Figure 26 A configuration example of an optical communication system 100B is shown. In this... Figure 26 In, with Figure 24 Corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted appropriately. This optical communication system 100B is a system in which devices (device A) 200 and devices (device B) 300 are connected via optical cables 400-1 and 400-2.

[0377] and Figure 24 Similarly, in the optical communication system 100A, optical cable 400-1 corresponds to the first to the Nth (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) multiple transmission path groups. Figure 26 In order to simplify the accompanying drawings, only one of the multiple transmission path groups corresponding to the first to the Nth (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) is shown, such as the transmission path group consisting of the transmitting side optical cable main transmission path 401-1T and the receiving side optical cable main transmission path 401-1R corresponding to the first transmission path group.

[0378] The optical cable 400-1 has a plug 402-1 and a socket 403-1 at one end and the other end, respectively. The optical cable 400-1 has the following structure: the plug 402-1, serving as a first optical connector, is located at one end of the optical cable body 401-1, and the socket 403-1, serving as a second optical connector, is located at the other end of the optical cable body 401-1. Furthermore, the optical cable 400-1 has a crossover cable structure, where the transmitting-side optical cable body transmission path 401-1T and the receiving-side optical cable body transmission path 401-1R cross over each other midway through the optical cable body 401-1. Here, the optical cable 400-1 constitutes an optical intermediate connection device, and the plug 402-1 and socket 403-1 each constitute an optical connector for the intermediate connection device.

[0379] also with Figure 24 Similarly, in the optical communication system 100A, optical cable 400-2 corresponds to multiple transmission path groups from the first to the Nth (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2). Figure 26 In order to simplify the accompanying drawings, only one of the multiple transmission path groups from the first to the Nth (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) is shown, such as the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 401-2T and the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path 401-2R corresponding to the first transmission path group.

[0380] The optical cable 400-2 has a plug 402-2 at one end and a plug 403-2 at the other end. The optical cable 400-2 is configured such that a plug 402-2 serving as a first optical connector is provided at one end of the optical cable body 401-2, and a plug 403-2 serving as a second optical connector is provided at the other end of the optical cable body 401-2. Furthermore, the optical cable 400-2 is configured as a crossover cable structure, where the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 401-2T and the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path 401-2R cross over each other midway through the optical cable body 401-2. Here, the optical cable 400-2 also constitutes an optical intermediate connection device, and plugs 402-2 and 403-2 respectively constitute optical connectors for the intermediate connection device.

[0381] By user operation, optical cable 400-1 is installed onto device 200, and the plug 402-1 of optical cable 400-1 is engaged with socket 201 of device 200. Additionally, by user operation, optical cable 400-2 is connected to optical cable 400-1, and the plug 402-2 of optical cable 400-2 is engaged with socket 403-1 of optical cable 400-1. Furthermore, by user operation, optical cable 400-2 is installed onto device 300, and the plug 403-2 of optical cable 400-2 is engaged with socket 301 of device 300. Thus, socket 201, serving as the optical connector of this device, is configured to be mechanically and optically connected to the optical connector (socket 301) of a communication device, which is configured to be connected to one of the optical cables in an optical intermediate connection device, via one or more optical intermediate connection devices including at least one optical cable.

[0382] Here, socket 201 and plug 402-1, as well as socket 403-1 and plug 402-2, are respectively related to the above. Figure 1 The socket 10A and plug 30A shown above Figure 7 The socket 10B and plug 30B shown above Figure 16 The socket 10E and plug 30E shown, or the above Figure 18 The optical connector 60F shown is constructed similarly. Furthermore, although in Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 16The structure shows one communication channel (a group of transmission paths), but as explained, multiple communication channels can also be present in these configurations.

[0383] exist Figure 26 In the optical communication system 100B shown, it is also related to Figure 24 Similarly, in the optical communication system 100A shown, after power-on, the control unit 202 of device 200, before initiating actual data communication such as images and sounds, performs first, second, or third connection detection processing in each transmission path group (communication channel) to detect whether the device is in a connected or disconnected state, and performs communication processing based on the detection results. Here, the first, second, or third connection detection processing is related to... Figure 24 The optical communication system 100A shown also operates based on the receiving state of the receiving unit 205R. In this optical communication system 100B, disconnection can occur at the socket 201 of device 200, the socket 403-1 of optical cable 400-1, and the plug 403-2 of optical cable 400-2. Furthermore, the same process can be performed on the device 300 side.

[0384] In addition, Figure 26 In the optical communication system 100B shown, device 200 and device 300 are connected via two optical cables 400-1 and 400-2 connected in series. However, it is also possible to connect device 200 and device 300 in the same way via more optical cables.

[0385] "1-2-3. A system that connects two devices by using multiple optical cables connected in series using repeater adapters."

[0386] Figure 27 An example configuration of the optical communication system 100C is shown. Figure 27 In, with Figure 24 Corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted. The optical communication system 100C consists of devices (device A) 200 and (device B) 300 connected via optical cables 400-3, 400-4, and 400-5. In this case, optical cables 400-3 and 400-4 are connected using repeater adapter 500-1, and optical cables 400-4 and 400-5 are connected using repeater adapter 500-2.

[0387] Optical cables 400-3, 400-4, and 400-5 are respectively with Figure 24 The optical cable 400 in the optical communication system 100A similarly corresponds to the first to the Nth (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) groups of transmission paths (communication channels). Figure 27To simplify the accompanying drawings, only one of the multiple transmission path groups (N being an integer greater than or equal to 2) is shown, such as the optical cable main transmission path group consisting of the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission paths 401-3T, 401-4T, 401-5T and the receiving-side optical cable main transmission paths 401-3R, 401-4R, 401-5R corresponding to the first transmission path group (first communication channel).

[0388] Optical cable 400-3 has a plug 402-3 and a plug 403-3 at one end and the other end, respectively. Optical cable 400-3 is constructed such that plug 402-3 serves as the first optical connector at one end of the optical cable body 401-3, and plug 403-3 serves as the second optical connector at the other end of the optical cable body 401-3. Furthermore, optical cable 400-3 is a crossover cable structure, with the transmitting-side optical cable body transmission path 401-3T and the receiving-side optical cable body transmission path 401-3R crossing midway through the optical cable body 401-3. Here, optical cable 400-3 constitutes an optical intermediate connection device, and plugs 402-3 and 403-3 respectively constitute the optical connectors of the intermediate connection device.

[0389] Furthermore, optical cable 400-4 has a plug 402-4 and a plug 403-4 at one end and the other end, respectively. Optical cable 400-4 is constructed such that plug 402-4 serves as the first optical connector at one end of the optical cable body 401-4, and plug 403-4 serves as the second optical connector at the other end. Additionally, optical cable 400-4 is a crossover cable structure; midway through optical cable body 401-4, the transmitting-side optical cable transmission path 401-4T and the receiving-side optical cable transmission path 401-4R cross over each other. Here, optical cable 400-4 constitutes an optical intermediate connection device, and plugs 402-4 and 403-4 respectively constitute the optical connectors of the intermediate connection device.

[0390] Furthermore, optical cable 400-5 has plugs 402-5 and 403-5 at one and the other ends, respectively. Optical cable 400-5 is configured such that plug 402-5, serving as a first optical connector, is located at one end of optical cable body 401-5, and socket 403-5, serving as a second optical connector, is located at the other end of optical cable body 401-5. Additionally, optical cable 400-5 is configured as a crossover cable structure, where the transmitting-side optical cable body transmission path 401-5T and the receiving-side optical cable body transmission path 401-5R cross over each other midway through optical cable body 401-5. Here, optical cable 400-5 constitutes an optical intermediate connection device, and plugs 402-5 and 403-5 respectively constitute optical connectors for the intermediate connection device.

[0391] Although detailed descriptions of repeater adapters 500-1 and 500-2 are omitted, they are respectively related to the above. Figure 21 The repeater adapter 50 shown is similarly configured. Here, repeater adapters 500-1 and 500-2 respectively constitute optical intermediate connection devices, having optical connectors (intermediate connection device optical connectors) for fitting plugs into one end and the other end.

[0392] By user operation, optical cable 400-3 is installed in device 200, and the plug 402-3 of optical cable 400-3 is inserted into socket 201 of device 200. Furthermore, by user operation, optical cables 400-3 and 400-4 are connected, with the plug 403-3 of optical cable 400-3 inserted into the optical connector portion at one end of repeater adapter 500-1, and the plug 402-4 of optical cable 400-4 inserted into the optical connector portion at the other end of repeater adapter 500-1. Additionally, by connecting optical cables 400-4 and 400-5, the plug 403-4 of optical cable 400-4 is inserted into the optical connector portion at one end of repeater adapter 500-2, and the plug 402-5 of optical cable 400-5 is inserted into the optical connector portion at the other end of repeater adapter 500-2. In addition, by installing optical cable 400-5 in device 300, the plug 403-5 of optical cable 400-5 is fitted into socket 301 of device 300.

[0393] Here, socket 201 and plug 402-3, as well as socket 301 and plug 403-5, are respectively related to the above... Figure 1 The socket 10A and plug 30A shown above Figure 7 The socket 10B and plug 30B shown above Figure 16 The socket 10E and plug 30E shown or the above Figure 18 The optical connector 60F shown is constructed similarly. Although in Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 16 The structure shown represents a single communication channel (a group of transmission paths), but as explained, these structures can have multiple communication channels.

[0394] In addition, plug 403-3, repeater adapter 500-1, and plug 402-4, as well as plug 403-4, repeater adapter 500-2, and plug 402-5, are respectively related to the above. Figure 21 The plug 30A', repeater adapter 50, and plug 30A are configured similarly. Although in Figure 21 The construction illustrates one communication channel, but as explained, these constructions can have multiple communication channels.

[0395] As described above, in the case of repeater adapter 50, with a plug 30A' of optical fiber inserted at one end and a plug 30A of optical fiber inserted at the other end, an optical path is formed connecting the transmitting optical fiber main transmission path (transmitting connector external transmission path) 39 on the plug 30A' side with the transmitting optical fiber main transmission path (transmitting connector external transmission path) 39 on the plug 30A side, and an optical path is formed connecting the receiving optical fiber main transmission path (receiving connector external transmission path) 36 on the plug 30A side with the receiving optical fiber main transmission path (receiving connector external transmission path) 36 on the plug 30A' side (see...). Figure 23 In this case, because the transmitting and receiving optical paths cross inside the repeater adapter 50, the repeater adapter 50 exhibits the same behavior as a crossover cable.

[0396] Therefore, when optical cables 400-3 and 400-4 are connected via repeater adapter 500-1, an interlocking optical path is formed connecting the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 401-3T of optical cable 400-3 and the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 401-4T of optical cable 400-4, and an interlocking optical path is formed connecting the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path 401-4R of optical cable 400-4 and the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path 401-3R of optical cable 400-3. In addition, when optical cables 400-4 and 400-5 are connected using repeater adapter 500-1, an interlocking optical path is formed connecting the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 401-4T of optical cable 400-4 and the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 401-5T of optical cable 400-5, and an interlocking optical path is formed connecting the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path 401-5R of optical cable 400-5 and the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path 401-4R of optical cable 400-4.

