Optical communication device, optical cable, and optical communication system

Abstract

To enable an apparatus (optical communication device) in an optical communication system to acquire specifications of an optical cable or the like and to perform processing in accordance with the acquired specifications.SOLUTION: An optical communication device includes a receptacle, a transmitting unit having a plurality of transmission channels, a receiving unit having a plurality of reception channels, and a control unit. Specifications of an optical cable is detected by the control unit in accordance with a reception situation of a return optical signal from an optical cable at the receiving unit.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 capable of detecting the specifications of an optical cable. [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 having a plurality of transmission channels; a receiving section having a plurality of receiving channels; the control unit detects the specification of the optical cable according to a reception state of the return optical signal from the optical cable having a plug configured to be able to be fitted to the receptacle, one or more connection channel sets including a connection transmitting channel and a connection receiving channel corresponding to the connection transmitting channel, one or more unconnected channel sets including an unconnected transmitting channel and an unconnected receiving channel corresponding to the unconnected transmitting channel, and an optical return mechanism that causes an incident optical signal transmitted from any of the plurality of transmitting channels of the transmitting unit and input to the unconnected transmitting channel via the plug to be output as a return optical signal from the unconnected receiving channel included in the unconnected channel set including the unconnected transmitting channel via the plug, the control unit detecting the specification of the optical cable according to a reception state of the return optical signal from the optical cable at the receiving unit. Found in optical communication devices.

[0006] The optical communication device according to the present technology includes a receptacle, a transmitter having a plurality of transmission channels, a receiver having a plurality of reception channels, and a controller, which detects the specifications of the optical cable according to the reception status of the receiver of the return optical signal from the optical cable.

[0007] Here, the optical cable has a plug configured to be able to mate with the receptacle, one or more connected channel sets including a connected transmitting channel and a connected receiving channel corresponding to the connected transmitting channel, one or more unconnected channel sets including an unconnected transmitting channel and an unconnected receiving channel corresponding to the unconnected transmitting channel, and an optical return mechanism that causes an incident optical signal transmitted from one of the multiple transmitting channels of the transmitter and input to the unconnected transmitting channel via the plug to be output as a return optical signal via the plug from an unconnected receiving channel included in the unconnected channel set including the unconnected transmitting channel.

[0008] For example, the control unit may detect, as a specification, a channel connection state indicating whether each of the input / output channel sets, which are each made up of each of the receiving channels and the transmitting channel corresponding to each of the receiving channels, is a connected channel set or a non-connected channel set, based on whether each of the receiving channels of the receiving unit has received a return optical signal. This makes it possible to detect the channel connection state as a specification of the optical cable.

[0009] In this case, for example, the control unit may be configured to set the connected channel set as a used channel set or an available channel set. This makes it possible to effectively set the used channel set or the available channel set. Here, the used channel set means a channel set that is always used, and the available channel set means a channel set that is available but may not be used, and whether to use it or not is determined by additional settings. In addition, in this case, for example, the control unit may be configured to perform power reduction processing for communication using a non-connected channel set.

[0010] Also, for example, the control unit may detect the number of connection channel sets as a specification of the optical cable according to the number of reception channels that receive return optical signals from the plug of the optical cable among the multiple reception channels, which makes it possible to detect the number of connection channel sets as a specification of the optical cable.

[0011] Also, for example, the control unit may be configured to detect the specifications of the optical cable based on an input / output channel connection relationship indicating which receiving channel of the transmitting unit has received a return optical signal of the optical signal of which transmitting channel of the transmitting unit at each receiving channel of the receiving unit. This makes it possible to detect the specifications of the optical cable well. In this case, for example, the transmitting unit may be configured to emit an optical signal capable of identifying a channel number from at least a part of the transmitting channels among the plurality of transmitting channels. Here, the specifications of the optical cable may include at least one of a channel set connection state indicating whether each channel set of the optical cable is a connected channel set or a non-connected channel set, the number of connected channel sets, an optical wavelength, an insertion loss, a fiber type, a total transmission bandwidth, and a cable length.

[0012] Also, for example, the control unit may be configured to set the optical communication to match the specifications of the optical cable. As a result, the settings related to the optical communication are preferably set to match the specifications of the optical cable. Also, for example, the control unit may be configured to perform a warning process when the specifications of the optical cable cannot be supported. As a result, it is possible to make the user aware that the device itself cannot support the specifications of the optical cable, and to urge the user to replace the optical cable with one that the device itself can support.

[0013] Also, for example, the control unit may be configured to determine whether the optical cable is broken based on a cable breakage confirmation response optical signal transmitted from the external device in response to a cable breakage confirmation optical signal transmitted via a connection transmission channel to an external device connected via an optical cable, and received by the receiving unit, thereby making it possible to determine whether the optical cable is broken.

[0014] In this case, for example, the control unit may be configured to determine that the optical cable is broken when the number of receiving channels indicated by the cable breakage confirmation response optical signal does not match the number of connected transmitting channels. Also, in this case, for example, the control unit may be configured to determine that the input / output channel set of the optical cable corresponding to the connected transmitting channel with the mismatched channel number is broken when the receiving channel number indicated by the cable breakage confirmation response optical signal does not match the channel number of the connected transmitting channel. In this case, it is possible to determine the breakage for each input / output channel set.

[0015] In this case, for example, the control unit may perform a warning process when it is determined that the optical cable is damaged, thereby making it possible to make the user aware that the optical cable is damaged and to prompt the user to replace the optical cable with an undamaged one.

[0016] In this manner, in the present technology, the specifications of the optical cable are detected according to the reception state at the receiving section of the return optical signal from the optical cable, and the specifications of the optical cable can be obtained.

[0017] Another concept of the present technology is A plug configured to be able to be fitted into a receptacle of an optical communication device; one or more connection channel sets including a connection transmit channel and a connection receive channel corresponding to the connection transmit channel; one or more unconnected channel sets including an unconnected transmit channel and an unconnected receive channel corresponding to the unconnected transmit channel; an optical return mechanism for outputting an incident optical signal, which is transmitted from any one of a plurality of transmission channels of a transmission section of the optical communication device and is input to the unconnected transmission channel via the plug, as a return optical signal from an unconnected reception channel included in an unconnected channel set including the unconnected transmission channel, toward a reception section of the optical communication device via the plug. in the optical cable.

[0018] The present technology includes a plug configured to be mated with a receptacle of an optical communication device, one or more connection channel sets including a connection transmitting channel and a connection receiving channel corresponding to the connection transmitting channel, one or more non-connection channel sets including a non-connection transmitting channel and a non-connection receiving channel corresponding to the non-connection transmitting channel, and further includes an optical return mechanism.

[0019] With this optical return mechanism, an incident optical signal transmitted from one of a plurality of transmission channels of a transmitter of an optical communication device and input to an unconnected transmission channel via a plug is output as a return optical signal from an unconnected reception channel included in an unconnected channel set including the unconnected transmission channel, via the plug, toward a receiver of the optical communication device. For example, the optical return mechanism may be configured using a mirror or an optical waveguide. Also, for example, plugs having an optical return mechanism may be provided on both ends of an optical cable body.

[0020] Also, for example, the optical return mechanism may have an input / output channel connection relationship changing mechanism for outputting an incident optical signal input to each of the unconnected transmitting channels from one of the unconnected receiving channels based on an input / output channel connection relationship according to the specifications of the own optical cable. This enables the optical communication device to properly detect the specifications of the optical cable. In this case, for example, the specifications of the own optical cable may include at least one of a channel set connection state indicating whether each channel set of the optical cable is a connected channel set or an unconnected channel set, the number of connected channel sets, an optical wavelength, an insertion loss, a fiber type, a total transmission bandwidth, and a cable length.

[0021] In this way, the present technology has an optical return mechanism that outputs an incident optical signal, which is transmitted from one of a plurality of transmitting channels of a transmitting section of an optical communication device and input to the unconnected transmitting channel via a plug, as a return optical signal from an unconnected receiving channel included in an unconnected channel set that includes the unconnected transmitting channel, via the plug, toward a receiving section of the optical communication device, making it possible to detect the specifications of the optical cable in the optical communication device depending on the receiving conditions at the receiving section.

