Optical pulse tester and program

Abstract

To provide an optical pulse tester and a program which facilitate waveform analysis of optical power measured by the optical pulse tester more than before.SOLUTION: A program makes a computer operate as an information processing device (10) including a control section (11) which acquires a waveform indicating a temporal variation in optical feedback of pulsed light entering an optical fiber and detects an event in the optical fiber on the basis of the waveform, so as to make a display section (15) display the waveform and a pattern indicating the detected event, and an image including an indication of a traveling direction of the pulsed light as the pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical pulse tester and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Optical fibers are optical waveguides for propagating light, and are widely used as communication lines for data transmission using optical signals. Optical fiber communication networks are one of the important communication infrastructures that support the Internet. Therefore, the maintenance of installed optical fibers is very important, and various evaluations of optical fibers are performed. Evaluations of optical fibers include, for example, the optical fiber distance, the transmission loss within the optical fiber, and the loss at the connection points between optical fibers.

[0003] An optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) is known as a technique for measuring the characteristics of optical fibers. An OTDR transmits pulsed light from one end of the optical fiber to be measured, measures the power of backscattered light and return light such as Fresnel reflection in the time domain, and displays and analyzes the measured optical power.

[0004] An optical pulse tester generally outputs the waveform of the optical power of the return light, with the vertical axis representing the optical power of the return light and the horizontal axis representing the distance calculated from the time difference between when the pulse light is incident and when the return light returns. If the optical fiber being measured has events such as a fusion point, a connector connection point, a branch point, a bend point, or a cut point, the waveform of the optical power of the return light will show a characteristic shape at the position of such an event according to the type of event. In the waveform analysis of the optical power of the return light, these characteristic shapes are detected and their positions are measured, so that the positions of cuts, connector connections, fusion defects, etc. in the optical fiber can be identified.

[0005] Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe techniques for detecting and displaying events based on the waveform of optical power measured by an optical pulse tester. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-053542 A, [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-326126 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the conventional configuration has room for improvement in terms of displaying detected events in an easy-to-understand manner so as to facilitate waveform analysis of optical power. In particular, the conventional configuration has room for improvement in terms of making it easier to perform bidirectional analysis, in which pulsed light is incident on the optical fiber under measurement from the forward and reverse directions, and the waveforms of the return light measured from each direction are compared to analyze events.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to make it easier to perform waveform analysis of optical power measured by an optical pulse tester. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A program according to some embodiments includes: (1) A computer A waveform showing a time change of a return light of the pulsed light inputted into the optical fiber is obtained, Detecting an event in the optical fiber based on the waveform; displaying the waveform and a pattern indicating the detected event on a display unit; A control unit is provided, The control unit causes the display unit to display an image including an indication of the traveling direction of the pulsed light as the pattern. Operate as an information processing device.

[0010] In this way, the control unit of the computer operating based on the program causes the display unit to display a waveform indicating a temporal change in the return light of the pulsed light incident on the optical fiber and a pattern indicating an event detected based on the waveform. Here, the control unit causes the display unit to display an image including an indication of the traveling direction of the pulsed light as a pattern indicating the event. Therefore, the user can easily confirm not only the existence of an event but also the traveling direction of the pulsed light, and easily perform waveform analysis of the optical power.

[0011] In one embodiment, (2) In the program under (1), The control unit is obtaining a first waveform indicating a temporal change in return light of the pulsed light inputted into the optical fiber in a first direction; obtaining a second waveform indicating a change over time in return light of the pulsed light inputted into the second direction of the optical fiber; detecting a first event in the optical fiber based on the first waveform; detecting a second event in the optical fiber based on the second waveform; Correlating the detected first event with the detected second event at the same position; The display unit may display the first waveform, the second waveform, and a pattern indicating the first event and the second event that are associated with each other, a pattern indicating the first event that is not associated with the second event, and a pattern indicating the second event that is not associated with the first event.

[0012] In this way, the control unit of the computer operating based on the program causes the display unit to display the first waveform, the second waveform, symbols indicating the first and second events that are associated with each other, a symbol indicating the first event that is not associated with the second event, and a symbol indicating the second event that is not associated with the first event. Therefore, the program can indicate events with the minimum number of symbols necessary, and the user can easily perform waveform analysis of the optical power.

[0013] In one embodiment, (3) In the program under (2), The control unit may cause the display unit to display an image including an indication of the first direction and the second direction as the design indicating the first event and the second event that are associated with each other.

[0014] Therefore, according to the program, it is possible to indicate, by a single pattern, that an event has been detected based on the waveforms of the return light of the pulsed light in both the first and second directions.

[0015] In one embodiment, (4) In the program described in (2) or (3), The control unit is displaying, on the display unit, an image including an indication of the first direction as the design indicating the first event not associated with the second event; An image including an indication of the second direction may be displayed on the display unit as the design indicating the second event not associated with the first event.