[0397] exist Figure 27 In the optical communication system 100C shown, with Figure 24 Similarly, in the optical communication system 100A shown, the control unit 102 of device 200, for example, after power-on and before actual data communication such as images and sounds begins with device 300, performs first, second, or third connection detection processing in each transmission path group to detect whether the connection is in a connected state or a disconnected state, and performs communication processing based on the detection results. Here, the first, second, or third connection detection processing is related to... Figure 24Similarly, the optical communication system 100A shown operates based on the receiving state of the receiving unit 205R. In this optical communication system 100C, disconnection may occur at various connection points: the socket 201 of device 200, the plug 403-3 of optical cable 400-3, the optical connector at the other end of repeater adapter 500-1, the plug 403-4 of optical cable 400-4, the optical connector at the other end of repeater adapter 500-2, and the plug 403-5 of optical cable 400-5. Furthermore, the same process can be performed on the device 300 side.

[0398] In addition, Figure 27 In the optical communication system 100C shown, device 200 and device 300 are connected via three optical cables 400-3, 400-4 and 400-5 connected in series. However, it is also possible to connect device 200 and device 300 in the same way via more optical cables.

[0399] <1-2-4. System for Detecting Wire Breakage Using an Optical Circulator>

[0400] Figure 28 An example configuration of the optical communication system 100D is shown. Figure 28 In China, for the sake of Figure 27 Corresponding parts are labeled with the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted where appropriate. In this optical communication system 100D, devices (device A) 200D and (device B) 300 are connected via optical cables 400-3, 400-4, and 400-5. In this case, optical cables 400-3 and 400-4 are connected using repeater adapter 500-1, and optical cables 400-4 and 400-5 are connected using repeater adapter 500-2. Furthermore, devices 200D and 300 can be... Figure 24 Like the 100A optical communication system, it is connected via a single optical cable, or it can be like... Figure 26 Like the 100B optical communication system, it connects multiple optical cables without using repeater adapters.

[0401] Socket 201 and plug 402-3 and socket 301 and plug 403-5 are respectively related to the above. Figure 1 The socket 10A and plug 30A shown above Figure 7 The socket 10B and plug 30B shown above Figure 16 The socket 10E and plug 30E shown or the above Figure 18 The optical connector 60F shown is constructed similarly. Furthermore, in... Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 16 The structure shows a communication channel (a group of transmission paths), but multiple communication channels can be set in these configurations, as described above.

[0402] In addition, plug 403-3, repeater adapter 500-1, and plug 402-4, as well as plug 403-4, repeater adapter 500-2, and plug 402-5, are respectively related to the above. Figure 21 The plug 30A', repeater adapter 50, and plug 30 are similarly configured. Furthermore, in Figure 21 The structure shows one communication channel, but multiple communication channels can be set in these configurations, as described above.

[0403] In addition to the socket 201, the device 200D also includes a control unit 202, a communication signal input / output unit 203, a signal processing unit 204, a transmitting unit 205T, a receiving unit 205R, a receiving unit 205r, an optical circulator 208, a presentation unit 206, and a storage unit 207. Here, the transmitting unit 205T, the receiving unit 205R, the receiving unit 205r, and the optical circulator 208 are provided corresponding to each of the multiple transmission path groups from the first to the Nth described above. Figure 28 To simplify the accompanying drawings, only the transmitting unit 205T, receiving unit 205R, receiving unit 205r, and optical circulator 208 corresponding to two of the multiple transmission path groups (communication channels), such as the first transmission path group (first communication channel) and the second transmission path group (second communication channel), are shown.

[0404] Here, the transmitting unit 205T is connected to port 1 of the optical circulator 208 via the transmitting-side device internal transmission path 210T. Port 2 of the optical circulator 208 is connected to the socket 201 via the transmitting-side device internal transmission path 210Tr, which also serves as a disconnection detection device. Port 3 of the optical circulator 208 is connected to the receiving unit 205r via the detection-dedicated device internal transmission path 210r. Additionally, the receiving unit 205R is connected to the socket 201 via the receiving-side device internal transmission path 210R.

[0405] When the transmitter 205T outputs light (optical signal), if there is a break in the main transmission path of the transmitting optical cable of any of the optical cables 400-3, 400-4, and 400-5, reflected light is generated at the break point. This reflected light is input to port 2 of the optical circulator 208 via the broken main transmission path and output from port 3, and is input to the receiver 205r. Therefore, the control unit 202 can detect the break in the main transmission path of the transmitting optical cable based on the receiving state of the receiver 205r.

[0406] Furthermore, when there is a break in the transmission path (transmission path 210Tr within the transmitting side and disconnection detection device) between port 2 of the optical circulator 208 and socket 201, reflected light is generated at the break point. This reflected light is input to port 2 of the optical circulator 208 via transmission path 210Tr within the transmitting side and disconnection detection device and output from port 3, and is input to the receiving unit 205r. Therefore, the control unit 202 includes the ability to detect a break in the transmission path (transmission path 210Tr within the transmitting side and disconnection detection device) between port 2 of the optical circulator 208 and socket 201 based on the receiving state of the receiving unit 205r, and detects a break in the transmitting side transmission path.

[0407] The control unit 202 of device 200D performs fourth, fifth, or sixth connection detection processes in each transmission path group (communication channel) to detect whether the device is in a connected or disconnected state, for example, after power is turned on and before actual data communication such as images or sounds begins with device 300. It then performs actual data communication processing based on the detection results. Furthermore, when actual data communication is interrupted, these fourth, fifth, or sixth connection detection processes can be performed automatically or via user input, and actual data communication processing can be performed based on the detection results.

[0408] Here, the connected state refers to the state in which the socket 201 of device 200D and the socket 301 of device 300, which is the target communication device, are mechanically and optically connected. Conversely, the disconnected state refers to the state in which connection is impossible, including either a disconnection where there is at least no mechanical and optical connection, or a break in the wires where there is a mechanical connection but no optical connection.

[0409] For example, in the fourth connection detection process, optical signals are output from each transmitter 205T (Tx1, Tx2, ...) of device 200. These optical signals are transmitted to socket 201 via the transmitter-side internal transmission path 210T, circulator 208, and transmitter-side internal transmission path 210Tr (which also serves as a disconnection detection device), and then transmitted to device 300 via the transmitter-side transmission path including the transmitter-side optical cable main transmission paths 401-3T, 401-4T, and 401-5T of optical cables 400-3, 400-4, and 400-5. In this state, the control unit 202 of device 200D performs detection of whether the device is in a connected state or a disconnected state (here, disconnected).

[0410] First, if, due to the construction of a non-interlocking optical path, at least one receiver 205R (Rx1, Rx2, ...) receives optical signals from device 200D via transmission path 210R within the receiving device as detection light, the control unit 202 of device 200D determines that either the optical cable (optical cable 400-3, optical cable 400-4, optical cable 400-5) or device 300 has disconnected. Conversely, if, due to the construction of an interlocking optical path, all receivers 205R (Rx1, Rx2, ...) fail to receive optical signals from device 200, the control unit 202 of device 200D determines that all transmission path groups are connected. In other words, it determines that device 200D and device 300 are connected.

[0411] Furthermore, the details of this process will be used later. Figure 33 The flowchart shown illustrates this. Here, the connection state information is disregarded, as it is detected based on the fact that the connection state between the socket 201 of device 200D and the socket 301 of device 300 is at least optically disconnected.

[0412] Additionally, for example, in the fifth connection detection process, which is another example of connection detection processing, optical signals are output from each transmitter 205T (Tx1, Tx2, ...) of device 200D. These optical signals are transmitted to socket 201 via transmitter-side internal transmission path 210T, circulator 208, and transmitter-side internal transmission path 210Tr (which also serves as a disconnection detection device), and then transmitted to device 300 via transmitter-side transmission paths including optical cables 400-3, 400-4, and 400-5, which are the main optical cable transmission paths 401-3T, 401-4T, and 401-5T. In this state, control unit 202 of device 200D performs detection to determine whether the device is in a connected or disconnected state.

[0413] First, when the optical signal from the device 200D is received by the receiving unit 205R (Rx1,Rx2,...) as a detection receiving light by constructing a non-interlocking optical path, the control unit 202 of the device 200D determines that one of the optical cables (optical cable 400-3, optical cable 400-4, optical cable 400-5) or the device 300 has been disconnected.

[0414] Furthermore, if no optical signal from device 200D is received by any receiving unit 205R (Rx1, Rx2, ...), but the corresponding receiving unit 205r (rx1, rx2, ...) receives the optical signal from device 200D, the control unit 202 of device 200D determines that the optical cable (optical cable 400-3, optical cable 400-4, optical cable 400-5) or the corresponding transmission path group of transmission path 210Tr in the transmitting side detection device is disconnected.

[0415] Furthermore, if optical signals from device 200D are not received by all receivers 205R and not by all receivers 205r when an embedded optical path is constructed, the control unit 202 of device 200D determines that all transmission path groups are in a connected state. That is, it determines that device 200D and device 300 are in a connected state.

[0416] Furthermore, the details of this process will be used later. Figure 36 The flowchart shown illustrates this. Here, disconnection or breakage constitutes connection information, which is detected based on the connection status between the socket 201 of device 200D and the socket 301 of device 300, which is at least optically disconnected.

[0417] Additionally, for example, in the sixth connection detection process, which is an example of other connection detection processes, optical signals are output from each transmitter 205T (Tx1, Tx2, ...) of the device 200D. These optical signals are transmitted to the socket 201 via the transmission path 210T within the transmitting device, the circulator 208, and the transmission path 210Tr within the transmitting device that also serves as a disconnection detection device. They are also transmitted to the device 300 side via the transmitting-side transmission paths 401-3T, 401-4T, and 401-5T, which include the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission paths 401-3T, 401-4T, and 401-5T of optical cables 400-3, 400-4, and 400-5.

[0418] Furthermore, in this sixth connection detection process, based on the optical signals received from device 200 by each receiving unit 305R (Rx1, Rx2, ...) of device 300 from the optical signals received from device 200, each transmitting unit 305T (Tx1, Tx2, ...) of device 300 outputs a reception acknowledgment optical signal (ACK optical signal) indicating that the optical signal from device 200D has been received. This reception acknowledgment optical signal is transmitted to socket 301 via transmission path 310R within the receiving device, and to device 200 via receiving-side transmission paths 401-5R, 401-4R, and 401-3R, which include optical cables 400-5, 400-4, and 400-3. In this state, the control unit 202 of device 200D performs detection regarding whether it is in a connected or disconnected state in the following manner.

[0419] First, when optical signals from device 200D are received by at least receiving unit 205R (Rx1,Rx2,...) as detection receiving light by constructing a non-interlocking optical path, control unit 202 of device 200D determines that one of the optical cables (optical cables 400-3, 400-4, 400-5) or device 300 has detached.