[0022] Another concept of the present technology is An optical communication device and an optical cable connected to the optical communication device, The optical cable includes: a plug configured to be able to be fitted into a receptacle of the optical communication device; one or more connection channel sets including a connection transmit channel and a connection receive channel corresponding to the connection transmit channel; one or more unconnected channel sets including an unconnected transmit channel and an unconnected receive channel corresponding to the unconnected transmit channel; an optical return mechanism for outputting an incident optical signal, which is transmitted from any one of a plurality of transmission channels of a transmission section of the optical communication device and is input to the unconnected transmission channel via the plug, from an unconnected reception channel included in an unconnected channel set including the unconnected transmission channel as a return optical signal toward a reception section of the optical communication device via the plug; The optical communication device includes: The receptacle; the transmitting unit having a plurality of transmission channels; The receiver section has a plurality of receiving channels; a control unit that detects the specification of the optical cable according to a receiving state of the return optical signal from the optical cable at the receiving unit; In optical communication systems. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an optical communication system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a configuration example of a light returning mechanism. [Diagram 3] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between unconnected receiving channels and unconnected transmitting channels in a plug. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the channel number identification optical signal is a pulse signal. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for detecting the specifications of an optical cable in a control unit of the device. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a cable specification detection process and a cable specification compatible communication setting process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the procedure of the cable specification detection process and the cable specification compatible communication setting process. [Figure 8] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of correspondence information between the number of connection channel sets and a transmittable band. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating yet another example of the procedure of the cable specification detection process and the cable specification compatible communication setting process. [Figure 10] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of correspondence information between input / output channel connection relationships and optical cable specifications. FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of the correspondence relationship information between the input / output channel connection relationship and the optical cable specifications. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a processing procedure of detecting the specifications of an optical cable in the control unit of the device. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of device specifications and the cable specifications to which the device specifications are compatible. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for detecting the specifications of an optical cable (damage can also be detected) in a control unit of the device. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of a processing procedure for detecting the specifications of an optical cable (damage can also be detected) in the control unit of the device. [Figure 16]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] 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 1-1-1.Explanation of optical cable 1-1-2. Equipment Description 1-1-2-1. Procedure for detecting device specifications 1-1-2-2. Other processing procedures such as device specification detection 1-1-3. Software processing 2. Variations

[0025] <1. Preferred embodiment> "1-1. Example of optical communication system configuration" 1 shows an example of the configuration of an optical communication system 10 according to an embodiment. In this optical communication system 10, a device (device A) 100 and a device (device B) 200 are connected via an optical cable 300. Here, the devices 100 and 200 constitute an optical communication device (optical communication device).

[0026] The optical cable 300 has a plurality of channels. For example, the optical cable 300 has a plurality of optical fibers corresponding to the plurality of channels. In this case, for example, the optical cable 300 may be a so-called ribbon type optical 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. Also, for example, the optical cable 300 may have a multi-core optical fiber having a plurality of cores corresponding to the plurality of channels in one optical fiber.

[0027] "1-1-1. Explanation of optical cables" The optical cable 300 will now be described. The optical cable 300 is configured such that a plug (plug A) 302 and a plug (plug B) 303 are connected to one end and the other end, respectively, of an optical cable main body 301. The plug 302 of the optical cable 300 is connected to a receptacle 101 serving as a connector of a device 100, and the plug 303 of the optical cable 300 is connected to a receptacle 201 serving as a connector of a device 200.

[0028] Each of the plugs 302 and 303 has six transmission channels, from transmission channel 1 (tch1) to transmission channel 6 (tch6), and six reception channels, from reception channel 1 (rch1) to reception channel 6 (rch6). Here, the channel numbers are determined in advance. Note that the number of channel sets, which is a combination of a pair of transmission channels and reception channels, is not limited to 6, and other numbers, such as 12 or 24, which are greater than 6, may be considered. However, in this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the case where the number of channel sets is 6 will be described as an example.

[0029] In the plugs 302 and 303, a predetermined number of transmitting channels and receiving channels are set as unconnected channels. Here, the unconnected channels include channels for which no optical fiber corresponding to the channel exists in the optical cable main body 301 and communication is not possible, as well as channels for which an optical fiber corresponding to the channel exists in the optical cable main body 301 but is not connected and communication is not possible. In the figure, an example is shown in which the predetermined number is 3, and three transmitting channels from channel 6 (ch6) to channel 4 (ch4) are unconnected channels, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0030] The plugs 302 and 303 have light return mechanisms 321 and 331, respectively. The light return mechanism 321 will be described. The light return mechanism 331 is configured similarly to the light return mechanism 321, and therefore will not be described here. The light return mechanism 321 outputs an optical signal input to an unconnected transmitting channel among the six transmitting channels as a return optical signal from an unconnected receiving channel among the six receiving channels.

[0031] The light return mechanism 321 is configured using, for example, a mirror or an optical waveguide. FIG. 2(a) shows a configuration example of the light return mechanism 321 configured using a mirror. This example shows a case where three transmission channels from transmission channel 6 (tch6) to transmission channel 4 (tch4) are unconnected transmission channels, and three reception channels from reception channel 6 (rch6) to reception channel 4 (rch4) corresponding to these unconnected transmission channels are unconnected reception channels. In this case, three transmission channels from transmission channel 3 (tch3) to transmission channel 1 (tch1) are connected transmission channels, and three reception channels from reception channel 3 (rch3) to reception channel 1 (rch1) corresponding to these connected transmission channels are connected reception channels.

[0032] The optical return mechanism 321 is composed of a first mirror 321a that changes the optical paths of optical signals input to each of the three transmitting channels (unconnected transmitting channels) from transmitting channel 6 (tch6) to transmitting channel 4 (tch4) of the plug 302 in a perpendicular direction, and a second mirror 321b that changes the optical path of each optical signal whose optical path has been changed in a perpendicular direction and outputs the optical signals as return optical signals from the three receiving channels (unconnected receiving channels) from receiving channel 6 (rch6) to receiving channel 4 (rch4) of the plug 302.

[0033] 2(a) shows an example in which optical signals input to the transmission channels 6, 5, and 4 are output from the reception channels 6, 5, and 4, respectively, but an input / output channel connection relationship change mechanism is provided to enable each of the optical signals input to the transmission channels 6, 5, and 4 to be selectively output as a return optical signal from one of the reception channels 6, 5, and 4 by setting the input / output channel connection relationship through the arrangement setting of the mirrors 321a and 321b. For example, when the position and angle of the second mirror 321b are set as shown in FIG. 2(b), each of the optical signals input to the transmission channels 6, 5, and 4 is output from the reception channels 4, 5, and 6 as a return optical signal.

[0034] 2(c) shows a configuration example of the optical return mechanism 321 configured using an optical waveguide. This example also shows a case where the three transmission channels from transmission channel 6 (tch6) to transmission channel 4 (tch4) are unconnected transmission channels, and the three reception channels from reception channel 6 (rch6) to reception channel 4 (rch4) corresponding to these unconnected transmission channels are unconnected reception channels.

[0035] The optical return mechanism 321 is composed of an optical waveguide 321c that guides optical signals input to the three transmitting channels (unconnected transmitting channels) from transmitting channel 6 (tch6) to transmitting channel 4 (tch4) of the plug 302 to the three receiving channels (unconnected receiving channels) from receiving channel 6 (rch6) to receiving channel 4 (rch4) of the plug 302, and outputs them as return optical signals.

[0036] 2(c) shows an example in which optical signals input to the transmitting channels 6, 5, and 4 are output from the receiving channels 6, 5, and 4, respectively, but has an input / output channel connection relationship changing mechanism for selectively outputting each of the optical signals input to the transmitting channels 6, 5, and 4 as return optical signals from one of the receiving channels 6, 5, and 4 according to the input / output channel connection relationship set by the inter-waveguide connection setting of the optical waveguide 321c. For example, when the input / output channel connection relationship of the optical waveguide 321c is set as shown in FIG. 2(d), each of the optical signals input to the transmitting channels 6, 5, and 4 is output from the receiving channels 4, 5, and 6 as return optical signals.

[0037] In this embodiment, in the plugs 302, 303, the optical signals input to the predetermined number of unconnected transmitting channels are output as return optical signals from which of the predetermined number of unconnected receiving channels based on a setting predetermined according to the specifications of the optical cable 300, and the optical cable 300 is manufactured according to each specification, so that the specifications of the optical cable 300 can be detected by the devices 100, 200. In this case, the specifications of the optical cable 300 include at least one of the channel set connection state indicating whether each channel set is a connected channel set or an unconnected channel set, the number of connected channel sets, the optical wavelength, the insertion loss, the fiber type, the total transmission bandwidth, the cable length, and the like.

[0038] For example, if the unconnected channel set consists of two channels, channel 6 (ch6) and channel 5 (ch5), the setting as to which of the two transmitting channels, transmitting channel 6 (tch6) and transmitting channel 5 (tch5), an optical signal input from the two receiving channels, receiving channel 6 (rch6) and receiving channel 5 (rch5), is to be output as a return optical signal is selectively set to, for example, either a or b in Figure 3(a), thereby indicating one specification of the optical cable 300, for example the optical wavelength.

