Measurement apparatus, cooling device for optical module, and cooling method

Abstract

To provide a measurement apparatus which uses a small-sized and thin-type fan and is capable of reducing discomfort noise while improving the cooling capacity of cooling an optical module, a cooling device for an optical module used therefor and a cooling method.SOLUTION: An optical module cooling device 5 which is loaded in a measurement apparatus 1 comprises: a fan 15; an outside air temperature sensor 16; a communication control section 31h; a use state determination section 31e which determines whether it is a local use state or a remote use state; and a fan drive control section 31a which controls a rotary operation rate of the fan 15 so as to perform cooling that gives priority to quietness based on a temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 16 in a case where the local use state is determined, and controls the rotary operation rate of the fan 15 so as to perform cooling that gives priority to cooling capacity based on the temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 16 in a case where the remote use state is determined.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device that performs measurements using an optical module that converts optical signals into electrical signals and vice versa, and to a cooling device and method for the optical module used in the measuring device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, optical modules have been required to support high-capacity, long-distance transmission, and are becoming faster and more powerful. Along with this trend, the power consumption of optical modules has risen in recent years, and high heat generation, such as 23 watts (W) and 26 W, has become the norm.

[0003] In contrast to this, measurement devices that incorporate optical modules as interfaces are required to maintain the same size as before or to become even smaller and quieter. Given the above background, what is required of the measurement devices is to improve their cooling capacity.

[0004] In order to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of optical modules that generate a large amount of heat and thereby obtain reliable measurement results, portable measurement devices have been known that are equipped with a cooling attachment that cools an optical module attached to the measurement device body by sandwiching it between a first base plate and a second base plate outside the measurement device body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-154106 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The portable measuring device described in Patent Document 1 uses a heat sink to cool the optical module, but there are various types of conventional measuring devices, such as stationary types that use a fan to cool the optical module.

[0007] In order to improve the cooling capacity of conventional measurement devices that use fans to cool optical modules, there are two options: either increase the size of the fan or increase the fan's rotation speed. However, as mentioned above, it is not easy to increase the size of the fan because it is required to maintain the same size as conventional devices. Increasing the fan's rotation speed can cause noise issues. In other words, there is a trade-off between size, cooling capacity, and noise.

[0008] Therefore, in measuring devices, whether portable or non-portable, that are equipped with high-speed, high-power, high-performance optical modules, there is a trend to equip the measuring device with small, thin fans in order to ensure cooling capacity while maintaining the compact size of the equipment.

[0009] Measuring devices equipped with small, thin fans tend to produce harsh noises (e.g., high-pitched sounds) when small-diameter fans rotate at high speeds in close proximity to the user. For this reason, when controlling the fan speed to increase cooling capacity in this type of measuring device, the unpleasant noise increases.

[0010] In addition, optical modules are sold by many manufacturers, and each has different heat dissipation performance, so it is necessary to adjust the optimal range of fan speed. If the fan speed is insufficient, there is a risk that the optical module will overheat, and conversely, if the fan speed is too high, it will generate more noise than necessary.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a measuring device that uses a small, thin fan and can improve the cooling capacity for cooling an optical module while reducing unpleasant noise, as well as an optical module cooling device and cooling method used therein. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problem, the cooling device according to claim 1 of the present invention is a measuring device (1) that performs measurements using an optical module (20) that converts optical signals into electrical signals and vice versa, and is characterized by having: a fan (15) that generates air to cool the optical module; temperature sensors (16, 17) that detect temperature; remote control means (31h) that remotely controls the measuring device; a determination means (31e) that determines whether the measuring device is in a local usage state or a remote usage state; and fan drive control means (31a) that, if it is determined that the measuring device is in the local usage state, controls the rotational operating rate of the fan so as to perform cooling that prioritizes quietness based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, and, if it is determined that the measuring device is in the remote usage state, controls the rotational operating rate of the fan so as to perform cooling that prioritizes cooling capacity based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0013] With this configuration, the measuring device according to claim 1 of the present invention controls to change the fan rotation operating rate depending on whether it is local or remote, so that cooling that prioritizes quietness can be achieved locally, and cooling that prioritizes cooling capacity can be achieved remotely. This makes it possible to reduce unpleasant noise while improving cooling capacity, even in a configuration that uses a small, thin fan to match the high performance of optical modules.

[0014] In addition, in the measuring device according to claim 2 of the present invention, the temperature sensor may be a first temperature sensor (16) that detects the temperature of the outside air taken in by the fan, and the fan drive control means may be configured to control the rotational operating rate of the fan in accordance with a user setting regarding the rotational operating rate of the fan relative to the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor when it is determined that the local usage state is in effect, and to control the rotational operating rate of the fan in accordance with a pre-set setting regarding the rotational operating rate of the fan relative to the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor when it is determined that the remote usage state is in effect.

[0015] With this configuration, the measuring device according to claim 2 of the present invention can variably control the fan rotation operating rate based on the outside air temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, making it less likely for the fan cooling control system to oscillate compared to cooling control based on the temperature of the optical module, which frequently changes depending on the communication conditions.

[0016] Furthermore, in the measuring device according to claim 3 of the present invention, when it is determined that the fan drive control means is in the local usage state, the fan drive control means may be configured so that the user manually sets a first control table (Tb1) in which the rotational operating rate of the fan is associated with the outside air temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, or a control table equivalent to the first control table, to perform cooling control that prioritizes quietness.

[0017] With this configuration, when the measuring device according to claim 3 of the present invention determines that it is in a local usage state, the user can manually set the first control table or a control table based on the first control table one by one, and perform cooling control that prioritizes quietness based on the outside air temperature.

[0018] Furthermore, the measuring device according to claim 4 of the present invention may be configured to have a setting means (31d) for setting the local or remote operation of the measuring device, and the determining means may determine whether the device is in the local usage state or the remote usage state based on the operation setting made by the setting means.

[0019] With this configuration, the measuring device according to claim 4 of the present invention can easily determine whether the device is being used locally or remotely from the setting input by the user by retaining the setting input for local or remote operation.

[0020] Furthermore, the measuring device according to claim 5 of the present invention may further include a timer (45) for measuring time by the measuring device, and an unoperated monitoring means (31j) for monitoring an unoperated period during which no input operation is performed by the user, and the determining means may be configured to determine whether the device is in the remote usage state or the local usage state depending on whether the unoperated period has been detected continuously for a predetermined period.

[0021] With this configuration, the measuring device according to claim 5 of the present invention can easily determine whether it is in a remote or local use state with a simple configuration including a timer and an unoperated monitoring means.

[0022] Furthermore, the measuring device according to claim 6 of the present invention may further include a timer (45) for measuring time and a human presence sensor (18) for detecting the presence of a person in the vicinity, and the determination means may be configured to determine whether the device is in the remote usage state or the local usage state depending on whether the human presence sensor has continuously detected the presence of a person for a predetermined period of time.

[0023] With this configuration, the measuring device according to claim 6 of the present invention can easily determine whether it is in a remote or local use state with a simple configuration including a timer and a human sensor.