[0420] Furthermore, if any receiver 205R (Rx1, Rx2, ...) does not receive an optical signal from device 200D, but the corresponding receiver 205r (rx1, rx2, ...) receives an optical signal from device 200D, the control unit 202 of device 200D determines that at least one of the corresponding transmission path groups of the transmission path group between circulator 208 and socket 201, namely the transmission path 210Tr, optical cable 400-3, optical cable 400-4, and optical cable 400-5, is disconnected.

[0421] Furthermore, if any receiving unit 205R (Rx1, Rx2, ...) fails to receive an optical signal from device 200D, and the corresponding receiving unit 205r (rx1, rx2, ...) fails to receive an optical signal from device 200D, and the receiving unit 205R fails to receive a reception confirmation optical signal indicating that the optical signal from device 200D has been received from device 300, the control unit 202 of device 200D determines that the optical cable (optical cable 400-3, optical cable 400-4, optical cable 400-5) or the receiving-side transmission path in the corresponding transmission path group of the transmission path within the device is disconnected.

[0422] Furthermore, if, during the construction of the interlocking optical path, all receivers 205R fail to receive an optical signal from device 200D, and further all receivers 205r fail to receive an optical signal from device 200D, but all receivers 205R receive a reception confirmation optical signal indicating that an optical signal from device 200D has been received from device 300, the control unit 202 of device 200D determines that all transmission path groups are in a connected state. That is, it determines that device 200D and device 300 are in a connected state.

[0423] Furthermore, the details of this process will be used later. Figure 37 The flowchart shown illustrates this. Here, disconnection or breakage constitutes connection relationship information, which is detected based on the connection state between the socket 201 of device 200D and the socket 301 of device 300, which is at least optically disconnected. Furthermore, while the fourth, fifth, and sixth connection detection processes on the device 200D side have been described above, although detailed descriptions will be omitted, device 300 may have the same circulator configuration as device 200D, and the same processes may be performed on device 300 side.

[0424] "1-2-5. A system with a dedicated transmission path for detection is provided."

[0425] Figure 29 An example of the structure of an optical communication system 100E is shown. Figure 29 In China, for the sake of Figure 24Corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted where appropriate. In this optical communication system 100E, devices (device A) 200E and devices (device B) 300E are connected via optical cables 400-6, 400-7, and 400-8. In this case, optical cables 400-6 and 400-7 are connected using repeater adapter 500-3, and optical cables 400-7 and 400-8 are connected using repeater adapter 500-4. Alternatively, devices 200E and 300E can also be connected as follows: Figure 24 The optical communication system 100A is connected via a single optical cable, or it can be like... Figure 25 Like the 100B optical communication system, it connects multiple optical cables without using repeater adapters.

[0426] Optical cables 400-6, 400-7, and 400-8 correspond to multiple transmission path groups (communication channels) from the 1st to the Nth (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2). These optical cables 400-6, 400-7, and 400-8 correspond to each transmission path group and have three transmission paths: the receiving-side optical cable main transmission paths 401-6R, 401-7R, and 401-8R; the first transmitting-side optical cable main transmission paths 401-6T, 401-7T, and 401-8T; and the second transmitting-side optical cable main transmission paths 401-6r, 401-7r, and 401-8r, which serve as the main transmission path for the detection-specific optical cable.

[0427] Here, the main transmission paths 401-6T, 401-7T, and 401-8T of the first transmitting side optical cable are transmission paths for transmitting light (optical signals) from device 200E to device 300E, and the main transmission paths 401-6R, 401-7R, and 401-8R of the receiving side optical cable are transmission paths for transmitting light (optical signals) from device 300E to device 200E. Furthermore, the main transmission paths 401-6r, 401-7r, and 401-8r of the probe-dedicated optical cable are transmission paths for transmitting (returning) reflected light from the detachment point upon detachment. The main transmission paths 401-6T, 401-7T, and 401-8T of the first transmitting side optical cable, the main transmission paths 401-6R, 401-7R, and 401-8R of the receiving side optical cable, and the main transmission paths 401-6r, 401-7r, and 401-8r of the probe-dedicated optical cable are all composed of optical fibers. Figure 29To simplify the accompanying drawings, only one of the multiple optical cable main transmission path groups from the 1st to the Nth (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) is shown. For example, the first transmitting side optical cable main transmission paths 401-6T, 401-7T, 401-8T, the receiving side optical cable main transmission paths 401-6R, 401-7R, 401-8R, and the detection-dedicated optical cable main transmission paths 401-6r, 401-7r, 401-8r are shown in the first optical cable main transmission path group.

[0428] Optical cable 400-6 has a plug 402-6 at one end and a plug 403-6 at the other. Here, optical cable 400-6 constitutes an optical intermediate connection device, and plugs 402-6 and 403-6 respectively constitute optical connectors of the intermediate connection device. Although detailed descriptions of these plugs 402-6 and 403-6 are omitted, they are related to... Figure 9 , Figure 10 The plugs shown are 30C and 30C' or Figure 14 The plug 30D shown is similarly constructed, and when disconnected, the reflection angle is set so that the reflected light is directed toward the transmission path of the dedicated optical cable body (corresponding to...). Figure 9 (a2) The main transmission path of the detection-specific optical cable 44) transmission.

[0429] Furthermore, optical cable 400-7 is equipped with plugs 402-7 and 403-7 at one end and the other end, respectively. Here, optical cable 400-7 constitutes an optical intermediate connection device, and plugs 402-7 and 403-7 respectively constitute optical connectors of the intermediate connection device. Similarly, optical cable 400-8 is equipped with plugs 402-8 and 403-8 at one end and the other end, respectively. Here, optical cable 400-8 constitutes an optical intermediate connection device, and plugs 402-8 and 403-8 respectively constitute optical connectors of the intermediate connection device. These plugs 402-7, 403-7, 402-8, and 403-8 also... Figure 10 The plugs 30C and 30C' shown are similarly constructed.

[0430] Although detailed descriptions are omitted, repeater adapters 500-3 and 500-4 are respectively related to the above. Figure 21 The repeater adapter 50 shown is similarly configured. Here, repeater adapters 500-3 and 500-4 each constitute optical intermediate connection devices, having optical connectors as intermediate connection device optical connectors for plug fitting at one end and the other end. Furthermore, the optical connectors on one end and the other end of repeater adapters 500-3 and 500-4 are configured as follows: Figure 21 The repeater adapter 50 shown has a structure with two reflectors, or is similar to... Figure 9The socket 10C or plug 30C shown is similarly constructed with a reflector, the reflection angle of which is set so that the reflected light is transmitted toward the main transmission path of the dedicated detection optical cable.

[0431] In addition to the socket 201, the device 200E also includes a control unit 202, a communication signal input / output unit 203, a signal processing unit 204, a transmitting unit 205T, a receiving unit 205R, a receiving unit 205r, a prompting unit 206, and a storage unit 207. Here, the transmitting unit 205T, the receiving unit 205R, and the receiving unit 205r are respectively configured to correspond to the first to the Nth plurality of transmission path groups (communication channels) mentioned above. Figure 29 In order to simplify the accompanying drawings, only the transmitting unit 205T(Tx1,Tx2), the receiving unit 205R(Rx1,Rx2), and the receiving unit 205r(rx1,rx2) corresponding to two of the multiple transmission path groups, such as the first transmission path group and the second transmission path group, are shown.

[0432] Socket 201 and Figure 9 The socket 10C shown is similarly constructed. The transmitting unit 205T is transmitted via the transmission path 210T within the transmitting-side equipment (and...). Figure 9 (a1) The transmitting-side device internal transmission path 16 corresponds to the socket 201. The receiving unit 205R is connected to the socket 201 via the first receiving-side device internal transmission path 210R (corresponding to the first receiving-side device internal transmission path 210R). Figure 9 (a1) Corresponding to the first receiving-side device internal transmission path 19) connected to the socket 201, the receiving unit 205r is connected via the dedicated detection device internal transmission path 210r (which serves as the second receiving-side device internal transmission path) Figure 9 (a1) The transmission path 24 in the dedicated testing equipment is connected to the socket 201.

[0433] Although detailed descriptions are omitted, device 300E is constructed in the same manner as device 200E described above, and in addition to socket 301, it also has control unit 302, communication signal input / output unit 303, signal processing unit 304, transmitting unit 305T, receiving unit 305R, transmitting unit 305r, prompting unit 306 and storage unit 307.

[0434] By user operation, fiber optic cable 400-6 is installed in device 200E, with its plug 402-6 inserted into socket 201 of device 200E. Additionally, by user operation, fiber optic cables 400-6 and 400-7 are connected, with plug 403-6 of fiber optic cable 400-6 inserted into the optical connector portion of one end of repeater adapter 500-3, and plug 402-7 of fiber optic cable 400-7 inserted into the optical connector portion of the other end of repeater adapter 500-3. Furthermore, by user operation, fiber optic cables 400-7 and 400-8 are connected, with plug 403-7 of fiber optic cable 400-7 inserted into the optical connector portion of one end of repeater adapter 500-4, and plug 402-8 of fiber optic cable 400-8 inserted into the optical connector portion of the other end of repeater adapter 500-4. In addition, the optical cable 400-8 is installed in the device 300E by the user, and the plug 403-8 of the optical cable 400-8 is fitted into the socket 301 of the device 300E.

[0435] The control unit 202 of device 200E performs a seventh, eighth, or ninth connection detection process in each transmission path group (communication channel) to detect whether the device is in a connected or disconnected state, for example, after the power is turned on and before actual data communication such as images or sounds begins with device 300E. It then performs communication processing based on the detection results. Furthermore, in the event that actual data communication is interrupted, these seventh, eighth, or ninth connection detection processes can be performed automatically or based on user input, and actual data communication processing can be performed based on the detection results.

[0436] Here, the connected state refers to the state in which the socket 201 of device 200E and the socket 301 of device 300E, which is the communication device to which the connection is made, are mechanically and optically connected. Conversely, the disconnected state refers to the state in which there is no connection, including at least one of the following: mechanically and optically disconnected, or mechanically connected but optically disconnected (a break in the connection).

[0437] For example, in the seventh connection detection process, optical signals are output from each transmitter 205T (Tx1, Tx2, ...) of device 200E. These optical signals are sent to socket 201 via transmission path 210T within the transmitter device, and then transmitted to device 300E via the transmitter-side optical cable main transmission paths 401-6T, 401-7T, and 401-8T, which include optical cables 400-6, 400-7, and 400-8. In this state, control unit 202 of device 200E performs detection of whether it is in a connected state or a disconnected state (here, disconnected) as described below.

[0438] First, when at least one receiver 205r (rx1, rx2, ...) receives an optical signal from device 200E via transmission path 210R within the detection-dedicated equipment as detection receiving light by constructing a non-interlocking optical path, the control unit 202 of device 200E determines that either the optical cable (optical cable 400-6, optical cable 400-7, optical cable 400-8) or device 300E is disconnected. Conversely, if none of the receivers 205r (rx1, rx2, ...) receive an optical signal from device 200E by constructing an interlocking optical path, the control unit 202 of device 200E determines that all transmission path groups are connected. In other words, it determines that device 200E and device 300E are connected.

[0439] Furthermore, the details of this process will be used later. Figure 38 The flowchart shown illustrates this. Here, the connection relationship information is disregarded, which is detected based on the connection state between the socket 201 of device 200D and the socket 301 of device 300, which is at least optically disconnected.