[0016] Therefore, according to the program, it is possible to indicate that an event has been detected based on the waveform of only either the return light of the pulsed light in the first direction or the return light of the pulsed light in the second direction.

[0017] In one embodiment, (5) In the program under (4), The control unit may cause an image including an indication of the first direction and an image including an indication of the second direction to be displayed on the display unit in an emphasized manner.

[0018] In this way, according to the program, when an event is detected based on the waveform of only one of the return light of the pulsed light in the first direction or the return light of the pulsed light in the second direction, the image is highlighted, so that the user can easily find the event detected based on the waveform in only one direction.

[0019] In one embodiment, (6) In any of the programs listed in (1) to (5), The control unit may display, near the pattern, at least one of a physical quantity related to the event indicated by the pattern and a type of the event.

[0020] In this way, the program enables the user to easily confirm not only the existence of an event and the traveling direction of the pulsed light, but also the physical quantity related to the event and the type of the event.

[0021] An optical time domain tester according to some embodiments includes: (7) An optical pulse tester that injects pulsed light into an optical fiber and measures the time change in the returned light, comprising: A waveform showing a time change of the returned light is obtained; Detecting an event in the optical fiber based on the waveform; displaying the waveform and a pattern indicating the detected event on a display unit; A control unit is provided, The control unit causes the display unit to display, as the pattern, an image including an indication of the traveling direction of the pulsed light.

[0022] In this way, the optical pulse tester displays on the display a waveform showing the change over time of the return light of the pulsed light input to the optical fiber and a pattern showing an event detected based on the waveform. Here, the optical pulse tester displays on the display an image including an indication of the traveling direction of the pulsed light as a pattern showing the event. Therefore, the user can easily confirm not only the existence of an event but also the traveling direction of the pulsed light, and easily perform waveform analysis of the optical power.

[0023] In one embodiment, (8)(7) Any optical pulse tester The control unit is obtaining a first waveform indicating a temporal change in return light of the pulsed light inputted into the optical fiber in a first direction; obtaining a second waveform indicating a change over time in return light of the pulsed light inputted into the second direction of the optical fiber; detecting a first event in the optical fiber based on the first waveform; detecting a second event in the optical fiber based on the second waveform; Correlating the detected first event with the detected second event at the same position; The display unit may display the first waveform, the second waveform, and a pattern indicating the first event and the second event that are associated with each other, a pattern indicating the first event that is not associated with the second event, and a pattern indicating the second event that is not associated with the first event.

[0024] In this way, the optical pulse tester correlates a detected first event with a second event detected at the same position, and displays on the display unit the first waveform, the second waveform, symbols indicating the correlated first and second events, a symbol indicating a first event not correlated with the second event, and a symbol indicating a second event not correlated with the first event. Therefore, the optical pulse tester can indicate events with the minimum number of symbols, and the user can easily perform waveform analysis of optical power.

[0025] In one embodiment, In any one of the optical pulse testers (9) and (8), The control unit may cause the display unit to display an image including an indication of the first direction and the second direction as the design indicating the first event and the second event that are associated with each other.

[0026] In this manner, the optical pulse tester can indicate, with a single symbol, that an event has been detected based on the waveforms of the return light pulses in both the first and second directions.

[0027] In one embodiment, (10) In the optical pulse tester of (8) or (9), The control unit is displaying, on the display unit, an image including an indication of the first direction as the design indicating the first event not associated with the second event; An image including an indication of the second direction may be displayed on the display unit as the design indicating the second event not associated with the first event.

[0028] In this way, the optical pulse tester can indicate that an event has been detected based on the waveform of only either the return light of the pulsed light in the first direction or the return light of the pulsed light in the second direction.

[0029] In one embodiment, (11) In the optical pulse tester of (10), The control unit may cause an image including an indication of the first direction and an image including an indication of the second direction to be displayed on the display unit in an emphasized manner.

[0030] In this way, the optical pulse tester highlights the image when an event is detected based on the waveform of only one of the return light of pulsed light in the first direction or the return light of pulsed light in the second direction, allowing the user to easily find the event detected based on the waveform in only one direction.

[0031] In one embodiment, (12) In any of the optical pulse testers (7) to (11), The control unit may display, near the pattern, at least one of a physical quantity related to the event indicated by the pattern and a type of the event.

[0032] In this way, the optical pulse tester enables the user to easily check not only the presence of an event and the traveling direction of the pulsed light, but also the physical quantity related to the event and the type of the event.

[0033] A program according to some embodiments includes: Operate the optical pulse tester as any one of the optical pulse testers (7) to (12).

[0034] Therefore, the user can easily confirm not only the presence of an event but also the traveling direction of the pulsed light, and can easily perform waveform analysis of the optical power. Effect of the Invention

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to more easily perform waveform analysis of optical power measured by an optical pulse tester. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 5C

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

[0037] <Comparative Example> 1 to 3 are diagrams showing examples of displaying the waveform of return light of pulsed light in a comparative example. In Fig. 1, an image 91 shows an area for displaying and analyzing a waveform measured by an optical pulse tester (OTDR).

