Sheath suitable for wrapping a cable, supervisor and method for supervising cables of a cable network

Abstract

Sheath capable of wrapping a cable, supervisor and method for supervising cables of a cable network The invention relates to a sheath capable of wrapping a cable, a supervisor and method for supervising cables of a cable network, such as in particular fiber optic networks. An object of the invention is a sheath capable of wrapping a cable, the sheath comprising at least one layer of smart material, the smart material being capable of changing state depending on a given stimulus exerted at one end of the assembly constituted by the cable wrapped by the sheath. Thus, identification of the cable is facilitated even at a distance. This allows in particular a rapid diagnosis of errors and / or cable connection faults at a distributor. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Sheath capable of wrapping a cable, supervisor and method for supervising cables of a cable network Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a sheath capable of wrapping a cable, a supervisor and method for supervising cables of a cable network, such as in particular fiber optic networks. State of the art

[0002] Cable networks, also called wired networks, allow the distribution of services such as energy services, communication services, etc. They are notably equipped with distributors, for example interconnections, such as interconnection cabinets, also called street cabinets, mutualization points or connection points, allowing the "last mile connection", i.e. the connection of a service distribution point to an existing cable network. This type of distributor therefore groups together the cables allowing the connection of numerous distribution points.

[0003] Today, these cable networks are experiencing increasing malfunctions, often linked to deliberate damage, errors or connection defects at these distributors. In particular, since users have a choice of distribution operators, the multiplicity of technicians working on these distributors to connect new distribution points or for after-sales service can cause numerous malfunctions linked in particular to connection defects or errors. This results in dissatisfaction among customers of the distribution points and additional after-sales service interventions.

[0004] Furthermore, fault diagnosis is often complicated. The main reason for this difficulty lies in the fact that the distributor has a set of tangled cables following successive connections and disconnections to unsuitable connectors of the distributor. In addition, the connection information not only cannot be determined remotely but is also not directly readable on site. Consequently, acquiring it takes time and requires human intervention by at least a first technician on the distributor or even a second technician at the distribution point, i.e. at the customer's premises.

[0005] Furthermore, the information and updating of the digital twin of the distributor, namely the virtual representation of the distributor allowing in particular simulations and diagnostics of the cable network and / or the distribution of a service to a distribution point, also pose problems for the same reasons.

[0006] Currently, the proposed solution only addresses the problem of deliberate damage by securing access to interconnection cabinets. This limits interventions by people outside the distribution operators, particularly telecommunications operators in the case of telecommunications interconnection cabinets. However, this does not resolve the problems of cable entanglement, making them difficult to identify.

[0007] One solution is the use of a fault visualizing laser for optical fiber. However, it has the disadvantage of being difficult to use remotely. Statement of the invention

[0008] One of the aims of the present invention is to remedy drawbacks and inadequacies of the state of the art.

[0009] An object of the invention is a sheath capable of wrapping a cable, the sheath comprising at least one layer of smart material, the smart material being capable of changing state depending on a given stimulus exerted at one end of the assembly constituted by the cable wrapped by the sheath.

[0010] Thus, cable identification is facilitated even remotely. This allows in particular rapid diagnosis of errors and / or cable connection faults at a distributor.

[0011] Advantageously, the smart material is capable of changing state depending on one of the following stimuli: - a given mechanical stimulus; - a given optical stimulus; - a given thermal stimulus; - an electronic stimulus; - a magnetic stimulus; - a chemical stimulus.

[0012] Thus, the stimulus can be adapted to the type of cable. For example, an optical stimulus can be easily used for an optical fiber. This makes it possible in particular to stimulate the smart material without using an additional stimulation device by using an existing emission device at the level of the optical fiber network to stimulate the smart material layer of the sheath surrounding the optical fiber. Thus, the optical fiber identification system will be less complex because it uses existing devices of the optical fiber communication network.

[0013] Advantageously, the change in state of the material is capable of modifying a wave transmitted by the cable.

[0014] Advantageously, the smart material is capable of changing state among the following states: - shape ; - volume ; - color ; - thermal; - active / inactive.

[0015] Thus, depending on the change of state, cable identification will be made more or less easier. For example, in the case of a change in shape of the connector of the assembly consisting of the cable wrapped in the sheath triggered by the stimulus, this change in shape makes it possible in particular to connect the cable to the correct connector of the distributor, which will not be possible otherwise.

[0016] Advantageously, the intelligent material activated by a given stimulus is capable of carrying out at least one operation among the following: - capture an identifier; - carry out a diagnosis; - activate a command from a remote supervisor.

[0017] Thus, the smart material possibly constitutes a cable identifier or even a diagnostic one. The cable identification system will therefore be less complex because it does not require an additional cable identifier.

[0018] Advantageously, the layer of smart material is positioned on the sheath at at least one of the following positions: - at the level of at least one connector of the assembly consisting of the cable wrapped in the sheath; - along the cable.

[0019] Advantageously, the layer of intelligent material is at least one layer of the sheath among the following: - a thin layer; - an inner layer of the sheath; - an outer layer of the sheath; - an intermediate layer of the sheath.

[0020] Thus, the sheath possibly allows several simultaneous identifications thanks to the possible multiple layers of intelligent material: in particular an identification of the cable by the outer layer, an identification of the diagnosis with an inner layer (in particular, in the case of optical fiber, carried out by a deformation of the emitted wave, etc.).

[0021] Advantageously, the sheath is made up of the layer of intelligent material.