[0440] Furthermore, for example, in the eighth connection detection process, which is another example of connection detection processing, optical signals are output from each of the transmitting units 205T (Tx1, Tx2, ...) of device 200E. These optical signals are sent to socket 201 via transmission path 210T within the transmitting device, and then to device 300E via the transmitting-side transmission path (first transmission path) of the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 401-6T, 401-7T, and 401-8T, which includes optical cables 400-6, 400-7, and 400-8. In this case, since the optical signals transmitted from this device, needless to say, return to the transmission path 210r within the detection-dedicated device in the connected state and not to the first receiving-side transmission path 210R within this device in the unconnected state, the optical signals transmitted from each of the transmitting units 205T (Tx1, Tx2, ...) of device 200E do not need to be distinguishable from the optical signals from device 300E.

[0441] Furthermore, in this eighth connection detection process, an optical signal is transmitted from the transmitting unit 305T (Tx1, Tx2, ...) of device 300E. This optical signal is transmitted to device 200E via socket 301 and the receiving-side transmission path (second transmission path) including the receiving-side optical cable main transmission paths 401-8R, 401-7R, and 401-6R of optical cables 400-8, 400-7, and 400-6. In this state, the control unit 202 of device 200 performs the following detection: whether it is in a connected state or a disconnected state.

[0442] First, if an optical signal is received by at least one receiving unit 205r (rx1, rx2, ...), the control unit 202 of device 200E determines that the optical cable (optical cable 400-6, optical cable 400-7, optical cable 400-8) is disconnected. Furthermore, if no optical signal is received from device 200E by any receiving unit 205r (rx1, rx2, ...), and no optical signal is received from device 300E by the corresponding receiving unit 205R (Rx1, Rx2, ...), the control unit 202 of device 200E determines that the corresponding transmission path group of the optical cable (optical cable 400-8, 400-7, 400-6) is disconnected. Furthermore, if all receiving units 205r (rx1, rx2, ...) fail to receive optical signals from device 200E, but all receiving units 205R (Rx1, Rx2, ...) receive optical signals from device 300E, it is determined that all transmission path groups are in a connected state. That is, it is determined that device 200E and device 300E are in a connected state.

[0443] In addition, using Figure 39 The flowchart shown describes the details of this process. Here, disconnection or breakage constitutes connection relationship information detected based on the connection status between the socket 201 of device 200E and the socket 301 of device 300E being at least optically disconnected.

[0444] Furthermore, for example, in the ninth connection detection process, which is an example of other connection detection processes, optical signals are output from each of the transmitting units 205T (Tx1, Tx2, ...) of the device 200E. These optical signals are sent to the socket 201 via the transmission path 210T within the transmitting device, and then sent to the device 300E side via the transmitting-side transmission path (first transmission path) of the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 401-6T, 401-7T, and 401-8T, which includes optical cables 400-6, 400-7, and 400-8. Furthermore, in this ninth connection detection process, an optical signal is transmitted from the transmitting unit 305T (Tx1, Tx2, ...) of the device 300E. This optical signal is transmitted to the socket 301 via the transmission path 310R within the receiving device, and then transmitted to the device 200E side via the receiving-side transmission path (second transmission path) including the receiving-side optical cable main transmission paths 401-8R, 401-7R, and 401-6R of optical cables 400-8, 400-7, and 400-6.

[0445] Furthermore, in this ninth connection detection process, based on the optical signals received from device 200 by each receiving unit 305R (Rx1, Rx2, ...) of device 300, each transmitting unit 305T (Tx1, Tx2, ...) of device 300 outputs a reception acknowledgment optical signal (ACK optical signal) indicating that the optical signal from device 200 has been received. This reception acknowledgment optical signal is sent to socket 301 via transmission path 310R within the receiving device, and then transmitted to device 200E via the receiving-side optical cable main transmission paths 401-8R, 401-7R, and 401-6R, which include optical cables 400-8, 400-7, and 400-6. In this state, the control unit 202 of device 200E performs the following detection: whether it is in a connected state or a disconnected state.

[0446] First, when an optical signal is received by at least one receiving unit 205r (rx1, rx2, ...), the control unit 202 of the device 200E determines that the optical cable (optical cable 400-6, optical cable 400-7, optical cable 400-8) is disconnected. Furthermore, if no optical signal is received by any receiving unit 205r (rx1, rx2, ...), and no optical signal is received by the corresponding receiving unit 205R (Rx1, Rx2, ...), the control unit 202 of the device 200E determines that at least one of the receiving-side transmission path and the transmitting-side transmission path in the corresponding transmission path group of the optical cable 400 in the corresponding transmission path group of the optical cable (optical cable 400-6, optical cable 400-7, optical cable 400-8) is broken.

[0447] That is, when the optical signal from device 200E is not received by receiver 205r, for example, when plug 403-8 is disconnected from socket 301 of device 300E, but at least one of the dedicated optical cable main transmission paths 401-6r, 401-7r, and 401-8r is detected to be disconnected. In this case, although plug 403-8 is disconnected from socket 301 of device 300E, because at least one of the dedicated optical cable main transmission paths 401-6r, 401-7r, and 401-8r is detected to be disconnected, a non-connected optical path is not established, and receiver 205r cannot receive the optical signal from device 200E.

[0448] Then, in this situation, since the plug 403-8 is disengaged from the socket 301 of the device 300E, the receiving unit 205R cannot receive the optical signal from the device 300E. Furthermore, the failure to receive the optical signal from the device 200E by the receiving unit 205R includes cases where a mating optical path was established without disengagement. In this case, if at least any one of the main optical cable transmission paths 401-6R, 401-7R, and 401-8R on the receiving side is broken, the optical signal from the device 300E will not be received.

[0449] Therefore, if no optical signal is received by any receiving unit 205r (rx1, rx2, ...) and the corresponding receiving unit 205R (Rx1, Rx2, ...) also does not receive an optical signal, the control unit 202 of the device 200E determines that at least one of the receiving-side transmission path and the transmitting-side transmission path in the corresponding transmission path group of the optical cable (optical cable 400-6, optical cable 400-7, optical cable 400-8) is broken.

[0450] Furthermore, if no optical signal is received by any receiving unit 205r (rx1, rx2, ...), but an optical signal is received by the corresponding receiving unit 205R (Rx1, Rx2, ...) (therefore, the main transmission path of the receiving optical cable or the transmission path within the receiving equipment is not broken), but no reception confirmation optical signal indicating that an optical signal from device 300E has been received (therefore, device 300E has not received an optical signal from device 200E), the control unit 202 of device 200E determines that the main transmission path of the transmitting optical cable in the corresponding transmission path group is broken. Furthermore, if no optical signal is received by any receiving unit 205r (rx1, rx2, ...), but an reception confirmation optical signal indicating that an optical signal from device 300E has been received while an optical signal is received by receiving unit 205R (Rx1, Rx2, ...), the control unit 202 of device 200E determines that all transmission path groups are in a connected state. In other words, it is determined that devices 200E and 300E are in a connected state.

[0451] Furthermore, the details of this process will be used later. Figure 40 The flowchart shown is used to describe this. Here, disconnection or breakage constitutes connection relationship information detected based on the connection state between socket 201 of device 200E and socket 301 of device 300E being at least optically disconnected. Furthermore, the seventh, eighth, or ninth connection detection processes on the device 200E side have been described above, but detailed descriptions are omitted; however, the same processes can also be performed on the device 300E side.

[0452] "1-3. An example of processing steps including connection detection processing and communication processing"

[0453] Figure 30 The flowchart illustrates an example of the connection detection process and subsequent communication process performed in the aforementioned optical communication systems 100A to 100E. This process is performed, for example, after power-on and before actual data communication such as images and sounds begins, or automatically or by user operation when actual data communication is interrupted, i.e., when a problem occurs.

[0454] First, the control unit 202 begins processing at step ST1, for example, upon power-on. Next, the control unit 202 performs a connection detection process at step ST2. In this connection detection process, it detects whether the device is in a connected state or a disconnected state. As described above, a disconnected state may include at least one of disconnection and open circuit; however, it is permissible to detect only one of disconnection and open circuit, and even if both disconnection and open circuit can be detected separately, it may be detected as a disconnected state without distinguishing between the two, and the user may be notified only that the device is in a disconnected state. Furthermore, disconnection may include the disconnection of an optical cable embedded in device A (device 200, etc.) that is a connected device, or the disconnection of any other connected device (relay adapter or device B) connected via that optical cable. Additionally, open circuit may include a break at some point in either the transmitting-side transmission path or the receiving-side transmission path.

[0455] In the connection detection process of step ST2, if it is determined that the connection is not established, the control unit 202 notifies the user of the connection status at step ST3. In this case, for example, the control unit 202 is configured to cause the prompt unit 206 to display a connection status message or output voice notification to the user. After processing in step ST3, the control unit 202 terminates the process at step ST4.

[0456] Furthermore, in the connection detection process of step ST2, if it is determined that the connection is established, the control unit 202 performs communication settings corresponding to the connection status at step ST5, and then performs communication processing at step ST6. Additionally, if a problem occurs during this communication processing, the control unit 202 stops actual data communication at step ST7, and then automatically or through user operation returns to the connection detection process of step ST2. Here, problems include the receiver 205R no longer receiving optical signals, etc. Furthermore, although actual data communication is automatically stopped in step ST7, it can also be configured to notify the user to stop actual data communication. If the communication processing ends, the control unit 202 terminates the process at step ST4.

[0457] Figure 31 The flowchart illustrates another example of the processing steps in the aforementioned optical communication systems 100A to 100E, including connection detection processing performed before actual data communication such as image and sound begins (e.g., after power is turned on), or automatically or by user operation when such actual data communication is interrupted (i.e., when a problem occurs), and subsequent communication processing. Figure 31 In, with Figure 30 The corresponding parts are shown using the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in Figure 31 In the middle, differentiated detection Figure 30 The system does not differentiate between broken wires and detached wires during detection.

[0458] First, the control unit 202 begins processing at step ST1, for example, when the power is turned on. Next, the control unit 202 performs a connection detection process at step ST2. In this connection detection process, it detects whether the device is in a connected state or a disconnected state. As described above, a disconnected state includes being disconnected and broken.

[0459] In the connection detection process of step ST2, if at least one transmission path group (communication channel) is determined to be disconnected, the control unit 202 notifies the user of the disconnection at step ST3A. That is, since it is desirable to re-engage even if the engagement is incomplete and at least one transmission path group is disconnected (no physical connection is established), it is determined to be disconnected. However, if communication is performed using only the transmission path groups that are not determined to be disconnected when there are transmission path groups that are not determined to be disconnected, it is not necessary to determine that it is disconnected.

[0460] In this case, for example, the control unit 202 is configured to notify the user that the display or voice output to the prompt unit 206 has been disconnected. After the processing in step ST3A, the control unit 202 ends the processing in step ST4. When the user is notified of the disconnection, he / she can check the connection of each fitting part and change the disconnected (non-connected state) to a connected state.