[0038] Graph 921 shows the waveform of the change over time in the optical power of the return light due to the pulsed light incident on the optical fiber. In Fig. 1, the horizontal axis shows the distance calculated from the time difference between when the pulsed light is incident and when the return light returns. The vertical axis shows the magnitude of the optical power of the return light. When an event such as a fusion point, a connector connection point, a branch point, a bending point, or a cutting point exists in the optical fiber, the waveform of the change over time in the return light shows a characteristic shape according to the type of the event.

[0039] In FIG. 1, the symbols (icons, markers) 931 to 933 each indicate a location where an event is detected. In FIG. 1, the optical power of the return light is attenuated in the vicinity of the symbols 931 and 933. The characteristic shape of the graph 921 with the symbols 931 and 933 indicates the possibility of "fusion" at the position indicated by the symbols 931 and 933. "Fusion" refers to heating the tips of two optical fibers to bond the optical fibers together. A peak of the optical power of the return light is observed in the vicinity of the symbol 932. The characteristic shape of the graph 921 with the symbol 932 suggests the presence of reflection of pulsed light. Therefore, the characteristic shape of the graph 921 with the symbol 932 indicates the possibility of a connection point of two optical fibers being present at the position indicated by the symbol 932. In this way, by displaying the symbols 931 to 933 indicating event detection in the vicinity of the optical power waveform where the characteristic shape is detected, the distribution of events can be visually shown in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0040] When pulsed light is input to an optical fiber, backscattered light is generated. The power of the backscattered light varies depending on the mode field diameter of the optical fiber and the refractive index of the core. The higher the backscattering coefficient of an optical fiber, the higher the power of the backscattered light. Consider an optical fiber in which optical fiber A with a high backscattering coefficient and optical fiber B with a low backscattering coefficient are connected. When an optical pulse tester inputs pulsed light from optical fiber A and measures the return light, the pulsed light travels from a section where the power of the backscattered light is high to a section where the power of the backscattered light is low. Therefore, the optical pulse tester measures the return light from the connection point between optical fiber A and optical fiber B with a large attenuation in power. On the other hand, when an optical pulse tester inputs pulsed light from optical fiber B and measures the return light, the pulsed light travels from a section where the power of the backscattered light is low to a section where the power of the backscattered light is high. Therefore, the optical pulse tester measures the return light from the connection point between optical fiber B and optical fiber A with a large power.

[0041] In this way, when measuring the return light of pulsed light from an optical fiber that is configured by connecting optical fibers with different backscattering coefficients, a gain difference (loss difference) occurs at the connection point due to the difference in the backscattering coefficient. Therefore, in order to accurately measure the connection loss at the connection point, it is necessary to measure the connection loss in both the forward direction (optical fiber A → optical fiber B) and the reverse direction (optical fiber B → optical fiber A) and then average the two connection loss measurements. This method of measuring the return light of pulsed light from both directions of an optical fiber and analyzing the measurement data is called bidirectional analysis.

[0042] Consider a case where bidirectional analysis is performed by an application on an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer). In this case, the information processing device displays two waveforms, one in the forward direction and the other in the reverse direction, calculates the splice loss measured at an event at the same position for each of the forward direction and the reverse direction, and averages the physical quantities such as the splice loss (two-waveform synthesis). If an event is detected only in one direction, the information processing device calculates the splice loss calculated from that event as it is. Alternatively, the information processing device regards a non-existent event as an event with a splice loss of 0 dB, and calculates the splice loss averaged with the splice loss of the other event. For example, when the forward waveform is used as a reference, the information processing device adds a pattern indicating an event with an averaged splice loss to the forward waveform and displays it together with the waveform. A user can accurately evaluate the optical fiber to be measured by checking the splice loss of such a synthesized event.

[0043] 2 and 3 show examples of waveforms obtained by performing two-waveform synthesis on a PC application. In the image 91 of FIG. 2, a graph 922 shows a waveform of a change over time in optical power of return light caused by a pulsed light incident in the forward direction of an optical fiber. A graph 923 shows a waveform of a change over time in optical power of return light caused by a pulsed light incident in the reverse direction of an optical fiber. Designs 941 to 945 show events detected by the forward waveform shown in graph 922. Designs 951 to 955 show events detected by the reverse waveform shown in graph 923. A user can identify the position of an event in the waveform by checking these designs 941 to 945 and 951 to 955.

[0044] In the image 91 of Fig. 3, a graph 924 shows a waveform of a change over time in the optical power of return light caused by a pulsed light incident in the forward direction of the optical fiber. A graph 925 shows a waveform of a change over time in the optical power of return light caused by a pulsed light incident in the reverse direction of the optical fiber. Designs 961 to 963 show events detected by the forward waveform shown in the graph 924. Designs 971 and 972 show events detected by the reverse waveform shown in the graph 925. A user can identify the position of an event in the waveform by checking these designs 961 to 963 and 971 and 972.