[0024] A measuring device according to claim 7 of the present invention is a measuring device that includes, as the pre-settings, a first control table (Tb1) that associates a rotational operating rate range (Low, Mid, High, Extra) of the fan with a first temperature range (Low (L), Normal temperature (L), High temperature (L), Extra (L)) that is divided into a plurality of stages with respect to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, and a second temperature range (Low (R), Normal temperature (R), High temperature (R), Extra (R)) that is divided into a plurality of stages with respect to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and that is different from the first temperature range. and a second control table (Tb2) in which a rotational operating rate range of the fan (Low, Mid, High, 100%) is associated with each of the second temperature ranges, or in which the highest rotational operating rate range of the fan (100%) is associated uniformly with all of the second temperature ranges, and the fan drive control means may be configured to control the rotational operating rate of the fan based on the first control table when it is determined that the local usage state is in effect, and to control the rotational operating rate of the fan based on the second control table when it is determined that the remote usage state is in effect.

[0025] With this configuration, the measuring device according to claim 7 of the present invention can use the first control table locally to perform cooling that prioritizes quietness, while using the second control table remotely to perform cooling that prioritizes cooling capacity.

[0026] In addition, in the measuring device according to claim 8 of the present invention, the first control table and the second control table may be configured to have hysteresis characteristics in which the starting temperatures for increasing and decreasing the rotational operating rate are different for each division of the fan rotational operating rate range.

[0027] With this configuration, the measuring device according to claim 8 of the present invention can prevent the control system that controls the fan rotational operating rate from oscillating by controlling the fan rotational operating rate using control data having a hysteresis characteristic.

[0028] Furthermore, the measuring device according to claim 9 of the present invention has a manual mode in which a user manually sets a manual mode control table (34c) each time, the manual mode control table defining the correspondence between a temperature range and a rotational operating rate range of the fan, and performs cooling control of the fan based on the manual mode control table, and an auto mode in which cooling control of the fan is automatically performed based on the first control table and the second control table that are set in advance, and may further include a warning means (31f) that issues a warning that the auto mode takes priority when it is determined that the remote is in use, even if the manual mode control table has been set.

[0029] With this configuration, the measuring device according to claim 9 of the present invention receives a warning that auto mode will take priority each time the user attempts to start cooling operation according to user settings, allowing the user to confirm this and switch to cooling in auto mode.

[0030] Furthermore, the measuring device according to claim 10 of the present invention may further comprise a high temperature warning means (31f) that issues a warning when the temperature sensor detects a high temperature that exceeds the highest temperature range set in the first control table or the second control table.

[0031] With this configuration, the measuring device according to claim 10 of the present invention allows the user to easily and reliably know that a high temperature has been detected, prevents the optical module from being operated in an environment with a higher temperature than that, and enables safe cooling control.

[0032] Furthermore, in the measuring device according to claim 11 of the present invention, the temperature sensor may further include a second temperature sensor (17) that detects the temperature of the optical module, and may further include an optical module control means (31i) that controls the optical module to power down when the second temperature sensor detects a temperature equal to or higher than the absolute rating of the optical module.

[0033] With this configuration, the measuring device according to claim 11 of the present invention can power down the optical module without turning off the power when the temperature of the optical module reaches or exceeds the absolute rated temperature, and can continue cooling operation with a reduced rotational operating rate, thereby ensuring safety.

[0034] In order to solve the above problem, the optical module cooling device according to claim 12 of the present invention is an optical module cooling device (5, 5A, 5B) that is mounted on a measuring device (1) that performs measurements using an optical module (20) that converts optical signals into electrical signals and vice versa, and that cools the optical module by blowing air onto it, and is characterized in that it comprises: a fan (15) that generates air to cool the optical module, a temperature sensor (16, 17) that detects temperature, a remote control means (31g) that remotely controls the measuring device, a determination means (31e) that determines whether the usage state is local or remote, and a fan drive control means (31a) that, when it is determined that the usage state is local, controls the rotational operating rate of the fan so as to perform cooling that prioritizes quietness based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, and, when it is determined that the usage state is remote, controls the rotational operating rate of the fan so as to perform cooling that prioritizes cooling capacity based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0035] With this configuration, the optical module cooling device according to claim 12 of the present invention controls to change the fan rotation operating rate depending on whether it is local or remote, thereby enabling cooling that prioritizes quietness in local mode and cooling that prioritizes cooling capacity in remote mode. Therefore, even in a configuration that uses a small, thin fan to match the high performance of optical modules, it is possible to reduce unpleasant noise while improving the cooling capacity of a measuring device equipped with the cooling device.

[0036] In order to solve the above problem, the cooling method for an optical module according to claim 13 of the present invention is a cooling method for an optical module that is mounted on the measuring device described in claim 1 and cools the optical module by wind generated by the fan, and is characterized by including: a receiving step (S1) of receiving a cooling start command; a determining step (S5) of determining whether the usage state is local or remote; and a fan drive control step (S6, S7) of controlling the rotational operating rate of the fan so as to perform cooling that prioritizes quietness based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor if it is determined that the usage state is local; and controlling the rotational operating rate of the fan so as to perform cooling that prioritizes cooling capacity based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor if it is determined that the usage state is remote.

[0037] With this configuration, the optical module cooling method according to claim 13 of the present invention controls to change the fan rotation operating rate depending on whether it is local or remote, thereby enabling cooling that prioritizes quietness in local cooling and cooling that prioritizes cooling capacity in remote cooling. As a result, even in a configuration that uses a small, thin fan to match the high performance of optical modules, adopting this cooling method makes it possible to reduce unpleasant noise while improving cooling capacity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0038] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and can provide a measuring device that uses a small and thin fan to improve the cooling capacity for cooling an optical module while reducing unpleasant noise, as well as an optical module cooling device and cooling method used therein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of the main body of a measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a side view of FIG. 1A, and (b) is a view taken in the direction of the arrow B in FIG. 2A. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an optical module that is detachably attached to the housing of a measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an optical module cooling device mounted on a measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit of an optical module cooling device mounted in a measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an operation mode of a measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are table diagrams showing examples of the configuration of control tables used for controlling the cooling of optical modules by an optical module cooling device, where (a) shows an example of the configuration of a usage state setting table, and (b) shows a schematic example of the configuration of a usage state determination control table. [Figure 8] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing an example of a detailed configuration of the use state determination control table shown in FIG. 7B, where FIG. 7A shows a control table Tb1 and FIG. 7B shows a control table Tb2. [Figure 9] 9 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the temperature range and the fan rotation operating rate range corresponding to the control data set in the control table Tb1 and the control table Tb2 shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a cooling control operation for determining a use state performed by the optical module cooling device. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an optical module cooling device according to a first modified example, which is mounted on a measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit of an optical module cooling device according to a first modified example, which is mounted on a measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an optical module cooling device according to a second modified example, which is mounted on a measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit of an optical module cooling device according to a second modified example, which is mounted on a measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a measuring device, an optical module cooling device and a cooling method used therein according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0041] First, the configuration of a measurement device 1 to which the optical module cooling method of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Although a portable measurement device 1 is illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, this configuration is merely one embodiment. The measurement device to which the optical module cooling method of the present invention is applied is not limited to a portable type, and various embodiments are envisioned, such as a stationary type, for example.

[0042] [Embodiment] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a measurement device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment has ports 11a and 11b (sometimes collectively referred to as ports 11) provided on one housing surface of a rectangular parallelepiped housing 10 of a device main body 2, and has a configuration in which optical modules 20a and 20b (sometimes collectively referred to as optical modules 20) are removably attached to ports 11a and 11b, respectively.