[0039] In this case, the device 100 detects that the optical wavelength specified in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is, for example, "850 [nm]" based on the fact that the optical signal of the transmitting channel of transmitting channel 5 (tch5) is received as a return optical signal at the receiving channel of receiving channel 5 (rch5). Also, in this case, the device 100 detects that the optical wavelength specified in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is, for example, "1310 [nm]" based on the fact that the optical signal of the transmitting channel of transmitting channel 5 (tch5) is received as a return optical signal at the receiving channel of receiving channel 6 (rch6).

[0040] Furthermore, if the unconnected channel set consists of three channels, channel 6 (ch6) to channel 4 (ch4), the setting as to which of the three transmitting channels, transmitting channel 6 (tch6) to transmitting channel 4 (tch4), an optical signal input from the three receiving channels, receiving channel 6 (rch6) to receiving channel 4 (rch4), is to be output as a return optical signal is selectively set to, for example, one of a to d in Figure 3(b), and two specifications of the optical cable 300, such as the optical wavelength and the insertion loss, are indicated.

[0041] In this case, the device 100 detects the optical wavelength as a specification of the optical cable 300, similarly to the case where the unconnected channel set is two, channel 6 (ch6) and channel 5 (ch5). Furthermore, in this case, the device 100 detects that the insertion loss as a specification of the optical cable 300 is, for example, "less than 3 [dB]" based on the fact that the optical signal of the transmission channel of transmission channel 4 (tch4) is received as a return optical signal at the reception channel of reception channel 4 (rch4). Also, in this case, the device 100 detects that the insertion loss as a specification of the optical cable 300 is, for example, "3 to 6 [dB]" based on the fact that the optical signal of the transmission channel of transmission channel 6 (tch6) is received as a return optical signal at the reception channel of reception channel 4 (rch4).

[0042] Furthermore, if the unconnected channel set consists of five channels, channel 6 (ch6) to channel 2 (ch2), the setting for which transmitting channel among the five transmitting channels, transmitting channel 6 (tch6) to transmitting channel 2 (tch2), an optical signal input from the five receiving channels, receiving channel 6 (rch6) to receiving channel 2 (rch2), is to be output as a return optical signal is selectively set to any of a to h in Figure 3(c), and indicates three specifications of the optical cable 300, such as the optical wavelength, insertion loss, and fiber type.

[0043] In this case, the device 100 detects the optical wavelength and insertion loss as specifications of the optical cable 300, similarly to the case where the unconnected channel set is the three channels 6 (ch6) to 4 (ch4). Furthermore, in this case, the device 100 detects that the fiber type as specifications of the optical cable 300 is “MMF (multi-mode optical fiber)” based on, for example, the optical signal of the transmission channel of transmission channel 3 (tch3) being received as a return optical signal at the reception channel of reception channel 3 (rch3). Also, in this case, the device 100 detects that the fiber type as specifications of the optical cable 300 is “SMF (single-mode optical fiber)” based on, for example, the optical signal of the transmission channel of transmission channel 2 (tch2) being received as a return optical signal at the reception channel of reception channel 3 (rch3).

[0044] The specification determination methods shown in Figures 3(a), (b), and (c) are designed so that the specification determination method in Figure 3(a) can be commonly used for the specification determination methods in Figures 3(b) and (c), and the specification determination method in Figure 3(b) can also be used for the specification determination method in Figure 3(c). Although a detailed explanation is omitted, by determining the specifications independently for cases where the number of unconnected channels is, for example, 2, 3, 5, etc., it becomes possible to include even more specification information, such as cable length.

[0045] "1-1-2. Equipment Description" The devices 100 and 200 will be described. In addition to the receptacle 101 as the above-mentioned connector, the device 100 has a control unit 102, a communication signal input / output unit 103, a signal processing unit 104, a transmitting unit 105T, a receiving unit 105R, a presentation unit 106, and a storage unit 107. The control unit 102 controls the operation of each unit of the device 100. The presentation unit 106 is composed of a display, a speaker, etc., and displays the operating status of the device 100 and warnings to the user on the display, or outputs sounds indicating warnings from the speaker. The storage unit 107 stores various information.

[0046] 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 (laser, etc.) of each transmission 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 (photodiode, etc.) of each reception channel of the reception unit 105R.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Although detailed description of device 200 is omitted, it is configured in the same manner as device 100 described above, and in addition to receptacle 201 as the connector described above, it has a control unit 202, a communication signal input / output unit 203, a signal processing unit 204, a transmitting unit 205T, a receiving unit 205R, a presentation unit 206, and a memory unit 207.

[0049] When the optical cable 300 is connected to the device 100, the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 is fitted into the receptacle 101 of the device 100. In this case, the six transmission channels, transmission channel 1 (tch1) to transmission channel 6 (tch6), of the transmitter 105T of the device 100 are respectively connected to the six transmission channels, transmission channel 1 (tch1) to transmission channel 6 (tch6), of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300. Also, the six reception channels, reception channel 1 (rch1) to reception channel 6 (rch6), of the receiver 105R of the device 100 are respectively connected to the six reception channels, reception channel 1 (rch1) to reception channel 6 (rch6), of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300.

[0050] Furthermore, when the optical cable 300 is connected to the device 200, the plug 303 of the optical cable 300 is fitted into the receptacle 201 of the device 200. In this case, the six transmission channels, transmission channel 1 (tch1) to transmission channel 6 (tch6), of the transmitter 205T of the device 200 are respectively connected to the six transmission channels, transmission channel 1 (tch1) to transmission channel 6 (tch6), of the plug 303 of the optical cable 300. Furthermore, the six reception channels, reception channel 1 (rch1) to reception channel 6 (rch6), of the receiver 205R of the device 200 are respectively connected to the six reception channels, reception channel 1 (rch1) to reception channel 6 (rch6), of the plug 303 of the optical cable 300.

[0051] The device 200 has the same configuration as the device 100, so in the following, only the device 100 will be described, and a description of the device 200 will be omitted.

[0052] After powering on, and before starting communication of actual data such as images and audio with the device 200, the control unit 102 of the device 100 detects the specifications of the optical cable 300 and sets up optical communication to match the specifications of the optical cable 300. Here, the specifications of the optical cable 300 include at least one of the channel set connection state indicating whether each channel set is a connected channel set or a non-connected channel set, the number of connected channel sets, the optical wavelength, the insertion loss, the fiber type, the total transmission bandwidth, and the cable length, and the settings related to optical communication include, for example, settings of the transmission bandwidth, the optical wavelength, the optical output level, etc.

[0053] In this case, the control unit 102 inputs optical signals from the six transmitting channels, from transmitting channel 1 (tch1) to transmitting channel 6 (tch6), of the transmitting unit 105T to the six transmitting channels, from transmitting channel 1 (tch1) to transmitting channel 6 (tch6), of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300, and detects the specifications of the optical cable 300 based on the reception status of return optical signals from the six receiving channels, from receiving channel 1 (rch1) to receiving channel 6 (rch6), of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300, in the six receiving channels, from receiving channel 1 (rch1) to receiving channel 6 (rch6), of the receiving unit 105R.

[0054] It is not necessary for the transmitter 105T to input an optical signal to all transmission channels from transmission channel 1 (tch1) to transmission channel 6 (tch6) of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300, and an optical signal may be input to only at least some of the transmission channels including the non-connected transmission channels. For example, if it is guaranteed that the range from transmission channel 1 (tch1) to transmission channel N (tchN) of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 is the connected transmission channels, that is, if it is set as a predetermined rule, it is not necessary to input an optical signal to the transmission channels in the range from transmission channel 1 (tch1) to transmission channel N (tchN).

[0055] Furthermore, it is not necessary to detect the specifications of the optical cable 300 according to the receiving conditions of the return optical signals in all receiving channels from receiving channel 1 (rch1) to receiving channel 6 (rch6) of the receiving unit 105R, and the specifications of the optical cable 300 may be detected according to the receiving conditions of the return optical signals in at least some receiving channels including a receiving channel corresponding to a non-connected receiving channel of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300. For example, if it is guaranteed that the range from receiving channel 1 (rch1) to receiving channel N (rchN) of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 is a connected receiving channel, the receiving channels in the range from receiving channel 1 (rch1) to receiving channel N (rchN) do not always receive return optical signals, and therefore it is not necessary to refer to the receiving conditions of the return optical signals in the receiving channels in the range from receiving channel 1 (rch1) to receiving channel N (rchN).

[0056] When the control unit 102 of the device 100 detects, for example, a channel set connection state indicating whether each channel set is a connected channel set or a non-connected channel set, the number of connected channel sets, etc., as the specifications of the optical cable 300, the control unit 102 causes a non-connected channel confirmation optical signal to be input from the transmitting unit 105T to six transmission channels, from transmission channel 1 (tch1) to transmission channel 6 (tch6), of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 as an optical signal, i.e., an optical cable specification detection optical signal. This non-connected channel confirmation optical signal does not need to be an optical signal with an identifiable channel number, and is, for example, an optical signal with a constant continuous power. However, while it is preferable that the power be constant in order to achieve detection accuracy, it does not have to be constant within a detectable range.