[0045] In the example of FIG. 2, all of the forward patterns 941-945 have reverse patterns 951-955 at the same positions. In contrast, in the example of FIG. 3, the forward patterns 961 and 962 have reverse patterns 971 and 972 at the same positions, but the pattern 963 does not have a reverse pattern at the same position. Since the bidirectional analysis is performed on the same optical fiber, if an event is detected only in one direction, there may be a problem with the measurement and analysis in the forward or reverse direction. Therefore, when performing the bidirectional analysis, the user may determine whether the event detected by the information processing device or the like is a correct event, and at that time, may compare the waveforms in the forward and reverse directions and perform an operation to correct the event.

[0046] In this way, when checking and correcting an event, the user may rely on directional information as to whether the pulsed light is incident in the forward direction or the reverse direction. In the comparative example, the patterns 961 to 963, 971, and 972 all have the same shape. Therefore, the user can see the pattern 963 and confirm that there is no corresponding pattern. However, it is not possible to immediately determine whether the pattern 963 was detected from the waveform of the return light of the pulsed light in the forward direction or the reverse direction just by looking at the pattern 963. Therefore, the configuration according to the comparative example has room for improvement in terms of displaying the detected event in an easy-to-understand manner so as to facilitate waveform analysis of the optical power.

[0047] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, parts having the same configuration or function are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, duplicated descriptions of the same parts may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0048] The configuration according to the present embodiment adds a GUI (Graphical User Interface) of directional information to a design (icon, marker) indicating an event, and clearly indicates in which direction the event was detected by the pulsed light. Specifically, the configuration according to the present embodiment adds directional information by adding a GUI, such as an arrow, to the design of the event marker of the waveform for performing bidirectional analysis. The configuration according to the present embodiment sets an event marker design, such as a right arrow, for an event detected only by the waveform (first waveform) of the return light of the pulsed light in the forward direction (first direction). The configuration according to the present embodiment sets an event marker design, such as a left arrow, for an event detected only by the waveform (second waveform) of the return light of the pulsed light in the reverse direction (second direction). The configuration according to the present embodiment sets an event marker design, such as a left-right arrow, for an event detected in both directions. In this way, the configuration according to the present embodiment displays the traveling direction of the pulsed light together when displaying the detected event, so that the user can analyze the event, waveform, etc. while easily recognizing the traveling direction of the pulsed light.

[0049] Furthermore, in the configuration according to the present embodiment, a pattern indicating the direction of an event detected in only one of the forward and reverse directions is highlighted at the same position by being different in color, shape, size, etc. from a pattern indicating the direction of an event detected in both the forward and reverse directions. Therefore, when performing an analysis in which forward and reverse waveforms are combined, a user can easily distinguish an event detected in only one of the forward and reverse directions from an event detected in both the forward and reverse directions by simply referring to the pattern and perform the analysis.

[0050] 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing device 10 according to an embodiment. The information processing device 10 is one or more computer devices capable of communicating with each other. The information processing device 10 is not limited to these, and may be any general-purpose electronic device such as a PC or a tablet terminal, or may be another dedicated electronic device. As shown in FIG. 4, the information processing device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an input unit 14, and an output unit 15.

[0051] The control unit 11 includes one or more processors. In one embodiment, the "processor" is a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process, but is not limited thereto. The control unit 11 is communicably connected to each component of the information processing device 10, and controls the operation of the information processing device 10 as a whole.

[0052] The storage unit 12 includes any storage module, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 12 may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores any information used in the operation of the information processing device 10. For example, the storage unit 12 may store a system program, an application program, and various information received by the communication unit 13. The storage unit 12 may store data on the waveform of optical power measured by an optical pulse tester. The storage unit 12 is not limited to being built into the information processing device 10, and may be an external database or an external storage module.

[0053] The communication unit 13 includes any communication module that can communicate with other devices such as an optical pulse tester using any communication technology. The communication unit 13 may further include a communication control module for controlling communication with other devices, and a storage module for storing communication data such as identification information required for communication with other devices.

[0054] The input unit 14 includes one or more input interfaces that receive an input operation by an operator and obtain input information based on the operation by the operator. For example, the input unit 14 is a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen that is integral with the display (display unit) of the output unit 15, a microphone that receives voice input, or the like, but is not limited to these.

[0055] The output unit 15 includes one or more output interfaces that output information to the operator and notify the operator. For example, the output unit 15 is a display that outputs information as an image, or a speaker that outputs information as sound, but is not limited to these. Such a display may be, for example, a liquid crystal panel display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. At least one of the input unit 14 and the output unit 15 may be configured integrally with the information processing device 10, or may be provided separately.