[0043] [Device body] Fig. 2(a) is a side view of the device body 2 (see Fig. 1) of the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment, and Fig. 2(b) is a view taken in the direction of arrow B in Fig. 2(a). As shown in Fig. 2(a), the device body 2 of the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment includes a housing 10, ports 11a and 11b, cages 12a and 12b (sometimes collectively referred to as cage 12), an electrical connector 13, and a cooling fan 15. In Fig. 2, the signal processing unit, display unit, operation unit, etc. are not shown.

[0044] Ports 11a and 11b each have a rectangular parallelepiped cage 12a or 12b with an opening on one side of housing 10, and an electrical connector 13 or 13 provided at the back of cage 12a or 12b, and each is configured to allow an optical module 20 (see FIG. 3), which will be described in detail later, to be inserted or removed (attached or detached). When optical module 20 is attached to port 11a, for example, electrical connector 22 (see FIG. 3) on the optical module 20 side is electrically connected to electrical connector 13 via cage 12a. Similarly, when optical module 20 is attached to port 11b, for example, electrical connector 22 on the optical module 20 side is electrically connected to electrical connector 13 via cage 12b.

[0045] 2 illustrates a configuration in which two ports 11a and 11b are provided, each having a corresponding cage 12a and 12b. In the present invention, the number of ports 11 provided in the measuring device 1 is not limited, and may be one, or an appropriate number of three or more.

[0046] The fan 15 is attached to one surface of the housing 10, for example, the surface opposite to the housing surface on which the port 11 is provided. The fan 15 takes in outside air into the housing 10 and sends the air toward the optical module 20 attached to the port 11 (see the thick arrow in FIG. 4 ), thereby cooling (air-cooling) the optical module 20. The fan 15 may be configured to exhaust the air inside the housing 10 to the outside, thereby taking in air from the housing surface on which the port 11 is provided, thereby cooling the optical module 20. The following describes, as an example, a configuration using a fan 15 that sends air toward the optical module 20.

[0047] The device main body 2 shown in Fig. 2(a) has the external shape shown in Fig. 2(b) when viewed from the direction of arrow B. In Fig. 2(b), the housing surface on which ports 11a and 11b of the device main body 2 are provided is structured so that the optical module 20 can be inserted and removed in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface from the front side to the back side of the paper surface into and from the rectangular openings of ports 11a and 11b and cages 12a and 12b, which have the same cross-sectional shape as the openings. Note that other components such as terminals and ports are not shown in Fig. 2(b).

[0048] [Optical module] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the optical module 20. The optical module 20 shown in Fig. 3 is, for example, an optical module conforming to the QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable - Double Density) standard. However, the standard of the optical module 20 is not limited to this, and the optical module may be an optical module conforming to another communication standard. The optical module 20 functions as an input / output interface that converts optical signals into electrical signals and vice versa, and is designed to be insertable into and removable from a port 11 provided in the device body 2 of the measuring device 1.

[0049] 3, the optical module 20 includes a module body 21, an electrical connector 22, an optical connector 23, and a pull tab 24. The pull tab 24 is used to pull out the optical module 20 from the cage 12 of the port 11 provided in the device body 2.

[0050] The optical connector 23 is provided at one end of the module body 21, and is adapted to be connected to an optical connector formed at the end of an optical fiber cable (not shown). The electrical connector 22 is provided at the other end of the module body 21, and is adapted to be electrically connected to the electrical connector 13 provided deep inside the cage 12 on the device body 2 side.

[0051] The optical module 20 receives, via the optical connector 23, an optical signal transmitted from the measurement object via the optical fiber cable, converts it into an electrical signal, and sends it to the signal processing unit 31g (see FIG. 5) on the device main body 2 side via the electrical connector 22. The optical module 20 also receives, via the electrical connector 22, an electrical signal generated by the measuring device 1, converts it into an optical signal, and sends it to the optical fiber cable via the optical connector 23.

[0052] [Optical module cooling device] The measuring device 1 of this embodiment measures the communication quality of a measurement target such as a network using an optical module 20 attached to a port 11 of the device main body 2 (see Figure 1), and is equipped with an optical module cooling device 5 that cools the optical module 20, which generates heat depending on the communication conditions during measurement, using air blown from a fan 15.

[0053] FIG. 4 shows the functional configuration of the optical module cooling device 5 installed in the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 5 shows the functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the optical module cooling device 5. As shown in FIG.

[0054] The optical module cooling device 5 installed in the measuring device 1 of this embodiment is configured to include a fan 15, an outside air temperature sensor 16, an optical module temperature sensor 17, a control unit 30, a control table 34, an external interface (I / F) unit 35, an operation unit 40, and a display unit 41, as shown in Figure 4.

[0055] The fan 15 is disposed in a position where it can blow air to the optical module 20 .

[0056] The outside air temperature sensor 16 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the air drawn in from outside by the fan 15 when the optical module 20 is attached, i.e., the outside air temperature of the device body 2 of the measurement device 1. The outside air temperature sensor 16 constitutes the first temperature sensor of the present invention.

[0057] The optical module temperature sensor 17 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the optical module 20 mounted in the cage 12 on one housing surface of the housing 10 of the device body 2 of the measurement device 1. The optical module temperature sensor 17 constitutes a second temperature sensor of the present invention.

[0058] The control unit 30 has a measurement control function that comprehensively controls each component involved in the measurement of the measurement device 1 (optical module 20, signal processing unit 31g, communication control unit 31h, optical module control unit 31i, operation unit 40, display unit 41, etc.: see Figure 5), and a cooling control function that causes each component involved in cooling the optical module 20 (fan 15, outside air temperature sensor 16, optical module temperature sensor 17, communication control unit 31h, operation unit 40, display unit 41, etc.: see Figure 5) to operate in coordination so as to cool the fan 15.

[0059] The control table 34 has various tables that store control data and the like for controlling the rotational operating rate of the fan 15, which is involved in cooling the optical module 20 by the cooling control function described above, in accordance with the temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 16. The configuration of the control table 34 (see FIG. 5) will be described in detail later.

[0060] The external I / F unit 35 is a part that performs the interface function between an external control device (e.g., on a network (NW)), such as a PC (personal computer), and the control unit 30 when measurements using the optical module 20 of the measuring device 1 and the cooling operation of the optical module 20 are remotely controlled from the external control device.

[0061] The operation unit 40 is a functional unit that inputs various information, such as various data and commands related to the measurement operation of the measurement device 1 or the cooling operation of the optical module 20. The display unit 41 is a functional unit that displays various information, such as measurement results related to the measurement operation of the measurement device 1 or the cooling operation of the optical module 20 and information indicating the cooling operation status, using a predetermined screen (such as a setting screen).

[0062] Next, the detailed configuration of the control unit 30 of the optical module cooling device 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The control unit 30 is configured by, for example, a computer device. As shown in Fig. 5, the computer device includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 that performs predetermined information processing to realize the above-mentioned measurement control function and cooling control function of the measuring device 1 and performs overall control of each component, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32 that stores an OS (Operating System) for starting up the CPU 31, other programs, and various control data (including a control table 34), etc., a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33 that stores execution code and data of the OS and applications used by the CPU 31 for operation (Fig. 5 shows the control table 34 read from the ROM 32 and expanded), etc., a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (not shown), and various input / output ports.

