A communication cable anomaly locating device and method

Abstract

The application discloses a communication cable singular point positioning device and method. The device comprises, in sequence, a light source device, a light switch, a light modulator, a fiber amplifier, a circulator, a light filter, a photoelectric detector and a collection and processing module. The light source device comprises first, second and third lasers for respectively exciting coherent Rayleigh scattering light, Raman scattering light and incoherent Rayleigh scattering light in a to-be-tested optical cable, and the wavelengths of the scattering lights are the same. The collection and processing module is used for respectively generating first, second and third signal arrays based on the collected electrical signals corresponding to the scattering lights. The second signal array is used for determining a temperature or a physical parameter mutation point of the optical cable, and the third signal array is used for determining an attenuation point. Based on the index of the first signal array and the array index corresponding to the singular point, the position of a ground vibration event of the first laser is dynamically corrected, and the ground position corresponding to the singular point is positioned based on the position. The ground position corresponding to the singular point can be accurately positioned.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fiber optic sensing technology, and in particular to a device and method for locating singularities in communication optical cables. Background Technology

[0002] As the physical medium for optical communication and optical sensing, the transmission characteristics of optical cables directly affect communication quality and sensing accuracy. During the transmission of optical signals through optical cables, the inherent microstructure characteristics of the optical fiber material cause complex light scattering phenomena, generating not only forward-transmitting light in the main transmission direction but also backward-transmitting light.

[0003] The characteristics of reverse transmission light have a nonlinear dependence on the incident light power. When the incident light power is within a preset range, reverse transmission light with the same wavelength as the incident light will be generated, which is called Rayleigh reflection light and is generally used as optical cable attenuation measurement light. When the incident light power is increased to a certain threshold, reverse transmission light with a different wavelength than the incident light will be generated, such as Raman light and Brillouin light. Raman light can be used for distributed temperature sensing, and Brillouin light can be used for distributed stress or distributed temperature sensing.

[0004] To better optimize network reliability, it is necessary to accurately locate singularities in optical cables. In this field, a singularity refers to abrupt changes in the parameters of an optical fiber, such as attenuation points, temperature abrupt changes, and abrupt changes in the physical parameters of the optical cable. Current methods for distributed stress or distributed temperature sensing utilize the optical fiber itself as the sensing medium. By analyzing the changes in the physical characteristics of the reverse-transmitted light generated when the optical signal propagates through the fiber, temperature or stress information at each point along the fiber can be retrieved to identify abrupt temperature or stress abrupt changes in the optical cable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Under current technology, the location information obtained for singularities such as temperature change points or pressure change points is along the length of the optical cable sheath. However, during the construction of optical cables, the cables are randomly bent in underground trenches and there is usually a certain length of coil at the cable joints, which causes the length of the cable sheath to be greater than the ground length corresponding to the cable burial. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately locate the ground position corresponding to the optical cable singularity.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention is proposed to provide a communication optical cable singularity location device and method to overcome or at least partially solve the above problems.

[0007] This invention provides a singularity location device for communication optical cables, comprising: a light source device, an optical switch, an optical modulator, an optical fiber amplifier, a circulator, an optical filter, a photodetector, and a data acquisition and processing module connected in sequence.

[0008] The circulator is used to input the pulsed laser signal amplified by the fiber amplifier into the optical cable under test, and to input the scattered light signal generated in the optical cable under test into the optical filter.

[0009] The light source device includes a first laser, a second laser, and a third laser, which are respectively used to excite coherent Rayleigh scattering light, Raman scattering light, and incoherent Rayleigh scattering light in the optical cable under test, wherein the wavelengths of the scattered light are the same.

[0010] The acquisition and processing module is used to generate a first signal array, a second signal array, and a third signal array based on the acquired coherent Rayleigh scattering electrical signal, Raman scattering electrical signal, and incoherent Rayleigh scattering electrical signal, respectively; determine temperature change points or optical cable physical parameter change points based on the second signal array, and determine optical cable attenuation points based on the third signal array; dynamically correct the location of the ground vibration event of the first laser based on the initial index of the first signal array and the array index corresponding to the singular point, and locate the ground position corresponding to the singular point based on the location, wherein the singular point includes temperature change points, optical cable physical parameter change points, and optical cable attenuation points.