[0057] Furthermore, when the control unit 102 of the device 100 detects, for example, the optical wavelength, insertion loss, fiber type, total transmission band, cable length, etc. as the specifications of the optical cable 300, it inputs channel number identification optical signals as optical signals, i.e., optical cable specification detection optical signals, from the transmitting unit 105T to six transmitting channels, from transmitting channel 1 (tch1) to transmitting channel 6 (tch6), of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300. In this case, the receiving status of the return optical signal in the receiving channels, from receiving channel 1 (rch1) to receiving channel 6 (rch6), in the receiving unit 105R can include not only information on whether or not a return optical signal has been received, but also information on which transmitting channel the received return optical signal belongs to.

[0058] The channel number identification optical signal is, for example, a pulse signal that identifies the channel number based on the number of pulses, pulse timing, pulse width, etc., but is not limited thereto and may identify the channel number based on a value, wavelength, etc. Also, the channel number identification optical signal does not change some value depending on the transmission channel number, and may be, for example, the above-mentioned signal of constant power. In this case, it is possible to identify the transmission channel number by performing, for example, time division processing.

[0059] Figures 4(a) to (c) show examples where the channel number identification optical signal is a pulse signal. Figure 4(a) is an example where the channel number is identified by the number of pulses. For example, as shown in the figure, the number of pulses of the channel number identification optical signal for channel 1 "Ch1" is 1, the number of pulses of the channel number identification optical signal for channel 2 "Ch2" is 2, and the same is true for the subsequent channels 3 "Ch3" to 6 "Ch6".

[0060] 4(b) is an example of identifying channel numbers by pulse timing. For example, as shown in the figure, the pulse timing of the channel number identification optical signal for channel 1 "Ch1" is the earliest first timing t1, the pulse timing of the channel number identification optical signal for channel 2 "Ch2" is the second timing t2 that is later than the first timing t1, and the same is true for the subsequent channels 3 "Ch3" to 6 "Ch6".

[0061] 4(c) is an example of identifying channel numbers by pulse width. For example, as shown in the figure, the pulse width of the channel number identification optical signal for channel 1 "Ch1" is the shortest first width w1, the pulse width of the channel number identification optical signal for channel 2 "Ch2" is the second width w2 that is longer than the first width w1, and so on for the subsequent channels 3 "Ch3" to 6 "Ch6".

[0062] "1-1-2-1. Processing procedure for detecting device specifications, etc." The flowchart in FIG. 5 shows an example of a processing procedure for detecting the specifications of the optical cable 300 in the control unit 102 of the device 100, etc.

[0063] First, the control unit 102 starts processing in step ST1. Next, the control unit 102 transmits an optical cable specification detection optical signal in step ST2. In this case, the optical cable specification detection optical signal is input from the six transmission channels, transmission channel 1 (tch1) to transmission channel 6 (tch6), of the transmitter 105T to the six transmission channels, transmission channel 1 (tch1) to transmission channel 6 (tch6) of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300. Note that the optical cable specification detection optical signal is an optical signal only for detecting the optical cable specification, and is therefore transmitted only at this timing before starting communication of actual data such as images and audio.

[0064] Next, in step ST3, the control unit 102 judges whether or not the optical cable specification detection optical signal has been received as a return optical signal. In this case, the control unit 102 monitors the reception status (here, whether or not an optical signal has been received) of the return optical signal in six reception channels from reception channel 1 (rch1) to reception channel 6 (rch6) of the reception unit 105R, and judges that the optical cable specification detection optical signal has been received when the optical cable specification detection optical signal has been received as a return optical signal in any reception channel, and judges that the optical cable specification detection optical signal has not been received when this is not the case.

[0065] When it is determined that an optical cable specification detection optical signal has not been received, the entire channel set is in the connected channel set. In this case, with regard to the setting of transmission in the entire channel set, it is possible to use some of the channel sets instead of the entire channel set depending on the situation where a low transmission data rate is acceptable. Therefore, when it is determined that an optical cable specification detection optical signal has not been received, the control unit 102 sets the entire channel set as a used channel set or an available channel set in step ST4, and then ends the processing in step ST5. Here, the used channel set means a channel set that is always used, and the available channel set means a channel set that is available but may not be used, and whether to use it or not is determined by additional settings.

[0066] When it is determined in step ST3 that the optical cable specification detection optical signal has been received, the control unit 102 performs a cable specification detection process in step ST6, then performs a cable specification compatible communication setting process in step ST7, and then terminates the process in step ST5.

[0067] The flowchart in Fig. 6(a) shows an example of the procedure of the cable specification detection process in step ST6 of the flowchart in Fig. 5. In this example, the optical cable specification detection optical signal transmitted in step ST2 of the flowchart in Fig. 5 may be either the non-connected channel confirmation optical signal or the channel number identification optical signal described above.

[0068] First, the control unit 102 starts the process in step ST11. Next, in step ST12, the control unit 102 performs the process of "detecting specification 1", i.e., determines whether each channel set of the optical cable 300 is a connected channel set or an unconnected channel set, detects the channel set connection state indicating whether each channel set is a connected channel set or an unconnected channel set as the specification of the optical cable 300, and then ends the process in step ST13.

[0069] In this case, in step ST12, the control unit 102 monitors the reception status of the return optical signals in the six receiving channels, from receiving channel 1 (rch1) to receiving channel 6 (rch6), of the receiving unit 105R, and determines the channel set corresponding to the receiving channel that received the return optical signal as a non-connected channel set, while determining the channel set corresponding to the receiving channel that did not receive the return optical signal as a connected channel set.

[0070] The flowchart in Fig. 6(b) shows an example of the procedure of the cable specification compatible communication setting process in step ST7 of the flowchart in Fig. 5. First, the control unit 102 starts the process in step ST21. Next, in step ST22, the control unit 102 sets the connected channel set to the used channel set or the available channel set based on the channel set connection state detected in the process of "communication setting 1", i.e., in step ST12 of the flowchart in Fig. 6(a), and then ends the process in step ST23. Note that in step ST22, the control unit 102 may further perform power reduction processing for communication using a non-connected channel set based on the channel set connection state detected in step ST12 of the flowchart in Fig. 6(a).

[0071] The power reduction process for this communication includes not modulating the light (High / Low) of the corresponding channel of the transmitting unit 105T, keeping the output level low, and even turning off the power of the corresponding channel, etc. These processes are possible because there is no need to communicate actual data (transmission data) such as images and voices using the unconnected channel set, and they reduce power consumption.

[0072] The flowchart in Fig. 7(a) shows another example of the procedure of the cable specification detection process in step ST6 of the flowchart in Fig. 5. In this example, the optical cable specification detection optical signal transmitted in step ST2 of the flowchart in Fig. 5 may be either the non-connected channel confirmation optical signal or the channel number identification optical signal described above.

[0073] First, the control unit 102 starts processing in step ST31. Next, in step ST32, the control unit 102 performs the processing of "detecting specification 1", i.e., determines whether each channel set of the optical cable 300 is a connected channel set or an unconnected channel set, as in step ST12 of the flowchart in FIG. 6(a), and detects, as the specification of the optical cable 300, a channel set connection state indicating whether each channel set is a connected channel set or an unconnected channel set.

[0074] Next, in step ST33, the control unit 102 performs the "specification 2 detection" process, i.e., monitors the reception status of return optical signals in the six receiving channels of the receiving unit 105R, from receiving channel 1 (rch1) to receiving channel 6 (rch6), determines the number of receiving channels that did not receive return optical signals as the number of connected channel sets, detects the number of connected channel sets as a specification of the optical cable 300, and then terminates the process in step ST34.

[0075] The flowchart in Fig. 7(b) shows another example of the procedure of the cable specification compatible communication setting process in step ST7 of the flowchart in Fig. 5. First, the control unit 102 starts the process in step ST41. Next, in step ST42, the control unit 102 sets the connected channel set to the used channel set or the available channel set based on the channel set connection state detected in the process of "communication setting 1", i.e., in step ST32 of the flowchart in Fig. 7(a), in the same way as in step ST22 of the flowchart in Fig. 6(b), and also performs power reduction processing for communication using the non-connected channel set as necessary.

[0076] Next, in step ST43, the control unit 102 processes "communication setting 2", i.e., sets a communication setting, for example a transmission bandwidth, based on the number of connection channel sets detected in step ST33 of the flowchart in Figure 7(a), and then terminates the processing in step ST44.