[0056] The functions of the information processing device 10 can be realized by executing a computer program (program) according to this embodiment on a processor included in the control unit 11. That is, the functions of the information processing device 10 can be realized by software. The computer program causes a computer to execute the processing of steps included in the operation of the information processing device 10, thereby causing the computer to realize the functions corresponding to the processing of each step. That is, the computer program is a program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment. The computer program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Programs include information used for processing by an electronic computer and equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct command to a computer but has a nature that specifies computer processing corresponds to "something equivalent to a program."

[0057] A part or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 11. That is, a part or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 may be realized by hardware. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may be realized by a single computer, or may be realized by cooperation of multiple computers.

[0058] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing an example of the designs 21 (21a, 21b, 21c) displayed in one embodiment.

[0059] Fig. 5A shows an example of a pattern 21a indicating an event when an event is detected at the same position from both a forward waveform and a reverse waveform. In the example of Fig. 5A, the pattern 21a includes images 22 to 25. The image 22 displays information for distinguishing the detected event. Figs. 5A to 5C display events so that they can be distinguished by numbers such as "1" to "3". The information for distinguishing the events is not limited to such numbers and may be, for example, letters, character strings, etc.

[0060] The image 23 identifies the position where the event was detected. In this embodiment, the information processing device 10 outputs a waveform of the optical power of the return light, with the optical power of the return light on the vertical axis and the distance calculated from the time difference between when the pulsed light is incident and when the return light is returned on the horizontal axis. Therefore, in Figs. 5A to 5C, the image 23 has an upward triangular shape that allows the position in the horizontal axis to be specified, but the shape of the image 23 is not limited to a triangle and may be a line segment or the like. Furthermore, when the optical power of the return light is displayed on the horizontal axis and the distance on the horizontal axis, the image 23 may have a shape that allows the position in the vertical axis to be specified (for example, a horizontal triangle).

[0061] Image 24 is an example of a design of an event marker detected based on the waveform of the return light of pulsed light incident in the reverse direction. Image 25 is an example of a design of an event marker detected based on the waveform of the return light of pulsed light incident in the forward direction. In this embodiment, the information processing device 10 displays the waveform of the return light so that the left direction corresponds to the reverse direction. Thus, images 24 and 25 may be not only left-facing or right-facing triangles as exemplified in FIG. 5A, but also left-facing or right-facing arrows, letters (e.g., "L", "R") or character strings (e.g., "Left", "Right"), and combinations thereof.

[0062] Fig. 5B shows an example of a pattern 21b indicating an event when an event is detected only from a waveform in the reverse direction. In the example of Fig. 5B, the pattern 21b includes images 22 and 23, as well as an image 241 indicating the reverse direction.

[0063] 5C shows an example of a pattern 21c indicating an event when an event is detected only from a forward waveform. In the example of FIG. 5C, the pattern 21c includes images 22 and 23, as well as a forward image 251.

[0064] Since the bidirectional analysis is performed on the same optical fiber, if an event is detected in only one direction, there is a possibility that there is a problem with the measurement and analysis in the forward or reverse direction. Therefore, the information processing device 10 may highlight the patterns 21b and 21c indicating an event detected in only one direction by displaying them in a color, shape, size, etc. different from the pattern 21a indicating an event detected in both directions. For example, the information processing device 10 may highlight the images 241 and 251 indicating the direction of the pulsed light by displaying them in a different color, shape, size, etc. so that they can be distinguished from the images 24 and 25 of the pattern 5A. Alternatively, for example, the information processing device 10 may highlight the entire patterns 21b and 21c indicating an event detected in only one direction by displaying them in a color, shape, size, etc. different from the pattern 21a indicating an event detected in both directions. In this way, by highlighting the patterns 21b and 21c indicating an event detected in only one direction by displaying them in a different color, shape, size, etc. from the pattern 21a indicating an event detected in both directions, the user can easily recognize an event that should be particularly noted.

[0065] 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image 30 displayed on the display unit of the output unit 15 in FIG.

[0066] Image 31 displays a waveform showing the change over time of the return light of the pulsed light that was input to the optical fiber. Image 31 includes displays of graphs 41 and 42 of the optical power waveform of the return light, with the optical power of the return light on the vertical axis and the distance calculated from the time difference between when the pulsed light is input and when the return light returns on the horizontal axis. In the example of Fig. 6, the right direction of the horizontal axis indicates the forward direction, and the left direction indicates the reverse direction. The vertical axis indicates the optical power of the return light of the pulsed light.

[0067] The image 31 also displays patterns 51 to 55 indicating events detected from the graphs 41 and 42. In the example of FIG. 6, the patterns 51, 53 to 55 indicate an event when an event is detected at the same position from both the forward and reverse waveforms. The pattern 52 indicates an event when an event is detected only from the reverse waveform. As shown in FIG. 6, the patterns 51 to 55 indicate not only the existence of an event but also the traveling direction of the pulsed light in which the event is detected from the waveform of the return light. Therefore, the user can recognize the direction of the pulsed light from the patterns 51 to 55 and easily perform waveform analysis. In addition, for an event detected only from the waveform of the return light of one of the pulsed lights, the information processing device 10 displays the event in a form that is different in color, shape, size, etc. from the other patterns 51, 53 to 55, as in the pattern 52. Therefore, the user can easily recognize an event detected only from the waveform of the return light of one of the pulsed lights, and can proceed with problem identification and analysis.