[0022] An object of the invention is also a cable supervisor of a cable network comprising: - a state detector of a smart material of a layer of a sheath enveloping at least one cable of the cable network during an exercise of a given stimulus at one end of an assembly consisting of a cable enveloping a sheath, the exercise of the stimulus causing a change of state of the layer of smart material.

[0023] Thus, the supervisor allows identification relating to a cable in the cable network. It therefore constitutes an identifier relating to the cables in the cable network.

[0024] Advantageously, the supervisor includes: - an analyzer capable of interpreting the state detected during an exercise of a given stimulus is at one end of an assembly constituted by the cable wrapped by the sheath.

[0025] An object of the invention is also a method of supervision relating to a cable of a cable network comprising: - detecting a state of a smart material of a layer of a sheath, when a given stimulus is applied to one end of an assembly consisting of a cable wrapped by the sheath, the application of the stimulus causing a change in state of the layer into smart material.

[0026] Advantageously, the supervision method comprises: - trigger, prior to state detection, the exercise of the stimulus given at one end of the assembly consisting of the cable wrapped in a sheath comprising at least one layer of intelligent material.

[0027] Advantageously, the given stimulus is exerted at one end among the following: - one end of the cable; - one end of the sheath; - one end of the smart material layer of the sheath.

[0028] Advantageously, the detection of state relating to the cable is a detection of one of the following states: - a condition of the cable itself; - a state of at least one connector at the other end of the assembly consisting of the cable wrapped in the sheath.

[0029] Advantageously, according to an implementation of the invention, the different steps of the method according to the invention are implemented by software or computer program, this software comprising software instructions intended to be executed by a data processor of a device forming part of a supervisor according to the invention and being designed to control the execution of the different steps of this method.

[0030] The invention therefore also relates to a program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the supervision method according to the invention when said program is executed by a processor.

[0031] This program may use any programming language and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form or in any other desirable form. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description, given by way of example, and the figures relating thereto which represent:

[0033] [Fig.l], a simplified diagram of a sheath surrounding a cable according to the invention,

[0034] [Fig.2], a simplified diagram of a sectional view of a multi-layer variant of the sheath according to the invention,

[0035] [Fig.3a], a simplified diagram illustrating a first change of state of a sheath according to the invention,

[0036] [Fig.3b], a simplified diagram illustrating a second change of state of a sheath according to the invention,

[0037] [Fig.3c], a simplified diagram illustrating a third change of state of a sheath according to the invention,

[0038] [Fig.3d], a simplified diagram illustrating a variation of the wave transmitted by a sheath according to the invention, during a fourth change of state of the sheath,

[0039] [Fig.4], a simplified diagram illustrating a fifth change of state consisting of an activation of the intelligent material of the sheath according to the invention,

[0040] [Fig.5], a simplified diagram of a cable supervisor according to the invention,

[0041] [Fig.6], a simplified diagram of a cable supervision method according to the invention. Description of the embodiments

[0042] By smart material is meant a sensitive, adaptive and scalable material. In particular, by smart material is meant any material capable of modifying one of its states, in particular its physical properties, depending on any stimulus. A smart material is also a material having functions, i.e. it is capable of performing at least one action, that it behaves like a specific device, for example a sensor, an actuator, a processor, etc.

[0043] By state of the intelligent material is meant a physical property of the intelligent material such as: shape, color, volume, temperature, etc. but also a characteristic of activity of its functions.

[0044] Thus, an intelligent material of which only the states corresponding to its physical properties evolve as a function of a stimulus is said to be reactive and an intelligent material of which at least one function is activated by a stimulus is said to be active.

[0045] [Fig.l] illustrates a simplified diagram of a sheath surrounding a cable according to the invention.

[0046] The sheath 1 is capable of wrapping a cable 2. The sheath 1 comprises at least one layer of smart material 10i. The smart material i is capable of changing state depending on a given stimulus exerted at one end of an assembly consisting of the cable 2 wrapped by the sheath 1.

[0047] In particular, the intelligent material i is capable of changing state depending on a stimulus st among the following: - a given mechanical stimulus; - a given optical stimulus; - a given thermal stimulus; - an electronic stimulus; - a magnetic stimulus; - a chemical stimulus.

[0048] In particular, the intelligent material i is capable of changing state e(t) among the following states: - shape; - volume ; - color ; - thermal; - active / inactive; - etc.

[0049] The change of state can also be that the material passes from a state at rest (i.e. stable) to a dynamic state (vibration, oscillation, etc.)

[0050] Thus, the change in shape of the intelligent material possibly makes it possible to change the shape of the sheath 1. This change in shape of the sheath will make it possible to pass it through a predefined template possibly positioned upstream of a connector of the distributor, thus making it possible to authorize the connection of only the cable whose stimulated sheath will have the shape corresponding to the template.

[0051] In particular, the intelligent material i is capable of returning, after the end of the stimulation, to its initial state, i.e. to the state before stimulation. This makes it possible to continue the supervision. Alternatively, the change of state may be definitive, in particular when the stimulus makes it possible to detect a serious or dangerous event for the system using the cable and / or the operators or for the traceability of the event.

[0052] In particular, the layer 10i of smart material is positioned on the sheath 1 at at least one position among the following: - at the level of at least one connector of the assembly consisting of the cable wrapped in the sheath; - at the level of at least a first part of the sheath 1c corresponding to a connector of the assembly constituted by the cable 2 wrapped by the sheath 1; - along cable 2; - along a second part of the sheath 1L surrounding the cable 2 itself (illustrated in particular by [Fig.3c]).

