Optical communication device, optical cable, and optical communication system

Abstract

To provide an optical communication device, an optical cable, and an optical communication system, capable of acquiring a specification of an optical cable or the like.SOLUTION: In an optical communication system 10A, a device 100 constructing an optical communication device and the device 100 of a device 200, comprises: a receptacle; a transmission part; a reception part; and a control part that is functioned as a detection part. The transmission part transmits an optical signal via the receptacle. By the reception part, an optical signal is received via the receptacle. The detection part detects a specification on the basis of identifier information from the optical signal reflected by an identifier 321 optically provided so as to enable a reading to a connector of a connection objective device received in the reception part in a fitting middle state (a fitting middle position) where the connector of the connection objective device connected via the receptacle is positioned to between a non-fitting state (a non-fitting position) and a fitting completion state (a fitting completion position).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present technology relates to an optical communication device, an optical cable, and an optical communication system, and more particularly to an optical communication device or the like that can detect the specifications of an optical cable or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In an optical communication system using an optical cable, the specifications and settings of the equipment (optical communication device) must match the cable specifications and the specifications and settings of the device (optical communication device) to be connected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-156945 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The purpose of this technology is to enable equipment in an optical communication system (optical communication device) to acquire specifications of optical cables, etc., and to perform processing in accordance with the acquired specifications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The concept of this technology is as follows: A receptacle; A transmitter that transmits an optical signal through the receptacle; a receiving unit that receives an optical signal via the receptacle; and a detection unit that detects specifications based on identifier information obtained from reflected light of the optical signal reflected by an identifier provided in an optically readable manner on the connector of the target device, the identifier information being received by the receiving unit when the connector of the target device connected via the receptacle is in an intermediate mating state between an unmated state and a mated state. Found in optical communication devices.

[0006] The optical communication device of the present technology includes a receptacle, a transmitter, a receiver, and a detector. The transmitter transmits an optical signal via the receptacle. The receiver receives the optical signal via the receptacle. Then, when the connector of the target device connected via the receptacle is in an intermediate mating state (intermediate mating position) between an unmated state (unmated position) and a fully mated state (fully mated position), the detector detects the specification based on identifier information obtained from reflected light of the optical signal reflected by an identifier provided optically readably on the connector of the target device, which is received by the receiver.

[0007] For example, the identifier may have a row structure in which reflective surfaces and non-reflective surfaces are arranged according to each bit value of multi-bit data for detecting the specifications, and the detector may detect the specifications based on the identifier information having a value based on the row structure. This makes it possible to detect the specifications well.

[0008] Also, for example, the device may further include a temporary fastening mechanism that temporarily fastens the connector of the device to be connected in an intermediate mating state. In this case, for example, the temporary fastening mechanism may temporarily fasten the connector of the device to be connected in a pre-identifier light irradiation state (pre-identifier light irradiation position) of the intermediate mating state. In this case, for example, since the insertion of the connector of the device to be connected is stopped once in the pre-identifier light irradiation state, it is possible to allow the user to intentionally and stably perform the subsequent operation of inserting the connector of the device to be connected, and it is possible to accurately obtain identifier information and to satisfactorily detect the specifications.

[0009] In this case, for example, the temporary fastening mechanism may be configured to temporarily fasten the connector of the connection target device in the full identifier light irradiation state (full identifier light irradiation position) of the half-fitting state. In this case, for example, since the insertion of the connector of the connection target device is stopped once in the full identifier light irradiation state, it becomes possible to obtain the identifier information with high accuracy and to perform the detection of the specifications well.

[0010] Also, for example, an automatic movement mechanism may be provided that automatically moves at least one of the connector or receptacle of the device to be connected between a pre-identifier light irradiation state (pre-identifier light irradiation position) before the optical signal from the transmitter is irradiated to the identifier in the mid-fitting state (mid-fitting position), an identifier light irradiation state (identifier light irradiation position) in which the optical signal from the transmitter is irradiated to the identifier in the mid-fitting state, and a post-identifier light irradiation state (post-identifier light irradiation position) after the optical signal from the transmitter is irradiated to the identifier in the mid-fitting state. This makes it possible to stably move the connector or receptacle of the device to be connected, accurately obtain identifier information, and successfully detect specifications.

[0011] Also, for example, the connection target device may be an optical cable, the identifier may be provided on a connector of the optical cable, and the detector may detect the specifications of the optical cable as the specifications. In this case, it is possible to detect the specifications of the optical cable when the connector of the optical cable is inserted into a receptacle of the device to be fitted. Here, the specifications of the optical cable may include at least one of, for example, optical wavelength, fiber type, insertion loss, cable length, number of fibers, serial number, model number, and the like.

[0012] Also, for example, the identifier may be provided at a position optically readable from a side surface of the connector of the target device, and the receiver may receive reflected light of the optical signal reflected from the identifier. In this case, it is possible to detect the specification based on the identifier information obtained from the reflected light of the optical signal reflected by the identifier provided at a position optically readable from a side surface of the connector of the target device and received by the receiver.

[0013] Also, for example, the identifier may be provided at a position optically readable from the mating surface side (front side) of the connector of the target device, and the receiver may receive reflected light of the optical signal reflected from the identifier. In this case, it is possible to detect the specification based on the identifier information obtained from the reflected light of the optical signal reflected by the identifier provided at a position optically readable from the mating surface side of the connector of the target device and received by the receiver.

[0014] Also, for example, the connection target device may be another optical communication device connected to the device itself via an optical cable, the identifier may be provided on the connector of the other optical communication device, and the detector may detect the specifications of the other optical communication device as the specifications. In this case, when the connector of the optical cable is inserted into the connector of the other communication device to be fitted, it is possible to detect the specifications of the other communication device. Here, the specifications of the other optical communication device may include, for example, at least one of the transmission bandwidth, resolution, refresh rate, etc. In this case, for example, the identifier is provided at a position that can be optically read from the fitting surface side (front side) of the connector of the other optical communication device.

[0015] Also, for example, the connection target device may be an extension optical cable connected to the device itself via an optical cable, the identifier may be provided on the connector of the extension optical cable, and the detector may detect the specifications of the extension optical cable as the specifications. In this case, it is possible to detect the specifications of the extension optical cable when the connector of the optical cable is inserted into the connector of the extension optical cable to fit it. Here, the specifications of the extension optical cable may include at least one of, for example, optical wavelength, fiber type, insertion loss, cable length, number of fibers, serial number, model number, etc. In this case, for example, the identifier is provided at a position optically readable from the fitting surface side (front side) of the connector of the extension optical cable.

[0016] Also, for example, the detection unit may detect the specifications based on the received reflected light when it is determined that the connector of the connection target device has been mated from the start to the completion of mating. In this case, it is possible to properly receive reflected light from the start to the completion of mating and to properly detect the specifications based on the identifier information obtained from the reflected light. Here, the detection unit may determine either or both of the start of mating and the completion of mating based on the reception of reflected light. Also, the detection unit may determine either or both of the start of mating and the completion of mating as automatic mating detection. Also, the detection unit may determine either or both of the start of mating and the completion of mating based on a user operation.

[0017] In this case, for example, a control unit may be provided that issues an error warning when reflected light is not received within a predetermined time from the start of mating, or when mating completion is not detected within a predetermined time from the reception of reflected light. In this case, the error warning can, for example, prompt the user to reconnect the connector of the connection target device.

[0018] Also, for example, the device may further include a control unit that sets a communication method based on the specifications. In this case, the communication method is set based on the specifications, and good communication is possible. In this case, for example, the control unit may issue an error warning when the device itself does not support the specifications. In this case, the error warning can make the user aware that the device itself does not support the specifications, and it is possible to prompt the user to replace the connection target device with one that the device itself can support.

[0019] Also, in this case, for example, the device may further include a memory unit that stores the specifications detected by the detection unit, and when the control unit detects that the connector of the device to be connected has been put into an unmated state while the power is off, it sets the communication method based on the specifications detected based on the identifier information newly obtained as a state in the middle of being mated, and when the control unit detects that the connector of the device to be connected has not been put into an unmated state while the power is off, it sets the communication method based on the specifications stored in the memory unit.

[0020] As a result, if it is detected that the connector of the device to be connected is in an unmated state while the power is off, the communication method is set based on the specifications detected based on the identifier information newly obtained as the in-progress mating state, making it possible to prevent the communication method from being set based on erroneous specifications. Also, if it is detected that the connector of the device to be connected is not in an unmated state while the power is off, the communication method is set based on the specifications stored in the storage unit, making it unnecessary to detect the specifications based on the identifier information newly obtained as the in-progress mating state, making it possible to reduce the processing load.

[0021] Also, for example, the device may further include a control unit that determines whether an extension optical cable is connected by comparing an optical cable specific number, which is the identifier information, with an optical cable specific number sent from another optical communication device connected to the device via the optical cable. This makes it possible to easily determine whether an extension optical cable is connected, and to appropriately set the communication method depending on, for example, the presence or absence of the extension optical cable.

[0022] In this way, in this technology, when the connector of the target device connected via the receptacle is in an intermediate mating state between an unmated state and a fully mated state, the specifications are detected based on identifier information obtained from the reflected light of an optical signal reflected by an identifier that is optically readable on the connector of the target device and received by the receiving unit, enabling an equipment in the optical communication system (optical communication device) to obtain the specifications of the optical cable, etc., and perform processing according to the obtained specifications.

[0023] Another concept of the present technology is A connector having an optically readable identifier is provided. in the optical cable.

[0024] The optical cable of the present technology includes a connector having an optically readable identifier. In this case, an optical communication device to which the optical cable is connected can obtain the specifications of the optical cable using the identifier and perform processing according to the obtained specifications. For example, the identifier may be disposed at a position where it is optically readable when the connector is in an intermediate mating state between an unmated state and a mated state with respect to a receptacle of the optical communication device.

[0025] Further, another concept of the present technology is A first optical communication device and an optical cable configured to be connectable to the first optical communication device, The optical cable includes: a plug having an optically readable identifier disposed thereon; The first optical communication device is A receptacle; A transmitter for transmitting an optical signal through the receptacle; a receiving unit that receives an optical signal via the receptacle; a detection unit that detects the specifications based on identifier information obtained from the reflected light of the optical signal reflected by the identifier and received by the receiving unit when the plug of the optical cable connected via the receptacle is in an intermediate mating state between an unmated state and a mated state; In optical communication systems. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example (side surface identifier) ​​of an optical communication system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a plug having an identifier provided on the side surface. [Diagram 3] 11 is a diagram for explaining the string structure of an identifier, etc.; FIG. [Figure 4] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining an example of a mirror moving mechanism. [Diagram 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining an example of a mirror moving mechanism. [Figure 6]13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a temporary fastening mechanism that temporarily fastens in a non-engaged state. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a temporary fastening mechanism that temporarily fastens in a non-engaged state. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a multi-bit data structure for detecting specifications. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a multi-bit data structure for detecting specifications. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another configuration example (two-stage side-face identifier) ​​of the optical communication system. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a plug having an identifier provided on the side surface. [Figure 12] 11 is a diagram for explaining the string structure of an identifier, etc.; FIG. [Figure 13] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining an example of a mirror moving mechanism. [Figure 14] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining an example of a mirror moving mechanism. [Figure 15] 13A to 13C are diagrams for explaining other string structures of identifiers, etc.; [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another configuration example (transmitter / receiver for identifier) ​​of the optical communication system. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another configuration example (reversible) of the optical communication system. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the optical communication system. [Figure 19] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the mating operation of the receptacle and the plug. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the optical communication system. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of an identifier. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence relationship between the reception state of each channel and the specifications of an optical cable. [Diagram 23] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining another example of the configuration of an identifier. [Figure 24] 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining an example of a temporary fastening mechanism for temporarily fastening in a light irradiated state. [Diagram 25] 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining an example of a temporary fastening mechanism for temporarily fastening in a light irradiated state. [Figure 26] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating other configuration examples of the receptacle and the plug. [Figure 27] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating other configuration examples of the receptacle and the plug. [Figure 28] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the correspondence between the reception state of each channel and the specifications of the optical cable. [Figure 29] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the correspondence between the reception state of each channel and the specifications of the optical cable. [Diagram 30] 13 is a diagram showing another configuration example (fitting surface vertical direction identifier) ​​of the optical communication system. FIG. [Diagram 31] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating configuration examples of a receptacle and an identifier. [Diagram 32] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a setting process before starting communication and a processing procedure at start-up; [Diagram 33] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of an automatic mating detection mechanism that automatically detects the start or completion of mating. [Diagram 34] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a specification detection process (a pattern in which processing is performed without detecting either the start or completion of fitting). [Diagram 35] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the specification detection process (pattern in which only the fitting start is automatically detected and processed). [Diagram 36] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the specification detection process (pattern in which only the fitting start is automatically detected and processed). [Figure 37] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the specification detection process (pattern in which only the completion of fitting is automatically detected and processed). [Figure 38] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the specification detection process (a pattern in which both the fitting start and fitting completion are automatically detected and processed). [Figure 39] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the specification detection process (a pattern in which only the start of fitting is detected and processed via a UI). [Diagram 40] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of a UI display when a user operates to start or complete fitting. [Diagram 41] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the specification detection process (a pattern in which only the start of fitting is detected and processed via a UI). [Diagram 42] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the specification detection process (a pattern in which only the completion of fitting is detected and processed via a UI). [Diagram 43] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the specification detection process (a pattern in which both the start and completion of fitting are detected and processed via a UI). [Diagram 44] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a communication method setting process. [Diagram 45] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the setting process before communication starts and the processing procedure at the time of start-up; [Diagram 46] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of movement of a receptacle by an automatic movement mechanism. [Figure 47] 13 is a flowchart showing yet another example of the setting process before communication starts and the processing procedure at the time of start-up. [Figure 48] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of an optical communication system (receiving and using specifications from a partner device). [Figure 49] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of two devices when an optical cable is connected. [Figure 50] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the optical communication system (detection of device specifications). [Figure 51] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of an identifier. [Figure 52] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between the reception state of each channel and the specifications of a device. [Diagram 53] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a specification detection process and a communication method setting process. [Figure 54] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another configuration example (extension optical cable) of the optical communication system. [Figure 55]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a control unit of the device. [Figure 56] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the optical communication system (detection of the specifications of the optical cable, the extension optical cable, and the counterpart device). [Figure 57] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the operation of detecting the specifications of a plurality of optical cables and devices sequentially connected to the device; [Figure 58] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a control unit of the device. [Figure 59] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention (hereinafter, referred to as "embodiments") will be described. The description will be made in the following order. 1. Embodiment 1-1. Example of optical communication system configuration (side identifier) 1-1-1. Explanation of identifier column structure, etc. 1-1-2. Identifier reflected light acquisition configuration 1-1-3. An example of the operation of extracting each offset data 1-1-4.Mirror movement mechanism 1-1-5.An example of a temporary fastening mechanism that temporarily fastens the connectors while they are in the middle of mating 1-1-6.Automatic retraction mechanism 1-1-7. Another example of a multi-bit data structure for detecting specifications 1-2. Other configuration examples of optical communication systems (two-stage side identifiers) 1-2-1. Explanation of identifier column structure, etc. 1-2-2. Identifier information reception configuration 1-2-3. An example of the operation of extracting each offset data 1-2-4.Mirror movement mechanism 1-3. Other configuration examples of optical communication system (identifier transceiver unit) 1-4.Other configuration examples of optical communication systems (reversible) 1-5. Other configuration examples of optical communication systems (mating surface horizontal direction identifier) 1-5-1.Description of identifiers 1-5-2. An example of the relationship between the reception status of each channel and the specifications of the optical cable 1-5-3. Other examples of identifier configurations 1-5-4.An example of a temporary fastening mechanism that temporarily fastens while light is irradiated 1-5-5.Other configuration examples of receptacles and plugs 1-5-6.Another example of the relationship between the reception status of each channel and the specifications of the optical cable 1-6. Other configuration examples of optical communication systems (mating surface vertical direction identifier) 1-6-1. Receptacle and Identifier Configuration Examples 1-7.Example of setup process before communication starts and processing procedure at startup 1-7-1. Specification detection process 1-7-2. Communication method setting process 1-8. Other examples of setup procedures before communication starts and processing procedures at startup 1-9. Other examples of optical communication system configurations (receiving specifications from the other device and using them) 1-10. Other configuration examples of optical communication systems (detection of equipment specifications) 1-10-1.Description of identifiers 1-10-2. An example of the relationship between the reception status of each channel and the specifications of the equipment 1-10-3. An example of the processing procedure when connecting devices 1-11. Other examples of optical communication system configurations (extension optical cable) 1-12. Other configuration examples of optical communication systems (detection of specifications of optical cables, extension optical cables, and other devices) 1-13. Software processing 2. Variations

[0028] <1. Preferred embodiment> "1-1. Example of optical communication system configuration (side identifier)" 1 shows an example of the configuration of an optical communication system 10A. This optical communication system 10A is configured such that a device (device A) 100 and a device (device B) 200 are connected via an optical cable 300. Here, the devices 100 and 200 each constitute an optical communication device. Note that, from the perspective of the device 100, the optical cable 300 and the device 200 are devices to be connected.

[0029] The optical cable 300 has a plurality of optical fibers corresponding to a plurality of channels. In this case, the optical cable 300 may be a so-called ribbon type cable in which the optical fibers are arranged in a row, or a so-called bundle type optical cable in which the optical fibers are arranged in a cylindrical resin tube. In addition, for example, the optical cable 300 may have a multi-core optical fiber having a plurality of cores corresponding to a plurality of channels in one optical fiber.

[0030] Optical cable 300 has a configuration in which plugs 302 and 303 serving as connectors are connected to one end and the other end, respectively, of optical cable main body 301. Plug 302 of optical cable 300 is connected to receptacle 101 serving as a connector of device 100, and plug 303 of optical cable 300 is connected to receptacle 201 serving as a connector of device 200.

[0031] The optical cable 300 includes optical fibers with a predetermined number of channels for transmitting optical signals in one direction (for example, from device 100 to device 200 in the figure), and optical fibers with a predetermined number of channels for transmitting optical signals in the other direction (for example, from device 200 to device 100 in the figure). Here, the predetermined number is, for example, 8, 16, etc.

[0032] An identifier 321 is provided on the side of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 so that the device 200 can detect the specifications of the optical cable 300 in a mid-fitting state (mid-fitting position). Note that, although an example in which the identifier 321 is provided on the side of the plug 302 is shown here, the identifier 321 is not limited to being provided on the side of the plug 302, and it is sufficient that the identifier 321 is provided at a position that can be optically read from the side of the plug 302. In addition, the specifications of the optical cable may include, for example, at least one of the optical wavelength, fiber type, insertion loss, cable length, number of fibers, serial number, model number, etc. Here, the serial number and model number are optical cable-specific numbers that are specific to the optical cable.

[0033] Here, the intermediate mating state (intermediate mating position) means an intermediate state (intermediate position) of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 between the non-mated state (non-mated position) and the fully mated state (mated position) with respect to the receptacle 101 of the device 100. Furthermore, the non-mated state (non-mated position) means a state (position) in which the optical cable 300 and the plug 302 are completely separated, and the fully mated state (mated position) means a state (position) in which the mating of the optical cable 300 and the plug 302 is completed.

[0034] 2(a) and (b) show an example of the appearance of a plug 302 having an identifier 321 provided at a position that can be optically read from the side. Fig. 2(a) shows an example of a rectangular parallelepiped plug 302. Fig. 2(b) shows an example of a cylindrical plug 302.

[0035] "1-1-1. Explanation of identifiers" The identifier 321 will now be described. The identifier 321 has a row structure in which reflective surfaces and non-reflective surfaces are arranged according to the bit values ​​of multi-bit data for detecting specifications. This row structure is aligned in the same direction as the mating direction (insertion direction, optical axis direction).

[0036] 3(a) shows an example of a structure of multiple bits of data for detecting specifications. This data includes three bytes of data, that is, 8-bit data at offset 0x00, 8-bit data at offset 0x01, and 8-bit data at offset 0x02.

[0037] For the 8-bit data with offset 0x00, if the 6th bit (Bit 6) is “1”, it indicates that the optical wavelength is 1310 [nm], if the 5th bit (Bit 5) is “1”, it indicates that the optical wavelength is 850 [nm], if the 3rd bit (Bit 3) is “1”, it indicates that the fiber type is MMF (Multi-Mode optical Fiber), and if the 2nd bit (Bit 2) is “1”, it indicates that the fiber type is SMF (Single Mode optical Fiber).

[0038] In addition, for the 8-bit data with offset 0x01, if the 6th bit (Bit 6) is “1”, it indicates that the insertion loss is 3 to 6 [dB], if the 5th bit (Bit 5) is “1”, it indicates that the insertion loss is less than 3 [dB], if the 3rd bit (Bit 3) is “1”, it indicates that the cable length is 100 [m] or more, and if the 2nd bit (Bit 2) is “1”, it indicates that the cable length is less than 100 [m].

[0039] Additionally, the 8-bit data at offset 0x02 indicates a manufacturing number (serial number) in binary from bit 7 to bit 0.

[0040] Fig. 3(b) shows an example of the string structure of the identifier 321 including the 3-byte data shown in Fig. 3(a) above. This string structure includes, in this order, an 8-bit data string with an offset of 0x00, an 8-bit data string with an offset of 0x01, and an 8-bit data string with an offset of 0x01. In each 8-bit data string, each bit portion has the same width, and the bit portion with a bit value of "1" is a reflective surface, and the bit portion with a bit value of "0" is a non-reflective surface.

[0041] In the illustrated example, the 8-bit data at offset 0x00 is "00101000", the 8-bit data at offset 0x01 is "00100100", and the 8-bit data at offset 0x02 is "01100100", and the area enclosed by the rectangular frame indicates the reflection surface. In this case, the optical wavelength is 850 [nm], the fiber type is MMF, the insertion loss is less than 3 [dB], and the cable length is less than 100 [m] (see the dashed frame in Figure 3(a)).

[0042] This sequence structure also includes an identifier start signal sequence immediately preceding the 8-bit data sequence with offset 0x00. This identifier start signal sequence corresponds to the 3-bit data sequence "111" and is a reflective surface with a width of 3 bits. This identifier start signal sequence indicates the start of the identifier and indicates that an 8-bit data sequence with offset 0x00 follows.