[0063] The input / output port is connected to the fan 15, the outside air temperature sensor 16, the optical module temperature sensor 17, the optical module 20, the external I / F unit 35, the operation unit 40, and the display unit 41. This enables the control unit 30 to handle various control operations such as drive control of the fan 15, acquisition of temperatures detected by the outside air temperature sensor 16 and the optical module temperature sensor 17, sending and receiving information to and from the optical module 20, and remote control performed via the external I / F unit 35 from an external control device arranged on the NW.

[0064] The computer device described above functions as a control unit 30 when the CPU 31 executes a program stored in the ROM 32 using the RAM 33 as a work area. As shown in Fig. 5, the control unit 30 has a fan drive control unit 31a, a temperature sensor reading unit 31b, a temperature sensor reading unit 31c, a setting control unit 31d, a usage state determination unit 31e, a display control unit 31f, a signal processing unit 31g, a communication control unit 31h, and an optical module control unit 31i. The fan drive control unit 31a, the temperature sensor reading unit 31b, the temperature sensor reading unit 31c, the setting control unit 31d, the usage state determination unit 31e, the display control unit 31f, the signal processing unit 31g, the communication control unit 31h, and the optical module control unit 31i are also realized when the CPU 31 executes a predetermined program stored in the ROM 32 using the RAM 33 as a work area.

[0065] In the control unit 30, the fan drive control unit 31a is a functional unit that controls the fan 15 to rotate at a rotational operating rate corresponding to the operating state and the outdoor temperature, based on the outside air temperature acquired by the temperature sensor reading unit 31b and the result of the determination by the operating state determination unit 31e of whether the operating state of the measurement device 1 is local or remote. The rotational operating rate refers to, for example, the ratio (n / N: 0 to 100%) of the current rotational speed n of the fan 15 to the maximum rated rotational speed N, where N is 100 percent (%). The control data required for the fan drive control unit 31a to control the fan 15 is stored in, for example, a control table 34 (see FIG. 5) stored in the ROM 32 and loaded from the ROM 32 to the RAM 33. The fan drive control unit 31a constitutes the fan drive control means of the present invention.

[0066] The temperature sensor reading unit 31b and the temperature sensor reading unit 31c are functional units that acquire temperature data of the outside air temperature of the measurement device 1 detected by the outside air temperature sensor 16 and the temperature of the optical module 20 detected by the optical module temperature sensor 17, respectively.

[0067] The setting control unit 31d is a part that accepts various settings related to cooling control and measurement control of the optical module 20 in response to, for example, operations on the operation unit 40 or operations on a setting screen displayed on the display unit 41. The setting control unit 31d constitutes the setting means of the present invention.

[0068] The usage state determination unit 31e is a functional unit that determines whether the usage state of the measurement device 1 is a local state, in which a person (user) is present in front of the measurement device 1, or a remote state, in which no user is present. In the configuration of the control unit 30 shown in FIG. 5, the usage state determination unit 31e determines whether the usage state is local or remote by reading the settings related to the local or remote usage state in the usage state setting table 34a (see FIG. 7(a)), which constitutes the control table 34 expanded in the RAM 33. The user can set the usage state in the usage state setting table 34a by using the setting function of the setting control unit 31d, for example, by operating the operation unit 40 or a setting screen displayed on the display unit 41. The usage state determination unit 31e, together with usage state determination units 31eA and 31eB described below, constitutes the determination means of the present invention.

[0069] The display control unit 31f controls the display of various setting screens, operation screens, measurement results, various data, etc. related to measurement or cooling of the optical module 20 on the display unit 41.

[0070] The signal processing unit 31g is a functional unit that performs signal processing to analyze data transmitted and received via the optical module 20 inserted into the port 11 of the housing 10. The signal processing unit 31g sends the result of the signal processing to the display control unit 31f. This allows the display control unit 31f to display the measurement result on the display unit 41 based on the signal processing result. Note that the signal processing unit 31g may also have the function of a measurement unit that measures the communication quality of a measurement target such as a network based on the signal processing result.

[0071] The communication control unit 31h is a functional unit that controls communications when measurements are made using the optical module 20. The communication control unit 31h also has the function of a remote control unit that acquires remote control commands from a control device on the NW via the external I / F unit 35 and remotely controls the measurement device 1 from the external control device based on the commands. Examples of remote control that the communication control unit 31h can handle include having the measurement device 1 perform a measurement operation based on commands from the control device, having the measurement device 1 perform cooling control for cooling the optical module 20 (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as cooling control), and setting control data and the like required for the cooling control. The communication control unit 31h constitutes the remote control means of the present invention.

[0072] The optical module control unit 31i is a functional unit that controls the driving of the optical module 20. The driving control of the optical module 20 includes control of powering down the optical module 20 by transitioning to a low power mode, which will be described later. The optical module control unit 31i constitutes the optical module control means of the present invention.

[0073] [Operation mode related to optical module cooling] The measuring device 1 of this embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration (see Figures 4 and 5), so that the user can directly operate the operation unit 40 to control the cooling of the optical module 20 by the optical module cooling device 5, and can also remotely control it from a distance using a control device such as a PC.

[0074] On the other hand, the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment employs a small and thin fan 15 in order to maintain the compact size of the measuring device 1 even when equipped with a high-performance optical module 20 that is faster and more powerful. The small and thin fan 15 generates unpleasant noise (high-pitched sound) when driven at high speed.

[0075] In the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment, in order to reduce the unpleasant noise experienced by the user while improving the cooling capacity, the drive control of the fan 15 is performed in two cases: an environment in which the user cannot avoid hearing the noise, i.e., a case in which the user operates the measuring device 1 directly, and an environment in which the user does not need to hear the noise, i.e., a case in which the measuring device 1 is operated by remote control from a location distant from the measuring device 1. Hereinafter, the former case may be referred to as local operation, and the latter case as remote operation.

[0076] Regarding the cooling control of the optical module 20, the measuring device 1 of this embodiment performs cooling control that prioritizes quietness when operated in a local state, while performing cooling that prioritizes cooling capacity when operated in a remote state.

[0077] The operation modes of the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment, taking into account operation in a local state and operation in a remote state, will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the operation modes of the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the operation of the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment includes a manual mode and an auto mode, and both modes can be operated locally or remotely.

[0078] (Manual mode) In this mode, the user sets control data used to control the drive of the fan 15 via the operation unit 40 or the like, and the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 is controlled based on the setting. The control data used to control the drive of the fan 15 in the manual mode is data that defines the correspondence between the temperature range of the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 16 and the range of the rotational operating rate of the fan 15. As a table for setting this control data, for example, the manual mode control table 34c (see FIG. 5) among the tables constituting the control table 34 can be used. The manual mode control table 34c has three manual setting items for the rotational operating rate range, for example, Low, Mid (Middle), and High.

[0079] (Auto mode) This mode monitors the outside air temperature using pre-set control data (data defining the correspondence between the temperature range of the outside air temperature and the rotational operation rate range of the fan 15) and automatically controls the rotational operation rate of the fan 15 according to the outside air temperature. The outside air temperature is detected by the outside air temperature sensor 16. The control data used for driving control of the fan 15 in the Auto mode can be stored in, for example, control tables Tb1 and Tb2 (see FIG. 8) provided in the usage state determination control table 34b (see FIG. 5). In other words, the Auto mode is a mode in which cooling control of the fan 15 is automatically performed based on the pre-set control tables Tb1 and Tb2.