[0053] In particular, the sheath 1 being constituted by the layer of intelligent material 10i.

[0054] In particular, a sheath 1 envelops a cable 2: for example, an electric line, a copper pair, an optical fiber, etc. Eventually, the assembly consisting of the cable wrapped by the sheath 1 is a sheathed cable. Either the sheath 1 has a layer of smart material, in our example of [Fig.l] an outer layer 10i of smart material, or the sheath 1 is made of smart material.

[0055] The stimulus st is capable of modifying a state e of the intelligent material i of the intelligent material layer 10', in this case the modified state e is the color c of the intelligent material i in the example of [Fig.l].

[0056] At an instant t = t0, prior to the stimulation of the intelligent material i in particular by the exercise of a stimulus st at one end of the assembly constituted by the cable 2 enveloped by the sheath 1, the layer of intelligent material 101 is in a nominal state e(t0) corresponding to a default color c0 of the layer of intelligent material.

[0057] The stimulus st is applied to one end of the assembly constituted by the cable 2 enveloped by the sheath 1, for example one end of the cable 2 and / or one end of the sheath 1, or even of the layer of intelligent material lOi at this end of the sheath 1, at the instant t = tl subsequent to the instant t0. When the stimulus st is exercised at the instant tl, the intelligent material i changes state c( / l) ¢( / 0): in this case, the layer in smart material 101 changes color ( e ( 11 ) = CS ) * (¢( / 0) = ¢0 ).

[0058] [Fig.2] illustrates a simplified diagram of a sectional view of a multi-layer variant of the sheath according to the invention.

[0059] In particular, the sheath 1 comprises several layers {ln}n = lojNj= 10, ..., In, ..., IN of which at least one of the layers In, n = [0,N] is made of intelligent material i: In1.

[0060] In particular, the layer of intelligent material In1 is at least one layer of the sheath among the following: - a thin layer; - an inner layer of the IN sheath (n = N); - an outer layer of the sheath 10 (n=0); - an intermediate layer of the sheath In (n F [ 1, N - 1] ).

[0061] Thus, depending on the state modifiable by the stimulus, in particular when this state is of a nature other than visual, the layer of intelligent material is positionable in the parts not visible from the outside of the sheath, in particular an intermediate layer or the inner layer of the sheath (positioned against the cable 2). The advantage of positioning the layer of intelligent material in a position other than the outer layer 10 of the sheath 1 is to reduce the risks of degradation of this layer of intelligent material and therefore of its properties, that is to say, in the context of the invention, to reduce the risks of detected state errors and therefore the risks of identification errors relating to the cable, to the diagnosis and / or the risks of errors in actuated commands.

[0062] For example, a sheath could comprise several thin layers of smart material possibly reacting to different types of stimuli. For example, the sheath enveloping an optical fiber comprises three layers of smart material: - an inner layer stimulable by laser illumination in the optical fiber; - an outer layer stimulable again by illumination or by illumination here by a particular ray (white light or other); - a layer in the middle of the sheath (by middle of the sheath is meant an intermediate layer not contiguous to the inner and outer layers) reactive to heat for example or to other stimuli passing through the “classic” sheath (i.e. the layers not being made of smart material).

[0063] In an embodiment not illustrated, one or more layers of smart material partially surround the cable, i.e. it only constitutes a part of the perimeter of the sheath. The sheath is then not homogeneous over its perimeter.

[0064] Figures 3a to 3d show several types of change of state of a sheath according to the invention.

[0065] [Fig.3a] illustrates a simplified diagram illustrating a first change of state, in particular by temporary tattooing of the cable, of a sheath according to the invention.

[0066] In particular, the stimulus st is capable of modifying a state e of the intelligent material i of the intelligent material layer 101 (here, an external layer of the sheath 1), in this case the modified state e is a tattoo 100i of the intelligent material i in the example of [Fig.3a].

[0067] At a time t = t0 (not shown), prior to the stimulation of the intelligent material i in particular by the exercise of a stimulus st at one end of the assembly constituted by the cable 2 enveloped by the sheath 1, the layer of intelligent material 101 is in a state e(t0) in which the layer of intelligent material does not have a tattoo e(70) = 0.

[0068] The stimulus st is applied to one end of the assembly constituted by the cable 2 enveloped by the sheath 1, for example one end of the cable 2 and / or one end of the sheath 1, or even of the layer of intelligent material 10i at this end of the sheath 1, at the instant t = tl subsequent to the instant t0. When the stimulus st is exercised at the instant tl, the intelligent material i changes state e( / l) * e( / 0): in this case, on the layer of intelligent material 101 appears a temporary tattoo (e( / l) =IDNC> ) * (e( / 0) = 0). In particular, the temporary tattoo IDN° is an identifier of the cable 2 and / or an identifier of the connector of the distributor to which the cable 2 is connected and / or a fault identifier, etc.

[0069] Thus, the cable 2 or more precisely the sheath 1 enveloping the cable 2 is capable of communicating with a user, in particular a technician, information relating to the cable 2 by means of the intelligent material of the external layer 10i of the sheath 1. This information relating to the cable 2 is determined in particular by a layer of intelligent material In1 (HG [0, N ] ) of the sheath 1 activated by a stimulus st (identical or not to the stimulus triggering the display of the temporary tattoo).

[0070] [Fig.3b] illustrates a simplified diagram illustrating a second change of state, in particular by change of volume, of a sheath according to the invention.