[0043] This sequence structure also includes an offset 0x01 identification signal sequence immediately preceding the 8-bit data sequence with offset 0x01, and an offset 0x02 identification signal sequence immediately preceding the 8-bit data sequence with offset 0x02. These offset identification signal sequences correspond to the 3-bit data sequence of "111," and are made into a reflective surface with a width of 3 bits. These offset identification signal sequences indicate that their respective 8-bit data sequences follow.

[0044] This sequence structure also includes an identifier end signal sequence immediately following the 8-bit data sequence with offset 0x02. This identifier end signal sequence corresponds to the 4-bit data sequence of "1111" and is a reflective surface with a width of 4 bits. This identifier end signal sequence indicates the end of the identifier.

[0045] In this sequence structure, as described above, the identifier start signal sequence, offset identification signal sequence, and identifier end signal sequence contained before and after each 8-bit data sequence are made into reflective surfaces corresponding to the 3-bit data sequence of "111" or the 4-bit data sequence of "1111". Therefore, in order to ensure that the identifier start signal sequence, offset identification signal sequence, and identifier end signal sequence can be detected reliably on the receiving side of the reflected light from the identifier, the 7th bit and 0th bit of each 8-bit data sequence are fixed to "0", and these bit portions are made into non-reflective surfaces. Here, the reflected light from the identifier is light modulated by the identifier.

[0046] Returning to Fig. 1, device 100 has receptacle 101 as the above-mentioned connector, as well as control unit 102, communication signal input / output unit 103, signal processing unit 104, and presentation unit 106. Control unit 102 controls the operation of each unit of device 100. Control unit 102 also functions as a detection unit that detects specifications based on identifier information. Presentation unit 106 is composed of a display, speaker, etc., and displays the operating status of device 100 and warnings to the user on the display, or outputs sound indicating a warning from the speaker.

[0047] The signal processing unit 104 performs signal processing to convert the transmission data into a signal suitable for optical communication, and sends the signal to a light emitting element (such as a laser) of each channel of the transmission unit 105T. The signal processing unit 104 also performs predetermined signal processing on the reception data sent from a light receiving element (such as a photodiode) of each channel of the reception unit 105R.

[0048] To the signal processing unit 104, transmission data acquired from an external device connected via the Internet or output from a predetermined internal location, such as the control unit 102 or a recording unit (not shown), is supplied via the communication signal input / output unit 103. Also, received data obtained by the signal processing unit 104 is appropriately supplied via the control unit 102 or the communication signal input / output unit 103 to a predetermined internal location, such as an external device connected via the Internet or a recording unit (not shown). Note that in communication for control such as specification detection, data is exchanged between the signal processing unit 104 and the control unit 102, and actual data is exchanged via the communication signal input / output unit 103 and the signal processing unit 104.

[0049] "1-1-2. Identifier reflected light acquisition configuration" Device 100 guides an optical signal emitted from a predetermined channel of transmitter 105T to identifier 321 provided at a position optically readable from the side of plug 302, and includes an identifier reflected light acquisition configuration for receiving reflected light from identifier 321 in the mid-fitting state described above associated with the user's operation of inserting plug 302 into opening 111 of receptacle 101. Note that the optical signal transmitted from device 100 to identifier 321 preferably has a constant power in order to achieve detection accuracy, but does not have to be constant within a detectable range.

[0050] This identifier reflected light acquisition configuration includes mirrors 112a to 112e. The mirror 112a changes the optical path of an optical signal output from a predetermined channel of the transmitter 105T, for example, channel 1, in a perpendicular direction and makes the optical signal incident on the mirror 112b. The mirror 112b changes the optical path of the incident optical signal in a perpendicular direction and makes the optical signal incident on the mirror 112c. The mirror 112c changes the optical path of the incident optical signal in a perpendicular direction and makes the optical signal irradiate the identifier 321.

[0051] In addition, mirror 112c changes the optical path of the reflected light from identifier 321 in a perpendicular direction and makes it incident on mirror 112d. Mirror 112d changes the optical path of the incident reflected light in a perpendicular direction and makes it incident on mirror 112e. Mirror 112e changes the optical path of the incident reflected light in a perpendicular direction and makes it incident on a predetermined channel of receiving unit 105R, for example, channel 1.

[0052] Here, mirrors 112b and 112c are arranged with a step in the vertical direction (in the depth direction of the paper in FIG. 1), so that the optical path of the optical signal from mirror 112b to mirror 112c does not overlap with the optical path of the reflected light from mirror 112c to mirror 112d. Note that in FIG. 1, receptacle 101 and plug 302 are shown as viewed from the top.

[0053] With the above-described configuration for acquiring the reflected light of the identifier, in the intermediate mating state (a state in which the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 is between an unmated state and a fully mated state with respect to the receptacle 101 of the device 100) resulting from the user's operation of inserting the plug 302, as the positional relationship between the receptacle 101 and the plug 302 is sequentially changed, the optical signal emitted from a specified channel of the transmitter 105T is sequentially irradiated to each bit portion of the column structure of the identifier 321, and therefore the column structure of the identifier 321 is scanned by the optical signal emitted from the specified channel of the transmitter 105T, and the reflected light indicating each bit value of the identifier 321 is sequentially incident on a specified channel of the receiver 105R.

[0054] The reflected light indicating each bit value incident on a specified channel of the receiving unit 105R is converted from an optical signal to an electrical signal (identifier information), and under the control of the control unit 102, multiple bits of data for detecting the specifications are extracted in the signal processing unit 104, and the specifications of the optical cable 300 are detected.

[0055] In this case, the control unit 102 controls the process of acquiring reflected light from the identifier provided on the plug 302 as described above, and also controls the process of setting the communication method of the device 100 based on the specifications of the optical cable 300 detected based on the identifier information obtained from the thus acquired reflected light. The control process of the control unit 102 will be described further below.

[0056] "1-1-3. An example of the operation of extracting each offset data" Here, a brief description will be given of an example of an extraction operation of each offset data on the receiving side that receives reflected light from the identifier 321 having the column structure shown in FIG.

[0057] First, a high-level signal is detected corresponding to the period of the 3-bit identifier start signal sequence, and it is determined that reflected light corresponding to each bit portion is received in a bit cycle that is 1 / 3 of the duration of this high-level signal, and preparations are made to extract each bit of the 8-bit data with offset 0x00. After that, each bit of the 8-bit data with offset 0x00 is sequentially extracted from the signal corresponding to the received reflected light in the above-mentioned bit cycle.

[0058] Next, the 3-bit identification signal sequence with offset 0x01 is detected from the signal corresponding to the received reflected light in the bit cycle described above, and preparations are made to extract each bit of the 8-bit data with offset 0x01. After that, each bit of the 8-bit data with offset 0x01 is sequentially extracted from the signal corresponding to the received reflected light in the bit cycle described above.

[0059] Next, the 3-bit identification signal sequence with offset 0x02 is detected from the signal corresponding to the received reflected light in the bit cycle described above, and preparations are made to extract each bit of the 8-bit data with offset 0x02. After that, each bit of the 8-bit data with offset 0x02 is sequentially extracted from the signal corresponding to the received reflected light in the bit cycle described above.

[0060] Then, a 4-bit identifier end signal string is detected from the signal corresponding to the received reflected light in the bit cycle described above, and the data extraction operation is terminated. Note that the data extraction operation may also be terminated upon extraction of the last bit of the 8-bit data at offset 0x02.

[0061] "1-1-4. Mirror movement mechanism" The above-mentioned identifier reflected light acquisition configuration includes a mirror 112a that changes the optical path of an optical signal emitted from a predetermined channel of the transmitter 105T in a perpendicular direction and makes it incident on the mirror 112b, and a mirror 112e that changes the optical path of the reflected light incident from the mirror 112d in a perpendicular direction and makes it incident on a predetermined channel of the receiver 105R. In this embodiment, the positions of these mirrors 112a and 112e are as shown in Fig. 1 when receiving reflected light from the identifier in a mid-fitting state, and are positioned out of the optical path of the optical signal when communicating actual communication data, which is actual communication data such as image data after the fitting is completed. A mirror moving mechanism (not shown in Fig. 1 for simplification) that moves the mirrors 112a and 112e is provided.

[0062] Fig. 4(a) shows receptacle 101 and plug 302 in an intermediate mating state (intermediate mating position) from which identifier information is obtained, as viewed from above. Fig. 4(b) shows receptacle 101 and plug 302 in a complete mating state, as viewed from above. Fig. 5(a) shows receptacle 101 in an intermediate mating state, from which identifier information is obtained, as viewed from the front (plug 302 side). Fig. 5(b) shows receptacle 101 in a complete mating state, i.e., when communicating actual communication data after mating is complete, as viewed from the front (plug 302 side).

[0063] The mirror movement mechanism that moves mirrors 112a, 112e includes moving bodies 113L, 113R to which mirrors 112a, 112e are fixed, respectively, and coil springs 114L, 114R that bias moving bodies 113L, 113R in a direction in which they come into contact. An inclined surface is formed on moving bodies 113L, 113R on the plug 302 side. Due to this inclined surface, when plug 302 is inserted into opening 111 of receptacle 101, moving bodies 113L, 113R move in directions away from each other against the biasing force of coil springs 114L, 114R.

[0064] In the intermediate mating state, which is the position range for acquiring identifier information, the moving bodies 113L and 113R are in contact with each other as shown in Fig. 4(a) and Fig. 5(a). In this case, the mirror 112a functions to change the optical path of the optical signal emitted from a predetermined channel of the transmitting unit 105T in a perpendicular direction to make it incident on the mirror 112b, and the mirror 112e functions to change the optical path of the reflected light incident from the mirror 112d in a perpendicular direction to make it incident on a predetermined channel of the receiving unit 105R. On the other hand, after the mating is completed, that is, during communication of actual communication data in the mating completed state, the moving bodies 113L and 113R are placed in a separated state as shown in Fig. 4(b) and Fig. 5(b). In this case, the mirrors 112a and 112e are placed in positions away from the optical path of the optical signal, and the mirrors 112a and 112e are prevented from interfering with the transmission and reception of the optical signal.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 5(a), the emission position of the transmission channel and the incidence position of the reception channel of receptacle 101 are on the same horizontal plane. Also, as shown in Fig. 5(a), mirrors 112b and 112d are arranged with a step in the vertical direction.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 5(a), in the mid-fitting state (mid-fitting position) which is within the position range for acquiring identifier information, the optical path of the optical signal emitted from the transmission channel is changed by mirror 112a to the direction of mirror 112b, but at that time the optical path is not horizontal but slightly upward. And, although not shown in Fig. 5(a), the optical path of the optical signal going from mirror 112b to mirror 112c is horizontal.

[0067] Although not shown in Fig. 5(a), the optical path of the reflected light from mirror 112c to mirror 112d is horizontal, and as shown in Fig. 5(a), the optical path of the reflected light from mirror 112d to mirror 112e is not horizontal but slightly upward.

[0068] 5(c) shows the optical path of the optical signal irradiated from the mirror 112c to the identifier 321 of the plug 302, and the optical path of the reflected light returned from the identifier 321 to the mirror 112c. In this case, the cross section of the reflecting surface of the mirror 112c is formed in a dogleg shape. As described above, the optical signal incident in the horizontal direction from the mirror 112b is irradiated from the upper inclined surface of the mirror 112c from an obliquely upward direction onto the identifier 321 of the plug 302. Moreover, the reflected light emitted in the obliquely downward direction from the identifier 321 is incident on the mirror 112d in the horizontal direction as described above via the lower inclined surface of the mirror 112c.

[0069] In the above description, the optical path of the optical signal from mirror 112b to mirror 112c and the optical path of the reflected light from mirror 112c to mirror 112d are not overlapped, but a configuration in which these optical paths overlap is also possible. In that case, although a detailed description is omitted, for example, a configuration using a half mirror is considered.

[0070] "1-1-5. An example of a temporary fastening mechanism that temporarily fastens in the middle of mating" As described above, in the intermediate mating state (a state in which plug 302 of optical cable 300 is between an unmated state and a fully mated state with respect to receptacle 101 of device 100) associated with the user's insertion operation of plug 302, as the positional relationship between receptacle 101 and plug 302 is sequentially changed, the optical signal emitted from a predetermined channel of transmitter 105T is sequentially irradiated to each bit portion of the column structure of identifier 321, and therefore the column structure of identifier 321 is scanned by the optical signal emitted from a predetermined channel of transmitter 105T, and reflected light indicating each bit value of identifier 321 is sequentially incident on a predetermined channel of receiver 105R, and multiple bits of data for detecting specifications are extracted based on the received reflected light.

[0071] In this case, it is possible to provide a temporary fastening mechanism (click mechanism) that temporarily fastens the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 in a pre-identifier light irradiation state (pre-identifier light irradiation position), which is a state (position) before an optical signal is irradiated to the identifier 321, among the intermediate mating states. In this case, since the insertion of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 is stopped once in the pre-identifier light irradiation state (pre-identifier light irradiation position) among the intermediate mating state (intermediate mating position), it becomes possible for the user to intentionally and stably perform the subsequent operation of inserting the plug 302 of the optical cable 300. This makes it possible to accurately obtain each bit value of the multiple-bit data for detecting the specifications, and to perform good specification detection.

[0072] Fig. 6(a) shows the receptacle 101 and plug 302 portions viewed from above when plug 302 of optical cable 300 is in a pre-identifier light irradiation state during mating. Fig. 6(b) shows the receptacle 101 and plug 302 portions viewed from above when plug 302 of optical cable 300 is in a mating complete state.

[0073] Also, Fig. 7(a) shows the state of receptacle 101 as viewed from the front side (plug 302 side) when plug 302 of optical cable 300 is in the pre-identifier light irradiation state among the intermediate mating states. Fig. 7(b) shows the state of receptacle 101 as viewed from the front side (plug 302 side) when plug 302 of optical cable 300 is in the mating complete state. In these figures, parts corresponding to Figs. 4(a), (b) and 5(a), (b) are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0074] Plug 302 of optical cable 300 is provided on its left and right side surfaces with temporary fastening recesses 322 and fitting fixation recesses 323. Also, receptacle 101 is provided with fitting fixation springs 115 on the left and right side surfaces of opening 111.

[0075] When the user inserts plug 302 into receptacle 101 and plug 302 reaches the pre-identifier light irradiation state as shown in FIG. 6(a), the convex portion of engagement fixing spring 115 enters temporary fastening recess 322, and plug 302 is temporarily fastened.

[0076] If the user presses plug 302 further in from this state to completely fit it into receptacle 101, the convex portion of fitting lock spring 115 is pushed out of temporary fastening recess 322, and plug 302 is inserted further into receptacle 101. In this case, the user intentionally continues the operation of pushing plug 302 into receptacle 101, resulting in a stable insertion operation, and the reception of reflected light from identifier 321 is stable with little variation in bit intervals, making it possible to accurately obtain multiple bits of data for detecting specifications.

[0077] When the user further inserts plug 302 into receptacle 101 and plug 302 reaches a fully mated state as shown in FIG. 6( b ), the convex portion of mating fixing spring 115 enters mating fixing recess 323, and plug 302 is fixed to receptacle 101.

[0078] "1-1-6. Automatic retraction mechanism" In the above description, it has been described that the user inserts plug 302 into receptacle 101 when fitting plug 302 into receptacle 101. However, although not shown in FIG. 1, it is also possible to provide an automatic retraction mechanism for automatically retracting plug 302 in receptacle 101, which is an example of an automatic movement mechanism similar to the automatic movement mechanism shown in FIG. 46 described later, and to automatically retract plug 302 from, for example, a pre-identifier light irradiation state (pre-identifier light irradiation position) in the non-mated state (non-mated position) or in the mid-mating state (mid-mating position) to a mating completion state (mating completion position) by a configuration using a well-known motor, spring, or the like. In this case, it is possible to save the user the trouble of inserting plug 302, and the plug 302 insertion operation can be stabilized at a speed close to a constant compared to the user's operation, and the specifications can be detected well by the reflected light from the identifier in the mid-mating state.

[0079] 1, similar to the above-described plug 302, an identifier 331 is provided at a position optically readable from the side of the plug 303 of the optical cable 300, allowing the device 200 to detect the specifications of the optical cable 300 in an intermediate mating state (a state between an unmated state and a fully mated state of the plug 303 of the optical cable 300 with respect to the receptacle 201 of the device 200) The identifier 331 is similar to the identifier 321 (see FIG. 3(b)) provided at a position optically readable from the side of the plug 302, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] In addition to the receptacle 201 as the connector described above, the device 200 has a control unit 202, a communication signal input / output unit 203, a signal processing unit 204, and a presentation unit 206. The control unit 202 controls the operation of each unit of the device 200. The control unit 202 also functions as a detection unit that detects the specifications based on the identifier information. The presentation unit 206 displays the operating status of the device 200 and warnings to the user on a display, and outputs sounds indicating warnings from a speaker.

[0081] The signal processing unit 204 performs signal processing to convert the transmission data into a signal suitable for optical communication, and sends the signal to a light emitting element (such as a laser) of each channel of the transmission unit 205T. The signal processing unit 204 also performs predetermined signal processing on the reception data sent from a light receiving element (such as a photodiode) of each channel of the reception unit 205R.

[0082] To the signal processing unit 204, transmission data acquired from an external device connected via the Internet or output from a predetermined internal location, such as the control unit 202 or a recording unit (not shown), is supplied via the communication signal input / output unit 203. Furthermore, reception data obtained by the signal processing unit 204 is appropriately supplied via the control unit 202 or the communication signal input / output unit 203 to a predetermined internal location, such as an external device connected via the Internet or a recording unit (not shown).

[0083] Like the above-described device 100, device 200 guides an optical signal emitted from a predetermined channel of transmitter 205T to identifier 331 provided at a position optically readable from the side surface of plug 303, and includes an identifier reflected light acquisition configuration for receiving reflected light from identifier 331 in the above-described mid-fitting state when plug 303 is being inserted into opening 211 of receptacle 201. Although a detailed description will be omitted, this identifier reflected light acquisition configuration is configured with mirrors 212a to 212e.

[0084] With the above-described configuration for acquiring reflected light of the identifier, when the user is in the middle of inserting the plug 303, an optical signal emitted from a predetermined channel of the transmitting unit 205T is sequentially irradiated onto each bit portion of the column structure of the identifier 331, and reflected light indicating each bit value is sequentially incident on a predetermined channel of the receiving unit 205R. The reflected light indicating each bit value incident on the predetermined channel of the receiving unit 205R is converted from an optical signal to an electric signal (identifier information), and under the control of the control unit 202, multiple bits of data for detecting the specifications are extracted in the signal processing unit 204, and the specifications of the optical cable 300 are detected.

[0085] "1-1-7. Another example of a multi-bit data structure for detecting specifications" 8(a) shows another example of the structure of multiple-bit data for detecting specifications. This data includes two bytes of data, that is, 8-bit data at offset 0x00 and 8-bit data at offset 0x01.

[0086] For the 8-bit data with offset 0x00, if the 6th bit (Bit 6) is “1”, it indicates that the optical wavelength is 1310 [nm], if the 5th bit (Bit 5) is “1”, it indicates that the optical wavelength is 850 [nm], if the 3rd bit (Bit 3) is “1”, it indicates that the fiber type is MMF (Multi-Mode optical Fiber), and if the 2nd bit (Bit 2) is “1”, it indicates that the fiber type is SMF (Single Mode optical Fiber).

[0087] In addition, for the 8-bit data with offset 0x01, if the 6th bit (Bit 6) is “1”, it indicates that the insertion loss is 3 to 6 [dB], if the 5th bit (Bit 5) is “1”, it indicates that the insertion loss is less than 3 [dB], if the 3rd bit (Bit 3) is “1”, it indicates that the cable length is 100 [m] or more, and if the 2nd bit (Bit 2) is “1”, it indicates that the cable length is less than 100 [m].

[0088] 8(b) shows yet another example of a structure of multiple-bit data for detecting specifications, which includes 4 bytes of data, that is, 8-bit data at offset 0x00, 8-bit data at offset 0x01, 8-bit data at offset 0x02, and 8-bit data at offset 0x03.

[0089] For the 8-bit data with offset 0x00, if the 6th bit (Bit 6) is “1”, it indicates that the optical wavelength is 1310 [nm], if the 5th bit (Bit 5) is “1”, it indicates that the optical wavelength is 850 [nm], if the 3rd bit (Bit 3) is “1”, it indicates that the fiber type is MMF (Multi-Mode optical Fiber), and if the 2nd bit (Bit 2) is “1”, it indicates that the fiber type is SMF (Single Mode optical Fiber).

[0090] In addition, for the 8-bit data with offset 0x01, if the 6th bit (Bit 6) is “1”, it indicates that the insertion loss is 3 to 6 [dB], if the 5th bit (Bit 5) is “1”, it indicates that the insertion loss is less than 3 [dB], if the 3rd bit (Bit 3) is “1”, it indicates that the cable length is 100 [m] or more, and if the 2nd bit (Bit 2) is “1”, it indicates that the cable length is less than 100 [m].

[0091] As for the 8-bit data at offset 0x02, if bit 7 to bit 0 are each "1", it indicates that the number of fibers is between 8 and 1. As for the 8-bit data at offset 0x03, bit 7 to bit 0 indicate a manufacturing number (serial number) in binary.

[0092] Figure 9(a) shows yet another example of the structure of multiple bits of data for detecting specifications. This data contains only one byte of data, that is, 8-bit data at offset 0x00. For this 8-bit data at offset 0x00, the 7th bit (Bit 7) to 0th bit (Bit 0) indicate a model number in binary.

[0093] In this case, in the device 100, the above-described identifier reflected light acquisition configuration allows data indicating the model number of the optical cable 300 to be obtained as multi-bit data for detecting the specifications during the mid-fitting state accompanying the plug 302 insertion operation. The device 100 detects the specifications of the optical cable 300 from the model number by referring to a table held by the device 100 itself or a table held by the cloud server. The device 100 may also update its own table by downloading the latest table from the cloud server or acquiring it via a recording medium.