[0011] In some optional embodiments, the acquisition and processing module determines temperature abrupt change points or optical cable physical parameter abrupt change points based on a second signal array, and determines optical cable attenuation points based on a third signal array, specifically including:

[0012] The second signal array is differentially processed to obtain the second differential signal; the temperature mutation point or the optical cable physical parameter mutation point is determined in the second differential signal based on a preset nonlinear mutation threshold.

[0013] The third signal array is differentially processed to obtain the third differential signal; the optical cable attenuation point is determined in the third differential signal based on a preset attenuation abrupt change threshold.

[0014] In some optional embodiments, the acquisition and processing module dynamically corrects the location of the ground vibration event of the first laser based on the initial index of the first signal array and the array index corresponding to the singular point, and locates the ground position corresponding to the singular point based on the location, specifically including:

[0015] The difference between the initial index of the first signal array and the index of the signal array corresponding to the singular point is determined;

[0016] If the difference between the initial index of the first signal array and the index of the signal array corresponding to the singular point is 0, then the location of the ground vibration event corresponding to the first signal array is the ground location corresponding to the singular point.

[0017] If the difference between the initial index of the first signal array and the index of the signal array corresponding to the singular point is not 0, the location of the ground vibration event of the first laser is adjusted until the difference between the initial index of the first signal array obtained at the adjusted location and the index of the signal array corresponding to the singular point is 0. Then, this location is the ground location of the singular point.

[0018] In some optional embodiments, the acquisition and processing module further includes determining the state of the optical cable under test based on the determined temperature change point, optical cable physical parameter change point, and optical cable attenuation point.

[0019] In some optional embodiments, the acquisition and processing module determines the state of the optical cable under test based on determined temperature abrupt change points, optical cable splice points, and optical cable attenuation points, specifically including:

[0020] The first set of singularities is formed based on the determined temperature change points or optical cable physical parameter change points, and the second set of singularities is formed based on the determined optical cable attenuation points.

[0021] If a singular point exists in the first set of singular points but not in the second set of singular points, it means that the point is the splice of the optical cable under test, but no attenuation occurs at the splice.

[0022] If a singularity exists in both the first and second singularity sets, it indicates that the optical cable at that point is damaged.

[0023] This invention also provides a method for locating singularities in communication optical cables, implemented based on the positioning device described above, including:

[0024] The lasers in the light source device are switched by an optical switch;

[0025] When the accessed laser is a second laser, the acquisition and processing module acquires the Raman scattering electrical signal and generates a second signal array, and determines the temperature change point or the optical cable physical parameter change point based on the second signal array;

[0026] When the accessed laser is a third laser, the acquisition and processing module acquires the incoherent Rayleigh scattering electrical signal and generates a third signal array, and determines the optical cable attenuation point based on the third signal array;

[0027] Based on the signal array index corresponding to the determined singular point, the initial position of the vibration event on the ground is selected, and the light source device is switched to the first laser by the optical switch. Then the acquisition and processing module acquires the coherent Rayleigh scattering electrical signal and generates the first signal array.

[0028] Based on the array index corresponding to the singular point and the initial index of the first signal array, the location of the ground vibration event of the first laser is dynamically corrected, and the ground position of the singular point is located based on the location.

[0029] In some optional embodiments, determining the temperature abrupt change point or the optical cable physical parameter abrupt change point based on the second signal array, and determining the optical cable attenuation point based on the third signal array, includes:

[0030] The second signal array is differentially processed to obtain a second differential signal; a temperature mutation point or an optical cable physical parameter mutation point is determined in the second differential signal based on a preset nonlinear mutation threshold.

[0031] The third signal array is differentially processed to obtain a third differential signal; the optical cable attenuation point is determined in the third differential signal based on a preset attenuation abrupt change threshold.

[0032] In some optional embodiments, selecting the initial location of the ground vibration event based on the signal array index corresponding to the determined singularity includes:

[0033] Based on the signal array index corresponding to the determined singularity, the length of the optical cable sheath corresponding to the singularity is obtained. A distance on the ground less than the length of the optical cable sheath from the starting point of the optical cable is selected as the initial position where the vibration event occurs.