[0071] The stimulus st is capable of modifying a state e of the intelligent material i of the intelligent material layer lN', in this case the modified state e is the volume v of the intelligent material i. In the example of [Fig.3b], the modification of the volume v of the intelligent material i of the internal layer IN: 1 N1 of the sheath 1 causes a change in the internal diameter d of the sheath 1.

[0072] At a time t = t0, prior to the stimulation of the intelligent material i in particular by the exercise of a stimulus st at one end of the assembly constituted by the cable 2 enveloped by the sheath 1, the layer of intelligent material IN1 is in a nominal state e(t0) corresponding to a default internal diameter d0 of the layer of intelligent material IN1 and therefore of the sheath 1.

[0073] The stimulus st is applied to one end of the assembly consisting of the cable 2 wrapped by the sheath 1, for example one end of the cable 2 and / or one end of the sheath 1, or even of the layer of intelligent material INi at this end of the sheath 1, at the instant t = tl subsequent to the instant t0. When the stimulus st is exerted at the instant tl, the intelligent material i changes state e(71) * e(t0): in this case, the layer of intelligent material IN1 changes volume and therefore internal diameter (e(Zl) = -ds) * (e(t0) = dQ).

[0074] Note that this change of state can generate a change in a wave (notably as illustrated by [Fig.3d]) transmitted via cable 2, thus allowing to detect the change of state remotely, in particular at the level of a supervision device located in a distribution operator center using this cable.

[0075] [Fig.3c] illustrates a simplified diagram illustrating a third change of state, in particular by change of shape of a connector of the assembly constituted by the cable enveloped by the sheath according to the invention.

[0076] The stimulus st is capable of modifying a state e of the intelligent material i of the intelligent material layer In1 of at least one specific part of the sheath 1 among the following: - a part lc of the sheath 1 enveloping a connector of the cable 2; - a part 1L of the sheath 1 surrounding the cable 2 itself.

[0077] In this case, the modified state e is the form f of the intelligent material i, more precisely the form fc of the part lc enveloping the connector of the cable 2.

[0078] At a time t = tO, prior to the stimulation of the intelligent material i in particular by the exercise of a stimulus st at one end of the assembly constituted by the cable 2 enveloped by the sheath 1, the layer of intelligent material is in a nominal state e(tO), more precisely the part lc has a circular shape e(tO) = (fco=e) corresponding to a default shape.

[0079] The stimulus st is applied to one end of the assembly consisting of the cable 2 wrapped by the sheath 1, for example one end of the cable 2 and / or one end of the sheath 1, or even of the layer of intelligent material i at this end of the sheath 1, at the instant t = tl subsequent to the instant t0. When the stimulus st is exerted at the instant tl, the intelligent material i changes state e(fl ) £ e(f0): in this case, the part lc at the other end of the assembly consisting of the cable 2 wrapped by the sheath 1 changes shape (e(fl) = ) * (e(fû) = ) To take a hexagonal shape.

[0080] In a first particular embodiment, the connectors of the cable 2 wrapped by the sheath 1 comprising a layer of smart material i are in a nominal state, i.e. have a default shape, which is not suitable for their connection, in particular to the connectors of a distributor. On the other hand, the stimulated shape fCs allows the connector of the cable to be connected in particular to a specific connector of the distributor. Indeed, the stimulus st then makes it possible to change the shape of the connector of the cable e ( 11 ) = ( fc = h} at the other end so that the shape taken by the part lc of the sheath 1 wrapping the connector of the cable 2 during the stimulation of the smart material i, also called stimulated shape fCs, corresponds to that of the specific connector (in particular of the distributor) to which it must be connected.

[0081] In a second particular embodiment, taken alone or in combination with other particular embodiments such as the first embodiment In particular, the connectors 40b ..40j, ..40j of the distributor 4 (illustrated by [Fig.4]) correspond to one end of a cable 2b ..., 2j, ..., 2j (not illustrated) coming from at least one distribution center (not illustrated). These cables {2j}j, j=[l,J] are optionally also each wrapped in a sheath respectively lb ..., lj, ..., lj (not illustrated) comprising a layer of smart material. In particular, the same smart material is used for the sheath 1 wrapping the cable between the distributor 4 and the distribution point 6, and 1 sheath lj wrapping the cable 2j between the distributor 4 and the distribution center. Thus, when the same stimulus st is exerted at an instant tl: - at the end of the cable 2 corresponding to the distribution point 6 (illustrated by [Fig.4]) for example by a stimulator connected to the distribution point 6 or directly on the end of the assembly constituted by the cable 2 wrapped by the sheath 1, and - at the end of the 2j cable corresponding to the distribution center, for example by the distribution center itself or a monitoring or supervision device connected to the distribution center, the change of state of the intelligent material of the sheath 1 and the sheath lj is constituted, for example, by a connector taking the same predefined shape, respectively the connector lc of the assembly constituted by the cable 2 wrapped by the sheath 1 and the connector 4j of the distributor corresponding to the connector at the distributor 4 of the assembly constituted by the cable 2j wrapped by the sheath lj both take the same shape thus allowing the connection of the assembly constituted by the cable 2 wrapped by the sheath 1 to the connector 4j of the distributor.

[0082] [Fig.3d] illustrates a simplified diagram illustrating a variation of Fonde transmitted by a sheath according to the invention, during a fourth change of state of the sheath.

[0083] In particular, the change of state e of the intelligent material i is capable of modifying a wave oe transmitted by the cable 2.