[0461] Furthermore, in the connection detection process of step ST2, if at least any transmission path group is determined to be disconnected, the control unit 202 notifies the user of the disconnection in step ST3B. In this case, for example, the control unit 202 is configured to notify the user of the disconnection by displaying a message on the prompt unit 206 or by voice outputting a notification. In this case, in a structure example that can determine whether any transmission path group is disconnected, and thus whether the transmitting-side transmission path and the receiving-side transmission path are disconnected, the user can also be notified which transmission path is disconnected. After the processing in step ST3B, the control unit 202 ends the processing in step ST4. When the user is notified of the disconnection, they can replace the optical cable to change the disconnected (non-connected state) to a connected state.

[0462] Furthermore, in the connection detection process of step ST2, if all transmission path groups are determined to be in a connected state, the control unit 202 performs communication settings corresponding to the connection state in step ST5, and then performs communication processing in step ST6. In addition, if a problem occurs during this communication processing, the control unit 202 stops actual data communication in step ST7, and then automatically or through user operation returns to the connection detection process of step ST2. If the communication processing ends, the control unit 202 terminates the process in step ST4.

[0463] Figure 32 The flowchart illustrates another example of the connection detection processing performed automatically or by user operation in the aforementioned optical communication systems 100A to 100E, for example, after power is turned on, before the commencement of actual data communication such as image and sound, or when the actual data communication is interrupted, i.e., when a problem occurs, followed by subsequent communication processing. Figure 32 In, with Figure 30 , Figure 31 The corresponding parts are represented by the same symbol.

[0464] First, in step ST1, the control unit 202 begins processing, for example, with power-on. Second, in step ST2, the control unit 202 performs a connection detection process. This connection detection process distinguishes between a connected state and a disconnected state. As described above, a disconnected state includes disconnection and wire breakage.

[0465] In the connection detection process of step ST2, if at least any transmission path group is determined to be disconnected, the control unit 202 notifies the user of the disconnection in step ST3A. In this case, for example, the control unit 202 is configured to notify the user of the disconnection by displaying a message on the prompt unit 206 or outputting a voice message. After the processing in step ST3A, the control unit 202 ends the processing in step ST4. When the user is notified of the disconnection, they can check the connection of each mating part to change the disconnected (non-connected state) to a connected state.

[0466] Furthermore, in the connection detection process of step ST2, if at least any transmission path group is determined to be disconnected, the control unit 202 notifies the user of the disconnection in step ST3B. In this case, for example, the control unit 202 is configured to notify the user of the disconnection by displaying a message to the prompt unit 206 or by voice outputting a message. In this case, in a structure example that can determine whether any transmission path group is disconnected, and thus whether the transmitting-side transmission path and the receiving-side transmission path are disconnected, it is also possible to notify the user which transmission path is disconnected.

[0467] Next, in step ST8, the control unit 202 determines whether to set the transmission path group without disconnection to use. Here, a transmission path group without disconnection refers to, for example, a transmission path group in which neither the transmitting side transmission path nor the receiving side transmission path is disconnected, and a transmission path group in which only either the transmitting side transmission path or the receiving side transmission path is disconnected is a transmission path group with disconnection.

[0468] The control unit 202 can perform the determination of whether to use the transmission path group without disconnection based on, for example, the user's prior settings, or it can perform the determination based on the settings performed by the user corresponding to the notification of disconnection to the user in step ST3B. Moreover, instead of the processing of step ST8, it can be determined whether all transmission path groups are disconnected. As long as not all transmission path groups are disconnected, the communication setting of not using the disconnected transmission path groups in step ST9 can be set (only the communication setting of the transmission path groups without disconnection is used).

[0469] When the setting is not using a transmission path group without disconnections, the control unit 202 terminates the process in step ST4. In this case, the user can replace the optical cable based on the notification to change from a disconnected (non-connected) state to a connected state. On the other hand, when the setting is using a transmission path group without disconnections, the control unit 202 sets the communication setting to not use a transmission path group without disconnections in step ST9, and then proceeds to step ST6. Note that the communication setting to not use a transmission path group without disconnections may include at least one of the following: setting to stop communication on a disconnected transmission path group, or setting to switch the communication signal in a disconnected transmission path group to another transmission path group without disconnections.

[0470] Furthermore, in the connection detection process of step ST2, when it is determined that all transmission path groups are in a connected state, the control unit 202 sets the communication settings corresponding to the connection state in step ST5 (in this case, the communication settings using all transmission path groups), and then performs communication processing in step ST6. Note that in this communication processing, if a problem occurs, the control unit 202 stops the actual data communication in step ST7, and then automatically or through user operation returns to the connection detection process of step ST2. When the communication processing ends, the control unit 202 terminates the processing in step ST4.

[0471] Note that in Figure 32 In the flowchart, based on the determination of disconnection in the transmission path group unit, communication settings for transmission path groups without disconnection are performed in step ST9. However, when determining the disconnection of the transmitting-side transmission path and the receiving-side transmission path separately in each transmission path group, communication settings to use the transmission path of the side without disconnection may also be considered.

[0472] <1-3-1. Connection Detection Processing>

[0473] Figure 33 The flowchart shows Figure 30 Step ST2 connection probing is an example of the first connection probing process. This example is the one described above. Figure 24 , Figure 26 , Figure 27 , Figure 28 An example of connection detection processing in the control unit 202 of device 200 and device 200D in optical communication systems 100A to 100D. In this case, as described above, an optical signal is output from the transmitting unit 205T of device 200 and device 200D and transmitted to device 300.

[0474] First, the control unit 202 begins processing in step ST11. Next, in step ST12, the control unit 202 determines whether an optical signal has been received from device A (device 200, device 200D), which is itself, via at least one receiving unit (Rx) 205R. If received, the control unit 202 determines in step ST13 that the signal has been disconnected, and then ends processing in step ST14. Note that disconnection may include the disconnection of any of the connection objects fitted into device A (device 200, device 200D), i.e., the optical cable, and any other connection objects connected via the optical cable.

[0475] Furthermore, in step ST12, when none of the receiving units (Rx) 205R receive an optical signal from device A (device 200, device 200D) which is this device, the control unit 202 determines in step ST17 that all transmission path groups are in a connected state. In other words, it determines that device 200 and device 300 are in a connected state, and then, in step ST14, the process ends.

[0476] Figure 34 The flowchart shows Figures 30-32 An example of step ST2's connection probing process is the second connection probing process. This example is the one described above. Figure 24 , Figure 26 , Figure 27 This is an example of connection detection processing in the control unit 202 of device 200 in optical communication systems 100A to 100C. In this example, it is an example of an optical communication system that transmits optical signals from both device 200 and device 300, and it is an example of a case where the disconnection of the transmission path on the transmitting side and the transmission path on the receiving side is not determined separately.

[0477] In this case, as described above, the optical signal is output from the transmitter 205T of device 200 and sent to the device 300 side, and the optical signal is also output from the transmitter 305T of device 300 and sent to the device 200 side.

[0478] First, the control unit 202 begins processing in step ST11. Next, in step ST12, the control unit 202 determines whether an optical signal has been received from device A (device 200), which is itself, via at least one receiving unit (Rx) 205R. If received, the control unit 202 determines that the signal has been disconnected in step ST13, and then ends processing in step ST14. Furthermore, disconnection may include the disconnection of any of the connection devices to be fitted into device A (device 200), i.e., the optical cable, or other connection devices connected via the optical cable.

[0479] Furthermore, in step ST12, if any receiving unit (Rx) 205R does not receive an optical signal from device A (device 200), which is itself, the control unit 202 determines in step ST15 whether the receiving unit (Rx) 205R has received an optical signal from device B (device 300), which is the communication device to be connected. If no signal is received, the control unit 202 determines in step ST16 that the corresponding transmission path group is disconnected, and then, in step ST14, the process ends.

[0480] Furthermore, in step ST12, when none of the receiving units (Rx) 205R receive an optical signal from device A (device 200), which is the device itself, and in step ST15, all the receiving units (Rx) 205R receive an optical signal from device B (device 300), which is the communication device to be connected, the control unit 202 determines in step ST17 that all transmission path groups are in a connected state. In other words, it determines that device 200 and device 300 are in a connected state. Then, in step ST14, the process ends.

[0481] Furthermore, in the above description, only optical signals from device A (device 200) and optical signals from device B (device 300) are considered. However, when these optical signals are output simultaneously, it is necessary to be able to identify them separately. For example, it is thought that identification can be achieved by using pilot optical signals or optical signals of different wavelengths (frequency).

[0482] Figure 35 The flowchart shows Figures 30-32 Another example of the connection probing process in step ST2 is the third connection probing process. This example is the one described above. Figure 24 , Figure 26 , Figure 27This is an example of connection detection processing in the control unit 202 of device 200 in optical communication systems 100A to 100C. This example applies to an optical communication system that transmits optical signals from both device 200 and device 300, and specifically addresses the case where a break in the transmission path on the transmitting side and the transmission path on the receiving side is determined separately.

[0483] In this case, as described above, the transmitting unit 205T of device 200 outputs an optical signal and sends it to the device 300 side, and the transmitting unit 305T of device 300 also outputs an optical signal and sends it to the device 200 side. Furthermore, when an optical signal from device 200 is received in the receiving unit 305R of device 300, the transmitting unit 305T of device 300 outputs a reception confirmation optical signal indicating that the optical signal from device 200 has been received and sends it to the device 200 side.

[0484] First, the control unit 202 begins processing at step ST21. Next, at step ST22, the control unit 202 determines whether an optical signal has been received from device A (device 200) via at least one receiving unit (Rx) 205R. If received, the control unit 202 determines at step ST23 that an optical intermediate connection device, such as an optical cable, or a communication device to which the connection is being made has been disconnected, and then ends processing at step ST24.

[0485] Furthermore, at step ST22, if any receiving unit (Rx) 205R does not receive an optical signal from device A (device 200), which is itself, the control unit 202 determines at step ST25 whether the receiving unit (Rx) 205R has received an optical signal from device B (device 300), which is the communication device to be connected. If no signal is received, the control unit 202 determines at step ST26 that there is a break in at least one side of the receiving-side transmission path and the transmitting-side transmission path in the corresponding transmission path group of the optical cable, and then ends the process at step ST24.

[0486] Furthermore, at step ST22, if any receiving unit (Rx) 205R does not receive an optical signal from device A (device 200), which is itself, and at step ST25, the receiving unit (Rx) 205R receives an optical signal from device B (device 300), which is the communication device to be connected, the control unit 202 determines at step ST27 whether the receiving unit (Rx) 205R has received a reception confirmation optical signal indicating that an optical signal from device B (device 300) has been received from device A (device 200). If no such signal is received, the control unit 202 determines at step ST28 that there is a disconnection in the transmitting-side transmission path in the corresponding transmission path group, and then ends the process at step ST24.

[0487] Furthermore, at step ST22, when none of the receiving units (Rx) 205R receive an optical signal from device A (device 200), which is the device itself, and at step ST25 receive an optical signal from device B (device 300), which is the communication device to be connected, and at step ST27 receive a reception confirmation optical signal from device B (device 300), the control unit 202 determines at step ST29 that all transmission path groups are in a connected state. In other words, it determines that devices 200 and 300 are in a connected state, and then the process ends at step ST24.