[0068] The image 32 provides a user interface that accepts operations on the graphs and events in the image 31. For example, the user interface of the image 31 includes, but is not limited to, buttons for performing operations such as moving a cursor, enlarging or reducing the display, and adding a marker.

[0069] The image 33 shows physical quantities or characteristics such as the type of event, distance, splice loss, return loss, and accumulated loss for each event detected based on the waveform of the return light. The event No. is information for identifying the event, and corresponds to the numerical value in the image 22 of the pattern 21 in FIG. 5A. The type of event is identified by classification of the characteristic shape of the waveform, but may be identified by physical characteristics of the optical fiber estimated from the shape of the waveform, such as a fusion point, a connector connection point, a branch point, a bending point, and a cutting point. The distance indicates the position where the event was detected, which is indicated by the distance (km) from the end of the optical fiber where the pulsed light is incident. The splice loss is the splice loss (dB) measured at the position of the event. The return loss is the attenuation (dB) of the optical power measured at the position of the event. The accumulated loss is the accumulated value (dB) of the loss from the end of the optical fiber where the pulsed light is incident. The information processing device 10 displays the image 33 together with the image 31, so that detailed information about each detected event can be confirmed.

[0070] For events (No. 1, 3-5) detected by return light in both directions, the information processing device 10 may calculate the connection loss of the event by averaging the connection loss calculated from the shape of the graph 41 and the connection loss calculated from the shape of the graph 42. For events (No. 2) detected only by return light in the reverse direction, the information processing device 10 may use the connection loss calculated from the shape of the graph 42 as the connection loss of the event as is. Alternatively, the information processing device 10 may calculate the average value of the connection loss calculated from the shape of the graph 42 and a connection loss of 0 as the connection loss of the event. Similarly, the information processing device 10 may calculate other physical quantities such as return loss based on the average value of the return loss calculated based on the shapes of the graphs 41 and 42 where the event was detected.

[0071] The information processing device 10 may also display information such as connection loss and return loss in the vicinity of the patterns 51-55 indicating the event in the image 31. Furthermore, when a pointer such as a mouse pointer is positioned on the patterns 51-55, the information processing device 10 may also display information such as connection loss and return loss in the vicinity of the patterns 51-55 in the image 31 in association with these patterns 51-55. In this way, by also displaying information related to the event in the vicinity of the patterns 51-55 indicating the event, the user can more easily proceed with the waveform analysis.

[0072] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of displaying the waveform of the return light of the pulsed light in one embodiment. In FIG. 7, the image 31 displays graphs 43 and 44, and patterns 56 to 58. The graph 43 shows the waveform of the return light of the pulsed light in the forward direction. The graph 44 shows the waveform of the return light of the pulsed light in the reverse direction. The pattern 56 shows an event when the event is detected only from the waveform in the reverse direction. The pattern 57 shows an event when the event is detected both from the waveform in the forward direction and the waveform in the reverse direction. The pattern 58 shows an event when the event is detected only from the waveform in the forward direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the information processing device 10 displays the direction of the pulsed light in the patterns 56 to 58 of the event marker in an easy-to-understand manner. Therefore, the user can smoothly perform bidirectional analysis.

[0073] 8A and 8B are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of an information processing device according to an embodiment. The operation of the information processing device 10 described with reference to Figs. 8A and 8B may correspond to one of the control methods of the information processing device 10. The operation of each step in Figs. 8A and 8B may be executed based on the control by the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10.

[0074] In step S1, the control unit 11 acquires the waveform of the return light measured by the forward and reverse pulsed lights. Specifically, the control unit 11 may receive and acquire the measured value of the waveform of the return light from the optical pulse tester via the communication unit 13. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may acquire the measured value of the waveform of the return light measured by the optical pulse tester using a recording medium such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory. The measured value of the waveform of the return light may include information indicating the correspondence between time and optical power measured at a time interval according to a sampling rate, and information indicating whether the waveform is in the forward direction or the reverse direction. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the control unit 11 acquires the forward waveform and the reverse waveform one by one in step S1.

[0075] In step S2, the control unit 11 analyzes the forward waveform among the waveforms acquired in step S1, and acquires the event detected as a result as a first event.

[0076] In step S3, the control unit 11 analyzes the waveform in the reverse direction among the waveforms acquired in step S1, and acquires the event detected as a result as a second event.

[0077] Information on characteristic waveform shapes corresponding to each type of event is preregistered in the storage unit 12 etc. of the information processing device 10. In steps S2 and S3, the control unit 11 refers to the preregistered waveform shapes to detect events from the waveform acquired in step S1 and acquires them as a first event or a second event. The control unit 11 may acquire the first event and the second event in association with information such as the position, connection loss, and return loss of the event. The control unit 11 may calculate the connection loss, return loss, etc. based on the waveform of the return light from which the event was detected.