[0084] The stimulus st is capable of modifying a state e of the smart material i of the smart material layer In.

[0085] At a time t = t0, prior to the stimulation of the intelligent material i in particular by the exercise of a stimulus st at one end of the assembly constituted by the cable 2 enveloped by the sheath 1, the layer of intelligent material In1 is in a state e(t0). In this state e(t0), if a wave oe is emitted on cable 2 from one end of the cable 2, then the wave or received at the other end of the cable is identical: or = oe or at least similar to the emitted wave oe, that is to say that at least one property (shape, frequency, amplitude, etc.) of the emitted wave is not modified: p(or) = p(oe). In this case, the emitted wave oe at the time t0: oe(t0) illustrated by [Fig.3d] has a shape sinusoidal. Therefore, the wave received at time tO: or(tO) is also sinusoidal in shape.

[0086] The stimulus st is applied to one end of the assembly consisting of the cable 2 wrapped by the sheath 1, for example one end of the cable 2 and / or one end of the sheath 1, or even of the layer of intelligent material Ini at this end of the sheath 1, at the instant t = tl subsequent to the instant t0. When the stimulus st is exerted at the instant tl, the intelligent material i changes state e ( 11 ) e ( / 0 ) which affects the transmitted wave. In this case, while the wave emitted oe at time tl: oe(tl) illustrated by [Fig.3d] still has a sinusoidal shape, the shape of the wave received at time tl is modified: or(tl) is then square in shape

[0087] More generally, the change in state of the smart material causes a modification in the reaction of the cable and / or the sheath to third-party radiation, i.e. radiation external to the cable (e.g. Wifi or 5G).

[0088] [Fig.4] illustrates a simplified diagram illustrating a fifth change of state consisting of an activation of the intelligent material of the sheath according to the invention.

[0089] In particular, a sheath 1 envelops a cable 2: for example, an electric line, a copper pair, an optical fiber, etc. Optionally, the assembly constituted by the cable enveloped by the sheath 1 is a sheathed cable. Let the sheath 1 comprise a layer of smart material, in our example of figure 4 the nth layer In1 of the sheath 1 is of smart material: 1 □ \rf.

[0090] The cable 2 makes it possible, for example, to connect a distributor 4 to a distribution point 6, in particular a distribution socket at the customer's premises or a domestic distribution device (domestic communication gateway, electricity meter, etc.).

[0091] In particular, the intelligent material i activated by a given stimulus st is capable of performing at least one operation among the following: - capture a cid identifier, in particular from the 40j connector of distributor 4 to which it is connected; - perform a cdg diagnosis, for example a diagnosis of a cable 2 connection; - activate a cmd_trg command from a remote supervisor 3.

[0092] Thus, the sheath 1 constitutes respectively an identifier sensor of the connector 40j of the distributor 4 to which it is connected, a connection diagnostic device, an actuator.

[0093] The stimulus st is capable of modifying a state e of the intelligent material i of the intelligent material layer 10', in this case the modified state e is the color c of the intelligent material i in the example of [Fig.l].

[0094] At a time t = t0, prior to the stimulation of the intelligent material i in particular by the exercise of a stimulus st at one end of the assembly constituted by the cable 2 wrapped by the sheath 1, the layer of intelligent material In1 is in a state e(tO) i.e. the device it constitutes is inactive.

[0095] The stimulus st is applied to one end of the assembly constituted by the cable 2 wrapped by the sheath 1, for example one end of the cable 2 and / or one end of the sheath 1, or even of the layer of intelligent material Ini at this end of the sheath 1, at the instant t = tl subsequent to the instant t0. When the stimulus st is exerted at the instant tl, the intelligent material i changes state ¢(^1) e(t0): in this case, the device constituted by the layer of intelligent material In1 is activated, thus allowing this device to carry out at least one operation for which it is intended.

[0096] Thus, at time t=tl, the smart material layer 1: - either provides a signal containing information, such as: + a cid identifier of a connector 4j, 6 to which cable 2 is connected, and / or + a cid identifier of cable 2, and / or + a cdg diagnosis of a connection of cable 2 to a connector 4j, 6 to which cable 2 is connected, and / or + a cdg diagnosis of a cable 2 connection, - either activates a cmd_trg command from a remote supervisor 3.

[0097] Either the cable 2 is connected to the supervisor 3 instead of the distributor 4 so that the intelligent material layer In1 performs an operation relating to the cable 2 and / or to the connection of the cable to the distribution point 6 by stimulating st the assembly constituted by the cable 2 wrapped by the sheath 1 from respectively the end of this assembly on the side of the distribution point 6 as illustrated by [Fig.4] and / or of the distribution point 6 (not illustrated).

[0098] Either the cable 2 is connected to the supervisor 3 instead of the distribution point 6 so that the intelligent material layer In1 performs an operation relating to the cable 2 by stimulating st the assembly constituted by the cable 2 wrapped by the sheath 1 from respectively the end of this assembly on the side of the distributor 4 (not illustrated).

[0099] In these two cases, the supervisor 3 will directly receive the information signal edi, cdg and / or will be directly actuated cmd_trg by the intelligent material layer In1.

[0100] Either the supervisor 3 is connected upstream of the distributor 4 to which the cable 2 is connected so that the intelligent material layer In1 performs an operation relating to the cable 2 and / or to the connection of the cable to the distributor 4 by stimulating st the assembly constituted by the cable 2 wrapped by the sheath 1 from respectively the end of this assembly on the side of the distribution point 6 as illustrated by [Fig.4] and / or the distribution point 6 (not illustrated).