[0094] 9(b) shows an example of the correspondence between the model number and the specifications in the table. For example, if the model number of the optical cable 300 is "xxx1", the specifications of the optical cable 300 are detected as follows: optical wavelength 850 [nm], fiber type MMF, insertion loss 3 to 6 [dB], cable length 50 [m], and number of fibers 4 [pieces].

[0095] In addition, only data indicating the manufacturing number (serial number) of the optical cable 300 is obtained as the multi-bit data for detecting the specifications, and the device 100 may use the manufacturing number as is, or obtain a model number from the manufacturing number and detect the specifications of the optical cable 300 by referring to a table held by the device 100 itself or a table held by the cloud server.

[0096] The row structure of the identifiers 321, 331 provided at positions optically readable from the side of the plugs 302, 303 of the optical cable 300 corresponding to the multi-bit data structure for detecting the specifications shown in Figures 8(a), (b), and 9(a) is similar to the row structure shown in Figure 3(b) described above, although a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0097] In the optical communication system 10A shown in FIG. 1 described above, the device 100 (device 200) guides an optical signal emitted from a predetermined channel of the transmitter 105T (transmitter 205T) to an identifier 321 (identifier 331) provided at a position optically readable from the side of the plug 302 (plug 303), and receives reflected light from this identifier 321 (identifier 331) when the plug 302 (plug 303) of the optical cable 300 is in an intermediate mating state between an unmated state and a fully mated state with respect to the receptacle 101 (receptacle 201), thereby detecting the specifications of the optical cable 300, and making it possible to acquire the specifications of the optical cable 300.

[0098] "1-2. Other configuration examples of optical communication systems (2-stage side-face identifiers)" Fig. 10 shows a configuration example of an optical communication system 10B. Like the optical communication system 10A shown in Fig. 1, this optical communication system 10B is configured such that a device (device A) 100 and a device (device B) 200 are connected via an optical cable 300. In Fig. 10, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0099] An identifier 321B is provided at a position optically readable from the side of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300, allowing the device 100 to detect the specifications of the optical cable 300 in an intermediate mating state (a state in which the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 is between an unmated state and a fully mated state with respect to the receptacle 101 of the device 100).

[0100] 11(a) and (b) show an example of the appearance of a plug 302 having an identifier 321B provided on a side surface. Fig. 11(a) shows an example of a rectangular parallelepiped plug 302. Fig. 11(b) shows an example of a cylindrical plug 302.

[0101] The details of the identifier 321B will be described. The identifier 321B has a second-stage sequence structure (data sequence structure) in which reflective surfaces and non-reflective surfaces are arranged according to each bit value of multi-bit data for detecting specifications, and a first-stage sequence structure (clock sequence structure) in which reflective surfaces and non-reflective surfaces are arranged according to a clock synchronized with each bit of the multi-bit data, in parallel with this sequence structure. In this case, the first-stage sequence structure (clock sequence structure) constitutes an additional sequence structure.

[0102] "1-2-1. Explanation of identifiers" Fig. 12(a) shows an example of a multi-bit data structure for detecting specifications. This example is similar to the data structure shown in Fig. 3(a) above, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] Fig. 12(b) shows an example of the string structure of identifier 321B including the 3-byte data shown in Fig. 12(a) above. The second-stage string structure (data string structure) includes an 8-bit data string with offset 0x00, an 8-bit data string with offset 0x01, and an 8-bit data string with offset 0x01, in that order. In each 8-bit data string, each bit portion has the same width, and the bit portion with bit value "1" is a reflective surface, and the bit portion with bit value "0" is a non-reflective surface.

[0104] In the illustrated example, the 8-bit data at offset 0x00 is "00101000", the 8-bit data at offset 0x01 is "00100100", and the 8-bit data at offset 0x02 is "01100100", and the area enclosed by the rectangular frame indicates the reflecting surface. In this case, the optical wavelength is 850 [nm], the fiber type is MMF, the insertion loss is less than 3 [dB], the cable length is less than 100 [m], and the serial number is 100 (see the dashed frame in FIG. 12(a)).

[0105] Furthermore, this second-stage string structure (data string structure) includes an identifier start signal sequence immediately before the 8-bit data sequence with offset 0x00. This identifier start signal sequence corresponds to the 3-bit data sequence of "111", and is a reflective surface having a width of 3 bits. This identifier start signal sequence indicates the start of the identifier. Furthermore, this second-stage string structure (data string structure) includes an identifier end signal sequence immediately after the 8-bit data sequence with offset 0x02. This identifier end signal sequence corresponds to the 4-bit data sequence of "1111", and is a reflective surface having a width of 4 bits. This identifier end signal sequence indicates the end of the identifier.

[0106] The first-stage string structure (clock string structure) includes a clock pattern string. This clock pattern string indicates a clock synchronized with each bit portion of each offset data string in the second-stage string structure (data string structure), and each bit portion is alternately made into a non-reflective surface and a reflective surface. In this case, the first bit portion of each offset data, that is, the 7th bit (Bit 7), is made into a non-reflective surface.

[0107] In addition, this first-stage string structure (clock string structure) includes a signal string similar to the identifier start signal string of the second-stage string structure (data string structure) described above immediately before the clock pattern string, and includes a signal string similar to the identifier end signal string of the second-stage string structure (data string structure) described above immediately after the clock pattern string.

[0108] "1-2-2. Identifier reflected light acquisition configuration" Returning to FIG. 10, device 100 guides two optical signals emitted from two specified channels of transmitter 105T to identifier 321B provided at a position optically readable from the side of plug 302, and is equipped with an identifier reflected light acquisition configuration for receiving two reflected lights from identifier 321B in the mid-mating state described above when the user inserts plug 302 into opening 111 of receptacle 101.

[0109] This identifier reflected light acquisition configuration includes mirrors 112a to 112e. The mirror 112a changes the optical paths of two optical signals output from two predetermined channels of the transmitter 105T, for example, channels 1 and 2, at a right angle and makes the two optical signals incident on the mirror 112b. The mirror 112b changes the optical paths of the two incident optical signals at a right angle and makes the two optical signals incident on the mirror 112c.

[0110] The mirror 112c changes the optical paths of the two incident optical signals to a right angle and irradiates them on the identifier 321B. In this case, one optical signal, for example, an optical signal emitted from channel 1 of the transmitter 105T, is irradiated on the first stage of the column structure (clock column structure) of the identifier 321B, and the other optical signal, for example, an optical signal emitted from channel 2 of the transmitter 105T, is irradiated on the second stage of the column structure (data column structure) of the identifier 321B.

[0111] Furthermore, mirror 112c changes the optical paths of two reflected lights from identifier 321B (reflected light from the first stage column structure (clock column structure) of identifier 321B and reflected light from the second stage column structure (data column structure) of identifier 321B) at a right angle and makes them incident on mirror 112d. Mirror 112d changes the optical paths of the two incident reflected lights at a right angle and makes them incident on mirror 112e.

[0112] The mirror 112e changes the optical paths of the two incident reflected lights in a perpendicular direction and makes them incident on predetermined channels of the receiving unit 105R, for example, channels 1 and 2. In this case, one reflected light, for example, the reflected light from the first row structure (clock row structure) of the identifier 321B, is incident on channel 1 of the receiving unit 105R, and the other reflected light, for example, the reflected light from the second row structure (data row structure) of the identifier 321B, is incident on channel 2 of the receiving unit 105R.

[0113] Here, mirrors 112b and 112d are arranged with a step in the vertical direction (in FIG. 10, the depth direction of the paper) so that the optical paths of the two optical signals from mirror 112b to mirror 112c and the optical paths of the two reflected lights from mirror 112c to mirror 112d do not overlap.

[0114] With the above-described identifier reflected light acquisition configuration, in an intermediate mating state accompanying the insertion operation of plug 302 (a state in which plug 302 of optical cable 300 is between an unmated state and a fully mated state with respect to receptacle 101 of device 100), as the positional relationship between receptacle 101 and plug 302 is sequentially changed, two optical signals emitted from two predetermined channels of transmitter 105T are sequentially irradiated onto each bit portion of the first stage string structure (clock string structure) and second stage string structure (data string structure) of identifier 321B, and therefore the string structure of identifier 321 is scanned by the optical signals emitted from the two predetermined channels of transmitter 105T, and two reflected lights indicating each bit value of the first stage string structure (clock string structure) and second stage string structure (data string structure) of identifier 321B are sequentially incident on two predetermined channels of receiver 105R.

[0115] The two reflected lights, which respectively indicate each bit value of the first stage sequence structure (clock sequence structure) and the second stage sequence structure (data sequence structure) that are incident on two specified channels of the receiving unit 105R, are converted from optical signals to electrical signals (identifier information), and under the control of the control unit 102, multiple bits of data for detecting the specifications are extracted in the signal processing unit 104, and the specifications of the optical cable 300 are detected.

[0116] In this case, the control unit 102 controls the process of acquiring reflected light from the identifier provided on the plug 302 as described above, and also controls the process of setting the communication method of the device 100 based on the specifications of the optical cable 300 detected based on the identifier information obtained from the reflected light thus acquired.

[0117] "1-2-3. An example of the operation of extracting each offset data" Here, a brief description will be given of an example of an extraction operation of each offset data on the receiving side that receives two reflected lights from the identifier 321B having the column structure shown in FIG. 12(b).

[0118] First, for example, a high-level signal is detected from a signal corresponding to the reflected light of the second-stage column structure (data column structure) corresponding to the period of a 3-bit identifier start signal column, and preparations are made to extract each bit of the 8-bit data for each offset.

[0119] Next, while referring to the values ​​of "0" and "1" of the clock data obtained from the signal corresponding to the reflected light from the first stage column structure (clock column structure), each bit data of the 8-bit data for each offset is sequentially extracted from the signal corresponding to the reflected light from the second stage column structure (data column structure).

[0120] Then, for example, from the signal corresponding to the reflected light of the second-stage string structure (data string structure), a 4-bit identifier end signal string is detected in a bit cycle based on the above-mentioned clock data, and the data extraction operation is terminated. Note that it is also possible to terminate the data extraction operation by extracting the last bit data of the 8-bit data with offset 0x02.

[0121] As described above, in the case of data extraction performed by referring to clock data based on reflected light from the first stage column structure (clock column structure), even if the insertion operation of the optical cable connector is unstable, each bit value of the multi-bit data for detecting specifications can be obtained with high accuracy, making it possible to perform good specification detection.

[0122] "1-2-4. Mirror movement mechanism" The above-mentioned identifier reflected light acquisition configuration includes a mirror 112a that changes the optical paths of two optical signals emitted from two predetermined channels of the transmitting unit 105T in a perpendicular direction and makes them incident on the mirror 112b, and a mirror 112e that changes the optical paths of two reflected lights incident from the mirror 112d in a perpendicular direction and makes them incident on two predetermined channels of the receiving unit 105R. In this embodiment, the positions of these mirrors 112a and 112e are as shown in Fig. 10 when receiving reflected light from the identifier in the middle of engagement, and are positioned out of the optical path of the optical signal when communicating actual communication data, which is actual communication data such as image data after engagement is completed. A mirror moving mechanism (not shown in Fig. 10 for simplification) that moves the mirrors 112a and 112e is provided.

[0123] Fig. 13(a) shows receptacle 101 and plug 302 in an intermediate mating state (intermediate mating position) from which identifier information is obtained, as viewed from above. Fig. 13(b) shows receptacle 101 and plug 302 in a complete mating state, as viewed from above. Fig. 14(a) shows receptacle 101 in an intermediate mating state, from which identifier information is obtained, as viewed from the front (plug 302 side). Fig. 14(b) shows receptacle 101 in a complete mating state, i.e., when communicating actual communication data after mating is complete, as viewed from the front (plug 302 side).

[0124] The mirror movement mechanism that moves mirrors 112a, 112e includes moving bodies 113L, 113R to which mirrors 112a, 112e are fixed, respectively, and coil springs 114L, 114R that bias moving bodies 113L, 113R in a direction in which they come into contact. An inclined surface is formed on moving bodies 113L, 113R on the plug 302 side. Due to this inclined surface, when plug 302 is inserted into opening 111 of receptacle 101, moving bodies 113L, 113R move in directions away from each other against the biasing force of coil springs 114L, 114R.

[0125] In the intermediate mating state, which is within the position range for acquiring identifier information, the moving bodies 113L and 113R are in contact with each other as shown in Fig. 13(a) and Fig. 14(a). In this case, the mirror 112a functions to change the optical path of the optical signal emitted from the two predetermined channels of the transmitting unit 105T in a perpendicular direction to make it incident on the mirror 112b, and the mirror 112e functions to change the optical path of the two reflected lights incident from the mirror 112d in a perpendicular direction to make it incident on the two predetermined channels of the receiving unit 105R. On the other hand, after the mating is completed, that is, during the communication of actual communication data in the mating completed state, the moving bodies 113L and 113R are placed in a separated state as shown in Fig. 13(b) and Fig. 14(b). In this case, the mirrors 112a and 112e are placed in positions away from the optical path of the optical signal, and the optical mirrors 112a and 112e are prevented from interfering with the transmission and reception of the optical signal.

[0126] As shown in Fig. 14(a), the emission position of the transmission channel and the incidence position of the reception channel of receptacle 101 are on the same horizontal plane. Also, as shown in Fig. 14(a), mirrors 112b and 112d are arranged with a step in the vertical direction.

[0127] As shown in Fig. 14(a), in the mid-fitting state (mid-fitting position) which is within the position range for acquiring identifier information, the optical paths of the two optical signals emitted from the transmission channel are changed by mirror 112a toward mirror 112b, but at that time, the optical paths are not horizontal but slightly upward. Although not shown in Fig. 14(a), the optical paths of the two optical signals traveling from mirror 112b to mirror 112c are horizontal.

[0128] Although not shown in Fig. 14(a), the optical paths of the two reflected lights from mirror 112c to mirror 112d are horizontal. As shown in Fig. 14(a), the optical paths of the two reflected lights from mirror 112d to mirror 112e are not horizontal but slightly upward.

[0129] 14(c) shows the optical paths of two optical signals irradiated from the mirror 112c to the identifier 321B of the plug 302, and the optical paths of two reflected lights returning from the identifier 321B to the mirror 112c. In this case, the cross section of the reflecting surface of the mirror 112c is formed in a "L" shape. As described above, the two optical signals incident in the horizontal direction from the mirror 112b are irradiated from the upper inclined surface of the mirror 112c obliquely from above to the identifier 321B of the plug 302. In addition, the two reflected lights emitted obliquely downward from the identifier 321B are incident in the horizontal direction to the mirror 112d as described above via the lower inclined surface of the mirror 112c.

[0130] In the above description, the optical paths of the two optical signals from mirror 112b to mirror 112c and the optical paths of the two reflected lights from mirror 112c to mirror 112d are not overlapped, but a configuration in which these optical paths overlap is also possible. In that case, although a detailed description is omitted, for example, a configuration using a half mirror is considered.

[0131] "1-2-5. Explanation of other data structures of identifiers, etc." In the above description, the identifier 321B shows an example in which the first stage string structure (clock string structure) and the second stage string structure (data string structure) exist in parallel. However, examples in which the first stage string structure (data string structure) and the second stage string structure (data string structure) exist in parallel are also conceivable.

[0132] 15(a) shows another example of the structure of multiple-bit data for detecting specifications, which includes two bytes of data, that is, 8-bit data at offset 0x00 and 8-bit data at offset 0x01.

[0133] For the 8-bit data with offset 0x00, if the 6th bit (Bit 6) is “1”, it indicates that the optical wavelength is 1310 [nm], if the 5th bit (Bit 5) is “1”, it indicates that the optical wavelength is 850 [nm], if the 3rd bit (Bit 3) is “1”, it indicates that the fiber type is MMF (Multi-Mode optical Fiber), and if the 2nd bit (Bit 2) is “1”, it indicates that the fiber type is SMF (Single Mode optical Fiber).

[0134] In addition, for the 8-bit data with offset 0x01, if the 6th bit (Bit 6) is “1”, it indicates that the insertion loss is 3 to 6 [dB], if the 5th bit (Bit 5) is “1”, it indicates that the insertion loss is less than 3 [dB], if the 3rd bit (Bit 3) is “1”, it indicates that the cable length is 100 [m] or more, and if the 2nd bit (Bit 2) is “1”, it indicates that the cable length is less than 100 [m].

[0135] FIG. 15(b) shows an example of the string structure of identifier 321B including the 2-byte data shown in FIG. 15(a) above. The first-stage string structure (data string structure) includes an 8-bit data string with offset 0x00. The example shown in the figure shows a case where the 8-bit data with offset 0x00 is "00101000", and the area enclosed by a rectangular frame indicates the reflecting surface. In this case, it shows an optical wavelength of 850 [nm] and a fiber type of MMF (see the dashed frame in FIG. 15(a)).

[0136] This first-stage string structure (data string structure) also includes an identifier start signal string immediately before the 8-bit data string with offset 0x00. This identifier start signal string corresponds to the 3-bit data string of "111" and is a reflective surface with a width of 3 bits. This identifier start signal string indicates the start of the identifier.

[0137] This sequence structure also includes an identifier end signal sequence immediately following the 8-bit data sequence with offset 0x00. This identifier end signal sequence corresponds to the 4-bit data sequence of "1111" and is a reflective surface with a width of 4 bits. This identifier end signal sequence indicates the end of the identifier.

[0138] The second-stage string structure (data string structure) includes an 8-bit data string with offset 0x01. The illustrated example shows a case where the 8-bit data with offset 0x01 is "00100100", and the area enclosed by the rectangular frame shows the reflecting surface. In this case, the insertion loss is less than 3 dB, and the cable length is less than 100 m (see the dashed frame in FIG. 15(a)).

[0139] In addition, this second-stage string structure (data string structure) includes a signal sequence similar to the identifier start signal sequence of the first-stage string structure (data string structure) described above immediately before the 8-bit data string with offset 0x01, and also includes a signal sequence similar to the identifier end signal sequence of the first-stage string structure (data string structure) described above immediately after the 8-bit data string with offset 0x01.

[0140] In the case where the row structure of the identifier 321B is as shown in FIG. 15(b) above, the identifier reflected light acquisition configuration detects two signals emitted from two predetermined channels of the transmitter 105T as the positional relationship between the receptacle 101 and the plug 302 is sequentially changed during an intermediate mating state (a state in which the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 is between an unmated state and a mating completion state) associated with the plug 302 insertion operation. The optical signals are sequentially irradiated onto each bit portion of the first stage string structure (data string structure) and the second stage string structure (data string structure) of identifier 321B, and thus the string structure of identifier 321 is scanned by the optical signals emitted from the two specified channels of transmitting unit 105T, and two reflected lights indicating each bit value of the first stage string structure (data string structure) and the second stage string structure (data string structure) of identifier 321B are sequentially incident on the two specified channels of receiving unit 105R.

[0141] The two reflected lights, which respectively indicate each bit value of the first stage string structure (data string structure) and the second stage string structure (data string structure) that are incident on the two specified channels of the receiving unit 105R, are converted from optical signals to electrical signals (identifier information), and under the control of the control unit 102, the signal processing unit 104 extracts multiple bits of data for detecting the specifications (8-bit data with offset 0x00 and 8-bit data with offset 0x01), and the specifications of the optical cable 300 are detected.

[0142] Here, a brief description will be given of an example of an extraction operation of each offset data on the receiving side that receives two reflected lights from the identifier 321B having the column structure shown in FIG. 15(b).

[0143] First, for example, a high-level signal is detected corresponding to the period of a 3-bit identifier start signal string from a signal corresponding to the reflected light of the first-stage string structure (data string structure), and it is determined that reflected light corresponding to each bit portion is received in a bit cycle that is 1 / 3 of the duration of this high-level signal, and preparations are made to extract each bit data of the 8-bit data of each offset.

[0144] Next, each bit of the 8-bit data with offset 0x00 is sequentially extracted from the signal corresponding to the reflected light of the first stage column structure (data column structure) in the bit cycle described above, and each bit of the 8-bit data with offset 0x01 is sequentially extracted from the signal corresponding to the reflected light of the second stage column structure (data column structure) in the bit cycle described above.

[0145] Then, for example, from the signal corresponding to the reflected light of the first-stage string structure (data string structure), a 4-bit identifier end signal string is detected in the above-mentioned bit cycle, and the data extraction operation is terminated. Note that it is also possible to terminate the data extraction operation by extracting the last bit data of the 8-bit data of each offset.

[0146] 10, similarly to the above-described plug 302, an identifier 321B is provided at a position optically readable from the side of the plug 303 of the optical cable 300, allowing the device 200 to detect the specifications of the optical cable 300 in an intermediate mating state (a state between an unmated state and a fully mated state of the plug 303 of the optical cable 300 with respect to the receptacle 201 of the device 200) The identifier 331B is similar to the identifier 321B (see FIGS. 12(b) and 15(b)) provided at a position optically readable from the side of the plug 302, although a detailed description will be omitted.

[0147] Like the above-described device 100, device 200 guides two optical signals emitted from two predetermined channels of transmitter 205T to identifier 331B provided at a position optically readable from the side surface of plug 303, and includes an identifier reflected light acquisition configuration for receiving two reflected lights from identifier 331B in the above-described mid-fitting state when plug 303 is being inserted into opening 211 of receptacle 201. Although detailed description will be omitted, this identifier reflected light acquisition configuration is configured with mirrors 212a to 212e.

[0148] Although detailed description is omitted, the optical communication system 10B shown in FIG. 10 may also be provided with a temporary fastening mechanism for temporarily fastening the plug 302 (plug 303) in an intermediate mating state, and an automatic retraction mechanism for automatically retracting the plug 302 (plug 303), for example, from a non-mated state or an intermediate mating state before the identifier light irradiation to a mating completion state, as in the optical communication system 10A shown in FIG. 1, as described above. The temporary fastening mechanism described in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 can be applied to the optical communication system 10A shown in FIG. 1 and the optical communication system 10B shown in FIG. 10 as described above, and can also be applied to all the optical communication systems described in this embodiment. The automatic retraction mechanism can also be applied to the optical communication system 10A shown in FIG. 1 and the optical communication system 10B shown in FIG. 10 as described above, and can also be applied to all the optical communication systems described in this embodiment.