[0078] In step S4, the control unit 11 integrates the waveforms of the return light due to the forward and reverse pulsed lights and the analysis results. When integrating, the control unit 11 may integrate the waveforms and the analysis results by associating the positions of the forward waveform and the reverse waveform using information indicating whether the return light is in the forward direction or the reverse direction.

[0079] In step S5, the control unit 11 performs a marking process for attaching a pattern indicating the presence of an event to the waveform of the integrated return light. Details of the marking process will be described later with reference to FIG. 8B.

[0080] In step S6, the control unit 11 displays the waveforms of the return light due to the forward and backward pulsed lights, to which the patterns (markers) have been added by the marking process, on the display (display unit) of the output unit 15. After completing step S6, the control unit 11 ends the processing of the flowchart.

[0081] Fig. 8B is a flowchart showing an example of the marking process of Fig. 8A. The control unit 11 refers to the waveform and the analysis result integrated in step S4 of Fig. 8A, and executes the processes of steps S12 to S17 for all detected events.

[0082] In step S11, the control unit 11 refers to the waveform and the analysis result integrated in step S4, and focuses on one of the unprocessed events.

[0083] In step S12, the control unit 11 judges whether or not both a first event and a second event corresponding to the event focused on in step S11 exist. Specifically, for example, when the event focused on in step S11 is an event detected by a forward waveform, the control unit 11 may judge that both exist when an event detected by a reverse waveform at the same distance (position) as the focused event exists. When the event focused on in step S11 is an event detected by a reverse waveform, the control unit 11 may judge that both exist when an event detected by a forward waveform at the same distance (position) as the focused event exists. When there is no event in the reverse direction at the same distance (position) as the focused event in step S11, the control unit 11 may judge that both do not exist. When it is judged that both a first event and a second event corresponding to the focused event exist (YES in step S12), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S13, and when not (NO in step S12), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S15.

[0084] In step S13, the control unit 11 associates a bidirectional marker (e.g., the design 21a in FIG. 5A) with both the first event and the second event determined to exist in step S12. Through this process, the control unit 11 classifies both the first event and the second event as processed events. That is, the control unit 11 classifies the event focused on in step S11 and an event that is at the same distance (position) as the processed event. After completing step S13, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S14.

[0085] In step S14, the control unit 11 refers to the waveform and the analysis result integrated in step S4 in Fig. 8A to determine whether or not there is an unprocessed event. If there is an unprocessed event (YES in step S14), the control unit 11 returns to step S11, and if not (NO in step S14), the control unit 11 ends the marking process and proceeds to step S6 in Fig. 8A.

[0086] In step S15, the control unit 11 determines whether the event focused on in step S11 is the first event or not. If the event is the first event (YES in step S15), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S16, and if not (NO in step S15), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S17.

[0087] In step S16, the control unit 11 associates a forward marker (for example, the design 21c in FIG. 5C) with the event determined to be the first event in step S15. Through this process, the control unit 11 classifies the event focused on in step S11 as a processed event. After completing step S16, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S14.

[0088] In step S17, the control unit 11 associates a backward marker (for example, the design 21b in FIG. 5B) with the event determined in step S15 not to be the first event. Through this process, the control unit 11 classifies the event focused on in step S11 as a processed event. After completing step S17, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S14.

[0089] As described above, the information processing device 10 acquires a waveform indicating a temporal change in return light of the pulsed light incident on the optical fiber, detects an event in the optical fiber based on the acquired waveform, and displays the waveform and a pattern indicating the detected event on the display unit of the output unit 15. Here, the information processing device 10 displays an image including an indication of the traveling direction of the pulsed light (e.g., 24, 25 in FIG. 5A, 241 in FIG. 5B, 251 in FIG. 5C, etc.) as a pattern indicating the event on the display unit of the output unit 15. Therefore, the user can easily confirm the traveling direction of the waveform in which an event is detected.

[0090] Thus, the characteristic of being able to easily confirm the propagation direction of the waveform in which an event is detected is particularly useful in bidirectional analysis. For an event detected only in the waveform of the unidirectional return light, the user needs to examine whether the event was misdetected or the detection of the event was correct but the other event could not be detected correctly. During such verification, the user may refer to the composite waveform of the two waveforms to determine the presence or absence of misdetection. Therefore, the direction information of the event marker displayed in the symbol indicating the event is useful for such examination. The user can save the trouble of checking multiple events in the waveforms in the forward and reverse directions. Note that even when the information processing apparatus 10 displays a waveform and an event in which there is only unidirectional return light, it may display an image including the display of the propagation direction of the pulsed light as a symbol indicating the event.