[0080] (Local operation mode) The local operation mode is an operation mode in which the user activates manual mode or auto mode in response to an operation on the operation unit 40, and cooling control of the optical module 20 is performed in a local state in which the user is in front of the measurement device 1.

[0081] (Remote operation mode) The remote operation mode is an operation mode in which the user issues a command to the measurement device 1 from an external control device to activate local mode or auto mode, and the optical module 20 is cooled in a remote state without the user being in front of the measurement device 1.

[0082] (Usage status determination mode) The operation of the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment further includes a usage state determination mode. In the usage state determination mode, when a cooling start command is given, it is determined whether the current usage state is a local state or a remote state (step S50). If it is determined to be a local state, cooling control is performed that prioritizes quietness (step S51). If it is determined to be a remote state, cooling control is performed that prioritizes cooling capacity (step S52). The cooling control here refers to control that varies the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 based on the outside air temperature.

[0083] Thus, the concept of the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment is to prioritize quietness when operated in local mode and cooling capacity when operated remotely, but the following control may be applied, taking into consideration that "user operation in high-temperature locations is not required, and quietness is not necessary when used remotely." That is, in Auto mode, in a room-temperature environment where the user operates the measuring device 1 in front of it, control is made to prioritize quietness over cooling capacity, such as Low. In Auto mode, in a location where the device is used remotely in a section of a server room where heat builds up, control is made to maximize cooling capacity.

[0084] [About control table 34] To realize the operation of each mode (see FIG. 6) based on the above concept, the optical module cooling device 5 mounted on the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment has a control table 34 (see FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 5, the control table 34 includes a usage state setting table 34a, a usage state determination control table 34b, and a manual mode control table 34c.

[0085] The usage state setting table 34a and the usage state determination control table 34b will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The usage state setting table 34a is a table for setting whether to operate in local state or remote state. An example of the configuration of the usage state setting table 34a is shown in Fig. 7(a).

[0086] 7(a), the usage status setting table 34a has, for example, "local" and "remote" as setting items, and a selection tool (radio button in this example) corresponding to each item is provided in the setting column. In the usage status setting table 34a having such a configuration, for example, the usage status can be set by operating the operation unit 40 and selecting "local" or "remote" with the selection tool that constitutes the setting column on the setting screen displayed on the display unit 41 (a state in which a black circle is present in the radio button).

[0087] As shown in Figure 7(b), the usage state determination control table 34b is a table in which control table Tb1 and control table Tb2 are registered as table types to be used in the local and remote usage states described above, respectively.

[0088] The usage state determination control table 34b is used in the cooling operation in the usage state determination mode (see FIG. 6), and contains a control table Tb1 that is referenced when it is determined in step S50 of FIG. 6 that the measurement device 1 is in the local state, and a control table Tb2 that is referenced when it is determined that it is in the remote state. Examples of the configurations of the control tables Tb1 and Tb2 registered in the usage state determination control table 34b are shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), respectively. The control tables Tb1 and Tb2 constitute the first and second control tables of the present invention, respectively.

[0089] 8(a), control table Tb1 has setting items for outdoor temperature and rotational operation rate of fan 15. Outdoor temperature is divided into four temperature ranges (corresponding to the first temperature range of the present invention): low temperature (L), normal temperature (L), high temperature (L), and extra (L). On the other hand, rotational operation rate of fan 15 is divided into rotational operation rate ranges: low, mid, high, and extra, corresponding to the four outdoor temperature ranges. Specific values ​​assigned to the four temperature ranges: low temperature (L), normal temperature (L), high temperature (L), and extra (L), respectively, are less than 25°C, 25-30°C, 30-35°C, and 35°C. Rotational operation rate ranges assigned to the four temperature ranges are 30-40 percent (%), 40-50%, 50-100%, and 100%, respectively.

[0090] On the other hand, control table Tb2 is similar to control table Tb1 in that it has setting items for outdoor temperature and rotational operating rate of fan 15, but differs from control table Tb1 in the division of outdoor temperature and rotational operating rate of fan 15. As shown in Fig. 8(b), control table Tb2 divides outdoor temperature into four temperature ranges, for example, low temperature (R), normal temperature (R), high temperature (R), and extra (R) (corresponding to the second temperature range of the present invention, different from the first temperature range described above), and divides fan 15 rotational operating rate into low, mid, and high rotational operating rate ranges corresponding to the low temperature (R), normal temperature (R), and high temperature (R) outdoor temperature ranges, respectively, and a rotational operating rate range having a value of 100% corresponding to the extra (R) outdoor temperature range. Specifically, the four temperature ranges of low temperature (R), room temperature (R), high temperature (R), and Extra (R) are assigned values ​​of below 27°C, 27-32°C, above 32°C, and Not Support, respectively, and the rotational operating rate ranges are assigned values ​​of 30-40(%), 40-50%, High, and 100% for each of the above four temperature ranges.

[0091] As shown in Figures 7(b) and 8, in the configuration of the usage state determination control table 34b, control table Tb1 has settings that allow cooling control to be implemented with priority given to quietness, and control table Tb2 has settings that allow cooling control to be implemented with priority given to cooling capacity.

[0092] As described above, the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment has a control table Tb1 in which the rotational operating rate ranges (Low, Mid, High, Extra) of the fan 15 are associated with a first temperature range (Low (L), Normal temperature (L), High temperature (L), Extra (L)) that is divided into a plurality of stages with respect to the temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 16, and a second temperature range (Low (R), Normal temperature (R), High temperature (R), Extra (R)) that is different from the first temperature range and that is divided into a plurality of stages with respect to the temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 16. A control table Tb2, which associates the rotational operating rate range of the fan 15 (Low, Mid, High, 100%) with each corresponding usage state, is set in advance in the usage state determination control table 34b. If it is determined that the usage state is local, the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 is controlled based on the control table Tb1 (cooling control that prioritizes quietness is implemented), and if it is determined that the usage state is remote, the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 is controlled based on the control table Tb2 (cooling control that prioritizes cooling capacity is implemented).

[0093] An example of a procedure for setting the control tables Tb1 and Tb2 of the usage state determination control table 34b will now be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the temperature range and the rotational operating rate range corresponding to the control data set in the control tables Tb1 and Tb2. In this graph, the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 is divided into four levels, for example, 30-40 percent (%) as Low, 40-50% as Mid, 50-100% as High, and over 100% as Extra. Meanwhile, for the outdoor air temperature detected by the outdoor air temperature sensor 16, the ranges of less than 25°C, 25-30°C, 30-35°C, and over 35°C shown in the "nor (normal)" column in the lower part of FIG. 9, and the ranges of less than 27°C, 27-32°C, and over 32°C (Not Supported) shown in the "quiet" column are clearly indicated.

[0094] 8, the control data set in the control table Tb1 (see FIG. 8(a)) of the usage state determination control table 34b is, for example, the content of the rotational operating rate range divisions (Low, Mid, High, Extra) on the vertical axis of FIG. 9, which are registered in association with the temperature range divisions shown in the "nor" column on the horizontal axis of FIG. 9, namely, less than 25°C, 25 to 30°C, 30 to 35°C, and more than 35°C (low temperature (L), normal temperature (L), high temperature (L), Extra (L)).