[0149] In the optical communication system 10B shown in FIG. 10 described above, the device 100 (device 200) guides two optical signals emitted from two specified channels of the transmitter 105T (transmitter 205T) to an identifier 321B (identifier 331B) provided in a position optically readable from the side of the plug 302 (plug 303), and receives two reflected lights from this identifier 321B (identifier 331B) when the plug 302 (plug 303) of the optical cable 300 is in an intermediate mating state between an unmated state and a fully mated state with respect to the receptacle 101 (receptacle 201), thereby detecting the specifications of the optical cable 300, and making it possible to acquire the specifications of the optical cable 300.

[0150] 10, the identifier 321B (331B) provided on the plug 302 (303) has a two-stage row structure. Although a detailed description is omitted, the identifier 321B (331B) provided on the plug 302 (303) may have three or more stages.

[0151] "1-3. Other configuration examples of optical communication systems (identifier transceiver unit)" Fig. 16 shows a configuration example of an optical communication system 10C. Like the optical communication system 10A shown in Fig. 1, this optical communication system 10C is also configured such that a device (device A) 100 and a device (device B) 200 are connected via an optical cable 300. In Fig. 16, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0152] In the optical communication system 10A shown in FIG. 1 described above, an example has been shown in which, when plug 302 (plug 303) is mated with receptacle 101 (receptacle 201), transmitting unit 105T and receiving unit 105R, which are used when communicating actual communication data, are utilized to obtain reflected light from identifier 321.

[0153] In optical communication system 10C, device 100 guides an optical signal to identifier 321 provided at a position optically readable from the side of plug 302, and has a transceiver unit 119 separate from transmitter unit 105T and receiver unit 105R used when communicating actual communication data as an identifier reflected light acquisition configuration for acquiring reflected light from identifier 321 in an intermediate mating state (a state between an unmated state and a fully mated state of plug 302 of optical cable 300 with receptacle 101 of device 100) associated with the user's operation of inserting plug 302 into opening 111 of receptacle 101.

[0154] In this case, the optical signal output from the transmitting / receiving unit 119 is incident on the mirror 112c, its optical path is changed in a perpendicular direction, and the optical signal is irradiated onto the identifier 321. The reflected light from the identifier 321 is incident on the mirror 112c, its optical path is changed in a perpendicular direction, and the reflected light is input to the transmitting / receiving unit 119.

[0155] With the above-described configuration for acquiring reflected identifier light, in the mid-fitting state resulting from the user's insertion operation of plug 302, as the positional relationship between receptacle 101 and plug 302 is changed sequentially, the optical signal emitted from transceiver unit 119 is sequentially irradiated onto each bit portion of the column structure of identifier 321, and reflected light indicating each bit value is sequentially incident on transceiver unit 119. The reflected light indicating each bit value incident on transceiver unit 119 is converted from an optical signal to an electrical signal (identifier information), and under the control of control unit 102, multiple bits of data for detecting the specifications are extracted in signal processing unit 104, and the specifications of optical cable 300 are detected.

[0156] Although detailed description will be omitted, device 200 is configured in the same manner as receptacle 101 of device 100 described above. That is, device 200 guides an optical signal to identifier 331 provided at a position optically readable from the side of plug 303, and has transceiver 219 separate from transmitter 205T and receiver 205R used when communicating actual communication data, as an identifier reflected light acquisition configuration for acquiring reflected light from identifier 331 in an intermediate mating state (a state between an unmated state and a fully mated state of plug 303 of optical cable 300 with respect to receptacle 201 of device 200) accompanying an operation of inserting plug 303 by a user into opening 211 of receptacle 201.

[0157] As described above, in the optical communication system 10C shown in FIG. 16, an optical signal is transmitted to the identifier 321 (identifier 331) provided at a position optically readable from the side of the plug 302 (plug 303), and an identifier reflected light acquisition configuration for acquiring reflected light from the identifier 321 (identifier 331) includes a transceiver 119 (transceiver 219) separate from the transmitter 105T (transmitter 205T) and receiver 105R (receiver 205R) used when communicating actual communication data, and a mirror moving mechanism for moving mirrors 112a, 112e (mirrors 212a, 212e) as in the optical communication system 10A shown in FIG. 1 is not required.

[0158] Incidentally, the optical communication system 10C shown in Fig. 16 corresponds to the optical communication system 10A shown in Fig. 1. Although detailed explanation is omitted, it goes without saying that a system corresponding to the optical communication system 10B shown in Fig. 10, and further a system corresponding to the optical communication system 10E shown in Fig. 18 and an optical communication system 10F shown in Fig. 30 described later can be configured in the same manner.

[0159] "1-4. Other configuration examples of optical communication systems (reversible)" Fig. 17 shows a configuration example of an optical communication system 10D. Like the optical communication system 10A shown in Fig. 1, this optical communication system 10D is also configured such that a device (device A) 100 and a device (device B) 200 are connected via an optical cable 300. In Fig. 17, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0160] In the optical communication system 10A shown in Fig. 1 described above, the identifier 321 (identifier 331) is provided at a position optically readable from one side of the plug 302 (plug 303). In the optical communication system 10D, the identifier 321 (identifier 331) is provided at a position optically readable from both side of the plug 302 (plug 303). This allows the device 100 (device 200) to properly detect the specifications of the optical cable 300 based on the reflected light (identifier information) from the identifier 321 (identifier 331), even when the plug 302 (plug 303) of the cable 300 is connected to the device 100 (device 200) with the front and back reversed, that is, a so-called reversible connection. Here, with regard to the connection of the front and back of plug 302 (plug 303) of cable 300, for example, if the connection in the state of plug 302 (plug 303) shown in Figures 2(a) and (b) is a front connection, then the connection in the state of plug 302 (plug 303) turned upside down from this state is a back connection.

[0161] Incidentally, the optical communication system 10D shown in Fig. 17 corresponds to the optical communication system 10A shown in Fig. 1. Although detailed explanation is omitted, it goes without saying that the optical communication system 10B shown in Fig. 10 and the optical communication system 10C shown in Fig. 16 can be configured in the same manner.

[0162] "1-5. Other configuration examples of optical communication systems (mating surface lateral identifier)" Fig. 18 shows a configuration example of an optical communication system 10E. Like the optical communication system 10A shown in Fig. 1, this optical communication system 10E is also configured such that a device (device A) 100 and a device (device B) 200 are connected via an optical cable 300. In Fig. 18, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0163] In the optical communication system 10A shown in FIG. 1 described above, an example is shown in which the identifier 321 (identifier 331) is provided at a position optically readable from the side surface of the plug 302 (plug 303). In the optical communication system 10E, the identifier 321E (identifier 331E) is provided on the mating surface (front surface) of the plug 302 (plug 303). Note that, although an example is shown in which the identifier 321E (identifier 331E) is provided on the mating surface of the plug 302, the identifier 321E (identifier 331E) is not limited to being provided on the mating surface of the plug 302 (plug 303), and it is sufficient that the identifier is provided at a position optically readable from the mating surface of the plug 302 (plug 303).

[0164] In this case, the plug 302 (plug 303) is fitted into the receptacle 101 (receptacle 201) of the device 100 (device 200) from an obliquely downward direction. FIG. 19(a) shows a simplified external view of the receptacle 101 (receptacle 201). The receptacle 101 (receptacle 201) is provided with two inclined positioning holes 121 (positioning holes 221) that extend inwardly from the lower left and right sides of the fitting surface in an obliquely upward direction. FIG. 19(b) shows a simplified external view of the plug 302 (plug 303). The plug 302 (plug 303) is provided with two inclined positioning pins 328 (inclined positioning pins 338) that extend outwardly from the lower left and right sides of the fitting surface in an obliquely upward direction.

[0165] As the inclined positioning pin 328 (inclined positioning pin 338) of the plug 302 (plug 303) is inserted into the inclined positioning hole 121 (positioning hole 221) of the receptacle 101 (receptacle 201), the plug 302 (plug 303) is mated with the receptacle 101 (receptacle 201) of the device 100 (device 200) from a diagonally downward direction. Figure 20 shows the completed mating state. Note that Figure 18 shows a mating midway state.

[0166] The receptacle 201 of the device 200 and the plug 303 of the optical cable 300 are configured similarly to the receptacle 101 of the device 100 and the plug 302 of the optical cable 300. In the following, the receptacle 101 of the device 100 and the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 will be described, and a description of the receptacle 201 of the device 200 and the plug 303 of the optical cable 300 will be omitted.

[0167] In the intermediate mating state (a state in which the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 is between an unmated state and a fully mated state with respect to the receptacle 101 of the device 100), optical signals emitted from multiple channels of the transmitter 105T of the transceiver 105 (including the transmitter 105T and receiver 105R in the optical communication system 10A shown in FIG. 1) are irradiated to the identifier 321E, and depending on each bit value of the multiple-bit data for detecting the specifications from this identifier 321E, reflected light of an optical signal of a specified channel among the optical signals emitted from the multiple channels of the transmitter 105T of the transceiver 105 is incident on the corresponding channel of the receiver 105R of the transceiver 105, and the optical signal is converted into an electrical signal to obtain the identifier information.

[0168] Based on the identifier information obtained by selectively receiving reflected light in multiple channels by the receiver 105R of the transmitter / receiver 105, the signal processor 104 detects the specifications of the optical cable 300 under the control of the controller 102. Then, the controller 102 sets the communication method based on the specifications of the optical cable 300.

[0169] "1-5-1. Explanation of identifiers" The identifier 321E will be described. The identifier 321E has a row structure in which reflective surfaces and non-reflective surfaces are arranged according to each bit value of multi-bit data for detecting specifications. This row structure is a row structure in a direction that coincides with the left-right direction (horizontal direction) perpendicular to the fitting direction (insertion direction, optical axis direction).

[0170] 21(a) and (b) show an example of a row structure of the identifier 321E. Note that this figure shows the identifier 321E as viewed from above. In this case, the transmitter 105T and the receiver 105R of the transmitter / receiver 105 are aligned in the horizontal direction (left / right direction).

[0171] The identifier 321E has a first mirror array structure in which mirrors 324 are selectively arranged diagonally according to each bit value of multiple-bit data for detecting specifications, corresponding to multiple channels, here channel 1 (ch1) to channel 8 (ch8), of the transmitter 105T of the transmitter / receiver 105. In this case, the portion where the mirrors 324 exist constitutes a reflective surface, and the portion where the mirrors 324 do not exist constitutes a non-reflective surface.

[0172] Furthermore, the identifier 321E has a second mirror row structure in which mirrors 325 are selectively arranged diagonally in correspondence with the multiple channels, here channel 9 (ch9) to channel 16 (ch16), of the receiver 105R of the transmitter / receiver 105. The arrangement of the mirrors 325 in this second mirror row structure is line-symmetrical to the arrangement of the mirrors 324 in the first mirror row structure.

[0173] Of the optical signals emitted from channels 1 (ch1) to 8 (ch8) of the transmitting unit 105T, the optical signals (reflected light) reflected by mirror 324 of the first mirror row structure are further reflected by mirror 325 of the second mirror row structure and are incident on the corresponding channels of the receiving unit 105R of the transmitting / receiving unit 105.

[0174] In this case, the reception state of reflected light in channels 9 (ch9) to 16 (ch16) of the receiving unit 105R of the transmitting / receiving unit 105 is changed by changing the arrangement of the mirrors 324 of the first mirror row structure according to the value of each bit of the multi-bit data for detecting the specifications.

[0175] Therefore, in the device 100, based on the reception state of reflected light on channels 9 (ch9) to 16 (ch16) of the receiver 105R of the transmitter / receiver 105, multiple bits of data for detecting the specifications can be extracted, and the specifications of the optical cable 300 can be detected.

[0176] "1-5-2. An example of the relationship between the reception status of each channel and the specifications of the optical cable" Figure 22 shows the correspondence between channel 1 (ch1) to channel 8 (ch8) of transmitter 105T in transceiver unit 105 and channel 9 (ch9) to channel 16 (ch16) of receiver 105R, and also shows an example of the correspondence between the reception state of reflected light in channel 9 (ch9) to channel 16 (ch16) of receiver 105R and the specifications of optical cable 300.

[0177] In this case, when channel 16 (ch16) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 1 (ch1) of the transmitting unit 105T, the optical wavelength in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected as 850 [nm]. Also, when channel 15 (ch15) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 2 (ch2) of the transmitting unit 105T, the optical wavelength in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected as 1310 [nm].

[0178] Furthermore, when channel 14 (ch14) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 3 (ch3) of the transmitting unit 105T, the fiber type in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected as MMF. Furthermore, when channel 13 (ch13) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 4 (ch4) of the transmitting unit 105T, the fiber type in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected as SMF.

[0179] Furthermore, when channel 12 (ch12) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 5 (ch5) of the transmitting unit 105T, the insertion loss in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected to be 3 to 6 [dB]. Furthermore, when channel 11 (ch11) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 6 (ch6) of the transmitting unit 105T, the insertion loss in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected to be less than 3 [dB].

[0180] Furthermore, when channel 10 (ch10) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 7 (ch7) of the transmitting unit 105T, the cable length according to the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected as being less than 100 [m]. Furthermore, when channel 9 (ch9) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 8 (ch8) of the transmitting unit 105T, the cable length according to the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected as being 100 [m] or more.

[0181] In the example of Figure 21(a), reflected light is received at channel 10 (ch10), channel 12 (ch12), channel 14 (ch14), and channel 16 (ch16) of the receiving unit 105R, and therefore, based on the reception state of the reflected light at channels 9 (ch9) to 16 (ch16) of the receiving unit 105R, "01010101" is extracted as multi-bit data for detecting the specifications, and the specifications of the optical cable 300 are detected to be an optical wavelength of 850 [nm], a fiber type of MMF, an insertion loss of 3 to 6 [dB], and a cable length of less than 100 [m].

[0182] Also, in the example of Figure 21 (b), reflected light is received at channel 10 (ch10), channel 12 (ch12), channel 13 (ch13), and channel 15 (ch15) of the receiving unit 105R, and therefore, based on the reception state of the reflected light at channel 9 (ch9) to channel 16 (ch16) of the receiving unit 105R, "01011010" is extracted as multi-bit data for detecting the specifications, and the specifications of the optical cable 300 are detected as follows: optical wavelength is 1310 [nm], fiber type is SMF, insertion loss is 3 to 6 [dB], and cable length is less than 100 [m].

[0183] "1-5-3. Other examples of identifier configurations" In the above description, an example has been shown in which the identifier 321E is configured using the mirrors 324 and 325. However, it is also possible to configure the identifier 321E using an optical waveguide such as an optical fiber instead of the mirrors 324 and 325.

[0184] Fig. 23 shows an example in which the identifier 321E is configured using an optical waveguide 326. This example corresponds to Fig. 21(a). In the identifier 321E shown in Fig. 23, reflected light is also received at channel 10 (ch10), channel 12 (ch12), channel 14 (ch14), and channel 16 (ch16) of the receiving unit 105R, and therefore, based on the reception state of the reflected light at channel 9 (ch9) to channel 16 (ch16) of the receiving unit 105R, "01010101" is extracted as multi-bit data for detecting the specifications, and the specifications of the optical cable 300 are detected as follows: the optical wavelength is 850 [nm], the fiber type is MMF, the insertion loss is 3 to 6 [dB], and the cable length is less than 100 [m].

[0185] "1-5-4. An example of a temporary fastening mechanism that temporarily fastens while light is irradiated" As described above, in the intermediate mating state (a state in which plug 302 of optical cable 300 is between an unmated state and a fully mated state in receptacle 101 of device 100) associated with the user's insertion operation of plug 302, optical signals emitted from multiple channels of transmitter 105T are irradiated onto identifier 321E to obtain identifier information, and multiple bits of data for detecting specifications are extracted.

[0186] In this case, it is possible to provide a temporary fastening mechanism that temporarily fastens the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 in an all-identifier light irradiation state (one of the intermediate mating states) in which the optical signals emitted from the multiple channels of the transmitter 105T of the transceiver 105 are irradiated to the entire identifier 321E. In this case, in a state in which the insertion of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 is once stopped in the all-identifier light irradiation state in which the entire identifier 321E is irradiated by the optical signals emitted from the multiple channels of the transmitter 105T, a plurality of reflected lights indicating each bit value of the multiple-bit data for detecting the specifications are received, so that reception can be performed reliably and stably, and thus each bit value of the multiple-bit data for detecting the specifications can be reliably obtained, making it possible to perform good specification detection.

[0187] Fig. 24(a) shows receptacle 101 and plug 302 as viewed from the side when plug 302 of optical cable 300 is in an all-identifier light irradiation state in which optical signals emitted from multiple channels of transmitter 105T are irradiated onto the entire identifier 321E. Fig. 24(b) shows receptacle 101 and plug 302 as viewed from the side when plug 302 of optical cable 300 is in a mating complete state.

[0188] Moreover, Fig. 25(a) shows the receptacle 101 and plug 302 portions viewed from above when plug 302 of optical cable 300 is in a full identifier light irradiation state. Fig. 25(b) shows the receptacle 101 and plug 302 portions viewed from above when plug 302 of optical cable 300 is in a mating complete state. In these figures, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 18 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0189] Plug 302 of optical cable 300 is provided on the left and right side surfaces (top and bottom in FIG. 25) with temporary fastening recesses 344 and fitting fixation recesses 345. Also, receptacle 101 is provided with fitting fixation springs 117 on the left and right side surfaces of opening 111.

[0190] 24(a) and 25(a), when the user inserts plug 302 into receptacle 101 and plug 302 reaches a state in which all identifiers are irradiated with light, the convex portion of fitting fixing spring 117 enters temporary fastening recess 344, and plug 302 is temporarily fastened. In this case, optical signals emitted from multiple channels of transmitting unit 105T of transmitting / receiving unit 105 are continuously irradiated onto identifier 321E of plug 302 of optical cable 300 for a period of time required for stable detection, so that receiving unit 105R of transmitting / receiving unit 105 can reliably and stably receive reflected light from identifier 321E.

[0191] When the user presses plug 302 further in from this state to fit it into receptacle 101, the convex portions of fitting fixation springs 117 are pushed out of temporary fastening recesses 344, and plug 302 is further inserted into receptacle 101. As shown in Figures 24(b) and 25(b), when plug 302 is in the fitted state, the convex portions of fitting fixation springs 117 enter fitting fixation recesses 345, and plug 302 is fixed to receptacle 101.

[0192] "1-5-5. Other configuration examples of receptacles and plugs" Figures 26(a) and (b) show other configuration examples of receptacle 101 and plug 302. Figure 26(a) shows receptacle 101 and plug 302 as viewed from the side when all identifier light is irradiated. Figure 26(b) shows receptacle 101 and plug 302 as viewed from the side when the mating is complete.

[0193] In this example, optical path 118 in receptacle 101 and the end face (mating surface) of receptacle 101 are inclined, and accordingly, optical path 327 in plug 302 and the end face (mating surface) of plug 302 are inclined. In this case, plug 302 can be inserted straight into receptacle 101 to be mated, and in the full identifier light irradiation state (see FIG. 26(a)) along the way, it becomes possible to receive multiple reflected lights indicating each bit value of multiple-bit data for detecting specifications from the entire identifier 321E.

[0194] Figures 27(a) and (b) show yet another example configuration of receptacle 101 and plug 302. Figure 27(a) shows receptacle 101 and plug 302 as viewed from the side when all identifier light is irradiated. Figure 27(b) shows receptacle 101 and plug 302 as viewed from the side when the mating is complete.

[0195] In this example, the end face (mating surface) of receptacle 101 remains vertical while optical path 118 within receptacle 101 is made oblique, and correspondingly, the end face (mating surface) of plug 302 remains vertical while optical path 327 within plug 302 is made oblique. In this case as well, similar to the example shown in Figures 26(a) and (b), plug 302 can be inserted straight into receptacle 101 for mating, and in the full identifier light irradiation state during this process (see Figure 27(a)), it becomes possible to receive multiple reflected lights indicating each bit value of multiple-bit data for detecting specifications from the entire identifier 321E.

[0196] "1-5-6. Another example of the correspondence between the reception status of each channel and the specifications of the optical cable" Figure 28 shows the correspondence between channel 1 (ch1) to channel 16 (ch16) of transmitter 105T in transceiver unit 105 and channel 17 (ch17) to channel 32 (ch32) of receiver 105R, and also shows an example of the correspondence between the reception state of reflected light in channels 17 (ch17) to 32 of receiver 105R and the specifications of optical cable 300.

[0197] In this case, when channel 32 (ch32) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 1 (ch1) of the transmitting unit 105T, the optical wavelength in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected as 850 [nm]. Also, when channel 31 (ch31) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 2 (ch2) of the transmitting unit 105T, the optical wavelength in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected as 1310 [nm].

[0198] Furthermore, when channel 30 (ch30) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 3 (ch3) of the transmitting unit 105T, the fiber type in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected as MMF. Furthermore, when channel 29 (ch29) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 4 (ch4) of the transmitting unit 105T, the fiber type in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected as SMF.

[0199] Furthermore, when channel 28 (ch28) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 5 (ch5) of the transmitting unit 105T, the insertion loss in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected to be 3 to 6 [dB]. Furthermore, when channel 27 (ch27) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 6 (ch6) of the transmitting unit 105T, the insertion loss in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected to be less than 3 [dB].

[0200] Furthermore, when channel 26 (ch26) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 7 (ch7) of the transmitting unit 105T, the cable length specified for the optical cable 300 is detected as less than 100 [m]. Furthermore, when channel 25 (ch25) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 8 (ch8) of the transmitting unit 105T, the cable length specified for the optical cable 300 is detected as 100 [m] or more.

[0201] In addition, when reflected light corresponding to optical signals from channels 9 (ch9) to 16 (ch16) of the transmitter 105T is received by channels 24 (ch24) to 17 (ch17) of the receiver 105R, the number of fibers specified in the optical cable 300 is detected to be 16 to 9, respectively.

[0202] Figure 29 shows the correspondence between channel 1 (ch1) to channel 8 (ch8) of transmitter 105T in transceiver unit 105 and channel 9 (ch9) to channel 16 (ch16) of receiver 105R, and also shows an example of the correspondence between the reception state of reflected light in channel 9 (ch9) to channel 16 (ch16) of receiver 105R and the specifications of optical cable 300.