[0077] Setting of the transmission possible band will be explained. The control unit 102 sets the transmission possible band by referring to, for example, the correspondence relationship information between the number of connected channel sets and the transmission possible band as shown in FIG. 8, which is stored in the storage unit 107. For example, when the number of connected channel sets is 3, the transmission possible band is set to 3 / 6*total transmission band [Gbps]. Here, the total transmission band indicates the transmission band that can be transmitted by all six channels, that is, the transmission possible band. Note that the control unit 102 may also refer to the correspondence relationship information between the number of connected channel sets and the transmission possible band from a cloud on the Internet (not shown).

[0078] The flowchart of Fig. 9(a) shows yet another example of the procedure of the cable specification detection process in step ST6 of the flowchart of Fig. 5. In this example, the optical cable specification detection optical signal transmitted in step ST2 of the flowchart of Fig. 5 is the above-mentioned channel number identification optical signal.

[0079] First, the control unit 102 starts processing in step ST51. Next, in step ST52, the control unit 102 performs the processing of "detecting specification 1", i.e., determines whether each channel set of the optical cable 300 is a connected channel set or a non-connected channel set, as in step ST12 of the flowchart in FIG. 6(a), and detects, as the specification of the optical cable 300, a channel set connection state indicating whether each channel set is a connected channel set or a non-connected channel set.

[0080] Next, in step ST53, similar to step ST33 in the flowchart of FIG. 7(a), the control unit 102 performs the “specification 2 detection” process, i.e., monitors the reception status of return optical signals in the six receiving channels of the receiving unit 105R, from receiving channel 1 (rch1) to receiving channel 6 (rch6), and determines the number of receiving channels that did not receive return optical signals as the number of connected channel sets, thereby detecting the number of connected channel sets as a specification of the optical cable 300.

[0081] Next, in step ST54, the control unit 102 detects the specifications of the optical cable 300 based on the “specification 3 detection” process, i.e., the input / output channel connection relationship. The specifications include at least one of the optical wavelength, insertion loss, fiber type, total transmission bandwidth, and cable length.

[0082] In this case, the control unit 102 acquires the input / output channel connection relationship based on which transmission channel of the transmission unit 105T a return optical signal of which is received by the six reception channels, reception channel 1 (rch1) to reception channel 6 (rch6) of the reception unit 105R. In this case, the control unit 102 detects the specification of the optical cable 300 by referring to, for example, correspondence information between the input / output channel connection relationships and the specification of the optical cable 300 stored in the storage unit 107.

[0083] 10 shows an example of the correspondence information between the input / output channel connection relationship and the specifications of the optical cable 300 stored in the storage unit 107. In this example, for example, when the reception at the reception channel of reception channel 5 (rch5) is a return optical signal of the channel number identification optical signal of the transmission channel of transmission channel 5 (tch5), the optical wavelength in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected as "850 [nm]". Also, for example, when the reception at the reception channel of reception channel 6 (rch6) is a return optical signal of the channel number identification optical signal of the transmission channel of transmission channel 5 (tch5), the optical wavelength in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected as "1310 [nm]".

[0084] In this example, for example, when the reception channel of reception channel 4 (rch4) is a return optical signal of the channel number identification optical signal of the transmission channel of transmission channel 4 (tch4), the insertion loss in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected as "less than 3 [dB]." Also, for example, when the reception channel of reception channel 4 (rch4) is a return optical signal of the channel number identification optical signal of the transmission channel of transmission channel 6 (tch6), the insertion loss in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected as "3 to 6 [dB]."

[0085] In this example, for example, when the reception channel of reception channel 3 (rch3) is a return optical signal of the channel number identification optical signal of the transmission channel of transmission channel 3 (tch3), the fiber type in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected as "MMF." Also, for example, when the reception channel of reception channel 3 (rch3) is a return optical signal of the channel number identification optical signal of the transmission channel of transmission channel 2 (tch2), the fiber type in the specifications of the optical cable 300 is detected as "SMF."

[0086] When the unconnected channels of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 are two, channel 6 (ch6) and channel 5 (ch5), the optical wavelength is detected as a specification of the optical cable 300. When the unconnected channels of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 are three, channel 6 (ch6) to channel 4 (ch4), the optical wavelength and insertion loss are detected as a specification of the optical cable 300. When the unconnected channels of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 are five, channel 6 (ch6) to channel 2 (ch2), the optical wavelength, insertion loss, and fiber type are detected as a specification of the optical cable 300.

[0087] The correspondence relationship information between the input / output channel connection relationship and the specifications of the optical cable 300 shown in Fig. 10 is an example corresponding to the specification determination method shown in Fig. 3(a), (b), and (c) described above. As described above, the specification determination method shown in Fig. 3(a), (b), and (c) is designed so that the specification determination method in Fig. 3(a) can be commonly used for the specification determination methods in Fig. 3(b) and (c), and the specification determination method in Fig. 3(b) can also be used for the specification determination method in Fig. 3(c).

[0088] By determining the specifications independently according to the number of unconnected channels, it is possible to include more specification information such as cable length, etc. Figure 11 shows an example of the correspondence information between the input / output channel connection relationship and the specifications of the optical cable 300 when the number of unconnected channels is four.

[0089] In this example, for example, when the reception at receiving channels 3 (rch3), 4 (rch4), 5 (rch5), and 6 (rch6) is a return optical signal of the channel number identification optical signal of transmitting channel 3 (tch3), 4 (tch4), 5 (tch5), and 6 (tch6), respectively, the specifications of optical cable 300 are detected as follows: fiber type is “MMF”, insertion loss is “less than 3 [dB]”, optical wavelength is “850 [nm]”, and cable length is “less than 100 [m]”.

[0090] Also, in this example, when the reception at receiving channels, receiving channel 3 (rch3), receiving channel 4 (rch4), and receiving channel 5 (rch5), is a return optical signal of the channel number identification optical signal of transmitting channel 3 (tch3), transmitting channel 4 (tch4), and transmitting channel 6 (tch6), respectively, the specifications of optical cable 300 are detected as follows: fiber type is “SMF”, insertion loss is “3 to 6 [dB]”, optical wavelength is “1310 [nm]”, and cable length is “less than 100 [m]”.

[0091] Also, in this example, when the reception at receiving channels, receiving channel 3 (rch3), receiving channel 4 (rch4), and receiving channel 6 (rch6), is a return optical signal of the channel number identification optical signal of transmitting channel 3 (tch3), transmitting channel 5 (tch5), and transmitting channel 6 (tch6), respectively, the specifications of optical cable 300 are detected as follows: fiber type is “MMF”, insertion loss is “less than 3 [dB]”, optical wavelength is “1310 [nm]”, and cable length is “100 [m] or more”.

[0092] The control unit 102 may also refer to information on the correspondence between the input / output channel connection relationships and the specifications of the optical cable 300 from a cloud on the Internet (not shown).

[0093] The flowchart in Fig. 9(b) shows yet another example of the procedure of the cable specification compatible communication setting process in step ST7 of the flowchart in Fig. 5. First, the control unit 102 starts the process in step ST61. Next, in step ST62, the control unit 102 sets the connected channel set to the used channel set or the available channel set based on the channel set connection state detected in the process of "communication setting 1", i.e., in step ST52 of the flowchart in Fig. 9(a), in the same way as in step ST22 of the flowchart in Fig. 6(b), and also performs power reduction processing for communication using the non-connected channel set as necessary.

[0094] Next, in step ST63, the control unit 102 processes "communication setting 2" in the same manner as in step ST43 of the flowchart in FIG. 7(b), i.e., sets a communication setting, for example, a transmission bandwidth, based on the number of connection channel sets detected in step ST53 of the flowchart in FIG. 9(a).

[0095] Next, in step ST64, the control unit 102 performs the processing of "communication setting 3", i.e., in step ST54 of the flowchart in FIG. 9(a), to perform communication setting based on at least one of the specifications of the optical cable 300, such as the optical wavelength, insertion loss, fiber type, total transmission bandwidth, and cable length, detected using, for example, the correspondence information between the input / output channel connection relationship and the specifications of the optical cable 300 (see FIGS. 10 and 11), and then ends the processing in step ST65.

[0096] In this case, the control unit 102 sets, for example, an optical wavelength, an optical output level, etc. For example, the control unit 102 sets the optical wavelength of the own device so as to match the specifications of the cable 300. Also, for example, the control unit 102 sets the optical output level of the own device so as to compensate for the insertion loss in the specifications of the optical cable 300.

[0097] The flowchart in Fig. 12 shows another example of the processing procedure for detecting the specifications of the optical cable 300 in the control unit 102 of the device 100. In the flowchart in Fig. 12, the steps corresponding to those in the flowchart in Fig. 5 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0098] After the process of step ST6, the control unit 102 determines whether or not its own device is compatible with the specifications of the optical cable 300 in step ST8.