[0095] In contrast, the control data set in control table Tb2 (see FIG. 8(b)) is, for example, a content in which the divisions of the rotational operating rate range on the vertical axis of FIG. 9 (Low, Mid, (rotational operating rate=100%), (rotational operating rate=100%)) are registered in correspondence with the temperature range divisions shown in the "quiet" column on the horizontal axis of FIG. 9, that is, below 27°C, 27 to 32°C, and above 32°C (low temperature (R), normal temperature (R), high temperature (R), Extra (R)).

[0096] 9, in this embodiment, the control data in both control tables Tb1 and Tb2 in the usage state determination control table 34b are set to have hysteresis characteristics in which the starting temperatures for increasing and decreasing the rotational operating rate are different for each division of the rotational operating rate range of the fan 15. Controlling the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 using control data with hysteresis characteristics makes it possible to prevent the control system that controls the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 from oscillating.

[0097] Next, the optical module cooling operation of the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 10 illustrates an example in which the cooling operation is performed by determining whether the device is in the local state or the remote state only when it has been set in advance (for example, in the usage state setting table 34a) to perform the usage state determination mode (see Fig. 6).

[0098] In the measuring device 1 of this embodiment, when the optical module cooling device 5 receives a command to start cooling (step S1), the usage state determination unit 31e, for example, accesses the setting area for the usage state determination mode of the control table 34 (usage state setting table 34a) and checks whether the usage state determination mode is set (step S2).

[0099] If the use state determination mode is not set (NO in step S2), the fan drive control unit 31a controls the drive of the fan 15 in the currently activated mode (step S3).

[0100] Operation modes other than the usage state determination mode include a manual mode and an auto mode, as shown in Fig. 6. In the manual mode, in the control unit 30 of the optical module cooling device 5, the setting control unit 31d sets a manual mode control table 34c (see Fig. 5), and the fan drive control unit 31a uses the manual mode control table 34c to drive and control the fan 15 based on the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 16.

[0101] In the Auto mode, the fan drive control unit 31a uses, for example, the above-mentioned control tables Tb1 and Tb2 (see FIG. 8) that are pre-set in the usage state determination control table 34b, and drives the fan 15 to rotate based on the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 16.

[0102] On the other hand, if the usage state determination mode is set (YES in step S2), the usage state determination unit 31e continues to obtain data for determining the usage state from the usage state setting table 34a (step S4), and determines whether the measuring device 1 is in a local state or a remote state based on that data (step S5).

[0103] In the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment, for example, the user sets either remote or manual in the usage state setting table 34a (see FIG. 7(a)) before issuing the cooling start command in step S1. Therefore, the usage state determination unit 31e acquires the setting status in step S4, and determines whether the measuring device 1 is in a local state or a remote state based on the setting status in step S5.

[0104] If it is determined that the measuring device 1 is in the local state (local state in step S5), the fan drive control unit 31a uses a control table Tb1 (see FIG. 8(a)) in the pre-set usage state determination control table 34b to perform cooling control that prioritizes quietness (step S5). In the cooling control that prioritizes quietness, the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 is varied in stages based on the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 16.

[0105] In addition, when it is determined that the system is in a local state, it is not limited to using the pre-set control table Tb1. For example, the user may manually set the control table Tb1 or a control table with control data contents similar to the control table Tb1 one by one, and use the set table to perform cooling control that prioritizes quietness.

[0106] Furthermore, if it is determined that the measuring device 1 is in the remote state (remote state in step S5), the fan drive control unit 31a uses a control table Tb2 (see FIG. 8(b)) in the pre-set usage state determination control table 34b to perform cooling control that prioritizes cooling capacity (step S6). In the cooling control that prioritizes cooling capacity performance, the rotation operating rate of the fan 15 is controlled to be varied in stages based on the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 16.

[0107] In this way, the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment performs cooling control that prioritizes quietness when it is determined that the measuring device 1 is in a local state, and performs cooling control that prioritizes cooling capacity performance when it is determined that the measuring device 1 is in a remote state. Because the local state assumes that there is someone around the measuring device 1, it is more useful to improve quietness by using the above-described control table Tb1 (see FIG. 8(a)) to control the drive of the fan 15 so as to minimize the generation of high-pitched noise, rather than prioritizing cooling capacity.

[0108] On the other hand, in the remote state, it is assumed that there is no one around the measuring device 1, and even if a high-pitched noise is generated, it is more useful to improve the cooling capacity by controlling the drive of the fan 15 using the above-mentioned control table Tb2 (see FIG. 8(b)). Furthermore, whether control table Tb1 or Tb2 is used, the basic principle is to monitor the outside air temperature and control the drive of the fan 15, so oscillation of the fan cooling control system can be made less likely to occur compared to drive control based on the temperature of the optical module 20, which frequently changes depending on the communication status, and the cooling capacity of the optical module 20 can be improved.

[0109] 8(b), control table Tb2 used for cooling control prioritizing cooling capacity in the remote state may use control data that uniformly associates the highest rotational operating rate (e.g., 100%) with all temperature ranges, including low temperature (R), normal temperature (R), high temperature (R), and extra (R). By controlling the drive of fan 15 based on this control data, fan 15 is driven at a rotational operating rate of 100% across all temperature ranges, which is expected to further improve cooling capacity.

[0110] In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which a usage state determination mode is provided, and only when the usage state determination mode is set is a determination made as to whether the cooling device is in the local state or the remote state, and drive control of the fan 15 is performed according to the determined local state or the remote state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to always determine whether the cooling device is in the local state or the remote state when a cooling start command is received, and to perform drive control of the fan 15 according to the determined local state or the remote state.

[0111] [Warning function and safety function related to the cooling operation of the optical module 20] The measuring device 1 of this embodiment is based on the control of changing the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 depending on whether it is local or remote as described above, and also takes various measures to ensure smooth and safe cooling of the optical module 20.

[0112] As an example, the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment includes a warning unit that warns that priority will be given to Auto mode (a mode in which the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 is automatically controlled using control tables Tb1 and Tb2) if the usage state determination unit 31e determines that the device is in a remote usage state, even if the manual mode control table 34a (see FIG. 5) used in the manual mode described above has been manually set by the user. This warning unit can be realized, for example, by a control function that causes the display control unit 31f to display a warning message indicating that priority will be given to Auto mode on a predetermined operation screen of the display unit 41.

[0113] As another example, the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment may be configured with a high-temperature warning means that issues a warning when the outside air temperature sensor 16 detects a high temperature that exceeds the highest temperature range set in the control tables Tb1 and Tb2 of the usage state determination control table 34b. The high-temperature warning means can also be realized, for example, by a control function that causes the display control unit 31f to display a high-temperature warning message such as "A high temperature has been detected" on the operation screen of the display unit 41. The display control unit 31f constitutes the warning means and high-temperature warning means described above in the present invention.

[0114] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of safely cooling the optical module 20, the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment has a function to protect the optical module 20 from an abnormally high temperature operating state. As an example, in the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment, the optical module control unit 31i (see FIG. 5) has a control function to power down the optical module 20 when the optical module temperature sensor 17 detects a temperature equal to or higher than the absolute rated temperature of the optical module 20.

[0115] Power down here does not mean turning off the power to the optical module 20, but rather refers to switching to low power mode, reducing the optical output of the optical module 20, and operating the optical module while reducing power consumption. By operating the optical module 20 in low power mode, it is possible to prevent the optical module 20 from being damaged and becoming inoperable.