[0034] In some optional embodiments, the step of dynamically correcting the location of the ground vibration event of the first laser based on the array index corresponding to the singular point and the initial index of the first signal array, and locating the ground position of the singular point based on the location, includes:

[0035] The difference between the initial index of the first signal array and the index of the signal array corresponding to the singular point to be located is judged. If the difference is not 0, the position of the ground vibration event is adjusted.

[0036] Until the difference is 0, the location of the ground vibration event corresponding to the first signal array is the ground location of the singular point.

[0037] In some optional embodiments, the method further includes determining the state of the optical cable under test based on determined temperature abrupt change points, optical cable physical parameter abrupt change points, and optical cable attenuation points.

[0038] The beneficial effects of the above-mentioned technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention include at least the following: In the design of the light source device, the communication optical cable singularity point positioning device provided by the embodiments of the present invention acquires the vibration signal corresponding to the first signal array, the temperature or optical cable physical parameter change signal corresponding to the second signal array, and the attenuation signal corresponding to the third signal array through three lasers, thereby realizing multi-dimensional data acquisition; at the same time, it ensures that all scattered light wavelengths are the same, so as to ensure that the propagation speed of each scattered light in the optical fiber is consistent, eliminating the difference in arrival time of the reflected signals at the same physical location, which can significantly reduce positioning errors and improve accuracy;

[0039] The device also integrates an optical switch and an optical modulator to enable rapid switching of the light source and generation of pulse signals. Combined with an optical fiber amplifier, it enhances the detection distance and sensitivity. It also includes a circulator, an optical filter, and a photodetector. The circulator can precisely control the direction of the optical path, the optical filter can filter out interference wavelengths, improve signal purity, and reduce noise. The photodetector can convert the optical signal into an electrical signal and digitize it in real time, improving data analysis efficiency.

[0040] In the acquisition and processing module, each singularity is determined by the second signal array and the third signal array respectively. By dynamically calibrating the array index corresponding to the singularity and the initial index of the first signal array, the ground position of the singularity is accurately located.

[0041] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the written description, claims, and drawings.

[0042] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the communication optical cable singularity location device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the singularity location method for communication optical cables in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0047] 101. Light source device; 102. Optical switch; 103. Optical modulator; 104. Fiber optic amplifier; 105. Circulator; 106. Optical filter; 107. Photodetector; 108. Acquisition and processing module; 109. Optical cable under test;

[0048] 1011, First laser; 1012, Second laser; 1013, Third laser. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0050] To address the problem in existing technologies that can only locate singularities along the length of the cable sheath and cannot accurately pinpoint the ground location corresponding to the singularity, this invention provides a communication optical cable singularity location device and method that can achieve high-precision ground location of attenuation points, temperature change points, and physical parameter change points of optical cable lines.

[0051] Example 1

[0052] Embodiment 1 of the present invention provides a singularity location device for communication optical cables, the structural schematic diagram of which is shown below. Figure 1 As shown, it includes: a light source device 101, an optical switch 102, an optical modulator 103, an optical fiber amplifier 104, a circulator 105, an optical filter 106, a photodetector 107, and a data acquisition and processing module 108 connected in sequence.

[0053] The light source device 101 includes a first laser 1011, a second laser 1012, and a third laser 1013, which are respectively used to excite coherent Rayleigh scattering light, Raman scattering light, and incoherent Rayleigh scattering light in the optical cable under test 109, wherein the wavelengths of the scattered light are the same; the optical cable under test 109 is connected to the circulator 105.

[0054] Optical switch 102 is used to switch the lasers in the light source device;

[0055] The optical modulator 103 is used to convert the received continuous laser signal into a pulsed laser signal;

[0056] The fiber amplifier 104 is used to amplify the received pulsed laser signal; optionally, the fiber amplifier 104 is an erbium-doped fiber amplifier.

[0057] The circulator 105 is used to control the direction of light propagation, so that the pulsed laser signal amplified by the fiber amplifier 104 is input to the optical cable under test 109, and the scattered light signal generated in the optical cable under test 109 is input to the optical filter 106.