[0488] It should be noted that the above description only describes the optical signals from device A (device 200) and from device B (device 300). However, for example, when these optical signals are output simultaneously, it is necessary to be able to identify them separately. Pilot optical signals, or optical signals of different wavelengths (frequency), could be considered to make them identifiable.

[0489] Figure 36 The flowchart shows Figures 30-32 Another example of the connection probing process in step ST2 is the fourth connection probing process. This example is... Figure 28 This is an example of connection detection processing in the control unit 202 of device 200D in optical communication system 100D. This example is an example of an optical communication system for transmitting optical signals from device 200D, and is an example of a situation where the disconnection of the transmitting-side transmission path and the receiving-side transmission path cannot be determined separately.

[0490] In this case, as described above, an optical signal is output from the transmitter 205T of device 200D and sent to the device 300 side.

[0491] First, the control unit 202 begins processing at step ST31. Next, at step ST32, the control unit 202 determines whether an optical signal has been received from device A (device 200D) via at least one receiving unit (Rx) 205R. If received, the control unit 202 determines that the signal has been disconnected at step ST33, and then ends processing at step ST34. It should be noted that disconnection may include the disconnection of any of the connection objects embedded in device A (device 200D), i.e., the optical cable, or other connection objects connected via the optical cable.

[0492] Furthermore, at step ST32, when any receiving unit (Rx) 205R does not receive an optical signal from device A (device 200D) which is itself, the control unit 202 determines at step ST35 whether the corresponding receiving unit (rx) 205r has received an optical signal from device A (device 200D) which is itself. If it has, at step ST36, the control unit 202 determines that there is a break in the corresponding transmission path group of the intra-device transmission path between the circulator 208 and the socket 201 of device A (device 200D), and then ends the process at step ST34.

[0493] Furthermore, at step ST32, when none of the receiving units (Rx) 205R receive an optical signal from device A (device 200D) which is itself, and at step ST35, none of the receiving units (rx) 205r receive an optical signal from device A (device 200D) which is itself, the control unit 202 determines at step ST37 that all transmission path groups are in a connected state. In other words, it determines that device 200D and device 300 are in a connected state, and then the process ends at step ST34.

[0494] Furthermore, the above description only refers to optical signals from device A (device 200D), which is itself a device. However, for example, device B (device 300) is also configured to perform the same connection detection process as device A (device 200D), and in the case where device B (device 300) sends optical signals to device A (device 200D), when optical signals from both sides are output simultaneously, they need to be able to identify each other. For example, it is possible to make them identifiable by using pilot optical signals or by using optical signals of different wavelengths (frequency).

[0495] Figure 37 The flowchart shows that as Figures 30-32 The fifth example of the connection probing process in step ST2 is another example of the connection probing process described above. Figure 28 This is an example of connection detection processing in the control unit 202 of device 200D in optical communication system 100D. This example is applicable to an optical communication system that emits optical signals from device 200D, and is an example of determining the case of disconnection of the transmission path on the transmitting side and the transmission path on the receiving side, respectively.

[0496] In this case, as described above, the transmitting unit 205T of device 200D outputs an optical signal and sends it to the device 300 side. In addition, when the receiving unit 305R of device 300 receives an optical signal from device 200, the transmitting unit 305T of device 300 outputs a reception confirmation optical signal indicating that the optical signal from device 200 has been received and sends it to the device 200 side.

[0497] First, the control unit 202 begins processing at step ST41. Next, at step ST42, the control unit 202 determines whether an optical signal has been received from device A (device 200D), which is itself a device, via at least one receiving unit (Rx) 205R. If received, the control unit 202 determines at step ST43 that any of the optical intermediate connection device such as an optical cable, or the communication device B to which the connection is located, has been disconnected, and then the processing ends at step ST44.

[0498] Furthermore, at step ST42, when any receiving unit (Rx) 205R does not receive an optical signal from device A (device 200D), which is itself a device, the control unit 202 determines at step ST45 whether the corresponding receiving unit (rx) 205r has received an optical signal from device A (device 200D), which is itself a device. If it has, the control unit 202 determines at step ST46 that the transmitting side transmission path in the corresponding transmission path group is disconnected, and then ends the process at step ST44.

[0499] Furthermore, at step ST42, if any receiving unit (Rx) 205R does not receive an optical signal from device A (device 200D), which is itself a device, and at step ST45, the corresponding receiving unit (rx) 205r does not receive an optical signal from device A (device 200D), which is itself a device (therefore, the transmitting-side transmission path is not broken), the control unit 202 determines at step ST47 whether the corresponding receiving unit (Rx) 205R has received a reception confirmation optical signal from device B (device 300), which is the communication device to be connected, indicating that an optical signal from device A (device 200D) has been received. If no such signal is received, the control unit 202 determines at step ST48 that the receiving-side transmission path in the corresponding transmission path group of the optical cable is broken, and then ends the process at step ST44.

[0500] Furthermore, in step ST42, when all receivers (Rx) 205R do not receive an optical signal from device A (device 200D) which is itself, and in step ST45, when all receivers (rx) 205r do not receive an optical signal from device A (device 200D) which is itself, and in step ST47, when all receivers (Rx) 205R receive a reception confirmation optical signal from device B (device 300), the control unit 202 determines in step ST49 that all transmission path groups are in a connected state. In other words, it determines that device 200D and device 300 are in a connected state, and then ends the process in step ST44.

[0501] Furthermore, the above description only addresses optical signals from device A (device 200D), which is itself a device. However, it is also possible to configure the device to perform the same connection detection process as on device A (device 200D) side, for example, device B (device 300), and to transmit optical signals from device B (device 300) to device A (device 200D). In the case where optical signals from both sides are output simultaneously, it is necessary to be able to identify them separately. For example, it is possible to make them identifiable by using pilot optical signals or optical signals with different wavelengths (frequency).

[0502] Figure 38 The flowchart shows Figures 30-32 Step ST2 is the sixth connection probing step, serving as an example of connection probing processing. This example is as described above. Figure 29 An example of connection detection processing in the control unit 202 of device 200E in optical communication system 100E. In this case, as described above, an optical signal is output from device 200E and sent to device 300E.

[0503] First, the control unit 202 begins processing in step ST51. Next, in step ST52, the control unit 202 determines whether an optical signal has been received from device A (device 200E), which is itself, at at least one receiving unit (rx) 205r. If received, the control unit 202 determines that the connection has been lost in step ST53, and then ends processing in step ST54. Furthermore, the loss may include the loss of the optical cable embedded in device A (device 200E) as a connected device, and the loss of any of the other connected devices connected via the optical cable.

[0504] In addition, in step ST52, when none of the receiving units (rx) 205r receive an optical signal from device A (device 200E) which is itself, the control unit 202 determines in step ST57 that all transmission path groups are in a connected state. In other words, it determines that device 200E and device 300E are in a connected state, and then ends the process in step ST54.

[0505] Figure 39 The flowchart shows Figures 30-32 Another example of the connection probing process in step ST2 is the seventh connection probing process. This example is the one described above. Figure 20 This is an example of connection detection processing in the control unit 202 of device 200E in optical communication system 100E. This example is applied to an optical communication system with a dedicated detection transmission path, and is an example of a situation where a break in the transmitting-side transmission path and the receiving-side transmission path cannot be determined separately.

[0506] In this case, as described above, the optical signal from the transmitter 205T of device 200E (which does not necessarily need to be able to identify that it is an optical signal from device 200E) is output and sent to the device 300E side, and the optical signal from the transmitter 305T of device 300E (which does not necessarily need to be able to identify that it is an optical signal from device 300E) is output and sent to the device 200E side.

[0507] First, the control unit 202 begins processing in step ST51. Next, in step ST52, the control unit 202 determines whether an optical signal from device A (device 200E) has been received at at least one receiving unit (rx) 205r. If received, the control unit 202 determines in step ST53 that it is either an optical intermediate connection device such as an optical cable or a communication device of the connection target, and then ends processing in step ST54.

[0508] Furthermore, in step ST52, if no optical signal is received by any receiving unit (rx) 205r, the control unit 202 determines in step ST55 whether the corresponding receiving unit (Rx) 205R has received an optical signal from device B (device 300E). If no signal is received, the control unit 202 determines in step ST56 that the corresponding transmission path group is disconnected, and then ends the process in step ST54.

[0509] Furthermore, at step ST52, when all receiving units (rx) 205r do not receive optical signals from device A (device 200E), and at step ST55, when all receiving units (Rx) 205R receive optical signals from device A (device 200E), the control unit 202 determines at step ST57 that all transmission path groups are in a connected state. In other words, it determines that device 200E and device 30E are in a connected state, and then, at step ST54, the process ends.

[0510] Figure 40 The flowchart shows that as Figures 30-32 The eighth example of the connection probing process in step ST2 is the connection probing process described above. Figure 29 This is an example of connection detection processing in the control unit 202 of device 200E in optical communication system 100E. This example is applicable to optical communication systems with dedicated detection transmission paths, and is an example of determining the disconnection of the transmitting-side transmission path and the receiving-side transmission path separately.

[0511] In this case, as described above, the transmitting unit 205T of device 200E outputs an optical signal (which does not need to be identifiable as an optical signal from device 200E) and sends it to the device 300E side. Furthermore, the transmitting unit 305T of device 300E also outputs an optical signal (which does not need to be identifiable as an optical signal from device 300E) and sends it to the device 200E side. In addition, when the receiving unit 305R of device 300E receives an optical signal from device A (device 200E), the transmitting unit 305T of device 300E outputs a reception confirmation optical signal indicating that the optical signal from device A (device 200E) has been received and sends it to the device 200E side.

[0512] First, the control unit 202 begins processing at step ST61. Next, at step ST62, the control unit 202 determines whether an optical signal from device A (device 200E) has been received at at least one receiving unit (rx) 205r. If received, the control unit 202 determines at step ST63 that the optical intermediate connection device such as the optical cable or device B (the communication device to be connected) has been disconnected, and then, at step ST64, the processing ends.

[0513] Furthermore, at step ST62, if any receiving unit (rx) 205r does not receive an optical signal from device A (device 200E), the control unit 202 determines at step ST65 whether the corresponding receiving unit (Rx) 205R has received an optical signal from device B (device 300E). If no signal is received, the control unit 202 determines at step ST66 that at least one of the receiving-side transmission path and the transmitting-side transmission path in the corresponding transmission path group is disconnected, and then, at step ST64, the process ends.

[0514] Furthermore, if at step ST62, any receiving unit (rx) 205r does not receive an optical signal from device A (device 200E), and at step ST65, the corresponding receiving unit (Rx) 205R receives an optical signal from device B (device 300E), then at step ST67, the control unit 202 determines whether the corresponding receiving unit (Rx) 205R has received a reception confirmation optical signal indicating that the optical signal from device A (device 200E) was received from device B (device 300E), which is the communication device to be connected. If no such signal is received, at step ST68, the control unit 202 determines that the transmitting-side transmission path in the corresponding transmission path group is disconnected, and then the process ends at step ST64.