[0203] In this case, if reflected light is received only on channel 16 (ch16) of the receiving unit 105R, "00000001" is extracted as multi-bit data for detecting specifications, and model number "xxx1" is obtained as the specifications of the optical cable 300. Based on this, the specifications of the optical cable 300 are detected from the table as, for example, an optical wavelength of 850 [nm], a fiber type of MMF, an insertion loss of 3 to 6 [dB], a cable length of 50 [m], and the number of fibers of 4 [fibers] (see Figure 9(b)).

[0204] In this case, if reflected light is received only on channel 15 (ch15) of the receiving unit 105R, "00000010" is extracted as multi-bit data for detecting specifications, and model number "xxx2" is obtained as the specifications of the optical cable 300. Based on this, the specifications of the optical cable 300 are detected from the table as, for example, an optical wavelength of 1310 [nm], a fiber type of SMF, an insertion loss of less than 3 [dB], a cable length of 200 [m], and two [fibers] (see Figure 9(b)).

[0205] In this case, if reflected light is received only on channel 16 (ch16) and channel 15 (ch15) of the receiving unit 105R, “00000011” is extracted as multi-bit data for detecting specifications, and model number “xxx3” is obtained as the specifications of the optical cable 300. Based on this, the specifications of the optical cable 300 are detected from the table as, for example, an optical wavelength of 850 [nm], a fiber type of SMF, an insertion loss of less than 3 [dB], a cable length of 100 [m], and two [fibers] (see FIG. 9(b)).

[0206] As described above, in optical communication system 10E shown in FIG. 18, device 100 (device 200) guides optical signals emitted from multiple channels of transmitter 105T (transmitter 205T) of transceiver 105 (transmitter 205) to identifier 321E (identifier 331E) provided at a position optically readable from the mating surface side of plug 302 (plug 303), and receives reflected light from the entire identifier 321E (identifier 331E) when plug 302 (plug 303) of optical cable 300 is in an intermediate mating state between an unmated state and a fully mated state with respect to receptacle 101 (receptacle 201), thereby detecting the specifications of optical cable 300, and making it possible to acquire the specifications of optical cable 300. The temporary fastening mechanism described in Figures 24 and 25 above can be applied to all optical communication systems described in this embodiment, in addition to the optical communication system 10E shown in Figure 18 above, which utilize an identifier having a similar configuration to the optical communication system 10E and detect specifications based on reflected light obtained when all identifiers are illuminated with light.

[0207] "1-6. Other configuration examples of optical communication systems (mating surface side vertical identifier)" Fig. 30 shows a configuration example of an optical communication system 10F. Like the optical communication system 10A shown in Fig. 1, this optical communication system 10F is also configured such that a device (device A) 100 and a device (device B) 200 are connected via an optical cable 300. In Fig. 30, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 18 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0208] In the optical communication system 10F, similarly to the optical communication system 10E shown in FIG. 18, an identifier 321F (identifier 331F) is provided at a position optically readable from the mating surface side of the plug 302 (plug 303).

[0209] The receptacle 201 of the device 200 and the plug 303 of the optical cable 300 are configured similarly to the receptacle 101 of the device 100 and the plug 302 of the optical cable 300. In the following, the receptacle 101 of the device 100 and the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 will be described, and a description of the receptacle 201 of the device 200 and the plug 303 of the optical cable 300 will be omitted.

[0210] "1-6-1. Receptacle and Identifier Configuration" 31 shows receptacle 101 and identifier 321F as viewed from the side. In this case, transmitting section 105T and receiving section 105R of transmitting / receiving section 105 are arranged in two stages in the up-down direction (vertical direction).

[0211] The identifier 321F has a column structure in which reflective surfaces and non-reflective surfaces are arranged according to the bit values ​​of the multi-bit data for detecting the specifications. In this case, the structure of the multi-bit data for detecting the specifications is the same as that of the optical communication system 10A shown in Figure 1 described above (see Figures 3(a), 8(a) and 8(b), and 9(a)).

[0212] Furthermore, the identifier 321F has a first mirror array structure in which mirrors 336 are selectively arranged diagonally according to each bit value of the multi-bit data for detecting the specifications. In this case, each bit portion has the same width, and the mirror 336 exists in the bit portion of the bit value "1" and serves as a reflective surface, while the mirror 336 does not exist in the bit portion of the bit value "0" and serves as a non-reflective surface.

[0213] Although detailed description is omitted, this first mirror row structure is similar to the row structure of the identifiers 321, 321B in the optical communication system 10A shown in Fig. 1 and the optical communication system 10B shown in Fig. 10 (see Figs. 3(b), 12(b), and 15(b)). This row structure is a row structure in a direction that coincides with the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to the fitting direction (insertion direction, optical axis direction).

[0214] Each mirror 336 in the above-mentioned first mirror row structure reflects, in a perpendicular direction, an optical signal emitted from a predetermined channel of the transmitter 105T of the transmitter / receiver 105. The identifier 321F has a second mirror row structure in which mirrors 337 are arranged diagonally, and each mirror 337 reflects, in a perpendicular direction, an optical signal (reflected light) reflected by each mirror 336 in the first mirror row structure so that the optical signal is incident on a predetermined channel of the receiver of the transmitter / receiver 105.

[0215] For example, in the case of the array structure of Figure 3(b) described above, the first mirror array structure and the second mirror array structure are configured as a single stage, and when obtaining identifier information from the identifier 321F, only the optical signal emitted from a specific channel of the transmitting unit 105T of the transmitting / receiving unit 105 is used.

[0216] The example of the identifier 321F shown in FIG. 31 corresponds to the identifier start signal sequence to the offset 0x01 identification signal sequence in the sequence structure of FIG. 3(b), and shows a state in which the optical signal output from the predetermined channel of the transmitter 105T of the transmitter / receiver 105 is irradiated to the mirror 336 corresponding to the first bit data of the 3-bit data sequence of "111" constituting the identifier start signal sequence, and the reflected light is incident on the predetermined channel of the receiver 105R of the transmitter / receiver 105. When the identifier 321F moves upward in response to the user's plugging-in operation of the plug 302, the optical signal output from the predetermined channel of the transmitter 105T of the transmitter / receiver 105 sequentially changes to a state in which it is irradiated to the mirror 336 corresponding to the second bit data of "111" constituting the identifier start signal sequence, and further to the mirror 336 corresponding to the third bit data of "111" constituting the identifier start signal sequence, and the reflected light from the mirror 336 is sequentially incident on the predetermined channel of the receiver 105R of the transmitter / receiver 105. This makes it possible for the receiving side to sequentially obtain bit data (identifier information) corresponding to the column structure of FIG. 3(b).

[0217] Furthermore, for example, in the case where it corresponds to the array structures of Figures 12(b) and 15(b) described above, the first mirror array structure and the second mirror array structure are configured in two stages aligned in the depth direction of the figure, and when obtaining identifier information from the identifier 321F, optical signals emitted from two predetermined channels aligned in the depth direction of the figure of the transmitter 105T of the transmitter / receiver unit 105 are used.

[0218] In an intermediate mating state (a state in which plug 302 of optical cable 300 is between an unmated state and a fully mated state in receptacle 101 of device 100) associated with a user's insertion operation of plug 302, plug 302 moves upward relative to receptacle 101.

[0219] Therefore, in this half-fitting state, an optical signal emitted from a predetermined channel of the transmitter 105T is sequentially irradiated onto each bit portion of the first mirror row structure, and reflected light indicating each bit of the multiple-bit data for detecting the specifications is sequentially incident on the predetermined channel of the receiver 105R via the second mirror row structure. The reflected light indicating each bit value incident on the predetermined channel of the receiver 105R is converted from an optical signal to an electrical signal (identifier information), and under the control of the controller 102, the multiple-bit data for detecting the specifications is extracted in the signal processor 104, and the specifications of the optical cable 300 are detected.

[0220] As described above, in the optical communication system 10F shown in FIG. 30, the device 100 (device 200) guides an optical signal emitted from a predetermined channel of the transmitter 105T (transmitter 205T) of the transceiver 105 (transmitter 205) to the identifier 321F (identifier 331F) provided at a position optically readable from the mating surface side of the plug 302 (plug 303), and receives reflected light from this identifier 321F (identifier 331F) when the plug 302 (plug 303) of the optical cable 300 is in an intermediate mating state between an unmated state and a fully mated state with respect to the receptacle 101 (receptacle 201), thereby detecting the specifications of the optical cable 300, and making it possible to acquire the specifications of the optical cable 300.

[0221] In the above description, an example has been shown in which the identifier 321F is configured using the mirrors 336 and 337. However, although not shown in the drawings, the identifier 321F may be configured using an optical waveguide such as an optical fiber instead of the mirrors 336 and 337, similar to the above-described identifier 321E (see FIG. 23).

[0222] "1-7. An example of the setup process before communication starts and the processing procedure at startup" The flowchart in FIG. 32 shows an example of a procedure for setting up and starting up the optical communication systems 10A to 10F described above after power is turned on and before starting communication of actual data such as images and audio.

[0223] First, the control unit 102 starts processing in step ST1, for example, when the power is turned on. Next, the control unit 102 performs a specification detection process in step ST2. Next, the control unit 102 performs a communication method setting process in step ST3. Then, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST4.

[0224] Possible specification detection processes include (1) a pattern in which neither the start of mating nor the completion of mating is detected, (2) a pattern in which only the start of mating is automatically detected and processed, (3) a pattern in which only the completion of mating is automatically detected and processed, (4) a pattern in which both the start of mating and the completion of mating are automatically detected and processed, (5) a pattern in which only the start of mating is detected and processed via a UI (User Interface), (6) a pattern in which only the completion of mating is detected and processed via a UI, and (7) a pattern in which both the start of mating and the completion of mating are detected and processed via a UI.

[0225] 33(a), (b1) to (b6) show an example of an automatic mating detection mechanism that automatically detects the start of mating or the completion of mating. As shown in Fig. 33(a), a mating detection pin 116 is disposed on the upper surface side of an opening 111 of a receptacle 101 of a device 100. Also, a pressing protrusion 329 is provided on the upper surface side of a plug 302 of an optical cable 300.

[0226] 33(b1) shows a state before the start of mating, that is, a non-mating state. In this case, plug 302 has not yet been mated with receptacle 101 through opening 111, and pressing protrusion 329 of plug 302 is not in contact with the tip of mating detection pin 116. Although the urging mechanism is not shown, mating detection pin 116 is urged to be placed in the illustrated position when it is not pressed by pressing protrusion 329 of plug 302. Note that the intermediate mating state (intermediate mating position) is between this non-mating state (non-mating position) and the mating completion state (mating completion position), and this intermediate mating state includes a mating start state (mating start position), a pre-identifier irradiation state (pre-identifier irradiation position), an identifier irradiation state (identifier irradiation position), and a post-identifier irradiation state (post-identifier irradiation position). Here, the non-mating state, the mating completion state, the mating start state, the pre-identifier irradiation state, the identifier irradiation state, and the post-identifier irradiation state may have a certain degree of range.

[0227] 33(b2) shows the mating start state, that is, the mating start state (mating start position). In this case, plug 302 is in the mating start position with receptacle 101, and the front end of mating detection pin 116 is pressed by pressing protrusion 329 of plug 302, detecting the start of mating. In this case, possible detection methods include optical detection using an LED and a photodiode, detection by an electrical connector or the like at the rear end of mating detection pin 116 being electrically coupled with an electrical connector provided on receptacle 101, and even magnetic detection.

[0228] 33(b3) shows the state before the optical signal is irradiated to the identifier, i.e., the pre-identifier irradiation state (pre-identifier irradiation position). In this case, plug 302 is in a position further inserted into receptacle 101 from the above-mentioned mating start state, and is in a position before the optical signal is irradiated to identifier 321.

[0229] 33(b4) shows a state in which an optical signal is irradiated to the identifier, that is, the identifier irradiated state (identifier irradiated position). In this case, plug 302 is in a position further inserted into receptacle 101 from the above-mentioned pre-identifier irradiated state, and is in a position where an optical signal is irradiated to identifier 321. In this identifier irradiated state, based on the reflected light from identifier 321, identifier information for detecting the specifications of optical cable 300 is acquired.

[0230] 33(b5) shows the state after the optical signal is irradiated to the identifier, that is, the post-identifier irradiation state (post-identifier irradiation position). In this case, plug 302 is in a position further advanced into receptacle 101 from the above-mentioned identifier irradiation state, and is in a position after the optical signal is irradiated to identifier 321.

[0231] 33(b6) shows the state where mating is complete, that is, the mating completion state (mating completion position). In this case, plug 302 is in the mating completion state, and the front end of mating detection pin 116 is further pressed by pressing protrusion 329 of plug 302, and the completion of mating is detected. In this case, as with the detection of the start of mating described above, possible detection methods include optical detection using an LED and a photodiode, detection where an electric connector or the like is provided at the rear end of mating detection pin 116 and is electrically coupled with an electric connector provided on receptacle 101, and even magnetic detection.

[0232] The mechanism for automatically detecting the start and completion of mating is not limited to the mechanism shown in Fig. 33(a) above. For example, it is also possible to automatically detect the start and completion of mating by optically determining the position of the plug 302 without using the mating detection pin 116.

[0233] "1-7-1. Specification detection process" The flowchart in Fig. 34 shows an example of the specification detection process in step ST2 in Fig. 32. This example corresponds to the above-mentioned (1) pattern of processing without detecting either the start or completion of fitting.

[0234] First, the control unit 102 starts processing in step ST11. Next, in step ST12, the control unit 102 causes a light emitting element of a predetermined channel of the transmission unit 105T (the transmission unit of the transmission / reception unit 105) to output an optical signal. For example, this optical signal may be an optical signal that continues to have a constant power. This also applies to other examples described later.

[0235] Next, in step ST13, the control unit 102 determines whether or not identifier information (information based on reflected light modulated by an identifier) ​​has been received on a predetermined channel of the receiving unit 105R (the receiving unit of the transmitting / receiving unit 105). When the identifier information has been received, in step ST14, the control unit 102 detects the specifications of the optical cable 300 based on the received identifier information. Then, after processing in step ST14, the control unit 102 ends the processing in step ST15.

[0236] In this example, upon receipt of the identifier information, control unit 102 determines that plug 302 has been mated with receptacle 101 from start to finish. This is based on the premise that identifier information has been received if mating has been performed from start to finish.

[0237] The flowchart of Fig. 35 shows another example of the specification detection process in step ST2 of Fig. 32. This example corresponds to the above-mentioned pattern (2) where only the fitting start is automatically detected and processed.

[0238] First, the control unit 102 starts the process in step ST21. Next, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the start of fitting is automatically detected in step ST22. When the start of fitting is automatically detected, the control unit 102 causes the light emitting element of the transmission unit 105T for a predetermined channel to output an optical signal in step ST23.

[0239] Next, in step ST24, the control unit 102 determines whether or not identifier information (information based on the reflected light modulated by the identifier) ​​has been received on a predetermined channel of the receiving unit 105R. When the identifier information has been received, in step ST25, the control unit 102 detects the specifications of the optical cable 300 based on the received identifier information. Then, after processing in step ST25, the control unit 102 ends the processing in step ST26.

[0240] In this example, control unit 102 determines that plug 302 has started mating with receptacle 101 when the start of mating is automatically detected, and determines that plug 302 has completed mating with receptacle 101 when identifier information is received, thereby determining that plug 302 has completed mating with receptacle 101 from the start to the completion of mating. Note that, although an optical signal is output after the start of mating is automatically detected in the above description, output of an optical signal may be performed before the start of mating is automatically detected. Also, when output of an optical signal is performed before the start of mating is automatically detected, for example, an optical signal different from the optical signal whose constant power continues as described above, for example, an optical signal whose power is different from the constant power, may be output until the start of mating is automatically detected.

[0241] The flowchart of Fig. 36 shows another example of the specification detection process in step ST2 of Fig. 32. This example also corresponds to the above-mentioned pattern (2) of automatically detecting and processing only the fitting start.

[0242] First, the control unit 102 starts the process in step ST31. Next, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the start of fitting is automatically detected in step ST32. When the start of fitting is automatically detected, the control unit 102 causes the light emitting element of the transmission unit 105T for a predetermined channel to output an optical signal in step ST33.

[0243] Next, in step ST34, the control unit 102 determines whether or not identifier information (information based on reflected light modulated by an identifier) ​​has been received on a predetermined channel of the receiving unit 105R. If the identifier information has not been received, the control unit 102 determines in step ST35 whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since automatic detection of the start of mating. Note that, in the case where the above-mentioned automatic retraction mechanism is provided, this predetermined time may be shorter than the time required when the user manually inserts the plug 302.

[0244] When the predetermined time has not elapsed, the control unit 102 returns to the process of step ST34. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 102 issues an identifier information reception error warning in step ST36. In this case, for example, the control unit 102 issues an error warning to the user by displaying on the presentation unit 106 that the identifier information has not been received, and prompts the user to reconnect the optical cable. Note that the identifier information reception error warning may also be issued by audio output. After the process of step ST36, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST38.

[0245] Furthermore, when the control unit 102 receives the identifier information in step ST34, the control unit 102 detects the specifications of the optical cable 300 based on the received identifier information in step ST37. After the process of step ST37, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST38.

[0246] In this example, control unit 102 determines that plug 302 has started mating with receptacle 101 when the start of mating is automatically detected, and determines that plug 302 has completed mating with receptacle 101 when identifier information is received within a predetermined time, thereby determining that plug 302 has completed mating with receptacle 101 from the start to the completion of mating. Note that, although an optical signal is output after the start of mating is automatically detected in the above description, output of an optical signal may be performed before the start of mating is automatically detected. Furthermore, when output of an optical signal is performed before the start of mating is automatically detected, an optical signal different from the optical signal that continues at a constant power as described above, for example, an optical signal with a power different from the constant power, may be output until the start of mating is automatically detected.

[0247] The flowchart of Fig. 37 shows another example of the specification detection process in step ST2 of Fig. 32. This example corresponds to the above-mentioned pattern (3) of automatically detecting and processing only the completion of fitting.

[0248] First, the control unit 102 starts the process in step ST41. Next, in step ST42, the control unit 102 causes the light emitting element of the transmission unit 105T for a predetermined channel to output an optical signal.

[0249] Next, in step ST43, the control unit 102 determines whether or not identifier information (information based on the reflected light modulated by the identifier) ​​has been received on a predetermined channel of the receiving unit 105R. If the identifier information has not been received, in step ST44, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the completion of fitting has been automatically detected.

[0250] When the completion of the mating is not automatically detected, the control unit 102 returns to the process of step ST43. On the other hand, when the completion of the mating is automatically detected, the control unit 102 issues an identifier information reception error warning in step ST45. In this case, for example, the control unit 102 issues an error warning to the user by displaying on the presentation unit 106 that the identifier information has not been received, and prompts the user to reconnect the optical cable. Note that the identifier information reception error warning may also be issued by audio output. After the process of step ST45, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST50.

[0251] Furthermore, when the identifier information is received in step ST43, the control unit 102 determines in step ST46 whether or not the completion of fitting has been automatically detected. If the completion of fitting has not been automatically detected, the control unit 102 determines in step ST47 whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the receipt of the identifier information. Note that, if the above-mentioned automatic retraction mechanism is provided, this predetermined time may be shorter than the time required when the user manually inserts the plug 302.

[0252] When the predetermined time has not elapsed, the control unit 102 returns to the process of step ST46. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 102 issues an incomplete mating error warning in step ST48. In this case, for example, the control unit 102 issues an error warning to the user by displaying on the presentation unit 106 that the mating is not complete, and prompts the user to reconnect the optical cable. Note that the incomplete mating error warning may also be issued by audio output. After the process of step ST48, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST50.

[0253] Furthermore, when completion of fitting is automatically detected in step ST46, the control unit 102 detects the specifications of the optical cable 300 based on the received identifier information in step ST49. After processing in step ST49, the control unit 102 ends the processing in step ST50.

[0254] In this example, the control unit 102 determines that the plug 302 has started mating with the receptacle 101 when the identifier information is received, and determines that the plug 302 has completed mating with the receptacle 101 when the completion of mating is automatically detected, thereby determining that the plug 302 has completed mating with the receptacle 101 from the start to the completion.

[0255] The flowchart in Fig. 38 shows another example of the specification detection process in step ST2 in Fig. 32. This example corresponds to the above-mentioned (4) pattern of automatically detecting and processing both the start and completion of fitting.

[0256] First, the control unit 102 starts the process in step ST61. Next, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the start of fitting is automatically detected in step ST62. When the start of fitting is automatically detected, the control unit 102 causes the light emitting element of the transmission unit 105T for a predetermined channel to output an optical signal in step ST63.

[0257] Next, in step ST64, the control unit 102 determines whether or not identifier information (information based on reflected light modulated by an identifier) ​​has been received on a predetermined channel of the receiving unit 105R. If the identifier information has not been received, the control unit 102 determines in step ST65 whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since automatic detection of the start of mating, or whether or not completion of mating has been automatically detected. Note that, if the automatic retraction mechanism described above is provided, this predetermined time may be shorter than the time required when the user manually inserts the plug 302.

[0258] When the predetermined time has not elapsed since the automatic detection of the start of fitting, or when the completion of fitting has not been automatically detected, the control unit 102 returns to the process of step ST64. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed since the automatic detection of the start of fitting, or when the completion of fitting has been automatically detected, the control unit 102 issues an identifier information reception error warning in step ST66. In this case, for example, the control unit 102 issues an error warning to the user by displaying on the presentation unit 106 that the identifier information has not been received, and prompts the user to reconnect the optical cable. Note that the identifier information reception error warning may also be issued by audio output. After the process of step ST66, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST71.

[0259] Furthermore, when the identifier information is received in step ST64, the control unit 102 determines in step ST67 whether or not the completion of mating has been automatically detected. If the completion of mating has not been automatically detected, the control unit 102 determines in step ST68 whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception of the identifier information. Note that, if the automatic retraction mechanism described above is provided, this predetermined time may be shorter than the time required when the user manually inserts the plug 302.