[0099] For example, in step ST6, when the control unit 102 detects a channel set connection state indicating whether each channel set of the optical cable 300 is a connected channel set or a non-connected channel set as a specification of the optical cable 300, the control unit 102 determines that the device 100 does not comply with the specification of the optical cable 300 when the device 100 cannot use the detected connected channel set.

[0100] Also, for example, when the control unit 102 detects the number of connection channel sets as a specification of the optical cable 300 in step ST6, if the detected number of connection channel sets is smaller than the number of connection channel sets that the device 100 can support, the control unit 102 determines that the device itself does not support the specification of the optical cable 300.

[0101] Also, for example, in step ST6, when an optical wavelength is detected as a specification of the optical cable 300, if the optical wavelength in the specification of the optical cable 300 does not match an optical wavelength that the device 100 can support, the control unit 102 determines that the device itself cannot support the specification of the optical cable 300. Also, for example, in step ST6, when an insertion loss is detected as a specification of the optical cable 300, the control unit 102 determines that the device itself cannot support the specification of the optical cable 300 if the insertion loss is d [dB] and the optical output level of the device 100 cannot be increased by d [dBm] or more from the minimum optical output level required for communication.

[0102] When it is determined in step ST8 that the device itself is compatible with the cable specification, the control unit 102 proceeds to the process of step ST7. On the other hand, when it is determined in step ST8 that the device itself is not compatible with the cable specification, the control unit 102 performs a cable specification non-compatibility warning process in step ST9, and then ends the process in step ST5. In the cable specification non-compatibility warning process, for example, a message that the device itself is not compatible with the cable specification is displayed or output as audio, and a non-compatibility warning is issued to the user. In this case, in addition to a message that the device itself is not compatible with the cable specification, it may also be displayed or output as audio why the device itself is not compatible, and what specifications of the optical cable 300 should be replaced.

[0103] FIG. 13 shows an example of the specifications of device (device A) 100 and what cable specifications it can support. Here, examples of device A-1, device A-2, and device A-3 are shown as examples of the specifications of device (device A) 100. In FIG. 13, "*1" indicates that the cable specifications are unknown, but device 100 does not determine that it is "incompatible" and proceeds to the next step (data transmission). In FIG. 13, "*2" indicates that the total transmission bandwidth is 150 [Gbps]. In FIG. 13, "OK" indicates that it is determined that it is "compatible."

[0104] An example of device A-1 will be described below. The specifications of device A-1 are an optical wavelength of 850 nm, a maximum output of 0 dBm, and a transmission bandwidth of 25 Gbps.

[0105] Consider a case where the number of connected channel sets is 6 or 5, and none of the optical wavelength, insertion loss, and fiber type are detected as specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, as specifications of the optical cable 300, when the number of connected channel sets is 6, the possible transmission bandwidth is detected as "150 [Gbps]", and when the number of connected channel sets is 5, the possible transmission bandwidth is detected as "125 [Gbps]". In this case, device A-1 does not determine that it is incompatible, and proceeds to the next step (data transmission).

[0106] Next, consider a case where the number of connected channel sets is 4 and an optical wavelength is detected as a specification of the optical cable 300. In this case, a transmittable bandwidth of "100 [Gbps]" is further detected as a specification of the optical cable 300. In this case, the device A-1 determines that the optical wavelength is compatible (OK) when it is "850 [nm]", but determines that the optical wavelength is not compatible when it is "1310 [nm]" because the optical wavelength does not match.

[0107] Next, consider a case where the number of connected channel sets is 3, and the optical wavelength and insertion loss are detected as the specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, the transmittable bandwidth is further detected as "75 [Gbps]" as the specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, the device A-1 determines that it is compatible (OK) when the optical wavelength is "850 [nm]" and the insertion loss is "less than 3 [dB]", and determines that it is not compatible in other cases.

[0108] Next, consider a case where the number of connected channel sets is 2, and the optical wavelength and insertion loss are detected as the specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, the transmittable bandwidth is further detected as "50 [Gbps]" as the specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, the device A-1 determines that it is compatible (OK) when the optical wavelength is "850 [nm]" and the insertion loss is "less than 3 [dB]", and determines that it is not compatible in other cases.

[0109] Next, consider a case where the number of connected channel sets is 1, and the optical wavelength, insertion loss, and fiber type are detected as the specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, the transmittable bandwidth is further detected as "25 [Gbps]" as the specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, the device A-1 determines that the cable is compatible (OK) when the optical wavelength is "850 [nm]", the insertion loss is "less than 3 [dB]", and the fiber type is "MMF", and when the optical wavelength is "850 [nm]", the insertion loss is "less than 3 [dB]", and the fiber type is "SMF", and determines that the cable is not compatible in other cases.

[0110] An example of device A-2 will be described below. The specifications of device A-2 are an optical wavelength of 850 nm, a maximum output of 0 dBm, and a transmission bandwidth of 50 Gbps.

[0111] Consider a case where the number of connected channel sets is 6 or 5, and none of the optical wavelength, insertion loss, and fiber type are detected as specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, as specifications of the optical cable 300, when the number of connected channel sets is 6, the possible transmission bandwidth is detected as "150 [Gbps]", and when the number of connected channel sets is 5, the possible transmission bandwidth is detected as "125 [Gbps]". In this case, device A-2 does not determine that it is incompatible, and proceeds to the next step (data transmission).

[0112] Next, consider a case where the number of connected channel sets is 4 and an optical wavelength is detected as a specification of the optical cable 300. In this case, a transmittable bandwidth of "100 [Gbps]" is further detected as a specification of the optical cable 300. In this case, device A-2 determines that it is compatible (OK) when the optical wavelength is "850 [nm]" and that it is not compatible when the optical wavelength is "1310 [nm]".

[0113] Next, consider a case where the number of connected channel sets is 3, and the optical wavelength and insertion loss are detected as the specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, the transmittable bandwidth is further detected as "75 [Gbps]" as the specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, device A-2 determines that it is compatible (OK) when the optical wavelength is "850 [nm]" and the insertion loss is "less than 3 [dB]", and determines that it is not compatible in other cases.

[0114] Next, consider a case where the number of connected channel sets is 2, and the optical wavelength and insertion loss are detected as the specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, the transmittable bandwidth is further detected as "50 [Gbps]" as the specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, device A-2 determines that it is compatible (OK) when the optical wavelength is "850 [nm]" and the insertion loss is "less than 3 [dB]", and determines that it is not compatible in other cases.

[0115] Next, consider a case where the number of connected channel sets is 1, and the optical wavelength, insertion loss, and fiber type are detected as the specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, the transmittable bandwidth is further detected as "25 [Gbps]" as the specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, device A-2 determines that it is not compatible because the transmittable bandwidth is too small.

[0116] An example of device A-3 will be described below. The specifications of device A-3 are an optical wavelength of "1310 [nm]", a maximum output of "+3 [dBm]", and a transmission bandwidth of "75 [Gbps]".

[0117] Consider a case where the number of connected channel sets is 6 or 5, and none of the optical wavelength, insertion loss, and fiber type are detected as specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, as specifications of the optical cable 300, when the number of connected channel sets is 6, the possible transmission bandwidth is detected as "150 [Gbps]", and when the number of connected channel sets is 5, the possible transmission bandwidth is detected as "125 [Gbps]". In this case, device A-3 does not determine that it is incompatible, and proceeds to the next step (data transmission).

[0118] Next, consider a case where the number of connected channel sets is 4 and an optical wavelength is detected as a specification of the optical cable 300. In this case, a transmittable bandwidth of "100 [Gbps]" is further detected as a specification of the optical cable 300. In this case, device A-3 determines that it is compatible (OK) when the optical wavelength is "1310 [nm]", and determines that it is not compatible when the optical wavelength is "850 [nm]".

[0119] Next, consider a case where the number of connected channel sets is 3, and the optical wavelength and insertion loss are detected as the specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, the transmittable bandwidth is further detected as the specifications of the optical cable 300 as "75 [Gbps]". In this case, the device A-3 determines that it is compatible (OK) when the optical wavelength is "1310 [nm]" and the insertion loss is "less than 3 [dB]" and when the optical wavelength is "1310 [nm]" and the insertion loss is "3 to 6 [dB]", and determines that it is not compatible in other cases.

[0120] Next, consider a case where the number of connected channel sets is 2, and the optical wavelength and insertion loss are detected as the specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, the transmittable bandwidth is further detected as "50 [Gbps]" as the specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, device A-3 determines that it is not compatible because the transmittable bandwidth is too small.

[0121] Next, consider a case where the number of connected channel sets is 1, and the optical wavelength, insertion loss, and fiber type are detected as the specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, the transmittable bandwidth is further detected as "25 [Gbps]" as the specifications of the optical cable 300. In this case, device A-3 determines that it is not compatible because the transmittable bandwidth is too small.