[0101] In this case, the supervisor 3 will receive the information signal edi, cdg and / or will be actuated cmd_trg by the intelligent material layer In1 via the distributor 4.

[0102] [Fig.5] a simplified diagram of a cable supervisor according to the invention.

[0103] A cable supervisor 3 of a cable network comprises: - a detector 31 of state e(t) of an intelligent material i of a layer In1 of a sheath 1 enveloping at least one cable 2 of the cable network during an exercise of a given stimulus st at one end of an assembly constituted by the cable 2 enveloped by the sheath 1.

[0104] In particular, supervisor 3 comprises: - an analyzer 33 capable of interpreting a detected state ve_ind, ve=f(e) during an exercise of a given stimulus st at one end of an assembly constituted by the cable 2 wrapped by the sheath 1.

[0105] In particular, a stimulator 5 exerts a given stimulus at one end of an assembly constituted by the cable 2 enveloped by the sheath 1.

[0106] In particular, the stimulator 5 comprises a device 50 for exerting a stimulus, such as an emitter of an optical stimulus or a vibratory stimulus or a mechanical actuator making it possible to exert a mechanical stimulus or a thermal actuator making it possible to exert a thermal stimulus, etc.

[0107] In particular, the sheath 1 comprises the layer of intelligent material In1: 13

[0108] In particular, the detector 31 comprises a device 310 capable of obtaining information relating to the state of the smart material layer In1 at time t: e(t), dc(t).

[0109] In particular, the device for obtaining information relating to the state is a state sensor 310. The state sensor 310 is in particular capable of capturing a state e at a time t: e(t) of the layer of smart material In1 of the sheath 1 at the other end of the assembly constituted by the cable 2 enveloped by the sheath 1. For example, the sensor 310 is a camera, or even a thermal camera capable of capturing the color, shape, volume, etc., or even the temperature of the layer of smart material In1.

[0110] In particular, the device for obtaining information relating to the state is a state receiver capable of receiving information relating to the state e(t) of the intelligent material layer In1.

[0111] In particular, the detector 31 comprises an analyzer 312 of captured data of, e(t) provided by the sensor 310. The analyzer 312 is capable of determining from a captured state e(t), or even from captured data, the passage of the intelligent material into a distinct state e(t) from the nominal state e(tO) eUO)- In particular, the analyzer 312 is capable, prior to determining the output of the nominal state e(tO) of the intelligent material i, of determining from the captured data the current state e(t) of the intelligent material i. The analyzer 312 is in particular capable of providing, as a function of the change of state determined during the exercise of a stimulus st, either an indication of change of state ve_ind, or information relating to the change of state ve=f(e).

[0112] In particular, the supervisor 3 comprises a receiver 30 of signals s1 coming from at least one layer of intelligent material of a sheath 1 enveloping the cable 2 connected directly or via a distributor 4 (see [Fig.4]) to the supervisor 3. In the case where the stimulus st activates the layer of intelligent material In1 of the sheath 1, the receiver 30 is able to receive the signals s1 from the activated layer of intelligent material In1 such as a signal s1 comprising: - a cid identifier relating to the stimulated cable: such as a cable identifier and / or an identifier of a connector, connector of the distributor 4 or of the distribution point 6 to which the cable 2 is connected; - a diagnostic identifier cdg relating to the stimulated cable, such as a connection error diagnostic, a diagnostic of the cable and / or at least one connector of the cable, etc.; - a cmd_trg trigger of a command from a supervisor, notably supervisor 3; - etc.

[0113] In particular, the supervisor 3 comprises a state change analyzer 33 capable of determining, as a function of the determined state change and / or of the signal s1 received from the intelligent material layer In1, information ic relating to the stimulated cable: for example: - a cid identifier relating to the stimulated cable: such as a cable identifier and / or an identifier of a connector, connector of the distributor 4 or of the distribution point 6 to which the cable 2 is connected; - a diagnostic identifier cdg relating to the stimulated cable, such as a connection error diagnostic, a diagnostic of the cable and / or at least one connector of the cable, etc.; - a cmd command from a supervisor to be activated. In the latter case, the state change analyzer 33 is able to activate cmd_trg the determined command of a supervisor, in particular of supervisor 3.

[0114] In particular, the supervisor 3 comprises a device to be controlled 34 capable of executing a command, such as an actuator, a processor, etc. and / or of reproducing information such as an interface... Thus, when the analyzer 33 or the intelligent material layer lin provides information ic relating to the stimulated cable, the interface 34 reproduces the information ic provided, thus making it possible to inform an operator in particular. And, when the analyzer 33 or the intelligent material layer 1 In actuates cmd_trg a command from supervisor 3, the device to be controlled 34 executes the cmd command actuated.

[0115] [Fig.6] a simplified diagram of a cable supervision method according to the invention.

[0116] The CMNT supervision method relating to a cable of a cable network comprises: - detecting VE_DTC a state e of an intelligent material of a layer of a sheath, during an exercise of a stimulus st given at an end CG_extl of a set CG constituted by a cable enveloped by the sheath, the exercise of the stimulus st causing a change of state of the layer in intelligent material.

[0117] In particular, the CMNT supervision method comprises: - trigger DTC_BG, prior to the detection of state VE_DTC, the exercise ST_X of the given stimulus st at one end CG_extl of the assembly constituted by the cable wrapped in a sheath comprising at least one layer of intelligent material.