[0260] When the predetermined time has not elapsed, the control unit 102 returns to the process of step ST67. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 102 issues an incomplete mating error warning in step ST69. In this case, for example, the control unit 102 issues an error warning to the user by displaying on the presentation unit 106 that the mating is not complete, and prompts the user to reconnect the optical cable. Note that the incomplete mating error warning may also be issued by audio output. After the process of step ST69, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST71.

[0261] Furthermore, when completion of fitting is automatically detected in step ST67, the control unit 102 detects the specifications of the optical cable 300 based on the received identifier information in step T70. After the process of step ST70, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST71.

[0262] In this example, control unit 102 determines that plug 302 has started mating with receptacle 101 when the start of mating is automatically detected, and determines that plug 302 has completed mating with receptacle 101 when the completion of mating is automatically detected, thereby determining that plug 302 has completed mating with receptacle 101 from the start to the completion of mating. Note that, although an optical signal is output after the start of mating is automatically detected in the above description, output of an optical signal may be performed before the start of mating is automatically detected. Also, when output of an optical signal is performed before the start of mating is automatically detected, for example, an optical signal different from the optical signal whose constant power continues as described above, for example, an optical signal whose power is different from the constant power, may be output until the start of mating is automatically detected.

[0263] The flowchart in Fig. 39 shows another example of the specification detection process in step ST2 in Fig. 32. This example corresponds to the above-mentioned pattern (5) where only the start of fitting is detected and processed via a UI (User Interface).

[0264] First, the control unit 102 starts processing in step ST81. Next, the control unit 102 determines whether or not there is a user operation to start fitting in step ST82. In this case, the user performs an operation to start fitting by clicking a fitting start button before starting fitting based on a UI display such as that shown in Fig. 40(a) on the presentation unit 106. The detection of this user operation to start fitting is regarded as the start of fitting, and thus the start of fitting is detected.

[0265] When the start of fitting is detected as a result of a user operation to start fitting, the control unit 102 causes the light emitting element of the predetermined channel of the transmission unit 105T to output an optical signal in step ST83.

[0266] Next, in step ST84, the control unit 102 determines whether or not identifier information (information based on the reflected light modulated by the identifier) ​​is received on a predetermined channel of the receiving unit 105R. When the identifier information is received, in step ST85, the control unit 102 detects the specifications of the optical cable 300 based on the received identifier information. After the process of step ST85, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST86.

[0267] In this example, control unit 102 determines that plug 302 has started mating with receptacle 101 when a user operation to start mating is performed and the start of mating is detected, and determines that plug 302 has completed mating with receptacle 101 when identifier information is received, thereby determining that plug 302 has completed mating with receptacle 101 from the start to the completion of mating. Note that, in the above description, an optical signal is output after a user operation to start mating is performed and the start of mating is detected, but the output of an optical signal may be performed before the user operation to start mating is performed. Furthermore, when the output of an optical signal is performed before the user operation to start mating is performed, an optical signal different from the optical signal that continues at a constant power as described above, for example, an optical signal with a power different from the constant power, may be output until the user operation to start mating is detected.

[0268] The flowchart in Fig. 41 shows another example of the specification detection process in step ST2 in Fig. 32. This example also corresponds to the above-mentioned pattern (5) where only the start of fitting is detected and processed via a UI (User Interface).

[0269] First, the control unit 102 starts processing in step ST91. Next, the control unit 102 determines whether or not there is a user operation to start fitting in step ST92. In this case, the user performs an operation to start fitting by clicking a fitting start button before starting fitting based on a UI display such as that shown in Fig. 40(a) on the presentation unit 106. The detection of this user operation to start fitting is regarded as the start of fitting, and thus the start of fitting is detected.

[0270] When the start of fitting is detected as a result of a user operation to start fitting, the control unit 102 causes the light emitting element of the predetermined channel of the transmission unit 105T to output an optical signal in step ST93.

[0271] Next, in step ST94, the control unit 102 determines whether or not identifier information (information based on reflected light modulated by an identifier) ​​has been received on a predetermined channel of the receiving unit 105R. If the identifier information has not been received, the control unit 102 determines in step ST95 whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the user's operation to start fitting. Note that, in the case where the above-mentioned automatic retraction mechanism is provided, this predetermined time may be shorter than the time required when the user manually inserts the plug 302.

[0272] If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the control unit 102 returns to the process of step ST94. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 102 issues an identifier information reception error warning in step ST96. In this case, for example, the control unit 102 issues an error warning to the user by displaying on the presentation unit 106 that the identifier information has not been received, and prompts the user to reconnect the optical cable. Note that the identifier information reception error warning may also be issued by audio output. After the process of step ST96, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST98.

[0273] Furthermore, when the identifier information is received in step ST94, the control unit 102 detects the specifications of the optical cable 300 based on the received identifier information in step ST97. After the process of step ST97, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST98.

[0274] In this example, the control unit 102 determines that the plug 302 has started mating with the receptacle 101 when a user operation to start mating is performed and the start of mating is detected, and determines that the plug 302 has completed mating with the receptacle 101 when the identifier information is received within a predetermined time, thereby determining that the plug 302 has completed mating with the receptacle 101 from the start to the completion of mating. Note that, in the above description, an optical signal is output after a user operation to start mating is performed and the start of mating is detected, but the output of the optical signal may be performed before the user operation to start mating is performed. Furthermore, when the output of the optical signal is performed before the user operation to start mating is performed, an optical signal different from the optical signal that continues at a constant power as described above, for example, an optical signal with a power different from the constant power, may be output until the user operation to start mating is detected.

[0275] The flowchart in Fig. 42 shows another example of the specification detection process in step ST2 in Fig. 32. This example corresponds to the above-mentioned pattern (6) where only the completion of fitting is detected and processed via the UI.

[0276] First, the control unit 102 starts the process in step ST101. Next, in step ST102, the control unit 102 causes the light emitting element of the transmission unit 105T for a predetermined channel to output an optical signal.

[0277] Next, in step ST103, the control unit 102 determines whether or not identifier information (information based on reflected light modulated by an identifier) ​​has been received on a predetermined channel of the receiving unit 105R. If the identifier information has not been received, the control unit 102 determines in step ST104 whether or not there has been a user operation to complete mating. In this case, the user performs an operation to complete mating by clicking a mating completion button after completing mating, for example, based on a UI display on the presentation unit 106 as shown in FIG. 40(b). Completion of mating is detected by regarding the detection of this user operation to complete mating as completion of mating.

[0278] When there is no user operation to complete the fitting, the control unit 102 returns to the process of step ST103. On the other hand, when there is a user operation to complete the fitting, the control unit 102 issues an identifier information reception error warning in step ST105. In this case, for example, the control unit 102 issues an error warning to the user by displaying on the presentation unit 106 that the identifier information has not been received, and prompts the user to reconnect the optical cable. Note that the identifier information reception error warning may also be issued by audio output. After the process of step ST105, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST110.

[0279] Furthermore, when the identifier information is received in step ST103, the control unit 102 determines in step ST106 whether or not there is a user operation for completing the fitting. If there is no user operation for completing the fitting, the control unit 102 determines in step ST107 whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the receipt of the identifier information. Note that, if the above-mentioned automatic retraction mechanism is provided, this predetermined time may be shorter than the time required when the user manually inserts the plug 302.

[0280] When the predetermined time has not elapsed, the control unit 102 returns to the process of step ST106. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 102 issues an incomplete mating error warning in step ST108. In this case, for example, the control unit 102 issues an error warning to the user by displaying on the presentation unit 106 that the mating is not complete, and prompts the user to reconnect the optical cable. Note that the incomplete mating error warning may also be issued by audio output. After the process of step ST108, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST110.

[0281] Furthermore, when a fitting completion user operation is performed in step ST106, the control unit 102 detects the specifications of the optical cable 300 based on the received identifier information in step ST109. After the process of step ST109, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST110.

[0282] In this example, the control unit 102 determines that the plug 302 has started mating with the receptacle 101 when the identifier information is received, and determines that the plug 302 has completed mating with the receptacle 101 when the user performs a mating completion operation and detects that the mating is complete, thereby determining that the plug 302 has completed mating with the receptacle 101 from the start to the completion.

[0283] The flowchart in Fig. 43 shows another example of the specification detection process in step ST2 in Fig. 32. This example corresponds to the above-mentioned pattern (7) in which both the start and completion of fitting are detected and processed via the UI.

[0284] First, the control unit 102 starts processing in step ST111. Next, the control unit 102 determines whether or not there is a user operation to start fitting in step S112. In this case, the user performs an operation to start fitting by clicking a fitting start button before starting fitting based on a UI display such as that shown in Fig. 40(c) on the presentation unit 106. The detection of this user operation to start fitting is regarded as the start of fitting, and thus the start of fitting is detected.

[0285] When the start of fitting is detected as a result of a user operation to start fitting, the control unit 102 causes the light emitting element of the predetermined channel of the transmission unit 105T to output an optical signal in step ST113.

[0286] Next, in step ST114, the control unit 102 determines whether or not identifier information (information based on reflected light modulated by an identifier) ​​has been received on a predetermined channel of the receiving unit 105R. If the identifier information has not been received, the control unit 102 determines in step ST115 whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the user operation to start mating, or whether or not there has been a user operation to complete mating. In this case, the user performs an operation to complete mating by clicking a mating completion button after completing mating, for example, based on a UI display on the presentation unit 106 as shown in FIG. 40(c). Completion of mating is detected by regarding the detection of this user operation to complete mating as completion of mating.

[0287] When a predetermined time has not elapsed since the user operation to start fitting or when there is no user operation to complete fitting, the control unit 102 returns to the process of step ST114. On the other hand, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the user operation to start fitting or when there is a user operation to complete fitting, the control unit 102 issues an identifier information reception error warning in step ST116. In this case, for example, the control unit 102 issues an error warning to the user by displaying on the presentation unit 106 that the identifier information has not been received, and prompts the user to reconnect the optical cable. Note that the identifier information reception error warning may also be issued by audio output. After the process of step ST116, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST121.

[0288] Furthermore, when the identifier information is received in step ST114, the control unit 102 determines in step ST117 whether or not there is a user operation for completing fitting. If there is no user operation for completing fitting, the control unit 102 determines in step ST118 whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the identifier information. Note that, if the above-mentioned automatic retraction mechanism is provided, this predetermined time may be shorter than the time required when the user manually inserts the plug 302.

[0289] When the predetermined time has not elapsed, the control unit 102 returns to the process of step ST117. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 102 issues an incomplete mating error warning in step ST119. In this case, for example, the control unit 102 issues an error warning to the user by displaying on the presentation unit 106 that the mating is not complete, and prompts the user to reconnect the optical cable. Note that the incomplete mating error warning may also be issued by audio output. After the process of step ST119, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST121.

[0290] Furthermore, when a fitting completion user operation is performed in step ST117, the control unit 102 detects the specifications of the optical cable 300 based on the received identifier information in step ST120. After the process of step ST120, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST121.

[0291] In this example, the control unit 102 determines that the plug 302 has started mating with the receptacle 101 when a user operation to start mating is performed and the start of mating is detected, and determines that the plug 302 has completed mating with the receptacle 101 when a user operation to complete mating is performed and the completion of mating is detected, thereby determining that the plug 302 has been mated with the receptacle 101 from the start to the completion of mating. Note that, in the above description, an optical signal is output after a user operation to start mating is performed and the start of mating is detected, but the output of the optical signal may be performed before the user operation to start mating is performed. Furthermore, when the output of the optical signal is performed before the user operation to start mating is performed, an optical signal different from the optical signal that continues at a constant power as described above, for example, an optical signal with a power different from the constant power, may be output until the user operation to start mating is detected.

[0292] "1-7-2. Communication method setting process" The flowchart in Fig. 44 shows an example of the communication method setting process in step ST3 in Fig. 32. First, the control unit 102 starts the process in step ST131. Next, the control unit 102 determines whether or not its own device is compatible with the specifications of the optical cable 300 in step ST132.

[0293] If compatibility is not possible, the control unit 102 issues a non-compatibility warning in step ST133. After the process of step ST133, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST134.

[0294] In this case, for example, the control unit 102 causes the presentation unit 106 to present a message to the effect that the device itself is not compatible with the specifications of the optical cable 300, to warn the user of the non-compatibility, and to encourage the user to replace the optical cable 300 with one having specifications compatible with the device itself. The non-compatibility warning may be displayed on a display or output as a voice.

[0295] If it is determined in step ST132 that the communication method is compatible, then in step ST135, the control unit 102 sets the communication method in accordance with the specifications of the optical cable 300. After the process in step ST135, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST134.

[0296] In determining whether the own device is compatible with the specifications of the optical cable 300, issuing a non-compatible warning, and setting a communication method in accordance with the specifications of the optical cable 300, for example, the following processing is performed.

[0297] For example, a judgment is made based on the optical wavelength as to whether the own device is compatible with the specifications of optical cable 300. At this time, if the optical wavelength in the specifications of optical cable 300 matches the optical wavelength that the own device can support, it is judged that the own device is compatible with the specifications of optical cable 300. On the other hand, if this is not the case, it is judged that the own device is not compatible with the specifications of optical cable 300, and a non-compatibility warning such as "An optical cable for a different optical wavelength is being used" is displayed.

[0298] Also, for example, a judgment is made based on the insertion loss to judge whether the own device is compatible with the specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, when the insertion loss in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is d [dB], if the own device can increase the optical output level by d [dBm] or more from the minimum optical output level required for communication, the own device is judged to be compatible with the specifications of the optical cable 300. On the other hand, if this is not the case, the own device is judged to be incompatible with the specifications of the optical cable 300, and a non-compatibility warning such as "Please use a low-loss cable" is displayed.

[0299] Furthermore, for example, a determination is made based on the optical wavelength and the fiber type as to whether the own device is compatible with the specifications of the optical cable 300. At this time, if the optical wavelength in the specifications of the optical cable 300 and the optical wavelength that the own device can support match at 1310 [nm], and the fiber type in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is SMF, it is determined that the own device is compatible with the specifications of the optical cable 300. On the other hand, if the optical wavelength in the specifications of the optical cable 300 and the optical wavelength that the own device can support match at 1310 [nm], and the fiber type in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is MMF, it is determined that the own device is not compatible with the specifications of the optical cable 300, and a non-compatibility warning such as "Please use a cable with SMF specifications" is displayed.

[0300] Furthermore, for example, a judgment is made based on the fiber type and the cable length as to whether the own device is compatible with the specifications of the optical cable 300. At this time, if the fiber type in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is MMF and the cable length is less than 100 [m], it is judged that the own device is compatible with the specifications of the optical cable 300. On the other hand, if the fiber type in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is MMF and the cable length is 100 [m] or more, it is judged that the own device is not compatible with the specifications of the optical cable 300, and a non-compatibility warning such as "If using a cable longer than 100 m, please use a cable with SMF specifications" is displayed.

[0301] Also, for example, in the communication method setting, the optical wavelength of the own device is set to match the specifications of the cable 300. Also, in the communication method setting, the optical output level of the own device is set to compensate for the insertion loss in the specifications of the optical cable 300. Also, in the communication method setting, the transmission bandwidth of the own device is set according to the fiber type and the number of fibers in the specifications of the cable 300. For example, if the fiber type is SMF and the number of fibers is n, the transmission bandwidth is set to 25×n [Gbps] or less. Also, for example, if the fiber type is MMF and the number of fibers is n, the transmission bandwidth is set to 10×n [Gbps] or less.

[0302] The above describes the processing procedure of the control unit 102 of the device 100 when the optical cable 300 is connected to the device 100. Although a detailed description is omitted, the processing procedure of the control unit 202 of the device 200 when the optical cable 300 is connected to the device 200 is also similar.

[0303] "1-8. Other examples of setup procedures before communication starts and processing procedures at startup" The processing procedure described in relation to the optical communication system 10A shown in Fig. 1 is based on the premise that the optical cable 300 is connected after the device 100 (device 200) is powered on. However, it is also conceivable that the device 100 (device 200) is powered on with the optical cable 300 connected.

[0304] Furthermore, when the power supply of the device 100 (device 200) is turned on with the optical cable 300 connected (fitted state, fitted position), if the specifications of the optical cable 300 are stored in a memory (storage unit) (not shown) provided in the device 100 (device 200), it is possible to use the specifications of the optical cable 300 stored in the memory without newly detecting the specifications of the optical cable 300. Note that the stored contents of the memory are updated when the optical cable 300 is connected when the power supply is turned on and the specifications of the optical cable 300 are detected.

[0305] In this case, the specifications stored in the memory must correspond to the current optical cable 300. For example, if the optical cable 300 is disconnected or inserted while the device 100 (device 200) is powered off, that is, if the optical cable 300 is disconnected when the power is off and then reconnected, the specifications stored in the memory may not correspond to the current optical cable 300, so the specifications stored in the memory are not used and the specifications of the optical cable 300 are detected again. Note that whether the optical cable 300 has been disconnected or inserted while the device 100 (device 200) is powered off can be determined by continuously performing automatic mating detection by an automatic mating detection mechanism that automatically detects the start and completion of mating in the same manner as described above with reference to FIG. 11 in the low power consumption mode or battery powered mode.

[0306] The flowchart of FIG. 45 shows another example of the processing procedure of the control unit 102 (control unit 202) of the device 100 (device 200) when the optical cable 300 is inserted or removed when the device 100 (device 200) is powered off, that is, when the optical cable 300 is removed when the device 100 (device 200) is powered off, and the device 100 (device 200) is powered on with the original optical cable 300 or another optical cable 300 re-inserted, and when the device 100 (device 200) does not have an automatic moving mechanism, which will be described later. That is, this example is an example in which the device 100 does not have an automatic moving mechanism. In the flowchart of FIG. 45, steps corresponding to those in the flowchart of FIG. 32 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Note that the processing procedure of the control unit 202 of the device 200 is similar to the processing procedure of the control unit 102 of the device 100, and therefore the processing procedure of the control unit 102 of the device 100 will be described below.

[0307] First, in step ST1, control unit 102 starts processing, for example, when the power is turned on. Next, in step ST141, control unit 102 determines whether or not the mating is complete, that is, whether or not plug 302 is in the mating complete state (mating complete position) with respect to receptacle 101.

[0308] When the optical cable 300 is not in a fully engaged state, the control unit 102 performs a specification detection process in step ST2. That is, the control unit 102 detects the specification according to a user operation from the start of engagement of the optical cable 300 to the device 100 until the completion of engagement. Next, the control unit 102 performs a communication method setting process in step ST3. Then, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST4.

[0309] Furthermore, when the optical cable 300 is in the fully-fitted state in step ST141, the control unit 102 determines in step ST142 whether the optical cable 300 was plugged in or unplugged while the power was off.

[0310] Whether or not a plug has been inserted or removed while the power is off can be detected by maintaining standby power and allowing only some functions to operate, rather than completely turning off the power when the power is off. For example, this can be detected by operating the automatic mating detection mechanism described in Fig. 33 even when the power is off. It may also be detected by a user performing an operation input indicating that a plug has been inserted or removed while the power is off.

[0311] If there is no insertion or removal, the control unit 102 uses the specifications of the optical cable 300 stored in the memory in step ST143. Next, the control unit 102 performs a communication method setting process in step ST3. Then, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST4.

[0312] Furthermore, when there is a disconnection or insertion in step ST142, the control unit 102 warns the user in step ST147 to reconnect, i.e., to disconnect the optical cable 300 once and then reconnect it. In this case, for example, an error warning is issued to the user to the effect that reconnection of the optical cable 300 is necessary to detect the specifications of the optical cable 300, and the user is prompted to reconnect the optical cable. The warning to reconnect may be issued by audio output. After the processing of step ST147, the control unit 102 ends the processing in step ST4.

[0313] Next, an example of a case where an automatic movement mechanism is provided will be described. When the power supply of the device 100 (device 200) is turned on in the mating completion state, for example, an automatic push-out mechanism that moves the receptacle 101 (receptacle 201) from the mating completion state (mating completion position) to the pre-identifier irradiation state (pre-identifier irradiation position) and an automatic retraction mechanism that moves the receptacle 101 (receptacle 201) back to the original mating completion state are provided, whereby the device 100 (device 200) can detect the specifications of the optical cable 300 and set the communication method. The automatic movement mechanism can be realized by a well-known configuration using a motor, a spring, etc., and one or both of the retraction and the push-out are performed using this automatic movement mechanism.

[0314] Figures 46(a) to (c) show an example of movement of receptacle 101 by automatic movement mechanism 107. Note that this example corresponds to optical communication system 10E shown in Figure 18, but it can be similarly applied to optical communication system 10F shown in Figure 30, and also to an example using a mirror such as optical communication system 10A shown in Figure 1.

[0315] FIG. 46(a) shows a mating completion state in which the plug 302 is mated with the receptacle 101 of the device 100 that is powered off. FIG. 46(b) shows a state in which the device 100 is powered on and the automatic moving mechanism 107 moves the receptacle 101 to the inside of the device until the plug 302 reaches the pre-identifier irradiation state. However, if the identifier can be detected even if it is scanned in the reverse order, it may be scanned by moving from a position between the mating completion state and the identifier irradiation state to a position where the identifier is irradiated. Furthermore, in the case of irradiation at a fixed position with multiple channels, it is sufficient to move to the identifier irradiation state. FIG. 46(c) shows a state in which the automatic moving mechanism 107 subsequently moves the receptacle 101 to the original mating completion state.

[0316] In the above, an example has been described in which receptacle 101 is moved by automatic moving mechanism 107, but instead of moving receptacle 101, it is also possible to move plug 302 by automatic moving mechanism 107. The operation in that case will be described with reference to the above-mentioned Figure 33.

[0317] Fig. 33(b6) shows a mating completion state in which the plug 302 is mated with the receptacle 101 of the device 100 that is powered off. When the device 100 is powered on, the plug 302 is moved in the pushing direction by an automatic moving mechanism (not shown) until it reaches the pre-identifier irradiation state as shown in Fig. 33(b3). Thereafter, the plug 302 is moved in a retracting manner by the automatic moving mechanism (not shown) to the original mating completion state (see Fig. 33(b6)).