[0122] "1-1-2-2. Other processing procedures such as device specification detection" The flowchart in Fig. 14 shows an example of a processing procedure for detecting the specifications of the optical cable 300 in the control unit 102 of the device 100. This example is an example that can also detect damage to the optical cable 300. In the flowchart in Fig. 14, steps corresponding to those in the flowchart in Fig. 12 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0123] The control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 starts processing in step ST1. Next, the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 transmits an optical cable specification detection optical signal in step ST2. In this case, the optical cable specification detection optical signal is input to the six transmission channels, from transmission channel 1 (tch1) to transmission channel 6 (tch6), of the plug 302 of the optical cable 300 from the six transmission channels, from transmission channel 1 (tch1) to transmission channel 6 (tch6), of the transmitter 105T.

[0124] Next, in step ST3, the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 judges whether or not an optical cable specification detection optical signal has been received as a return optical signal. In this case, the control unit 102 monitors the reception status (here, whether or not a return optical signal has been received) of the return optical signal in six reception channels from reception channel 1 (rch1) to reception channel 6 (rch6) of the reception unit 105R, and judges that the optical cable specification detection optical signal has been received as a return optical signal when the optical cable specification detection optical signal has been received in any of the reception channels, and judges that the optical cable specification detection optical signal has not been received as a return optical signal when this is not the case.

[0125] When it is determined that an optical cable specification detection optical signal has not been received as a return optical signal, the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 sets the entire channel set as a used channel set or an available channel set in step ST4, and then terminates the processing in step ST5.

[0126] When it is determined in step ST3 that an optical cable specification detection optical signal has been received as a return optical signal, the control unit 102 performs a cable specification detection process in step ST6, and then determines in step ST8 whether or not its own device is compatible with the specifications of the optical cable 300.

[0127] When it is determined in step ST8 that the device itself is not compatible with the cable specification, the control unit 102 performs a cable specification non-compatibility warning process in step ST9, and then ends the process in step ST5. On the other hand, when it is determined in step ST8 that the device itself is compatible with the cable specification, the control unit 102 proceeds to the process of step ST81.

[0128] In step ST81, the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 transmits a cable breakage confirmation optical signal to the device (device B) 200 using the connection transmission channel of the optical cable 300. This cable breakage confirmation optical signal is the same optical signal as the optical cable specification detection optical signal in the above-mentioned step ST2.

[0129] The control unit 202 of the device (device B) 200 starts processing in step ST71. Next, in step ST72, the control unit 202 of the device (device B) 200 receives a cable breakage confirmation optical signal from the device (device A) 100 on the connection reception channel. Next, in step ST73, the control unit 202 of the device (device B) 200 transmits a cable breakage confirmation response optical signal to the device (device A) 100 using the connection transmission channel corresponding to the connection reception channel that received the cable breakage confirmation optical signal. Thereafter, the control unit 202 of the device (device B) 200 ends processing in step ST74.

[0130] After the process of step ST81, the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 receives a cable breakage confirmation response optical signal from the device (device B) 200 in step ST82 via the connected receiving channel.

[0131] Next, in step ST83, the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 judges whether the number of transmission channels of the cable breakage confirmation optical signal matches the number of reception channels of the cable breakage confirmation response optical signal. If they do not match, the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 can determine that the optical cable 300 is broken, and performs a cable breakage warning process in step ST84, and then ends the process in step ST5. In the cable breakage warning process, for example, a message that the optical cable 300 is broken is displayed or output as an audio message, and the user is warned of the cable breakage.

[0132] Also, when it is determined in step ST83 that there is a match, the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 proceeds to the process of step ST7. In this step ST7, the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 performs a cable specification compatible communication setting process, and then ends the process in step ST5.

[0133] In this manner, by executing the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14, the control unit 102 of the device 100 can detect the specifications of the optical cable 300 and perform communication settings corresponding to those specifications, as well as detect damage to the optical cable 300.

[0134] The flowchart in Fig. 15 shows another example of the processing procedure for specification detection and the like in the control unit 102 of the device 100, which is also an example that can detect breakage in the optical cable 300. In the flowchart in Fig. 15, the steps corresponding to those in the flowchart in Fig. 14 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0135] In this example, the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 proceeds to step ST83A after processing step ST82. In step ST83A, the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 judges whether the transmission channel number of the cable breakage confirmation optical signal and the reception channel number of the cable breakage confirmation response optical signal match. If they do not match, that is, if the connection channel set with a channel number that is in the transmission channel number but not in the reception channel number is determined to be damaged.

[0136] If the control unit 102 of the device (device A) 100 determines that they match, it performs cable specification compatible communication setting processing in step ST7, and then ends the processing in step ST5. On the other hand, if it determines that they do not match, it performs cable breakage warning processing in step ST84, and then ends the processing in step ST5. In the cable breakage warning processing, for example, a message that the optical cable 300 is broken, and further which connection channel set is broken, are displayed or output as audio, and the user is warned of the cable breakage.

[0137] In this manner, by executing the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15, the control unit 102 of the device 100 can detect the specifications of the optical cable 300 and perform communication settings corresponding to those specifications, as well as detect damage to the optical cable 300 (which connection channel set is damaged).

[0138] As described above, the optical communication system 10 shown in FIG. 1 has an optical return mechanism 321 (optical return mechanism 331) that outputs an incident optical signal, which is transmitted from one of a plurality of transmission channels of the transmitting unit 105T (transmitting unit 205T) of the device 100 (device 200) and input to an unconnected transmitting channel via the plug 302 (plug 303), as a return optical signal from an unconnected receiving channel included in an unconnected channel set including the unconnected transmitting channel toward the receiving unit 105R (receiving unit 205R) of the device 100 (device 200) via the plug 302 (plug 303), and it becomes possible to detect the specifications of the optical cable 300 in the device 100 (device 200) depending on the reception conditions at the receiving unit 105R (receiving unit 205R).

[0139] "1-1-3. 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.

[0140] 16 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.

[0141] 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 .

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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 .