[0116] As described above, the measuring device 1 of this embodiment performs measurements using an optical module 20 that converts optical signals into electrical signals and vice versa, and includes a fan 15 that generates air to cool the optical module 20, temperature sensors (an outside air temperature sensor 16 that detects the outside air temperature taken in by the fan 15, and an optical module temperature sensor 17 that detects the temperature of the optical module 20), a communication control unit 31h that remotely controls the measuring device 1, a usage state determination unit 31e that determines whether the usage state is local or remote, and a fan drive control unit 31a that, if it determines that the usage state is local, controls the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 so that cooling prioritizes quietness based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, and, if it determines that the usage state is remote, controls the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 so that cooling prioritizes cooling capacity based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0117] With this configuration, the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment controls to change the fan rotation operating rate depending on whether it is local or remote, so that cooling that prioritizes quietness can be achieved locally, and cooling that prioritizes cooling capacity can be achieved remotely. This makes it possible to reduce unpleasant noise while improving cooling capacity, even in a configuration that employs a small, thin fan to match the high performance of the optical module 20.

[0118] Furthermore, in the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment, the temperature sensor is an outdoor air temperature sensor 16 that detects the outdoor air temperature that the fan 15 takes in, and the fan drive control unit 31a is configured to control the rotation operating rate of the fan 15 in accordance with a user setting regarding the rotation operating rate of the fan 15 relative to the temperature (outdoor air temperature) detected by the outdoor air temperature sensor 16 when it determines that the device is in a local usage state, and to control the rotation operating rate of the fan 15 in accordance with a pre-set setting regarding the rotation operating rate of the fan 15 relative to the outdoor air temperature when it determines that the device is in a remote usage state.

[0119] With this configuration, the measuring device according to this embodiment can variably control the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 based on the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 16, making it less likely for the fan cooling control system to oscillate compared to cooling control based on the temperature of the optical module, which frequently changes depending on the communication conditions.

[0120] Furthermore, in the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment, when the fan drive control unit 31a determines that the device is in a local usage state, the user manually sets a control table Tb1 that associates the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 with the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 16, or a control table similar to the control table Tb1 (a quietness priority control table) to perform cooling control that prioritizes quietness.

[0121] With this configuration, when the measuring device 1 of this embodiment determines that it is in local use, the user can manually set the control table Tb1 or a control table similar to the control table Tb1 one by one, and perform cooling control that prioritizes quietness based on the outside air temperature.

[0122] In addition, the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment has a setting control unit 31d that sets local or remote operation, and the usage state determination unit 31e is configured to determine whether the usage state is local or remote based on the above-mentioned operation setting by the setting control unit 31d.

[0123] With this configuration, the measurement device 1 of this embodiment can easily determine whether the device is being used locally or remotely by retaining the user's setting input for local or remote operation from the setting input.

[0124] Furthermore, the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment has, as the above-mentioned pre-settings, a control table Tb1 in which a rotational operating rate range (Low, Mid, High, Extra) of the fan 15 is associated with each of a first temperature range (Low (L), Normal temperature (L), High temperature (L), Extra (L)) divided into multiple stages based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, and a control table Tb2 in which a rotational operating rate range (Low, Mid, High, 100%) of the fan 15 is associated with each of a second temperature range (Low (R), Normal temperature (R), High temperature (R), Extra (R)) different from the first temperature range divided into multiple stages based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, or a control table Tb2 in which the highest rotational operating rate range of the fan 15 is uniformly associated with all of the second temperature ranges. The fan drive control unit 31a is configured to control the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 based on the control table Tb1 when it determines that the device is in a local usage state, and to control the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 based on the control table Tb2 when it determines that the device is in a remote usage state.

[0125] With this configuration, the measuring device 1 of this embodiment can perform cooling that prioritizes quietness locally using control table Tb1, while remotely performing cooling that prioritizes cooling capacity using control table Tb2.

[0126] Furthermore, in the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment, the control tables Tb1 and Tb2 are configured to have a hysteresis characteristic in which the starting temperature differs for increasing and decreasing the rotational operating rate at each division of the rotational operating rate range of the fan 15.

[0127] With this configuration, the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment controls the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 using control data having a hysteresis characteristic, thereby making it possible to prevent the control system that controls the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 from oscillating.

[0128] Furthermore, the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment has a manual mode in which the user manually sets a manual mode control table 34c each time, which defines the correspondence between the temperature range and the rotational operating rate range of the fan 15, and performs cooling control of the fan 15 based on the manual mode control table 34c, and an auto mode in which the cooling control of the fan 15 is automatically performed based on the pre-set control tables Tb1 and Tb2. Even if the manual mode control table 34c has been set by the user, if it is determined that the device is in remote use, the measuring device 1 is further configured to have a warning means (display control unit 31f) that warns that the auto mode takes priority.

[0129] With this configuration, when the measuring device 1 of this embodiment attempts to start cooling operation according to user settings each time, the user is warned that auto mode will take priority, allowing the user to confirm this and switch to cooling in auto mode.

[0130] In addition, the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment is further configured to include a high temperature warning means (display control unit 31f) that issues a warning when the temperature sensor detects a high temperature that exceeds the highest temperature range set in the control table Tb1 or the control table Tb2.

[0131] With this configuration, the measuring device 1 of this embodiment allows the user to easily and reliably know that a high temperature has been detected, prevents the optical module 20 from being operated in an environment with a higher temperature than that, and enables safe cooling control.

[0132] Furthermore, in the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment, the temperature sensor further includes an optical module temperature sensor 17 that detects the temperature of the optical module 20, and further includes an optical module control unit 31i that controls the optical module 20 to power down when the optical module temperature sensor 17 detects a temperature equal to or higher than the absolute rated value of the optical module 20.

[0133] With this configuration, the measuring device 1 of this embodiment can power down the optical module 20 without turning off the power when the temperature of the optical module 20 reaches or exceeds the absolute rated temperature, and can continue cooling operation with a reduced rotational operating rate, thereby ensuring safety.

[0134] Furthermore, the optical module cooling device 5 of this embodiment is mounted on a measuring device 1 that performs measurements using an optical module 20 that converts optical signals into electrical signals and vice versa, and cools the optical module 20 by blowing air onto it. It is configured to include a fan 15 that generates air to cool the optical module 20, temperature sensors (an outside air temperature sensor 16 that detects the outside air temperature drawn in by the fan 15, and an optical module temperature sensor 17 that detects the temperature of the optical module 20), a communication control unit 31h that remotely controls the measuring device 1, a usage state determination unit 31e that determines whether the usage state is local or remote, and a fan drive control unit 31a that, if it is determined to be the local usage state, controls the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 to perform cooling that prioritizes quietness based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, and, if it is determined to be the remote usage state, controls the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 to perform cooling that prioritizes cooling capacity based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0135] With this configuration, the optical module cooling device 5 according to this embodiment controls to change the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 depending on whether it is local or remote, thereby enabling cooling that prioritizes quietness in local operation and cooling that prioritizes cooling capacity in remote operation. Therefore, even in a configuration that employs a small, thin fan 15 that matches the high performance of the optical module 20, it is possible to reduce unpleasant noise while improving the cooling capacity of the measuring device 1 equipped with the optical module cooling device 5.