[0318] In this way, while the plug 302 moves from the pre-identifier irradiation state to the mating completion state, it enters the identifier light irradiation state (see FIG. 33(b4)), and identifier information is obtained based on the reflected light from the identifier 321, and the specifications of the optical cable 300 are detected. Note that if the identifier can be detected even if it is scanned in the reverse order, it may be scanned by moving from a position between the mating completion state and the identifier irradiation state to a position where the identifier irradiation state is reached. Furthermore, in the case of irradiation at a fixed position with multiple channels, it is sufficient to move to the identifier irradiation state.

[0319] The flowchart of FIG. 47 shows an example of a processing procedure of the control unit 102 (control unit 202) of the device 100 (device 200) when the optical cable 300 is inserted or removed while the device 100 (device 200) is powered off, that is, when the optical cable 300 is removed while the device 100 (device 200) is powered off and the power is turned on in a mating completion state (mating completion position) in which the original mated optical cable 300 or another optical cable 300 is mated again, and when the above-mentioned automatic moving mechanism is used, the steps corresponding to those in the flowchart of FIG. 45 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Note that the processing procedure of the control unit 202 of the device 200 is the same as the processing procedure of the control unit 102 of the device 100, and therefore the processing procedure of the control unit 102 of the device 100 will be described below.

[0320] In the processing procedure shown in the flowchart in Figure 47, when removal or insertion occurs in step ST142, control unit 102, in step ST144, moves receptacle 101 or plug 302 by the automatic movement mechanism, for example, once until plug 302 is in the pre-identifier irradiation state (see Figures 46(b) and 33(b3)), and then moves it in the opposite direction to the identifier irradiation state, and detects the identifier, that is, receives reflected light from the identifier and acquires the identifier information. Note that, as described above, if the identifier can be detected even if it is scanned in the reverse order, identifier detection may be performed by moving from a position between the mating completion state and the identifier irradiation state to a position where the identifier irradiation state is achieved and scanning is performed, or in the case of irradiation at a fixed position with multiple channels, identifier detection may be performed by moving to the identifier irradiation state.

[0321] Next, in step ST145, the control unit 102 detects the specifications of the optical cable 300 based on the acquired identifier information.

[0322] Next, in step ST146, control unit 102 causes the automatic moving mechanism to move receptacle 101 or plug 302 until it returns to the original mating completion state (see FIG. 46(c) and FIG. 33(b6)). Next, control unit 102 performs communication method setting processing in step ST3. Then, control unit 102 ends the processing in step ST4. Note that the processing of steps ST145 and ST146 may be performed in the opposite order or in parallel.

[0323] In the processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 47, other steps are similar to those in the processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0324] The processing procedure shown in the flowcharts of FIG. 45 and FIG. 47 is premised on the use of the specifications of the optical cable 300 stored in the memory. However, if the specifications of the optical cable 300 stored in the memory are not used, when the mating completion state is reached in step ST141, the processing procedure proceeds immediately to the processing of step ST147 or step ST144. In this case, the processing of steps ST142 and ST143 is omitted from the flowcharts of FIG. 45 and FIG. 47. The processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 45 can be applied to all optical communication systems of this embodiment that do not include an automatic movement mechanism, and the processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 47 can be applied to all optical communication systems of this embodiment that include an automatic movement mechanism. The automatic movement mechanism is not limited to automatic movement between the mating completion state and the pre-identifier irradiation state, but may include at least a mechanism for automatic movement between the pre-identifier irradiation state and the post-identifier irradiation state. Furthermore, in addition to being capable of automatic movement between the pre-identifier irradiation state and the post-identifier irradiation state, it may be configured to be capable of automatic movement from the mating start state to the mating completion state, in whole or in part. Furthermore, the automatic movement mechanism may be equipped with only one of the automatic retraction mechanism and the automatic push-out mechanism. In these cases, movements that are not automatically moved by the automatic movement mechanism are performed by the user. This automatic movement mechanism can be applied to all optical communication systems of this embodiment, in addition to the optical communication system 10A in FIG. 1, the optical communication system 10E shown in FIG. 18, and the optical communication system 10F shown in FIG. 30 described above.

[0325] "1-9. Other configuration examples of optical communication systems (receiving specifications from the other device and using them)" In the above-described optical communication systems 10A to 10F, the device 100 sets the communication method using the specifications of the optical cable 300 detected by the device itself. However, it is also possible that the device itself does not perform the process of detecting the specifications of the optical cable 300, but receives the specifications of the optical cable 300 from the device 200 and sets the communication method based on the specifications.

[0326] Fig. 48 shows a configuration example of an optical communication system 10G in this case. This example corresponds to the optical communication system 10E shown in Fig. 18, but although detailed explanations are omitted, those corresponding to the other optical communication systems 10A to 10D, 10F described above can also be configured in a similar manner. In Fig. 48, parts corresponding to Fig. 18 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof are omitted as appropriate.

[0327] When the optical cable 300 is connected, the device 100 does not perform a process of obtaining identifier information based on reflected light from the identifier 321E of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 to detect the specifications of the optical cable 300. As in the optical communication system 10E shown in Fig. 18 described above, when the optical cable 300 is connected, the device 200 obtains identifier information based on reflected light from the identifier 331E of the plug 303 of the optical cable 300 to detect the specifications of the optical cable 300.

[0328] After fitting the optical cable 300, the device 200 transmits the detected specifications of the optical cable 300 to the device 100 via the optical cable 300. The device 100 sets the communication method using the specifications of the optical cable 300 received from the device 200. Note that instead of transmitting the specifications of the optical cable 300, the device 200 may transmit identifier information (multiple bits of data for detecting the specifications) to the device 100, and the device 100 may detect and use the specifications of the optical cable 300 based on the identifier information.

[0329] The flowchart in FIG. 49 shows an example of a processing procedure of the device (device A) 100 and the device (device B) 200 when the optical cable 300 is connected.

[0330] In step ST151, the control unit 202 of the device (device B) 200 starts processing, for example, when the device is powered on. Next, in step ST152, the control unit 202 of the device 200 performs a specification detection process. This specification detection process in step ST152 is the same as the specification detection process in step ST2 of the flowchart in FIG. 32 described above. Next, in step ST153, the control unit 202 of the device 200 transmits the specification of the optical cable 300 detected in the specification detection process to the device (device A) 100. Then, in step ST154, the control unit 202 of the device 200 ends the process.

[0331] Furthermore, in step ST155, the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 starts processing, for example, when the device is powered on. Next, in step ST156, the control unit 102 of the device 100 receives the specifications of the optical cable 300 from the device (device B) 200. Next, in step ST157, the device 100 performs communication method setting processing using the received specifications of the optical cable 300. This communication method setting processing in step ST157 is the same processing as the communication method setting processing in step ST3 of the flowchart in FIG. 32 described above. Then, in step ST158, the control unit 102 ends the processing.

[0332] "1-10. Other configuration examples of optical communication systems (detection of equipment specifications)" Fig. 50 shows a configuration example of an optical communication system 10H. Like the optical communication system 10E shown in Fig. 18 described above, this optical communication system 10H is configured such that a device (device A) 100 and a device (device B) 200 are connected via an optical cable 300. In Fig. 50, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 18 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0333] 18, an example has been shown in which the device (device A) 100 detects the specifications of the optical cable 300 and sets the communication method based on the specifications. In the optical communication system 10H, the device (device A) 100 detects the specifications of the device (device B) 200 and sets the communication method based on the specifications.

[0334] An identifier 231 for detecting the specifications of the device 200 is provided on the fitting surface of the receptacle 201 of the device 200. This identifier 231 is configured similarly to the identifier 321E provided on the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 in the optical communication system 10E shown in Fig. 31 above. The specifications of the device 200 include a transmission band, a resolution, a refresh rate, and the like.

[0335] When the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 is completely mated with the receptacle 101 of the device 100, optical signals emitted from multiple channels of the transmitter 105T of the transceiver 105 of the device 100 are guided via the optical cable 300 to the identifier 231 of the device 200.

[0336] In the intermediate engagement state when the optical cable 300 is connected to the equipment 200 (a state in which the plug 303 of the optical cable 300 is between an unengaged state and a fully engaged state with respect to the receptacle 201 of the equipment 200) the reflected light of a specified channel of the optical signal among the optical signals emitted from the multiple channels of the transmitter 105T is incident via the optical cable 300 to the corresponding channel of the receiver 105R of the transmitter / receiver 105 of the equipment 100 according to each bit value of the multiple bits of data for detecting the specifications of the equipment 200 from this identifier 231.

[0337] As a result, in the device 100, the specifications of the device 200 are detected based on the reception of reflected light from the identifier 231 in the multiple channels of the receiving unit 105R of the transmitting / receiving unit 105. Then, in the device 100, the communication method is set based on the specifications of the device 200.

[0338] "1-10-1. Explanation of identifiers" The identifier 231 will now be described. The identifier 231 has a row structure in which reflective surfaces and non-reflective surfaces are arranged according to each bit value of multi-bit data for detecting the specifications of the device 200. This row structure is a row structure in a direction that coincides with the left-right direction (horizontal direction) perpendicular to the fitting direction (insertion direction, optical axis direction).

[0339] 51(a) and (b) show an example of a row structure of the identifiers 231. Note that this figure shows the identifiers 231 as viewed from above. In this case, the transmitting unit 105T and the receiving unit 105R of the transmitting / receiving unit 105 are aligned in the left-right direction (horizontal direction).

[0340] The identifier 231 has a first mirror array structure in which mirrors 234 are selectively arranged diagonally according to each bit value of multiple-bit data for detecting specifications, corresponding to the multiple channels of the transmitter 105T, here channel 1 (ch1) to channel 8 (ch8). In this case, the portion where the mirrors 234 exist constitutes a reflective surface, and the portion where the mirrors 234 do not exist constitutes a non-reflective surface.

[0341] Further, the identifier 231 has a second mirror row structure in which mirrors 235 are selectively arranged diagonally corresponding to the multiple channels of the receiving unit 105R, here channel 9 (ch9) to channel 16 (ch16). The arrangement of the mirrors 235 in this second mirror row structure is line-symmetrical to the arrangement of the mirrors 234 in the first mirror row structure.

[0342] Of the optical signals emitted from channels 1 (ch1) to 8 (ch8) of the transmitting unit 105T, the optical signals (reflected light) reflected by mirror 234 of the first mirror row structure are further reflected by mirror 235 of the second mirror row structure and are incident on the corresponding channels of the receiving unit 105R.

[0343] In this case, the reception state of reflected light in channels 9 (ch9) to 16 (ch16) of the receiving unit 105R is changed by changing the arrangement of mirrors 234 of the first mirror row structure according to the bit values ​​of the multi-bit data for detecting the specifications.

[0344] Therefore, in device 100, multiple bits of data for detecting the specifications can be extracted based on identifier information corresponding to the reception state of reflected light in channels 9 (ch9) to 16 (ch16) of receiving unit 105R, and the specifications of device 200 can be detected.

[0345] "1-10-2. An example of the relationship between the reception status of each channel and the specifications of the equipment" Figure 52 shows the correspondence between channel 1 (ch1) to channel 8 (ch8) of transmitter 105T in transceiver unit 105 and channel 9 (ch9) to channel 16 (ch16) of receiver 105R, and also shows an example of the correspondence between the reception state of reflected light in channel 9 (ch9) to channel 16 (ch16) of receiver 105R and the specifications of device 200.

[0346] In this case, when channel 16 (ch16) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 1 (ch1) of the transmitting unit 105T, the transmission bandwidth in the specifications of the device 200 is detected as 100 [Gbps]. Also, when channel 15 (ch15) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 2 (ch2) of the transmitting unit 105T, the transmission bandwidth in the specifications of the device 200 is detected as 50 [Gbps].

[0347] Furthermore, when channel 14 (ch14) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 3 (ch3) of the transmitting unit 105T, the resolution in the specifications of the device 200 is detected as 8K. Furthermore, when channel 13 (ch13) of the receiving unit 105R receives reflected light corresponding to an optical signal from channel 4 (ch4) of the transmitting unit 105T, the resolution in the specifications of the device 200 is detected as 4K.

[0348] In the example of Figure 51(a), reflected light is received on channel 10 (ch10), channel 12 (ch12), channel 14 (ch14), and channel 16 (ch16) of the receiving unit 105R, and therefore, based on the reception state of the reflected light on channels 9 (ch9) to 16 (ch16) of the receiving unit 105R, "01010101" is extracted as multi-bit data for detecting the specifications, and the specifications of the device 200 are detected to be a transmission bandwidth of 100 Gbps and a resolution of 8K.

[0349] Also, in the example of Figure 51 (b), signals (reflected light) are received on channel 10 (ch10), channel 12 (ch12), channel 13 (ch13), and channel 15 (ch15) of the receiving unit 105R, and therefore, based on the reception states of channels 9 (ch9) to 16 (ch16) of the receiving unit 105R, "01011010" is extracted as multi-bit data for detecting the specifications, and the specifications of the device 200 are detected to be a transmission bandwidth of 50 [Gbps] and a resolution of 4K.

[0350] "1-10-3. An example of the processing procedure when connecting devices" In the optical communication system 10H in FIG. 50, the processing procedure of the control unit 102 of the device 100 when the optical cable 300 is connected to the device 200 is the same as that in the optical communication system 10A in FIG. 1 (see FIG. 32), although detailed description will be omitted.

[0351] 53(a) shows an example of the specification detection process. First, the control unit 102 starts the process in step ST171. Next, in step ST172, the control unit 102 causes the transmission unit 105T (the transmission unit of the transmission / reception unit 105) to output optical signals from multiple channels.

[0352] Next, in step ST173, the control unit 102 judges whether or not identifier information (information based on reflected light modulated by an identifier) ​​is received on a predetermined channel of the receiving unit 105R (the receiving unit of the transmitting / receiving unit 105). When the identifier information is received, in step ST174, the control unit 102 detects the specifications of the device 200 based on the received identifier information. Then, after the process of step ST174, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST175.

[0353] In addition, the flowchart in Figure 53(a) replaces the specification detection (ST14) of the optical cable 300 in Figure 34 with specification detection (ST174) of the equipment 200.Although not shown, the flowchart in Figures 34 to 39 and 41 to 43 replaces the step of specification detection of the optical cable 300 with a step of specification detection of the equipment 200, and the specifications of the equipment 200 can be detected.

[0354] 53(b) shows an example of a communication method setting process. First, the control unit 102 starts the process in step ST181. Next, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the control unit 102 itself is compatible with the specifications of the device 200 in step ST182.

[0355] When it is not compatible, the control unit 102 issues a non-compatibility warning in step ST183. For example, when the device 100 is a source device and the device 200 is a sink device, if the resolution of the device 200 is 4K as a specification and the resolution that the device can support is 8K, the control unit 102 issues a non-compatibility warning to the user by displaying on the presentation unit 106 that the device does not support the device 200 in terms of resolution, and prompts the user to replace the device 200 with a device 200 that has specifications that the device can support. The non-compatibility warning may be issued by audio output. Then, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST184 after the process in step ST183.

[0356] If it is determined in step ST182 that the communication method is compatible, then in step ST185, the control unit 102 sets the communication method in accordance with the specifications of the device 200. After the process in step ST185, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST184.

[0357] The communication method setting according to the device 200 will be further described. For example, the maximum transmission bandwidth is set to the smaller of the transmission bandwidth in the specifications of the device 200 and the transmission bandwidth that the device itself can handle. Also, for example, the resolution and refresh rate are set so that the bit rate does not exceed the set maximum transmission bandwidth.

[0358] Also, for example, when the maximum transmission bandwidth is set to 50 [Gbps], if the resolution in the specifications of the device 200 is 8K and the device itself can support that resolution, the resolution is set to 8K and the refresh rate is set to 30 [Hz]. The bit rate at this time is 35.6 [Gbps]. Also, for example, when the maximum transmission bandwidth is set to 50 [Gbps], if the resolution in the specifications of the device 200 is 4K and the device itself can support that resolution, the resolution is set to 4K and the refresh rate is set to 60 [Hz]. The bit rate at this time is 17.8 [Gbps].

[0359] Also, for example, when the maximum transmission bandwidth is set to 100 [Gbps], if the resolution in the specifications of the device 200 is 8K and the device itself can support that resolution, the resolution is set to 8K and the refresh rate is set to 60 [Hz]. The bit rate at this time is 71.2 [Gbps]. Also, for example, when the maximum transmission bandwidth is set to 100 [Gbps], if the resolution in the specifications of the device 200 is 4K and the device itself can support that resolution, the resolution is set to 4K and the refresh rate is set to 60 [Hz]. The bit rate at this time is 17.8 [Gbps].

[0360] In the optical communication system 10H shown in Figure 50 described above, the equipment (equipment A) 100 guides optical signals emitted from multiple channels of the transmitter 105T of the transceiver 105 to the identifier 231 of the equipment 200 via the optical cable 300, and receives reflected light from this identifier 231 when the plug 303 of the optical cable 300 is in an intermediate engagement state between an unengaged state and a fully engaged state with respect to the receptacle 201 of the equipment (equipment B) 200, thereby detecting the specifications of the equipment 200 and making it possible to acquire the specifications of the equipment 200.

[0361] In the above description, an example has been shown in which the identifier 231 is configured using the mirrors 234 and 235. However, although not shown, the identifier 231 may also be configured using an optical waveguide such as an optical fiber instead of the mirrors 234 and 235, similar to the above-described identifier 321E (see FIG. 23).

[0362] 18, those corresponding to the other optical communication systems 10A to 10D, 10F described above can be configured in the same manner, although detailed description is omitted. Therefore, for example, an example in which an identifier 231 is provided on a side surface of a receptacle 221 of a device (device B) 200, like the identifier 321 (identifier 331) in the optical communication system 10A shown in FIG.

[0363] "1-11. Other configuration examples of optical communication systems (extension optical cable)" Fig. 54 shows a configuration example of an optical communication system 10J. This optical communication system 10J is configured such that a device (device A) 100 and a device (device B) 200 are connected via an optical cable 300 and an extension optical cable 300J. In this Fig. 54, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0364] The extension optical cable 300J has a configuration in which a receptacle 302J and a plug 303J serving as connectors are connected to one end and the other end of an optical cable main body 301J, respectively. The plug 303 of the optical cable 300 is connected to the receptacle 302J of the extension optical cable 300J, and the plug 303J of the extension optical cable 300J is connected to the receptacle 201 of the device 200.

[0365] The extension optical cable 300J is used, for example, when the cable length of the optical cable 300 alone is insufficient. When the extension optical cable 300J is connected to the optical cable 300, the device 100 (device 200) needs to take into account not only the specifications of the optical cable 300 but also the specifications of the extension optical cable 300J when issuing an error warning or setting a communication method.

[0366] An identifier 321J for the device 200 to detect the specifications of the extension optical cable 300J in a half-fitted state is provided at a position optically readable from the side of the plug 303J of the extension optical cable 300J, similar to the identifier 331E provided on the plug 303 of the optical cable 300. Therefore, when the extension optical cable 300J is connected to the device 200, the device 200 can detect the specifications of the extension optical cable 300J by receiving identifier information based on reflected light from the identifier 331J of the plug 303J of the extension optical cable 300J.

[0367] The flowchart in Fig. 55 shows an example of a processing procedure of device (device A) 100 and device (device B) 200 when connecting optical cables. The optical cable in this case includes a single optical cable consisting of only optical cable 300 (see Fig. 1) and a connecting optical cable consisting of optical cable 300 and extension optical cable 300J (see Fig. 54). This example relates to communication method setting in device 100, but the same processing is also performed for communication method setting in device 200, although detailed description will be omitted.

[0368] In step ST201, the control unit 202 of the device (device B) 200 starts processing, for example, when the device is powered on. Next, in step ST202, the control unit 202 of the device 200 performs a specification detection process. This specification detection process in step ST202 is the same as the specification detection process in step ST2 of the flowchart in FIG. 32 described above.

[0369] Next, in step ST203, the control unit 202 of the device 200 transmits the optical cable specifications detected in the specification detection process to the device (device A) 100. Then, in step ST204, the control unit 202 of the device 200 ends the process. Here, the optical cable specifications transmitted to the device 100 are the specifications of the optical cable 300 when only the optical cable 300 is used, and are the specifications of the extension optical cable 300J when the optical cable 300 and the connection optical cable of the extension optical cable 300J are used.

[0370] In addition, the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 starts processing in step ST205, for example, when the device is powered on. Next, the control unit 102 of the device 100 performs a specification detection process in step ST206. The specification detection process in step ST206 is the same as the specification detection process in step ST2 in the flowchart of Fig. 32 described above. In the specification detection process in step ST206, the specification of the optical cable 300 is detected.

[0371] Next, in step ST207, the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 receives the specifications of the optical cable (optical cable 300 or extension optical cable 300J) from the device (device B) 200. Next, in step ST208, the device 100 determines whether the optical cable being used is a single optical cable consisting of only the optical cable 300, or a connecting optical cable consisting of the optical cable 300 and the extension optical cable 300J.

[0372] In this case, the specifications of the optical cable 300 detected by the device itself are compared with the specifications of the optical cable received from the device 200, and if they match, it is determined to be a single cable, and if they do not match, it is determined to be a connected optical cable. Note that when comparing specifications such as optical wavelength, cable type, insertion loss, cable length, and model number, it is assumed that the optical cable 300 and the extension optical cable 300J may be the same, and it may not be accurately determined that it is a connected optical cable.

[0373] Therefore, for example, it is conceivable to include a manufacturing number (serial number) in the specifications of the detected optical cable (see FIG. 8(b)), compare the manufacturing number included in the specifications of the optical cable 300 detected by the device itself with the manufacturing number included in the specifications of the optical cable received from the device 200, and determine that it is a single cable if they match, and determine that it is a connected optical cable if they do not match. This makes it possible to more accurately determine that it is a connected optical cable.

[0374] When it is determined that the optical cable being used is a single cable, the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 performs a communication method setting process (communication method setting A process) in step ST209 using the specifications of the optical cable 300 detected in the device itself. The communication method setting process in step ST209 is the same as the communication method setting process in step ST3 of the flowchart in Fig. 32. Then, the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 ends the process in step ST210.