[0091] In addition, since the information processing apparatus 10 indicates the direction information in the symbol of the event marker, the user can clearly determine the events existing in the forward direction, reverse direction, or both directions just by looking at the symbol during bidirectional analysis. In bidirectional analysis, the user may perform operations such as deleting an event when a wrong event is detected or adding an event when there is no correct event. Enabling the information processing apparatus 10 to make the direction information of the event immediately understandable effectively supports the user's analysis and operation.

[0092] In the present embodiment, the information processing device 10 displays an image including an indication of the traveling direction of pulsed light as a pattern indicating an event. However, such processing may be performed by other devices. For example, an image including an indication of the traveling direction of pulsed light may be displayed as a pattern indicating an event on a display provided in the optical pulse tester. Such a display in the optical pulse tester may be realized under the control of a program such as firmware running in the optical pulse tester. In this way, the optical pulse tester may display an image including an indication of the traveling direction of pulsed light as a pattern indicating an event. With such an optical pulse tester, after the optical pulse tester finishes measuring the forward and reverse directions of the optical fiber, a user can easily find an event that he / she wants to check and inspect during bidirectional analysis at the work site.

[0093] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, multiple blocks shown in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Multiple steps shown in the flowchart may be executed in parallel or in a different order depending on the processing capacity of the device executing each step, or as necessary, instead of being executed in chronological order as described. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10. Information processing device 11 Control section 12 Storage section 13. Communications Department 14 Input section 15 Output section 21(21a,21b,21c) Design 22~25 Images 241,251 images 30~33 Images Graphs 41-44 51~57 Design 91 images 921~925 Graph 931,932 Design 941~945 Design 951~955 Design 961~963 Design 971,972 Designs

Claims

1. Computer, A waveform showing a time change of a return light of the pulsed light inputted into the optical fiber is obtained, Detecting an event in the optical fiber based on the waveform; displaying the waveform and a pattern indicating the detected event on a display unit; A control unit is provided, The control unit causes the display unit to display an image including an indication of the traveling direction of the pulsed light as the pattern. A program that operates as an information processing device.

2. The control unit is obtaining a first waveform indicating a change over time in return light of the pulsed light inputted into the optical fiber in a first direction; obtaining a second waveform indicating a change over time in return light of the pulsed light inputted into the second direction of the optical fiber; Detecting a first event in the optical fiber based on the first waveform; detecting a second event in the optical fiber based on the second waveform; Correlating the detected first event with the detected second event at the same position; displaying on the display unit the first waveform, the second waveform, and symbols indicating the first event and the second event associated with each other, a symbol indicating the first event not associated with the second event, and a symbol indicating the second event not associated with the first event; The program according to claim 1.

3. The program according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display an image including an indication of the first direction and the second direction as the design indicating the first event and the second event that are associated with each other.

4. The control unit is displaying, on the display unit, an image including an indication of the first direction as the design indicating the first event not associated with the second event; displaying, on the display unit, an image including an indication of the second direction as the design indicating the second event not associated with the first event; The program according to claim 2.

5. The program according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display, in an enhanced manner, an image including an indication of the first direction and an image including an indication of the second direction.

6. The program according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit displays, near the symbol, at least one of a physical quantity related to the event indicated by the symbol and a type of the event.

7. An optical pulse tester that injects pulsed light into an optical fiber and measures the time change of the returned light, comprising: A waveform showing a time change of the returned light is obtained; Detecting an event in the optical fiber based on the waveform; displaying the waveform and a pattern indicating the detected event on a display unit; A control unit is provided, The control unit causes the display unit to display an image including an indication of the traveling direction of the pulsed light as the pattern. Optical pulse tester.

8. The control unit is obtaining a first waveform indicating a change over time in return light of the pulsed light inputted into the optical fiber in a first direction; obtaining a second waveform indicating a change over time in return light of the pulsed light inputted into the second direction of the optical fiber; Detecting a first event in the optical fiber based on the first waveform; detecting a second event in the optical fiber based on the second waveform; Correlating the detected first event with the detected second event at the same position; displaying on the display unit the first waveform, the second waveform, and symbols indicating the first event and the second event associated with each other, a symbol indicating the first event not associated with the second event, and a symbol indicating the second event not associated with the first event; 8. The optical pulse tester according to claim 7.

9. 9. The optical pulse tester of claim 8, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display an image including indications of the first direction and the second direction as the design indicating the first event and the second event associated with each other.

10. The control unit is displaying, on the display unit, an image including an indication of the first direction as the design indicating the first event not associated with the second event; displaying, on the display unit, an image including an indication of the second direction as the design indicating the second event not associated with the first event; 9. The optical pulse tester according to claim 8.

11. 11. The optical pulse tester according to claim 10, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display the image including the indication of the first direction and the image including the indication of the second direction in an emphasized manner.

12. 8. The optical pulse tester according to claim 7, wherein the control unit displays, near the pattern, at least one of a physical quantity related to the event indicated by the pattern and a type of the event.

13. A program for causing an optical pulse tester to operate as the optical pulse tester according to any one of claims 7 to 12.

Images