[0058] The optical filter 106 is used to filter out optical signals that are different from the wavelengths of the scattered light;

[0059] The photodetector 107 is used to convert the received optical signal into an electrical signal;

[0060] The acquisition and processing module 108 is used to generate a first signal array, a second signal array, and a third signal array based on the acquired coherent Rayleigh scattering electrical signal, Raman scattering electrical signal, and incoherent Rayleigh scattering electrical signal, respectively; determine the temperature change point or the optical cable physical parameter change point based on the second signal array, and determine the optical cable attenuation point based on the third signal array; dynamically correct the position of the ground vibration event of the first laser 1011 based on the initial index of the first signal array and the array index corresponding to the singular point, and locate the ground position corresponding to the singular point based on the position, wherein the array index represents the outer sheath length of the optical cable, and the singular point includes the temperature change point, the optical cable physical parameter change point, and the optical cable attenuation point.

[0061] In some optional embodiments, 1) the first laser 1011 is used to excite coherent Rayleigh scattered light in the optical cable 109 under test to provide a light source for detecting vibration signals in the optical cable line. Optionally, the wavelength of the light source is 1550nm and the linewidth is 3KHz, and coherent Rayleigh scattered light with a wavelength of 1550nm is excited.

[0062] 2) The second laser 1012 is used to excite Raman scattered light in the optical cable under test 109 to provide a light source for detecting temperature signals or physical parameter signals in the optical cable line. Specifically, it excites the Raman phenomenon in the optical cable line, generates nonlinear frequency shift, and forms Stokes light or anti-Stokes light. The relationship between the wavelength of the light source and the wavelengths of the Stokes light and anti-Stokes light is as follows: the wavelength of the Stokes light is 100 nm larger than the wavelength of the light source, and the wavelength of the anti-Stokes light is 100 nm smaller than the wavelength of the light source.

[0063] Optionally, the linewidth of the light source is 1MHz. If the wavelength of the light source is 1450nm, it forms Stokes light with a wavelength of 1550nm; if the wavelength of the light source is 1650nm, it forms anti-Stokes light with a wavelength of 1550nm.

[0064] 3) The third laser 1013 is used to excite incoherent Rayleigh scattering light in the optical cable 109 under test, providing a light source for detecting the optical attenuation signal in the optical cable line. Optionally, the wavelength of the light source is 1550nm and the linewidth is 1nm, which excites incoherent Rayleigh scattering light with a wavelength of 1550nm.

[0065] The linewidth of the laser's emitted light source is related to the coherence of the scattered light generated in the optical cable under test. A narrow linewidth light source will excite coherent scattered light, while a wide linewidth light source will excite incoherent scattered light. Optionally, the first laser emits a light source with a linewidth greater than 1 kHz and less than or equal to 1 MHz; the second laser emits a light source with a linewidth greater than 1 MHz and less than or equal to 1 GHz; and the third laser emits a light source with a linewidth greater than 1 GHz.

[0066] In the design of the light source device 101, three lasers with different characteristics are used, and the scattered light generated by each laser in the optical cable line has the same wavelength. By precisely controlling the wavelength of the returned scattered light, the difference in propagation speed of different wavelength light signals in the optical fiber is effectively eliminated, reducing positioning errors. The millisecond-level switching of the three lasers is achieved by the optical switch 102, which greatly improves the fault identification rate compared with the single detection mode. By adopting the cascade design of the optical modulator 103 and the optical fiber amplifier 104, pulsed light with a peak power reaching a preset threshold is generated, which greatly improves the intensity of the scattered signal compared with the traditional continuous wave system. The combined application of the circulator 105 and the optical filter 106 can effectively suppress spontaneous emission noise, filter out light signals with different wavelengths from each scattered light, and improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal received by the photodetector.

[0067] In some optional embodiments, the acquisition and processing module 108 determines temperature abrupt change points or optical cable physical parameter abrupt change points based on the second signal array, and determines optical cable attenuation points based on the third signal array, specifically including:

[0068] 1) Differential processing is performed on the second signal array to obtain the second differential signal. Temperature abrupt change points or optical cable physical parameter abrupt change points are determined in the second differential signal based on a preset nonlinear abrupt change threshold, where the nonlinear abrupt change threshold includes both a temperature abrupt change threshold and an optical cable physical parameter abrupt change threshold. When the optical cable model or batch is inconsistent, it will be represented by abrupt changes in the optical cable physical parameters in the array. When the optical cable line temperature is consistent, and the optical cable model and batch are consistent, the second signal array is a slowly varying signal. The index of the second signal array represents the sheath length of the optical cable, and the value of the array represents the magnitude of the Raman scattering signal, which can characterize temperature information and optical cable physical parameter information. When the absolute value of the second differential signal is greater than the preset nonlinear abrupt change threshold, the signal is a temperature abrupt change point or an optical cable physical parameter abrupt change point, and the index corresponding to this signal is the optical cable sheath length corresponding to the abrupt change point. The nonlinear abrupt change thresholds corresponding to the temperature abrupt change point and the optical cable physical parameter abrupt change point are different.