[0118] Optionally, an STP stimulation method comprises: exerting ST_X the given stimulus at one end CG_extl of the assembly consisting of the cable wrapped in a sheath comprising at least one layer of smart material.

[0119] In particular, the given stimulus st is exerted at one end among the following: - one end of the C_extl cable; - one end of the sheath G_extl; - one end of the smart material layer of the cmi_extl sheath.

[0120] In particular, the detection of VE_DTC state relating to the cable is a detection of one of the following states: - a state of the smart material layer enveloping the cable itself; - a state of the smart material layer enveloping at least one connector at the other end of the cable.

[0121] In particular, the CMNT supervision method comprises: - activating DTC_BG state detection. DTC_BG activation of state detection triggers st_trg the exercise ST_X of the stimulus st given at one end CG_extl of a CG assembly consisting of a cable wrapped by the sheath.

[0122] Alternatively to this activation DTC_BG of the state detection, the exercise ST_X of the stimulus st given at an end CG_extl of a set CG constituted by a cable wrapped by the sheath triggers edtc_trg the state detection VE_DTC, in particular a reception CMI_RCV of a signal s1 coming from a layer of intelligent material of the stimulated set constituted by a cable wrapped by the sheath and / or an obtaining E_CPT of the information relating to a state of a layer of intelligent material of the stimulated set constituted by a cable wrapped by the sheath.

[0123] In particular, the CMNT supervision method, or even the VE_DTC state detection, comprises at least one step among the following: - receive CMI_RCV of a signal s1 coming from a smart material layer of the stimulated assembly consisting of a cable wrapped by the sheath; and / or - obtain E_CPT information relating to a state of a smart material layer of the stimulated assembly consisting of a cable wrapped by the sheath.

[0124] In particular, obtaining E_CPT information relating to the state comprises or consists of: capturing a state. The state capture captures either directly a state e at a time t: e(t) of the smart material layer of the sheath at the other end GC_ext2 of the assembly constituted by the cable wrapped by the sheath, or data dc(t) relating to the state. For example, the state capture E_CPT captures states e(t) and / or data dc(t) such as the color, shape, volume, temperature of the smart material layer In1, etc.

[0125] In particular, obtaining E_CPT information relating to the state comprises or consists of: receiving information relating to the state e(t) of the smart material layer.

[0126] In particular, the CMNT supervision method, or even the VE_DTC state detection, comprises: determining VE_DT a change of state by analyzing captured data of, e(t) provided by the E_CPT capture. The VE_DT determination determines from a captured state e(t), or even from captured data of, the passage of the intelligent material into a distinct state e(t) from the nominal state e(tO) ■ e(t) * (ÂtO)- In particular, the VE_DT determination determines, from the captured data of, the current state e(t) of the intelligent material i prior to determining the exit from the nominal state e(tO) of the intelligent material i. For example, the determination VE_DT provides, depending on the change of state determined during the exercise of a stimulus st, either an indication of change of state ve_ind, or information relating to the change of state ve=f(e).

[0127] In the case where the stimulus st activates the smart material layer of the sheath, the reception CMI_REV receives the signals s1 from the activated smart material layer In1 such as a signal s1 comprising: - a cid identifier relating to the stimulated cable: such as a cable identifier and / or an identifier of a connector, connector of the distributor or distribution point to which the cable is connected; - an edg diagnostic identifier relating to the stimulated cable, such as a connection error diagnostic, a diagnostic of the cable and / or at least one connector of the cable, etc.; - a cmd_trg trigger of a command of a supervision process, in particular of the CMNT supervision process; - etc.

[0128] In particular, the CMNT supervision method comprises: analyzing VE_NLZ a change of state. The analysis of change of state VE_NLZ determines, as a function of the determined change of state ve and / or of the signal s1 received from the intelligent material layer In1, information ic relating to the stimulated cable: for example: - an identifier cid relating to the stimulated cable: such as an identifier of the cable and / or an identifier of a connector, connector of the distributor 4 or of the distribution point 6 to which the cable 2 is connected; - a diagnostic identifier cdg relating to the stimulated cable, such as a connection error diagnostic, a diagnostic of the cable and / or at least one connector of the cable, etc.; - a cmd command from a supervisor to be activated. In the latter case, the VE_NLZ state change analysis activates cmd_trg the determined command of a supervision process, in particular the CMNT supervision process.

[0129] In particular, the CMNT supervision method comprises: managing a cable of a CG_MGT cable network. The CG_MGT cable management notably performs one or more of the following operations: - executing a command; - reproduce information... Thus, when the VE_NLZ analysis or the intelligent material layer 1 In provides information ic relating to the stimulated cable, the CG_MGT cable management reproduces the information ic provided in particular on a DSP screen, for example reproduces an identifier relating to the cable rpr(cid) and / or an identifier relating to the diagnosis rpr(cdg). And, when the VE_NLZ analysis or the intelligent material layer actuates cmd_trg a command, the CG_MGT cable management executes the actuated cmd command and / or controls cmd a third-party device DV by means of this command.

[0130] In particular, in the case where the CMNT supervision method of a cable is implemented simultaneously with a transmission, in particular of a useful signal, via the cable, the stimulus used is such that it does not disturb the transmission.

[0131] A particular embodiment of the supervision method is a program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the supervision method according to the invention when said program is executed by a processor.

[0132] The invention also relates to a medium. The information medium may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise a storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM or even a magnetic recording means, for example a floppy disk or a hard disk.