[0515] Furthermore, at step ST62, when all receivers (rx) 205r do not receive an optical signal from device A (device 200E), and at step ST65, when all receivers (rx) 205R receive an optical signal from device B (device 300E), and at step ST67, when all receivers (rx) 205R receive a reception confirmation optical signal from device B (device 300E), the control unit 202 determines at step ST69 that all transmission path groups are in a connected state. In other words, it determines that device 200E and device 300E are in a connected state. Then, at step ST64, the process ends.

[0516] 1-3-2. Communication Processing

[0517] Figure 41 The flowchart shows Figures 30-32 The following is an example of communication processing in step ST6.

[0518] First, the control unit 202 begins processing at step ST71. Then, the control unit 202 initiates actual data communication at step ST72. In this case, in each transmission path group (communication channel), the communication optical signal (transmit optical signal) of the actual data is transmitted from the transmitting unit 205T to the communication device side of the target communication device via the transmitting side transmission path, and in each transmission path group, the receiving unit 205R receives the communication optical signal (receive optical signal) of the actual data from the communication device side of the target communication device via the receiving side transmission path.

[0519] Next, the control unit 202 determines whether a problem has occurred at step ST73. For example, if the receiving unit 205 no longer receives the communication optical signal (receive optical signal) in any transmission path group, the control unit 202 determines that a problem has occurred. When a problem is determined to have occurred, the control unit 202 proceeds to... Figures 30 to 32 Step ST7 is the processing step.

[0520] If no problem occurs in step ST73, the control unit 202 determines at step ST75 whether to terminate the communication. For example, if a user initiates an operation to terminate the communication, the control unit 202 determines that the communication has been terminated. If the communication has not been terminated, the control unit 202 returns to the processing of step ST73.

[0521] Furthermore, when communication ends in step ST75, the control unit 202 terminates communication at step ST76. Then, the control unit 202 terminates processing at step ST77.

[0522] "1-4. Determining the Disengagement Position"

[0523] Next, the determination of the detachment position (detachment point) will be described. When detachment is detected, the detachment position is determined automatically or when the user indicates the detachment point via the UI (user interface). As methods for determining the detachment position, consider (1) using pulsed light and determining the detachment position based on the delay time of the reflected light, (2) using continuous light and determining the detachment position based on the delay time of the reflected light, and (3) using the identifier (ID) inherent in the connector on the other end of the connected device to determine the detachment position, etc.

[0524] "1-4-1. Using pulsed light (optical signal), the departure position is determined based on the delay time of the reflected light."

[0525] First, the method described above (1) is described as a method that uses pulsed light (optical signal) and determines the departure position based on the delay time of the reflected light (hereinafter appropriately referred to as the "first method"). This first method is a distance measurement method known as dToF (direct time of flight).

[0526] Figure 42 An example of a specific configuration for implementing the first method is shown. Figure 42 In, with Figure 27 Corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted where appropriate. In the example shown, the detachment occurs at the plug 403-3 of the optical cable 400-3, but the detachment location is not limited to this and can be any location in the optical intermediate connection device or the communication device to which the connection is made.

[0527] In device 200, at least one transmission path group, such as a transmitter 205T and a receiver 205R corresponding to a first transmission path group, is used to determine the disconnection position. When the disconnection position is determined, a pulsed optical signal is transmitted from the transmitter 205T. At this time, the pulsed optical signal is output from the socket 201 and transmitted via the transmitter-side optical cable main transmission path 401-3T of the optical cable 400-3. This pulsed optical signal is reflected at the plug 403-3 of the optical cable 400-3, and the reflected pulsed optical signal is returned via the receiver-side optical cable main transmission path 401-3R of the optical cable 400-3. This returned pulsed optical signal is input to the socket 201 and received by the receiver 205R.

[0528] Then, the signal processing unit 204 performs a process to measure the time from when the pulsed light signal is output from the transmitting unit 205T until the pulsed light signal is input to the receiving unit 205R, and based on the measurement result, the control unit 202 determines the distance to the disengagement position. Alternatively, the disengagement point can be determined based on the distance to the disengagement position. The disengagement position information, which represents the disengagement position, composed of these distances or disengagement points, is constructed similarly to the disengagement or disconnection information described above, based on the socket 201 of device 200 and the socket 301 of device 300. Figure 42 The connection status between devices (excluding the diagram of device 300) is detected as at least optically disconnected. This determined disconnection position is displayed, for example, on a display of the presentation unit 206, allowing the user to easily grasp the disconnection position.

[0529] Figure 43 The flowchart illustrates an example of the processing procedure when determining the disengagement position. First, the control unit 202 begins processing at step ST101. Next, at step ST102, the control unit 202 causes the transmitting unit 205T to transmit a pulsed optical signal. Next, at step ST103, the control unit 202 causes the receiving unit 205R to receive the pulsed optical signal as reflected light. Next, at step ST104, the control unit 202 determines the disengagement position through processing by the signal processing unit 204. Finally, at step ST105, the control unit 202 terminates processing.

[0530] in addition, Figure 42 The specific structure shown is applied to Figure 27 The optical communication system 100C, but of course, can also be applied to the same applications. Figure 24 The optical communication system 100A shown Figure 26 The optical communication system 100B shown Figure 28 The optical communication system 100D shown and Figure 29 The optical communication system 100E is shown here. Only in this context... Figure 29 In the case of the optical communication system 100E shown, the returned pulsed optical signal is input to the receiver 205r instead of the receiver 205R.

[0531] "1-4-2. Using continuous light (optical signal), determine the decoupling position from the delay time of the returning light."

[0532] Next, the method described in (2) above, namely, the method of determining the departure position from the delay time of the returning light using continuous light (optical signal) (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as the "second method"), will be explained. This second method is the so-called FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) distance measurement method.

[0533] Figure 44 An example of a specific structure for implementing the second method is shown here. Figure 44 In, with Figure 27 The corresponding parts are labeled with the same numbers, and their detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate. In the illustrated example, the disconnection occurs at the plug 403-3 of the optical cable 400-3, but the disconnection location is not limited to this; it can be any location of the optical intermediate connection device or the communication device to which the connection is made.

[0534] In device 200, a transmitter 205T and a receiver 205R corresponding to a transmission path group (e.g., a first transmission path group) are used to determine the disconnection position. In addition, optical switches 211-214, a demultiplexer 215, and a multiplexer 216 are also provided in device (device A) 200.

[0535] The output side of the transmitter 205T is connected to the movable terminal of the optical switch 211. The fixed terminal on side a of the optical switch 211 is connected to the input side of the demultiplexer 215, and the output side of one of the demultiplexers 215 is connected to the fixed terminal on side a of the optical switch 212. Additionally, the fixed terminal on side b of the optical switch 211 is connected to the fixed terminal on side b of the optical switch 212. Then, the movable terminal of the optical switch 212 is connected to the socket 201.

[0536] Additionally, the input side of the receiver 205R is connected to the movable terminal of the optical switch 213. The fixed terminal on side a of the optical switch 213 is connected to the output side of the multiplexer 216. One input side of the multiplexer 216 is connected to the output side of the other demultiplexer 215, and the other input side of the multiplexer 216 is connected to the fixed terminal on side a of the optical switch 214. Furthermore, the fixed terminal on side b of the optical switch 213 is connected to the fixed terminal on side b of the optical switch 214. Then, the movable terminal of the optical switch 214 is connected to the socket 201. Optical switches 211 to 214 are normally connected to side b, but are connected to side a when the disengaged position is determined.

[0537] When the disengagement position is determined, a chirp optical signal, which is a continuous sinusoidal optical signal whose frequency increases over time, is output from the transmitting unit 205T. This chirp optical signal is input to the demultiplexer 215 and demultiplexed, and the demultiplexed chirp optical signal is output from the output side of one and the other of the demultiplexer 215.

[0538] The chirped optical signal output from the output side of the other side of the demultiplexer 215 is input to the input side of one side of the multiplexer 216. Additionally, the chirped optical signal output from the output side of one side of the demultiplexer 215 is output from the socket 201 and transmitted via the transmitting side optical cable main body transmission path 401-3T of the optical cable 400-3. This chirped optical signal is reflected at the plug 403-3 of the optical cable 400-3, and the reflected chirped optical signal is returned via the receiving side optical cable main body transmission path 401-3R of the optical cable 400-3. This returned chirped optical signal is input to the socket 201 and sent to the input side of the other side of the multiplexer 216.

[0539] In the multiplexer 216, the transmitted chirp signal (the chirp signal from the demultiplexer 215) and the received chirp signal (the returned chirp signal) are combined to generate an IF (Intermediate Frequency) optical signal having the frequency (beat frequency) of the difference between the transmitted and received signals. The IF optical signal output from the output side of the multiplexer 216 is transmitted to the receiver 205R.

[0540] Then, in the signal processing unit 204, the frequency (beat frequency) of the IF optical signal input to the receiving unit 205R is measured. Based on this measurement result, the control unit 202 determines the distance to the disconnection position. Alternatively, the disconnection position can also be determined based on the distance to the disconnection position. The disconnection position formed by these distances or disconnection positions constitutes connection relationship information in the same way as the disconnection or breakage described above. This connection relationship information is based on the socket 201 of device 200 and the socket 301 of device 300 (…). Figure 44 The connection state between the devices (not shown in the diagram of device 300) is detected as at least optically disconnected. This determined disconnection position is displayed, for example, on a display unit 206, allowing the user to easily grasp the disconnection position.

[0541] Furthermore, despite Figure 44 The structural example shown is applied to Figure 27 The optical communication system is 100C, but of course it can also be applied to the same applications. Figure 24 The optical communication system 100A shown Figure 26 The optical communication system 100B shown Figure 28 The optical communication system 100D shown and Figure 29 The optical communication system 100E shown is illustrated.

[0542] Figure 45 The flowchart illustrates an example of the processing procedure when the departure position is determined. First, the control unit 202 begins processing at step ST111. Next, the control unit 202 switches the optical path on the measurement side at step ST112. In this case, optical switches 211-214 are switched to connect to side a.

[0543] Next, at step ST113, control unit 202 causes transmitter 205T to transmit a chirped optical signal. Next, at step ST114, control unit 202 causes receiver 205R to receive the IF optical signal. Next, at step ST115, control unit 202 determines the disconnect position through processing by signal processing unit 204. Next, at step ST116, control unit 202 switches the optical path to the communication side. In this case, optical switches 211-214 are switched to connect to side b. Afterwards, control unit 202 terminates the process at step ST117.

[0544] Figure 46 Another example of a specific structure for implementing the second method is shown. Figure 46 In, with Figure 27 , Figure 44 The corresponding parts are accompanied by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted. In the illustrated example, the plug 403-3 of the optical cable 400-3 is detached, but the detachment location is not limited to this and can be any location of the optical intermediate connection device or the connected communication device. The above... Figure 44 The example shown is a configuration where communication and measurement are performed separately, but this... Figure 46 The example shown is a structure that can perform measurements while performing communication, and uses wavelength division multiplexing to perform measurements using wavelengths not used for communication.