[0069] 2) Perform differential processing on the third signal array to obtain the third differential signal; determine the optical cable attenuation point in the third differential signal based on a preset attenuation abrupt change threshold; wherein, the index of the third signal array represents the sheath length of the optical cable, and the value of the array represents the magnitude of the incoherent Rayleigh scattering signal, which can characterize the optical cable attenuation; when the absolute value of the third differential signal is greater than the preset attenuation abrupt change threshold, the signal is the optical cable attenuation point, and the index corresponding to the signal is the optical cable sheath length corresponding to the attenuation point.

[0070] In some optional embodiments, the acquisition and processing module 108 dynamically corrects the location of the ground vibration event occurring at the first laser 1011 based on the initial index of the first signal array and the array index corresponding to the singular point, and locates the ground position corresponding to the singular point based on the location, specifically including:

[0071] 1) Determine the difference between the initial index of the first signal array and the index of the signal array corresponding to the singular point;

[0072] When a vibration event occurs at a certain ground location, a coherent Rayleigh scattering signal is generated at that location. Accordingly, the acquisition and processing module 108 obtains a first signal array with the optical cable sheath length corresponding to that location as the initial index. The initial index of the first signal array represents the sheath length of the optical cable, and the value of the array represents the magnitude of the coherent Rayleigh scattering signal, which can characterize the vibration information of the optical cable line.

[0073] Determine the difference between the initial index of the first signal array and the index of the signal array corresponding to the singular point, and determine whether the position is the position corresponding to the singular point based on the difference.

[0074] 2) If the difference between the initial index of the first signal array and the index of the signal array corresponding to the singular point is 0, then the location of the ground vibration event corresponding to the first signal array is the ground location corresponding to the singular point.

[0075] Specifically, if the difference is 0, it means that the fiber optic cable length corresponding to the location where the ground vibration event of the first laser occurs is exactly the same as the fiber optic cable length corresponding to the singular point, and that location is exactly the ground location corresponding to the singular point.

[0076] 3) If the difference between the initial index of the first signal array and the index of the signal array corresponding to the singular point is not 0, the position of the ground vibration event of the first laser is adjusted until the difference between the initial index of the first signal array obtained at the adjusted position and the index of the signal array corresponding to the singular point is 0. Then, this position is the ground position of the singular point.

[0077] Specifically, if the difference is not 0, it indicates that the fiber optic cable length corresponding to the location of the ground vibration event of the first laser 1011 is not the fiber optic cable length corresponding to the singular point. Therefore, the location of the ground vibration event of the first laser is adjusted based on the difference: ① If the fiber optic cable length corresponding to the location of the ground vibration event of the first laser 1011 is less than the fiber optic cable length corresponding to the singular point, the location of the ground vibration event of the first laser 1011 is moved a certain distance towards the end of the fiber optic cable; ② If the fiber optic cable length corresponding to the location of the ground vibration event of the first laser 1011 is greater than the fiber optic cable length corresponding to the singular point, the location of the ground vibration event of the first laser 1011 is moved a certain distance towards the beginning of the fiber optic cable. The distance moved is determined based on the difference. This adjustment continues until the difference is 0, at which point the adjusted location is the ground position of the singular point.

[0078] In some optional embodiments, the acquisition and processing module 108 further includes determining the state of the optical cable 109 under test based on determined temperature abrupt change points, optical cable physical parameter abrupt change points, and optical cable attenuation points. Specifically: 1) A first set of singularities is formed based on determined temperature abrupt change points or optical cable physical parameter abrupt change points, and a second set of singularities is formed based on determined optical cable attenuation points; 2) If a singularity exists in the first set of singularities but not in the second set of singularities, it indicates that the point is a splice of the optical cable 109 under test, and the optical cable characteristics on both sides of the splice are inconsistent, but no attenuation occurs at the splice; if a singularity exists in both the first and second sets of singularities, it indicates that the optical cable at that point is damaged. This allows for accurate differentiation between normal points, splice points, and damaged points in the optical cable 109 under test.