[0133] On the other hand, the information medium may be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal which may be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means. The program according to the invention may in particular be downloaded from a network, in particular of the Internet type.

[0134] Alternatively, the information carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the method in question.

[0135] In another implementation, the invention is implemented by means of software and / or hardware components. In this regard, the term module can correspond to either a software component or a hardware component. A software component corresponds to one or more computer programs, one or more sub-programs of a program, or more generally to any element of a program or software capable of implementing a function or a set of functions according to the description above. A hardware component corresponds to any element of a hardware assembly capable of implementing a function or a set of functions.

[0136] The invention makes it possible to simply, quickly and unambiguously identify the path and connections of a cable, in particular optical fiber. It uses a smart material which has the property of changing state when subjected to a specific stimulus. The sheath surrounding the cable is made of this smart material and / or comprises a layer of this smart material. It is sufficient to apply an appropriate stimulus, either internally via the optical fiber or by an external procedure, to activate the change of behavior, also called change of state, of the smart material. The entire selected cable is thus differentiated from the other cables present on the installation, which makes it possible to follow its path, and in particular to locate its input and output connections.This invention can be used for customer installation, for diagnosing a home connection problem or for updating the information contained in the digital twin of the interconnection cabinet. The change of state can be detected in situ by an operator or captured by a device to be transmitted remotely.

[0137] The invention consists of using a smart material to constitute the sheath of the optical cable or the terminal connector. This type of material has the property of changing state under the influence of a given stimulus. For example, the company Olikrom (https: / / www.olikrom.com) develops materials that change color with temperature, light, pressure, etc. It is foreseeable that smart materials will continue to diversify in the future to extend the nature of their response (change of state) to increasingly varied stimuli, which will make it possible to have the change of state and the associated stimulus best suited to the constraints of a given use case.

[0138] Thus, to identify whether a connection is correct, it will be sufficient to apply stimulation to the cable on the client side or the network side. This stimulation could be applied via the optical fiber or directly to the material. If, for example, the smart material used has the property of changing color, the entire cable or connector will change color. It will then be easy (i.e., more efficient than with existing solutions) to locate the input and output connections, either for a technician on site or via an associated capture device, installed temporarily or permanently, allowing visualization (or via any other modality or several coupled modalities) and remote interpretation of changes in the state of the sheaths. In the case of remote supervision, the analysis could be carried out by a human operator or by an automatic detection model derived from machine learning (in particular by artificial intelligence).

Claims

Claims

1. Sheath capable of wrapping a cable, the sheath comprising at least one layer of smart material, the smart material being capable of changing state depending on a given stimulus exerted at one end of an assembly consisting of the cable wrapped by the sheath.

2. Sheath according to the preceding claim, in which the intelligent material is capable of changing state depending on one of the following stimuli: - a given mechanical stimulus; - a given optical stimulus; - a given thermal stimulus; - an electronic stimulus; - a magnetic stimulus; - a chemical stimulus.

3. Sheath according to one of the preceding claims, in which the change of state of the intelligent material is capable of modifying a wave transmitted by the cable.

4. Sheath according to one of the preceding claims, in which the intelligent material is capable of changing state among the following states: - shape; - volume; - color; - thermal; - active / inactive.

5. Sheath according to one of the preceding claims, in which the intelligent material activated by a given stimulus is capable of performing at least one operation among the following: - capturing an identifier; - performing a diagnosis; - activating a command from a remote supervisor.

6. Sheath according to one of the preceding claims, in which the layer of intelligent material is positioned on the sheath at at least one position among the following: - at the level of at least one connector of the assembly constituted by the cable wrapped by the sheath; - along the cable.

7. Sheath according to one of the preceding claims, in which the layer of intelligent material is at least one layer of the sheath among the following: - a thin layer; - an inner layer of the sheath; - an outer layer of the sheath; - an intermediate layer of the sheath.

8. Sheath according to one of claims 1 to 6, the sheath being constituted by the layer of intelligent material.

9. Cable supervisor of a cable network comprising: - a detector of the state of an intelligent material of a layer of a sheath enveloping at least one cable of the cable network during an exercise of a given stimulus at one end of an assembly constituted by the cable enveloped by the sheath, the exercise of the stimulus causing a change of state of the layer in intelligent material.

10. Supervisor according to the preceding claim, the supervisor comprising: - an analyzer capable of interpreting the state detected during an exercise of a given stimulus at one end of an assembly constituted by the cable wrapped by the sheath.

11. Supervision method relating to a cable of a cable network comprising: - detecting a state of an intelligent material of a layer of a sheath, during an exercise of a given stimulus at one end of an assembly constituted by a cable enveloped by the sheath, the exercise of the stimulus causing a change of state of the layer in intelligent material.

12. Supervision method according to the preceding claim, the supervision method comprising: - triggering, prior to state detection, the exercise of the stimulus given at one end of the assembly constituted by the cable wrapped in a sheath comprising at least one layer of intelligent material.

13. Supervision method according to one of claims 11 or 12, in which the given stimulus is exerted at one end among the following: - one end of the cable; - one end of the sheath; - one end of the smart material layer of the sheath.

14. Relative supervision method according to one of claims 11 to 13, in which the detection of a state relating to the cable is a detection of one of the following states: - a state of the cable itself; - a state of at least one connector at the other end of the cable.

15. Program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the supervision method according to any one of claims 11 to 14 when said program is executed by a processor.

Images