[0545] In device 200, with Figure 44 Similarly, in the structural example, to determine the disconnection position, a transmitting unit 205T and a receiving unit 205R corresponding to a transmission path group (e.g., the first transmission path group) are used. Furthermore, in device (device A) 200, in... Figure 44 In the structural example, optical switches 211-214 are provided, but in this... Figure 46 In the structural example, a transmitting unit 221 for measurement, a receiving unit 223 for measurement, and WDM couplers (Wavelength Division Multiplexing Couplers) 222 and 224 are provided. Detailed descriptions are omitted here. WDM couplers are known components used as demultiplexers or multiplexers in wavelength division multiplexing systems.

[0546] The output side of the transmitter 205T for communication is connected to port 4 of the WDM coupler 222. Additionally, the output side of the transmitter 221 for measurement is connected to the input side of the demultiplexer 215. One output side of the demultiplexer 215 is connected to port 3 of the WDM coupler 222, and the other output side of the demultiplexer 215 is connected to the input side of one side of the multiplexer 216. Then, port 1 of the WDM coupler 222 is connected to the socket 201.

[0547] Additionally, the input side of the receiver 205R used for communication is connected to port 4 of the WDM coupler 224. Furthermore, the input side of the receiver 223 used for measurement is connected to the output side of the multiplexer 216, and the other input side of the multiplexer 216 is connected to port 3 of the WDM coupler 224. Then, port 1 of the WDM coupler 224 is connected to the socket 201.

[0548] When the disengagement position is determined, a chirped light signal of the measurement wavelength is output from the transmitter 221 used for measurement, that is, a continuous sinusoidal light signal whose frequency increases with the passage of time. The chirped light signal is input into the demultiplexer 215 and is split, and the split chirped light signal is output from one and the other output sides of the demultiplexer 215.

[0549] The chirped optical signal output from the other output side of the demultiplexer 215 is input to one input side of the multiplexer 216. Additionally, the chirped optical signal output from one output side of the demultiplexer 215 is output from the socket 201 via port 3 → port 1 of the WDM coupler 222 and transmitted via the transmitting side optical cable main transmission path 401-3T of the optical cable 400-3. This chirped optical signal is reflected at the plug 403-3 of the optical cable 400-3, and the reflected chirped optical signal is returned via the receiving side optical cable main transmission path 401-3R of the optical cable 400-3. This returned chirped optical signal is input to the socket 201 and transmitted to the other input side of the multiplexer 216 via port 1 → port 3 of the WDM coupler 224.

[0550] In the multiplexer 216, the transmitted chirp signal (the chirp signal from the splitter 215) and the received chirp signal (the returned chirp signal) are combined to generate an IF optical signal having the frequency difference (beat frequency) between the transmitted and received signals. The IF optical signal output from the output side of the multiplexer 216 is transmitted to the receiver 223 for measurement.

[0551] Then, the signal processing unit 204 performs processing to measure the frequency (beat frequency) of the IF optical signal in the input receiving unit 223. Based on the measurement result, the control unit 202 determines the distance to the disengagement position. Alternatively, the disengagement point can also be determined based on the distance to the disengagement position. The disengagement position, formed by these distances or disengagement points, is represented by the same method as the disengagement or disconnection described above, according to the socket 201 of device 200 and the socket 301 of device 300. Figure 46 The connection status between devices (excluding the diagram of device 300) is detected as a connection relationship information that is at least optically disconnected. The disconnection position determined in this way is displayed, for example, on a display such as a prompting unit 206, so that the user can easily grasp the disconnection position.

[0552] Furthermore, during communication, an optical signal of the communication wavelength is output from the transmitting unit 205T. This optical signal is output from the socket 201 via port 4→port 1 of the WDM coupler 222 and transmitted via the transmitting-side optical cable main transmission path 401-3T of the optical cable 400-3. Additionally, an optical signal of the communication wavelength transmitted via the receiving-side optical cable main transmission path 401-3R of the optical cable 400-3 is input to the socket 201 and transmitted to the receiving unit 205R for communication via port 1→port 4 of the WDM coupler 224.

[0553] in addition, Figure 46 The structural example shown is applied to Figure 27 The optical communication system 100C, but compared with the above... Figure 44 The structural example shown can, of course, also be applied to... Figure 24 The optical communication system 100A shown Figure 26 The optical communication syste...

Claims

1. An optical connector, comprising: case; A bending portion that bends one or more transmitted light rays input from one or more transmitting-side connectors located at one end of the housing, causing them to exit into a space formed within the housing; and A reflector is disposed within the housing and reflects the one or more transmitted lights emitted from the curved portion into the space. The bending angle of the curved portion is set to an angle that causes the one or more transmitted light beams to propagate toward the reflective portion. The reflection angle of the reflector is set to the angle at which one or more transmitted light rays are transmitted via the bend toward one end of the housing and to one or more external transmission paths of the receiving connector, which are respectively grouped with the external transmission paths of the one or more transmitting connectors.

2. The optical connector according to claim 1, configured as follows: When no other optical connectors are engaged on the other end of the housing, a non-engaged optical path is constructed that allows the one or more transmitted light beams to be transmitted toward the external transmission path of the receiving connector. When the other optical connectors are fitted on the other end side of the housing, they cooperate with the other optical connectors to form a fitted optical path, which enables one or more transmit light to be transmitted from the other end side toward the other optical connectors and transmits one or more receive light from the other optical connectors toward the external transmission path of the receive connector.

3. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein... Each optical connector internal transmission path group is formed by multiple transmission paths within the multiple transmitting side connectors that transmit light input from the multiple external transmission paths of the multiple transmitting side connectors, and multiple transmission paths within the multiple receiving side connectors that are grouped together with any one of the multiple transmission paths within the multiple transmitting side connectors.

4. The optical connector according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the optical connectors has its transmission path groups grouped together according to a correspondence with the identifier of the optical connector.

5. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The reflective part is composed of one or more reflective surfaces. The curved portion is composed of a prism or a reflective surface.

6. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The external transmission path of the receiving-side connector is a dedicated probe transmission path not used for actual data communication.

7. An optical communication device, comprising: This optical connector includes: a housing; a bending portion that bends one or more transmitted light rays input from one or more transmitting devices located at one end of the housing and emits them into a space formed within the housing; and a reflective portion disposed within the housing and reflecting the one or more transmitted light rays emitted from the bending portion into the space, wherein the bending angle of the bending portion is set to an angle such that the one or more transmitted light rays are transmitted toward the reflective portion. The reflection angle of the reflector is set to the angle at which the one or more transmitted light rays are transmitted via the curved portion toward one end of the housing and respectively with the transmission paths within the one or more transmitting devices that are grouped together with the transmission paths within the receiving devices. One or more transmitting units transmit the transmitted light to the transmission paths within the one or more transmitting side devices respectively; One or more receiving units receive one or more transmitted light beams transmitted via a transmission path within the one or more receiving side devices as one or more detection receiving light beams; as well as The control unit detects connection relationship information based on the reception status of the one or more detection receiving lights in the one or more receiving units.

8. The optical communication device according to claim 7, wherein, The receiving state is based on the connection relationship between the optical connector of this device and the optical connector of the connected communication device.

9. The optical communication device according to claim 7, configured as follows: In a non-engaged state where other optical connectors are not engaged with the other end of the housing, a non-engaged optical path is constructed that allows the one or more transmitted light sources from the one or more transmitting units to propagate toward the transmission path within the receiving device. The one or more receiving units receive the one or more transmitted light as the one or more receiving light for detection. In the mating state where the other optical connectors are mated to the other end of the housing, a mating optical path is constructed in cooperation with the other optical connectors, which enables the one or more transmitted light emitted from the one or more transmitting units to be transmitted from the other end toward the other optical connectors.

10. The optical communication device according to claim 9, wherein, One or more lights input from the other optical connectors to the optical connector of this device via the mating optical path are transmitted toward the transmission path within the receiving device.

11. The optical communication device according to claim 7, wherein, The optical connector of this device is configured to be mechanically and optically connected to the optical connector of the target communication device via one or more optical intermediate connection devices including at least one optical cable, and the optical connector of the target communication device is configured to be connected to one of the optical cables in the optical intermediate connection devices.

12. The optical communication device according to claim 11, wherein, The one or more optical intermediate connection devices are respectively provided with intermediate connection device optical connectors on one end and the other end. When the control unit constructs a non-interlocking optical path in either the optical connector of the device itself or the optical connector of the intermediate connection device on the other end of the one or more optical intermediate connection devices, it detects the connection relationship information based on the reception state of the light obtained by returning the transmitted light through the non-interlocking optical path, i.e., the detection received light, in the one or more receiving units.

13. The optical communication device according to claim 7, wherein, The optical connector of this device is configured to be indirectly connected to the optical connector of the communication device to which the connection is to be made via an optical intermediate connection device including at least one optical cable.

14. The optical communication device according to claim 7, wherein, The connection relationship information refers to the disengagement information between two optical connectors that should be mated among the multiple optical connectors between the optical connector of this device and the optical connector of the connected communication device.

15. The optical communication device according to claim 14, wherein, The connection relationship information is the detachment position information representing the detachment position.

16. The optical communication device according to claim 7, wherein, Each of the one or more receiving units is grouped with the one or more transmitting units, and the grouped transmitting and receiving units constitute each transmitting-receiving unit group. The control unit detects the connection relationship information for each of the transmitting and receiving unit groups.

17. The optical communication device according to claim 7, wherein, The control unit detects path information indicating which of the plurality of receiving units each of the plurality of transmitted light beams transmitted from the plurality of transmitting units receives, as the connection relationship information.

18. The optical communication device according to claim 17, wherein, The control unit detects and identifies the identifier information of the connector that is in a connection state immediately before the disengagement position based on the path information, and uses this as the connection relationship information.

19. The optical communication device according to claim 17, wherein, The control unit detects the detachment position information, which indicates the detachment location, based on the path information, and uses it as the connection relationship information.

20. The optical communication device according to claim 7, wherein, The connection relationship information indicates a disconnection between the one or more transmitting units and the optical connector of the communication device to which the connection is being made.

21. An optical cable, comprising: One or more optical fiber transmission path groups consist of one or more transmitting optical fiber transmission paths and one or more receiving optical fiber transmission paths that are grouped with the one or more transmitting optical fiber transmission paths. A first optical connector is disposed at one end of the transmission path group within the one or more optical cables; and A second optical connector is disposed at the other end of the transmission path group within the one or more optical cables. The second optical connector includes: case; The bending section allows one or more transmit light rays, which are input to the first optical connector from one or more external transmission paths of the transmitting optical cable located at one end of the housing and received via the internal transmission path of the transmitting optical cable, to bend and exit into the space formed within the housing. as well as A reflector is disposed within the housing and reflects the one or more transmitted lights emitted from the curved portion into the space. The bending angle of the curved portion is set to an angle that causes the one or more transmitted light beams to propagate toward the reflective portion. The reflection angle of the reflector is set to the angle at which the one or more transmitted light rays are transmitted via the bend toward one end of the housing and are respectively grouped with one or more receiving-side optical fiber external transmission paths.

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