[0079] In this embodiment, the method identifies abrupt changes in temperature or optical cable physical parameters by detecting changes in Raman scattering signals; it identifies optical cable attenuation points by detecting changes in incoherent Rayleigh scattering signals; and it locates the actual ground position of the singular point by dynamically calibrating the initial index of the obtained coherent Rayleigh scattering signal with the signal array index corresponding to the singular point. This eliminates the limitations of traditional single fiber length information, allowing for rapid fault location during maintenance and reducing troubleshooting time. It is suitable for complex environments such as underground optical cables and cross-regional networks, providing comprehensive diagnosis of optical cable health and preventing potential faults.

[0080] Example 2:

[0081] Embodiment 2 of the present invention provides a method for locating singularities in communication optical cables, which is implemented based on the above-mentioned positioning device, and the process is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, it includes:

[0082] Step S101: Switch the lasers in the light source device 101 by means of optical switch 102;

[0083] When it is necessary to measure the temperature change point or physical parameter change point of the optical cable, the laser in the light source device 101 is switched to the second laser 1012 by the optical switch 102; when it is necessary to measure the attenuation point of the optical cable, the laser in the light source device 101 is switched to the third laser 1013 by the optical switch 102.

[0084] Step S102: When the connected laser is the second laser 1012, the acquisition and processing module 108 acquires the Raman scattering electrical signal and generates a second signal array, and determines the temperature change point or the optical cable physical parameter change point based on the second signal array; when the connected laser is the third laser 1013, the acquisition and processing module 108 acquires the incoherent Rayleigh scattering electrical signal and generates a third signal array, and determines the optical cable attenuation point based on the third signal array.

[0085] After the laser is connected, the received continuous laser signal is switched to a pulsed laser signal by the optical modulator 103, the received pulsed laser signal is amplified by the fiber amplifier 104, and the amplified pulsed laser signal is input to the optical cable under test by the circulator 105. The scattered light signal generated in the optical cable under test is input to the optical filter 106 for filtering. The received optical signal is converted into an electrical signal by the photodetector 107, and the acquired electrical signal is digitized by the acquisition and processing module 108 to obtain a signal array and further determined by differential processing to identify singularities.

[0086] The process involves differential processing of the signal array to obtain the rate of change information, essentially extracting abrupt changes in the signal. Each element in the resulting differential signal array represents the difference in signal values ​​between adjacent positions. A positive difference value indicates that the signal strength at the current position is higher than the previous position, a negative difference value indicates that the signal strength at the current position is lower than the previous position, and a difference value of zero or near zero indicates that the signal shows no significant change, i.e., a slowly changing region. Abrupt changes are determined based on the absolute value of the differential signal and a preset threshold. For a detailed explanation of the process for determining singularities, please refer to the description of the acquisition and processing module in the aforementioned device; it will not be repeated here.

[0087] Step S103: Based on the signal array index corresponding to the determined singular point, select the initial position where the vibration event occurs on the ground, and switch the light source device 101 to the first laser 1011 through the optical switch 102. Then the acquisition and processing module 108 acquires the coherent Rayleigh scattering electrical signal and generates the first signal array.

[0088] Because optical cables bend randomly in underground trenches and there is usually a certain length of coil at the joint, the outer sheath length of the underground optical cable is greater than the actual ground location length at the same location.

[0089] In this step, the length of the optical cable sheath corresponding to the singular point is obtained based on the signal array index corresponding to the determined singular point. A distance less than the length of the optical cable sheath is selected on the ground from the starting point of the optical cable as the initial position of the vibration event, and coherent Rayleigh scattering electrical signals are collected and digitally processed.

[0090] Step S104: Based on the array index corresponding to the singular point and the initial index of the first signal array, dynamically correct the position of the ground vibration event of the first laser, and locate the ground position of the singular point based on the position.

[0091] In this step, the difference between the initial index of the first signal array and the index of the signal array corresponding to the singular point to be located is determined. If the difference is not 0, the location of the ground vibration event is adjusted until the difference is 0. Then, the location of the ground vibration event corresponding to the first signal array is the ground location of the singular point. For the specific adjustment and positioning process, please refer to the description of the acquisition and processing module in the above device, which will not be repeated here.