[0375] Furthermore, when it is determined in step ST208 that the optical cable used is the connection optical cable, the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 performs a communication method setting process (communication method setting B process) in step ST211 using the specifications of the optical cable 300 detected in the device itself and the specifications of the optical cable (extension optical cable 300J) detected in the device 200. Then, the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 ends the process in step ST210.

[0376] Here, the communication method setting process in step ST211 is basically the same as the communication method setting process in step ST209 (see FIG. 44), but the process takes into account the specifications of the extension optical cable 300J in addition to the specifications of the optical cable 300 as described below.

[0377] For example, in determining whether the device itself is compatible with the specifications of an optical cable, if the optical wavelength in the specifications of optical cable 300 and the optical wavelength in the specifications of extension optical cable 300J do not match the optical wavelengths that the device itself can support, and further if the optical wavelength in the specifications of optical cable 300 and the optical wavelength in the specifications of extension optical cable 300J do not match, it is determined that the device itself is not compatible with optical cable 300.

[0378] Also, for example, in determining whether the device itself is compatible with the specifications of an optical cable, if the insertion loss in the specifications of optical cable 300 is d1 [dB] and the insertion loss in the specifications of extension optical cable 300J is d2 [dB], if the device itself is not able to increase the optical output level by more than d1+d2 [dBm] from the minimum optical output level required for communication, it is determined that the device itself is not compatible with optical cable 300.

[0379] Furthermore, for example, if the fiber type in the specifications of the optical cable 300 and the fiber type in the specifications of the extension optical cable 300J do not match, it is determined that the own device is not compatible with the optical cable 300.

[0380] Also, for example, in the communication method setting, when the optical wavelength in the specifications of the optical cable 300 and the optical wavelength in the specifications of the extension optical cable 300J match, the optical wavelength of the own device is set to the matched optical wavelength. Also, for example, in the communication method setting, the optical output level of the own device is set to compensate for the total insertion loss value of the insertion loss in the specifications of the optical cable 300 and the insertion loss in the specifications of the extension optical cable 300J.

[0381] In the optical communication system 10J shown in Fig. 54 described above, the device 100 (device 200) irradiates an optical signal to the identifier 321 (identifier 331J) of the plug 302 (303J) when the optical cable 300 is connected, receives the reflected light, and detects the specifications of the optical cable 300 (extension optical cable 300J), and can acquire the specifications of the optical cable 300 (extension optical cable 300J). Also, in the optical communication system 10J shown in Fig. 54, the specifications of the optical cables detected by the device 100 and the device 200 can be compared to determine that the connected optical cables of the optical cable 300 and the extension optical cable 300J are being used, and the communication method setting based on the specifications of the optical cables in the device 100 (device 200) can be performed. Although not mentioned above, when device 200 transmits the detected optical cable specifications to device 100 in step ST203, device 200 may also transmit its own specifications to device 100, and device 100 may set the communication method further based on the specifications of device 200.

[0382] Although the optical communication system 10J in FIG. 54 corresponds to the optical communication system 10A shown in FIG. 1, it may correspond to any of the optical communication systems described in this embodiment, including other optical communication systems, for example, the optical communication system 10B shown in FIG. 10 and the optical communication system 10E shown in FIG. 18.

[0383] "1-12. Other configuration examples of optical communication systems (detection of specifications of optical cables, optical extension cables, and other devices)" Fig. 56 shows a configuration example of an optical communication system 10K. This optical communication system 10K is configured such that a device (device A) 100 and a device (device B) 200 are connected via an optical cable 300 and an extension optical cable 300K. In this Fig. 56, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 18 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0384] The extension optical cable 300K has a configuration in which a receptacle 302K and a plug 303K serving as connectors are connected to one end and the other end of an optical cable main body 301K, respectively. The plug 303 of the optical cable 300 is connected to the receptacle 302K of the extension optical cable 300K, and the plug 303K of the extension optical cable 300K is connected to the receptacle 201 of the device 200.

[0385] Identifiers 321K and 331K for detecting the specifications of extension optical cable 300K in the mid-fitting state are provided at positions optically readable from the mating surface sides of receptacle 302K and plug 303K of extension optical cable 300K, similar to identifiers 321E and 331E provided on plug 302 and plug 303 of optical cable 300, respectively. In addition, identifier 231K for detecting the specifications of device 200 in the mid-fitting state is provided at a position optically readable from the mating surface side of device 200.

[0386] When the optical cable 300, the extension optical cable 300K, and the device 200 are connected to the device 100 in that order, the control unit 102 of the device 100 can detect the specifications of each by irradiating an optical signal to the identifier provided on each of them and receiving the reflected light.

[0387] 57(a) shows a state in which the optical cable 300 is connected to the device 100. In this case, in the mid-fitting state, an optical signal emitted from the transmitting unit 105T of the transmitting / receiving unit 105 of the device 100 is irradiated to the identifier 321E provided on the plug 302 of the optical cable 300, and the reflected light is returned to the receiving unit 105R of the transmitting / receiving unit 105 of the device 100. As a result, the control unit 102 of the device 100 detects the specifications of the optical cable 300 based on the identifier information obtained from the received reflected light.

[0388] 57(b) shows a state in which an extension optical cable 300K is further connected to the optical cable 300. In this case, in the mid-fitting state, an optical signal emitted from the transmitter 105T of the transceiver 105 of the device 100 is irradiated to an identifier 321K provided in a receptacle 302K of the extension optical cable 300K via the optical cable 300, and the reflected light is returned to the receiver 105R of the transceiver 105 of the device 100 via the optical cable 300. As a result, the control unit 102 of the device 100 detects the specifications of the extension optical cable 300K based on the identifier information obtained from the received reflected light.

[0389] 57(c) shows a state in which the device 200 is further connected to the extension optical cable 300K. In this case, in the mid-fitting state, an optical signal emitted from the transmitter 105T of the transceiver 105 of the device 100 is irradiated to the identifier 231K provided in the receptacle 201 of the device 200 via the optical cable 300 and the extension optical cable 300K, and the reflected light is returned to the receiver 105R of the transceiver 105 of the device 100 via the extension optical cable 300K and the optical cable 300. As a result, the control unit 102 of the device 100 detects the specifications of the device 200 based on the identifier information obtained from the received reflected light.

[0390] The device 100 determines that all specifications of the optical cable and the device have been detected by detecting the specifications of the device 200. Then, the device 100 sets a communication method according to the detected specifications of the optical cable and the device.

[0391] The flowchart in FIG. 58 shows an example of a processing procedure of the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 when the optical cable 300, the extension optical cable 300K, and the device 200 are connected in this order.

[0392] First, in step ST221, the control unit 102 starts processing, for example, when the power is turned on. Next, in step ST222, the control unit 102 performs a specification detection process. This specification detection process in step ST222 is the same as the specification detection process in step ST2 in the flowchart of FIG.

[0393] Next, in step ST223, the control section 102 judges whether or not the specifications of the device 200 have been detected. When the specifications of the device 200 have not been detected, the control section 102 returns to the process of step ST222.

[0394] Furthermore, when the specifications of the device 200 are detected in step ST223, the control unit 102 performs a communication method setting process in step ST224 using the detected specifications of the optical cable 300, the extension optical cable 300K, and the device 200. Then, the control unit 102 ends the process in step ST225.

[0395] Here, the communication method setting process in step ST224 will not be described in detail, but includes the communication method setting process based on the specifications of the optical cable in step ST211 of the flowchart shown in Figure 55 described above, and the communication method setting process based on the specifications of the other device shown in the flowchart in Figure 53(b) described above.

[0396] In the optical communication system 10K shown in Figure 56 described above, the equipment 100 guides optical signals emitted from multiple channels of the transmitter 105T of the transceiver 105 to the respective identifiers of the optical cable 300, the extension optical cable 300K, and the equipment 200, and when the optical cable 300, the extension optical cable 300K, and the equipment 200 are each in the mid-fitting state when they are connected, receives reflected light from each identifier to detect their respective specifications, and can obtain the specifications of the optical cables and equipment connected in series and set the communication method according to those specifications.

[0397] Although the optical communication system 10K in Fig. 56 corresponds to the optical communication system 10E shown in Fig. 18, it may correspond to any of the optical communication systems described in this embodiment including other optical communication systems, for example, the optical communication system 10A shown in Fig. 1 and the optical communication system 10B shown in Fig. 10. Also, in the optical communication system 10K in Fig. 56, an example in which one extension optical cable 300J is connected is shown, but even if multiple extension optical cables are connected, the specifications of the multiple extension optical cables can be detected in a similar manner to set the communication method.

[0398] In any of the optical communication systems described above, it is desirable for the optical connection between the equipment receptacle and the optical cable plug to be made using collimated light, which has little attenuation of optical power even if the distance between the connectors is long; however, as long as the reflected light from the identifier has the optical power required for specification detection, it is not necessarily necessary to use collimated light for the connection.

[0399] "1-13. Software processing" The processes shown in the above-mentioned flowcharts can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software. When a series of processes is executed by software, the programs constituting the software are installed from a recording medium into a computer built into dedicated hardware, or into, for example, a general-purpose computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs.

[0400] 59 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a computer 600. The computer 600 has a CPU 601, a ROM 602, a RAM 603, a bus 604, an input / output interface 605, an input unit 606, an output unit 607, a storage unit 608, a drive 609, a connection port 610, and a communication unit 611. Note that the hardware configuration shown here is an example, and some of the components may be omitted. Also, the computer 600 may further include components other than those shown here.

[0401] The CPU 601 functions as, for example, an arithmetic processing device or a control device, and controls all or part of the operations of the components based on various programs recorded in the ROM 602 , the RAM 603 , the storage unit 608 , or the removable recording medium 701 .

[0402] The ROM 602 is a means for storing the programs read by the CPU 601, data used for calculations, etc. The RAM 603 temporarily or permanently stores, for example, the programs read by the CPU 601 and various parameters that change appropriately when the programs are executed.

[0403] The CPU 601, ROM 602, and RAM 603 are connected to one another via a bus 604. On the other hand, various components are connected to the bus 604 via an input / output interface 605.

[0404] For example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a button, a switch, a lever, etc. may be used as the input unit 606. Furthermore, a remote controller (hereinafter, a remote control) capable of transmitting control signals using infrared rays or other radio waves may also be used as the input unit 606.

[0405] The output unit 607 is a device capable of visually or audibly notifying the user of the acquired information, such as a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD, or organic EL, an audio output device such as a speaker or headphones, a printer, a mobile phone, or a facsimile.

[0406] The storage unit 608 is a device for storing various types of data. As the storage unit 608, for example, a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, or a magneto-optical storage device is used.

[0407] The drive 609 is a device that reads information recorded on a removable recording medium 701 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or writes information to the removable recording medium 701 .

[0408] The removable recording medium 701 is, for example, a DVD, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc, an HD DVD, various semiconductor storage media, etc. Of course, the removable recording medium 701 may be, for example, an IC card equipped with a non-contact type IC chip, an electronic device, etc.

[0409] The connection port 610 is a port for connecting an external device 502, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port, an IEEE1394 port, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), an RS-232C port, an optical audio terminal, etc. The external device 702 is, for example, a printer, a portable music player, a digital camera, a digital video camera, an IC recorder, etc.

[0410] The communication unit 611 is a communication device for connecting to the network 703, such as a communication card for wired or wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or WUSB (Wireless USB), a router for optical communication, a router for ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), or a modem for various types of communication.

[0411] In addition, the program executed by the computer may be a program in which processing is performed chronologically in the order described in this specification, or it may be a program in which processing is performed in parallel or at the required timing, such as when called.

[0412] <2. Modifications> Although the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present disclosure can conceive of various modified or amended examples within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0413] In addition, the effects described in this specification are merely descriptive or exemplary and are not limiting. In other words, the technology according to the present disclosure may achieve other effects that are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the description of this specification, in addition to or in place of the above effects.

[0414] The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) a receptacle; A transmitter that transmits an optical signal through the receptacle; a receiving unit that receives an optical signal via the receptacle; a detection unit that detects specifications based on identifier information obtained from reflected light of the optical signal reflected by an identifier provided in an optically readable manner on the connector of the target device, the identifier information being received by the receiving unit when the connector of the target device connected via the receptacle is in an intermediate mating state between an unmated state and a mated state. Optical communication equipment. (2) the identifier has a column structure in which reflective surfaces and non-reflective surfaces are arranged according to the bit values ​​of the multi-bit data for detecting the specification, The detection unit detects the specification based on identifier information having a value based on the column structure. The optical communication device according to (1) above. (3) The connector further includes a temporary fastening mechanism for temporarily fastening the connector of the connection target device in the intermediate mating state. The optical communication device according to (1) or (2). (4) The temporary fastening mechanism temporarily fastens the connector of the connection target device in a state before the identifier light is irradiated in the intermediate mating state. The optical communication device according to (3) above. (5) The temporary fastening mechanism temporarily fastens the connector of the connection target device in a full identifier light irradiation state in the intermediate mating state. The optical communication device according to (3) above. (6) An automatic movement mechanism is further provided that automatically moves at least one of the connector or the receptacle of the target device between a pre-identifier light irradiation state in the mid-fitting state before the optical signal from the transmitter is irradiated to the identifier, an identifier light irradiation state in the mid-fitting state in which the optical signal from the transmitter is irradiated to the identifier, and a post-identifier light irradiation state in the mid-fitting state after the optical signal from the transmitter is irradiated to the identifier. An optical communication device according to any one of (1) to (5). (7) The connection target device is an optical cable, the identifier is provided on a connector of the optical cable; The detection unit detects the specification of the optical cable as the specification. An optical communication device according to any one of (1) to (6). (8) The identifier is provided at a position that can be optically read from a side of the connector of the connection target device, The receiving unit receives a reflected light of the optical signal reflected from the identifier. An optical communication device according to any one of (1) to (7). (9) The identifier is provided at a position that is optically readable from a mating surface side of the connector of the connection target device, The receiving unit receives a reflected light of the optical signal reflected from the identifier. An optical communication device according to any one of (1) to (7). (10) The connection target device is another optical communication device connected to the device itself via an optical cable, the identifier is provided on a connector of the other optical communication device, The detection unit detects the specification of the other optical communication device as the specification. An optical communication device according to any one of (1) to (6), (8), and (9). (11) The connection target device is an extension optical cable connected to the device itself via an optical cable, the identifier is provided on a connector of the extension optical cable, The detection unit detects the specification of the extension optical cable as the specification. An optical communication device according to any one of (1) to (6), (8), and (9). (12) When the detection unit determines that the connector of the connection target device has been mated from start to completion, the detection unit detects the specification based on identifier information obtained from the received reflected light. 12. An optical communication device according to any one of (1) to (11). (13) A control unit that issues an error warning when the reflected light is not received within a predetermined time from the start of the mating or when the completion of mating is not detected within a predetermined time from the reception of the reflected light. The optical communication device according to (12) above. (14) A control unit that sets a communication method based on the specifications is further provided. 14. An optical communication device according to any one of (1) to (13). (15) Further comprising a storage unit for storing the specifications detected by the detection unit, The control unit is When it is detected that the connector of the connection target device is in an unfitted state while the power is off, a communication method is set based on the specifications detected based on the identifier information newly obtained as the in-fitting state, When it is detected that the connector of the connection target device is not in the unfitted state while the power is off, the communication method is set based on the specifications stored in the storage unit. The optical communication device according to (14) above. (16) The control unit issues an error warning when the device does not comply with the specifications. The optical communication device according to (14) or (15) above. (17) The optical communication device further includes a control unit that compares an optical cable specific number, which is the identifier information, that is specific to the optical cable and an optical cable specific number transmitted from another optical communication device connected to the device via the optical cable, to determine whether an extension optical cable is connected. 17. An optical communication device according to any one of (1) to (16). (18) Equipped with a connector having an optically readable identifier Optical cable. (19) The arrangement position of the identifier is the optically readable position when the connector is in an intermediate mating state between an unmated state and a mated state with respect to the receptacle of the optical communication device. The optical cable according to (18) above. (20) A method for transmitting a signal from a first optical communication device to a second optical communication device, comprising: The optical cable includes: a plug having an optically readable identifier disposed thereon; The first optical communication device is A receptacle; A transmitter for transmitting an optical signal through the receptacle; a receiving unit that receives an optical signal via the receptacle; a detection unit that detects the specifications based on identifier information obtained from the reflected light of the optical signal reflected by the identifier and received by the receiving unit when the plug of the optical cable connected via the receptacle is in an intermediate mating state between an unmated state and a mated state; Optical communication system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0415] 10A-10H, 10J, 10K... Optical communication system 100...Device (Device A) 101···Receptacle 102 Control section 103 Communication signal input / output section 104 Signal processing unit 105 Transmitter / receiver 105T...Transmitter 105R···Receiver 106...Presentation part 107 Automatic moving mechanism 111...Opening 113L,113R...mobile object 114L, 114R... Coil spring 115···Fitting spring 116 Mating detection pin 117···Fitting spring 118...light path 119 Transmitter / receiver 121 Tilt positioning hole 112a-112e···Mirror 200...Device (Device B) 201···Receptacle 202 Control section 203 Communication signal input / output section 204 Signal processing unit 205 Transmitter / receiver 205T...Transmitter 205R... Receiver 206...Presentation part 211...Opening 212a-212e···Mirror 219 Transmitter / receiver 221....Inclined positioning hole 231,231K...Identifier 234,235··Mirror 300···Optical cable 300J, 300K...Extension optical cable 301, 301J, 301K... Optical cable body 302, 303, 303J, 303K...Plug 302J, 302K···Receptacle 321,321B,321E,321F,321K,331,331B,331E,331F,331J,331K...Identifier 322...Temporary fastening recess 323...Fitting recess 324, 325, 336, 337...Mirror 326...Optical waveguide 327...light path 328,338 ···Inclined positioning pin 329... Pressing protrusion 344...Temporary fastening recess 345···Fitting recess 600...Computer

Claims

1. A receptacle; A transmitter that transmits an optical signal through the receptacle; a receiving unit that receives an optical signal via the receptacle; a detection unit that detects specifications based on identifier information obtained from reflected light of the optical signal reflected by an identifier provided in an optically readable manner on the connector of the target device, the identifier information being received by the receiving unit when the connector of the target device connected via the receptacle is in an intermediate mating state between an unmated state and a mated state. Optical communication equipment.

2. the identifier has a column structure in which reflective surfaces and non-reflective surfaces are arranged according to the bit values ​​of the multiple-bit data for detecting the specification, The detection unit detects the specification based on identifier information having a value based on the column structure.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1.

3. The connector of the device to be connected may further include a temporary fastening mechanism for temporarily fastening the connector of the device to be connected in the intermediate fitting state.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1.

4. The temporary fastening mechanism temporarily fastens the connector of the connection target device in a state before the identifier light is irradiated in the intermediate fitting state.

4. The optical communication device according to claim 3.

5. The temporary fastening mechanism temporarily fastens the connector of the connection target device in a full identifier light irradiation state in the intermediate fitting state.

4. The optical communication device according to claim 3.

6. The device further includes an automatic movement mechanism that automatically moves at least one of the connector or the receptacle of the target device between a pre-identifier light irradiation state in the mid-fitting state before the optical signal from the transmitter is irradiated to the identifier, an identifier light irradiation state in the mid-fitting state in which the optical signal from the transmitter is irradiated to the identifier, and a post-identifier light irradiation state in the mid-fitting state after the optical signal from the transmitter is irradiated to the identifier.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1.

7. the connection target device is an optical cable, the identifier is provided on a connector of the optical cable; The detection unit detects the specification of the optical cable as the specification.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1.

8. the identifier is provided at a position that can be optically read from a side surface of the connector of the connection target device, The receiving unit receives a reflected light of the optical signal reflected from the identifier.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1.

9. the identifier is provided at a position that can be optically read from a fitting surface side of the connector of the connection target device, The receiving unit receives a reflected light of the optical signal reflected from the identifier.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1.

10. the connection target device is another optical communication device connected to the own device via an optical cable, the identifier is provided on a connector of the other optical communication device, The detection unit detects the specification of the other optical communication device as the specification.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1.

11. the connection target device is an extension optical cable connected to the device itself via an optical cable, the identifier is provided on a connector of the extension optical cable, The detection unit detects the specification of the extension optical cable as the specification.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1.

12. The detection unit detects the specification based on identifier information obtained from the received reflected light when it is determined that the connector of the connection target device has been mated from the start to the completion of mating.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1.

13. A control unit that issues an error warning when the reflected light is not received within a predetermined time from the start of the fitting or when the completion of the fitting is not detected within a predetermined time from the reception of the reflected light.

13. An optical communication device according to claim 12.

14. A control unit that sets a communication method based on the specifications is further provided.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1.

15. A storage unit that stores the specifications detected by the detection unit is further provided, The control unit is When it is detected that the connector of the connection target device is in an unfitted state while the power is off, a communication method is set based on the specifications detected based on the identifier information newly obtained as the in-fitting state, When it is detected that the connector of the connection target device is not in the unfitted state while the power is off, the communication method is set based on the specifications stored in the storage unit.

15. An optical communication device according to claim 14.

16. The control unit issues an error warning when the device itself does not comply with the specifications.

15. An optical communication device according to claim 14.

17. The optical communication device further includes a control unit that compares an optical cable specific number that is specific to the optical cable, which is the identifier information, with an optical cable specific number transmitted from another optical communication device connected to the device via the optical cable to determine whether an extension optical cable is connected.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1.

18. A connector having an optically readable identifier is provided. Optical cable.

19. The arrangement position of the identifier is the optically readable position when the connector is in an intermediate mating state between an unmated state and a mated state with respect to the receptacle of the optical communication device.

20. The optical cable according to claim 18.

20. A first optical communication device and an optical cable configured to be connectable to the first optical communication device, The optical cable includes: a plug having an optically readable identifier disposed thereon; The first optical communication device is A receptacle; A transmitter for transmitting an optical signal through the receptacle; a receiving unit that receives an optical signal via the receptacle; a detection unit that detects the specifications based on identifier information obtained from the reflected light of the optical signal reflected by the identifier and received by the receiving unit when the plug of the optical cable connected via the receptacle is in an intermediate mating state between an unmated state and a mated state; Optical communication system.

Images