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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, or an optical audio terminal. Here, "HDMI" is a registered trademark. The external device 702 is, for example, a printer, a portable music player, a digital camera, a digital video camera, or an IC recorder.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] <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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) a receptacle; a transmitter having a plurality of transmission channels; a receiving section having a plurality of receiving channels; the control unit detects the specification of the optical cable according to a reception state of the return optical signal from the optical cable having a plug configured to be able to be fitted to the receptacle, one or more connection channel sets including a connection transmitting channel and a connection receiving channel corresponding to the connection transmitting channel, one or more unconnected channel sets including an unconnected transmitting channel and an unconnected receiving channel corresponding to the unconnected transmitting channel, and an optical return mechanism that causes an incident optical signal transmitted from any of the plurality of transmitting channels of the transmitting unit and input to the unconnected transmitting channel via the plug to be output as a return optical signal from the unconnected receiving channel included in the unconnected channel set including the unconnected transmitting channel via the plug, the control unit detecting the specification of the optical cable according to a reception state of the return optical signal from the optical cable at the receiving unit. Optical communication equipment. (2) The control unit detects, based on whether each receiving channel of the receiving unit has received the return optical signal, a channel set connection state indicating whether each of the input / output channel sets consisting of each receiving channel and a transmitting channel corresponding to each receiving channel is the connected channel set or the unconnected channel set, as the specification. The optical communication device according to (1) above. (3) The control unit sets the connected channel set as a used channel set or an available channel set. The optical communication device according to (2) above. (4) The control unit performs a power reduction process for communication using the non-connected channel set. The optical communication device according to (2) or (3). (5) The control unit detects the number of connection channel sets as a specification of the optical cable according to the number of reception channels that receive the return optical signal from the plug of the optical cable among the plurality of reception channels. An optical communication device according to any one of (1) to (4). (6) The control unit detects the specification of the optical cable based on an input / output channel connection relationship indicating which receiving channel of the receiving unit receives a return optical signal of the optical signal of which transmitting channel of the transmitting unit. An optical communication device according to any one of (1) to (5). (7) The transmitter emits optical signals capable of identifying channel numbers from at least some of the plurality of transmission channels. The optical communication device according to (6) above. (8) The control unit performs settings related to optical communication so as to conform to the specifications of the optical cable. An optical communication device according to any one of (1) to (7). (9) The control unit performs a warning process when the optical cable specification cannot be met. An optical communication device according to any one of (1) to (8). (10) The control unit determines whether the optical cable is broken based on a cable breakage confirmation response optical signal transmitted from the external device connected via the optical cable in response to a cable breakage confirmation optical signal transmitted via the connection transmission channel to the external device and received by the receiving unit. An optical communication device according to any one of (1) to (9). (11) The control unit determines that the optical cable is broken when the number of receiving channels indicated by the cable breakage confirmation response optical signal does not match the number of connected transmitting channels. The optical communication device according to (10) above. (12) When the receiving channel number indicated by the cable breakage confirmation response optical signal does not match the channel number of the connected transmitting channel, the control unit determines that the input / output channel set of the optical cable corresponding to the connected transmitting channel whose channel number does not match is broken. The optical communication device according to (10) above. (13) The control unit performs a warning process when it is determined that the optical cable is damaged. The optical communication device according to any one of (10) to (12). (14) A plug configured to be able to be fitted into a receptacle of an optical communication device; one or more connection channel sets including a connection transmit channel and a connection receive channel corresponding to the connection transmit channel; one or more unconnected channel sets including an unconnected transmit channel and an unconnected receive channel corresponding to the unconnected transmit channel; an optical return mechanism for outputting an incident optical signal, which is transmitted from any one of a plurality of transmission channels of a transmission section of the optical communication device and is input to the unconnected transmission channel via the plug, as a return optical signal from an unconnected reception channel included in an unconnected channel set including the unconnected transmission channel, toward a reception section of the optical communication device via the plug. Optical cable. (15) The optical return mechanism includes an input / output channel connection relationship changing mechanism for outputting an incident optical signal input to each of the unconnected transmitting channels from one of the unconnected receiving channels based on an input / output channel connection relationship according to a specification of the optical cable. The optical cable according to (14) above. (16) The specifications of the optical cable include at least one of a channel set connection state indicating whether each channel set of the optical cable is a connected channel set or a non-connected channel set, the number of connected channel sets, an optical wavelength, an insertion loss, a fiber type, a total transmission bandwidth, and a cable length. The optical cable according to (15) above. (17) The light return mechanism is configured using a mirror. The optical cable according to any one of (14) to (16). (18) The light returning mechanism is configured using an optical waveguide. The optical cable according to any one of (14) to (16). (19) The plug is provided on both ends of the optical cable body. The optical cable according to any one of (14) to (18). (20) An optical communication device and an optical cable connected to the optical communication device, The optical cable includes: a plug configured to be able to be fitted into a receptacle of the optical communication device; one or more connection channel sets including a connection transmit channel and a connection receive channel corresponding to the connection transmit channel; one or more unconnected channel sets including an unconnected transmit channel and an unconnected receive channel corresponding to the unconnected transmit channel; an optical return mechanism for outputting an incident optical signal, which is transmitted from any one of a plurality of transmission channels of a transmission section of the optical communication device and is input to the unconnected transmission channel via the plug, from an unconnected reception channel included in an unconnected channel set including the unconnected transmission channel as a return optical signal toward a reception section of the optical communication device via the plug; The optical communication device includes: The receptacle; the transmitting unit having a plurality of transmission channels; The receiver section has a plurality of receiving channels; a control unit that detects the specification of the optical cable according to a receiving state of the return optical signal from the optical cable at the receiving unit; Optical communication system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 10. Optical communication system 100...Device (Device A) 101···Receptacle 102 Control section 103 Communication signal input / output section 104 Signal processing unit 105T...Transmitter 105R···Receiver 106...Presentation part 107...Storage section 200...Device (Device B) 201···Receptacle 202 Control section 203 Communication signal input / output section 204 Signal processing unit 205T...Transmitter 205R... Receiver 206...Presentation part 207...Storage section 300···Optical cable 301 Optical cable body 302, 303...Plug 321, 331....Light return mechanism 321a...First mirror 321b...Second mirror 321c...Optical waveguide

Claims

1. A receptacle; a transmitter having a plurality of transmission channels; a receiving section having a plurality of receiving channels; the control unit detects the specification of the optical cable according to a reception state of the return optical signal from the optical cable having a plug configured to be able to be fitted to the receptacle, one or more connection channel sets including a connection transmitting channel and a connection receiving channel corresponding to the connection transmitting channel, one or more unconnected channel sets including an unconnected transmitting channel and an unconnected receiving channel corresponding to the unconnected transmitting channel, and an optical return mechanism that causes an incident optical signal transmitted from any of the plurality of transmitting channels of the transmitting unit and input to the unconnected transmitting channel via the plug to be output as a return optical signal from the unconnected receiving channel included in the unconnected channel set including the unconnected transmitting channel via the plug, the control unit detecting the specification of the optical cable according to a reception state of the return optical signal from the optical cable at the receiving unit. Optical communication equipment.

2. The control unit detects, as the specification, a channel set connection state indicating whether each of the input / output channel sets consisting of each of the receiving channels and each of the transmitting channels corresponding to each of the receiving channels is the connected channel set or the unconnected channel set, based on whether each of the receiving channels of the receiving unit has received the return optical signal.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit sets the connected channel set as a used channel set or an available channel set.

3. The optical communication device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit performs a power reduction process for communication using the non-connected channel set.

3. The optical communication device according to claim 2.

5. The control unit detects the number of connection channel sets as a specification of the optical cable according to the number of reception channels that receive the return optical signal from the plug of the optical cable among the plurality of reception channels.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1.

6. The control unit detects the specification of the optical cable based on an input / output channel connection relationship indicating which receiving channel of the receiving unit receives a return optical signal of the optical signal of which transmitting channel of the transmitting unit.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1.

7. The transmitter emits optical signals capable of identifying channel numbers from at least some of the plurality of transmission channels.

7. The optical communication device according to claim 6.

8. The control unit performs settings related to optical communication so as to conform to the specifications of the optical cable.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1.

9. The control unit performs a warning process when the optical cable specification cannot be met.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1.

10. The control unit determines whether the optical cable is broken based on a cable breakage confirmation response optical signal transmitted from the external device and received by the receiving unit in response to a cable breakage confirmation optical signal transmitted via the connection transmission channel to an external device connected via the optical cable.

2. The optical communication device according to claim 1.

11. The control unit determines that the optical cable is broken when the number of receiving channels indicated by the cable breakage confirmation response optical signal does not match the number of connected transmitting channels.

11. The optical communication device according to claim 10.

12. When the receiving channel number indicated by the cable breakage confirmation response optical signal does not match the channel number of the connected transmitting channel, the control unit determines that the input / output channel set of the optical cable corresponding to the connected transmitting channel whose channel number does not match is broken.

11. The optical communication device according to claim 10.

13. The control unit performs a warning process when it is determined that the optical cable is broken.

11. The optical communication device according to claim 10.

14. A plug configured to be able to be fitted into a receptacle of an optical communication device; one or more connection channel sets including a connection transmit channel and a connection receive channel corresponding to the connection transmit channel; one or more unconnected channel sets including an unconnected transmit channel and an unconnected receive channel corresponding to the unconnected transmit channel; an optical return mechanism for outputting an incident optical signal, which is transmitted from any one of a plurality of transmission channels of a transmission section of the optical communication device and is input to the unconnected transmission channel via the plug, as a return optical signal from an unconnected reception channel included in an unconnected channel set including the unconnected transmission channel, toward a reception section of the optical communication device via the plug. Optical cable.

15. The optical return mechanism has an input / output channel connection relationship changing mechanism for outputting an incident optical signal input to each of the unconnected transmission channels from one of the unconnected reception channels based on an input / output channel connection relationship according to a specification of the optical cable itself.

15. The optical cable according to claim 14.

16. The specifications of the optical cable include at least one of a channel set connection state indicating whether each channel set of the optical cable is a connected channel set or a non-connected channel set, the number of connected channel sets, an optical wavelength, an insertion loss, a fiber type, a total transmission band, and a cable length.

16. The optical cable according to claim 15.

17. The light return mechanism is configured using a mirror.

15. The optical cable according to claim 14.

18. The light returning mechanism is configured using an optical waveguide.

15. The optical cable according to claim 14.

19. The plug is provided on both ends of the optical cable body.

15. The optical cable according to claim 14.

20. An optical communication device and an optical cable connected to the optical communication device, The optical cable includes: a plug configured to be able to be fitted into a receptacle of the optical communication device; one or more connection channel sets including a connection transmit channel and a connection receive channel corresponding to the connection transmit channel; one or more unconnected channel sets including an unconnected transmit channel and an unconnected receive channel corresponding to the unconnected transmit channel; an optical return mechanism for outputting an incident optical signal, which is transmitted from any one of a plurality of transmission channels of a transmission section of the optical communication device and is input to the unconnected transmission channel via the plug, from an unconnected reception channel included in an unconnected channel set including the unconnected transmission channel as a return optical signal toward a reception section of the optical communication device via the plug; The optical communication device includes: The receptacle; the transmitting unit having a plurality of transmission channels; The receiver section has a plurality of receiving channels; a control unit that detects the specification of the optical cable according to a receiving state of the return optical signal from the optical cable at the receiving unit; Optical communication system.

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