[0092] In some optional embodiments, the state of the optical cable under test is determined based on the determined temperature abrupt change point, optical cable physical parameter abrupt change point, and optical cable attenuation point.

[0093] The methods and apparatus described in the embodiments of the present invention solve the problem of rough positioning caused by traditional technologies relying solely on sheath length information through multi-source collaboration, optical path optimization design, and intelligent data analysis. They achieve high-precision, multi-type identification of optical cable singularities, significantly improving the efficiency and reliability of optical cable maintenance.

[0094] Unless otherwise specifically stated, terms such as processing, calculation, operation, determination, display, etc., may refer to the actions and / or processes of one or more processing or computing systems or similar devices that represent the manipulation and conversion of data representing physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within the registers or memory of the processing system into other data similarly representing physical quantities within the memory, registers, or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices of the processing system. Information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and methods. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips mentioned throughout the above description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, light fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0095] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed process is an example of an exemplary method. Based on design preferences, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the process may be rearranged without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The appended method claims provide elements of various steps in an exemplary order and are not intended to limit the scope to the specific order or hierarchy described.

[0096] In the detailed description above, various features are combined together in a single embodiment to simplify this disclosure. This approach to disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that embodiments of the claimed subject matter require more features than are explicitly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the appended claims, the invention is presented with fewer features than all of the features in a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the appended claims are hereby explicitly incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim representing a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0097] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in conjunction with the embodiments herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination thereof. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability between hardware and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps described above are generally described in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in alternative ways for each specific application; however, such implementation decisions should not be construed as departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0098] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments herein can be directly embodied in hardware, software modules executed by a processor, or a combination thereof. The software modules can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is connected to the processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can exist as discrete components in the user terminal.

[0099] For software implementation, the techniques described in this application can be implemented using modules (e.g., procedures, functions, etc.) that perform the functions described in this application. This software code can be stored in memory units and executed by a processor. The memory units can be implemented within the processor or outside the processor; in the latter case, they are communicatively coupled to the processor via various means, as is well known in the art.

[0100] The foregoing description includes examples of one or more embodiments. It is certainly impossible to describe all possible combinations of components or methods in order to describe the above embodiments, but those skilled in the art will recognize that further combinations and arrangements of the various embodiments are possible. Therefore, the embodiments described herein are intended to cover all such changes, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the term "comprising" as used in the specification or claims is interpreted in a manner similar to the term "including," as interpreted when used as a conjunction in the claims. Additionally, the use of any term "or" in the specification of the claims is intended to mean "non-exclusive or."

Claims

1. A singularity location device for communication optical cables, characterized in that, include: The light source device, optical switch, optical modulator, fiber optic amplifier, circulator, optical filter, photodetector and acquisition and processing module are connected in sequence. The circulator is used to input the pulsed laser signal amplified by the fiber amplifier into the optical cable under test, and to input the scattered light signal generated in the optical cable under test into the optical filter. The light source device includes a first laser, a second laser, and a third laser, which are respectively used to excite coherent Rayleigh scattering light, Raman scattering light, and incoherent Rayleigh scattering light in the optical cable under test, wherein the wavelengths of the scattered light are the same. The acquisition and processing module is used to generate a first signal array, a second signal array, and a third signal array based on the acquired coherent Rayleigh scattering electrical signal, Raman scattering electrical signal, and incoherent Rayleigh scattering electrical signal, respectively; determine temperature change points or optical cable physical parameter change points based on the second signal array, and determine optical cable attenuation points based on the third signal array; dynamically correct the location of the ground vibration event of the first laser based on the initial index of the first signal array and the array index corresponding to the singular point, and locate the ground position corresponding to the singular point based on the location, wherein the array index represents the outer sheath length of the optical cable, and the singular point includes temperature change points, optical cable physical parameter change points, and optical cable attenuation points.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, In the acquisition and processing module, temperature abrupt change points or optical cable physical parameter abrupt change points are determined based on the second signal array, and optical cable attenuation points are determined based on the third signal array. Specifically, this includes: The second signal array is differentially processed to obtain a second differential signal; a temperature mutation point or an optical cable physical parameter mutation point is determined in the second differential signal based on a preset nonlinear mutation threshold; the nonlinear mutation threshold includes a temperature mutation threshold and an optical cable physical parameter mutation threshold. The third signal array is differentially processed to obtain the third differential signal; the optical cable attenuation point is determined in the third differential signal based on a preset attenuation abrupt change threshold.

3. The apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the acquisition and processing module, based on the initial index of the first signal array and the array index corresponding to the singular point, the position of the ground vibration event occurring at the first laser is dynamically corrected, and the ground position corresponding to the singular point is located based on the position, specifically including: The difference between the initial index of the first signal array and the index of the signal array corresponding to the singular point is determined; If the difference between the initial index of the first signal array and the index of the signal array corresponding to the singular point is 0, then the location of the ground vibration event corresponding to the first signal array is the ground location corresponding to the singular point. If the difference between the initial index of the first signal array and the index of the signal array corresponding to the singular point is not 0, the location of the ground vibration event of the first laser is adjusted until the difference between the initial index of the first signal array obtained at the adjusted location and the index of the signal array corresponding to the singular point is 0. Then, this location is the ground location of the singular point.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The acquisition and processing module also includes determining the state of the optical cable under test based on the determined temperature change point, optical cable physical parameter change point, and optical cable attenuation point.

5. The apparatus as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The data acquisition and processing module determines the state of the optical cable under test based on the determined temperature abrupt change points, optical cable physical parameter abrupt change points, and optical cable attenuation points. Specifically, this includes: The first set of singularities is formed based on the determined temperature change points or optical cable physical parameter change points, and the second set of singularities is formed based on the determined optical cable attenuation points. If a singular point exists in the first set of singular points but not in the second set of singular points, it means that the point is the splice of the optical cable under test, but no attenuation occurs at the splice. If a singularity exists in both the first and second singularity sets, it indicates that the optical cable at that point is damaged.

6. A method for locating singularities in a communication optical cable, implemented based on the positioning device described in claims 1-5, characterized in that, include: The lasers in the light source device are switched by an optical switch; When the accessed laser is a second laser, the acquisition and processing module acquires the Raman scattering electrical signal and generates a second signal array, and determines the temperature change point or the optical cable physical parameter change point based on the second signal array; When the accessed laser is a third laser, the acquisition and processing module acquires the incoherent Rayleigh scattering electrical signal and generates a third signal array, and determines the optical cable attenuation point based on the third signal array; Based on the signal array index corresponding to the determined singular point, the initial position of the vibration event on the ground is selected, and the light source device is switched to the first laser by the optical switch. Then the acquisition and processing module acquires the coherent Rayleigh scattering electrical signal and generates the first signal array. Based on the array index corresponding to the singular point and the initial index of the first signal array, the location of the ground vibration event of the first laser is dynamically corrected, and the ground position of the singular point is located based on the location.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The step of determining temperature abrupt change points or optical cable physical parameter abrupt change points based on the second signal array, and determining optical cable attenuation points based on the third signal array, includes: The second signal array is differentially processed to obtain a second differential signal; a temperature mutation point or an optical cable physical parameter mutation point is determined in the second differential signal based on a preset nonlinear mutation threshold. The third signal array is differentially processed to obtain a third differential signal; the optical cable attenuation point is determined in the third differential signal based on a preset attenuation abrupt change threshold.

8. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The selection of the initial location of a ground vibration event based on the signal array index corresponding to a determined singularity includes: Based on the signal array index corresponding to the determined singularity, the length of the optical cable sheath corresponding to the singularity is obtained. A distance on the ground less than the length of the optical cable sheath from the starting point of the optical cable is selected as the initial position where the vibration event occurs.

9. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The method of dynamically correcting the location of the ground vibration event of the first laser based on the array index corresponding to the singular point and the initial index of the first signal array, and locating the ground position of the singular point based on the location, includes: The difference between the initial index of the first signal array and the index of the signal array corresponding to the singular point to be located is judged. If the difference is not 0, the position of the ground vibration event is adjusted. Until the difference is 0, the location of the ground vibration event corresponding to the first signal array is the ground location of the singular point.

10. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: The state of the optical cable under test is determined based on the identified temperature mutation points, optical cable physical parameter mutation points, and optical cable attenuation points.

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