[0136] Furthermore, the cooling method for an optical module according to this embodiment is a cooling method for an optical module 20 that is mounted on a measuring device 1 having the above-described configuration and cools the optical module 20 by wind generated by a fan 15, and includes a receiving step (S1) for receiving a cooling start command, a determining step (S5) for determining whether the usage state is a local usage state in which people are present around, or a remote usage state, and a fan drive control step (S6, S7) for controlling the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 in accordance with a user setting for the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 so as to perform cooling that prioritizes quietness based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor if it is determined that the usage state is a local usage state, and controlling the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 in accordance with a pre-setting for the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 so as to perform cooling that prioritizes cooling capacity based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor if it is determined that the usage state is a remote usage state.

[0137] With this configuration, the cooling method for the optical module 20 according to this embodiment controls to change the rotational operating rate of the fan 15 depending on whether it is local or remote, so that cooling that prioritizes quietness can be achieved locally, and cooling that prioritizes cooling capacity can be achieved remotely. As a result, even in a configuration that uses a small, thin fan 15 to match the high performance of the optical module 20, by adopting this cooling method, it is possible to reduce unpleasant noise while improving cooling capacity.

[0138] [Modification 1 of Optical Module Cooling Device 5] In the above embodiment, the optical module cooling device 5 is configured to include a usage state determination unit 31e that determines whether the measurement device 1 is in a local state or a remote state based on a user setting (see FIG. 5). However, in the optical module cooling device 5, the function of determining whether the measurement device 1 is in a local state or a remote state is not limited to a configuration based on a user setting, and various configurations or modifications are possible.

[0139] Fig. 11 shows the functional configuration of an optical module cooling device 5A according to Modification 1, which is installed in the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment, and Fig. 12 shows the functional configuration of a control unit 30A of the optical module cooling device 5A according to Modification 1. In Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, parts that perform the same functions as the functional units shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0140] 11 and 12, the optical module cooling device 5A according to the first modification has a no-operation monitoring unit 31j (see FIG. 12) that monitors a no-operation period in which no user operation is performed on the operation unit 40 using a timer 45 (see FIG. 11) as a function for determining whether the measurement device 1 is in a local state or a remote state, and includes a usage state determination unit 31eA that determines whether the measurement device 1 is in a local state or a remote state depending on whether the no-operation period has been detected continuously for a preset period. Other configurations are the same as those of the optical module cooling device 5 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The no-operation monitoring unit 31j constitutes the no-operation monitoring means of the present invention.

[0141] The cooling control operation of the optical module 20 in the optical module cooling device 5A according to the first modification is performed in the same manner as in the optical module cooling device 5 according to the above embodiment, according to the flow shown in the flowchart of Fig. 10. During the cooling control shown in Fig. 10, when data acquisition processing for determining the usage state is performed in step S4, the no-operation monitoring unit 31j monitors a no-operation period, measured by the timer 45, during which no user operation is performed on the operation unit 40.

[0142] Next, in step S5, the usage status determination unit 31eA compares the non-operation period monitored by the non-operation monitoring unit 31j with a preset threshold, and if the non-operation period is less than the threshold, determines that the measurement device 1 is in a local state (local state in step S5), and if the non-operation period exceeds the threshold, determines that the measurement device 1 is in a remote state (remote state in step S5).

[0143] Thereafter, the fan drive control unit 31a performs drive control of the fan 15 corresponding to the local state (step S6) or drive control of the fan 15 corresponding to the remote state (step S7), similar to the optical module cooling device 5 according to the above embodiment.

[0144] In this way, the optical module cooling device 5A of variant example 1 has a timer 45 and an unoperated monitoring unit 31j, and the usage state determination unit 31eA is configured to determine whether the usage state is remote or local depending on whether an unoperated period has been detected continuously for a predetermined period of time.

[0145] With this configuration, even in the measurement device 1 equipped with the optical module cooling device 5A according to the first modification, if it is determined that the measurement device 1 is in a local state, cooling that prioritizes quietness is performed, and if it is determined that the measurement device 1 is in a remote state, cooling control that prioritizes cooling capacity is performed, thereby achieving the same effects as the optical module cooling device 5 according to the above embodiment. Furthermore, with the optical module cooling device 5A according to the first modification, the simple configuration including the timer 45 and the non-operation monitoring unit 31j makes it easy to determine whether the usage state is remote or local.

[0146] [Modification 2 of Optical Module Cooling Device 5] Fig. 13 shows the functional configuration of an optical module cooling device 5B according to Modification 2, which is installed in the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment, and Fig. 14 shows the functional configuration of a control unit 30B of the optical module cooling device 5B according to this modification. In Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, parts that perform the same functions as the functional parts shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0147] 13 and 14, the optical module cooling device 5B according to the second modification includes a human presence sensor 18 and a timer 45 that detect the presence of a person as functions for determining whether the measuring device 1 is in a local state or a remote state, and an operating state determination unit 31eB that determines whether the measuring device 1 is in a remote state or a local state depending on whether the human presence is detected by the human presence sensor 18 continuously for a preset period of time. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the optical module cooling device 5 shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The human presence sensor 18 can be of various types, such as an infrared sensor that detects infrared rays emitted from human body temperature, an ultrasonic sensor that emits ultrasonic waves and detects human movement using the reflected waves, or a microwave sensor that detects human movement using microwaves.

[0148] The cooling control operation of the optical module 20 in the optical module cooling device 5A according to the second modification is performed according to the flow shown in the flowchart of Fig. 10, similar to the optical module cooling device 5 according to the above embodiment. During the cooling control, the detection output of the human presence sensor 18 is acquired in the data acquisition process for determining the usage state in step S4.

[0149] Next, in step S5, the usage state determination unit 31eB checks from the time counted by the timer 45 whether the human presence sensor 18 has continuously detected the presence of a person for a predetermined period of time, and determines that the measuring device 1 is in a local state if the human presence sensor 18 has not continuously detected the presence of a person for the above period of time (local state in step S5), and determines that the measuring device 1 is in a remote state if the human presence has continuously been detected for the above period of time (remote state in step S5).

[0150] Thereafter, the fan drive control unit 31a performs drive control of the fan 15 corresponding to the local state (step S6) or drive control of the fan 15 corresponding to the remote state (step S7), similar to the optical module cooling device 5 according to the above embodiment.

[0151] As such, the optical module cooling device 5B according to variant example 2, which is mounted on the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment, has a timer 45 and a human presence sensor 18, and the usage status determination unit 31eB has the function of determining whether the usage status is remote or local depending on whether the presence of a person has been detected by the human presence sensor 18 continuously for a predetermined period of time.

[0152] With this configuration, the measuring device 1 equipped with the optical module cooling device 5B according to Modification 2 can also perform cooling control that prioritizes quietness when it is determined that the measuring device 1 is in a local state, just like when it is equipped with the optical module cooling device 5 according to the above embodiment or the optical module cooling device 5A according to Modification 1, and can perform cooling control that prioritizes cooling capacity when it is determined that the measuring device 1 is in a remote state, thereby achieving the same effects as the optical module cooling devices 5 and 5A. Furthermore, the optical module cooling device 5B according to Modification 2 can easily determine whether the usage state is remote or local with a simple configuration including the timer 45 and the human presence sensor 18. [Industrial Applicability]

[0153] As described above, the present invention has the effect of using a small, thin fan to improve the cooling capacity for cooling optical modules while reducing unpleasant noise, and is useful for measuring devices equipped with small, thin fans for cooling optical modules, and for optical module cooling devices and cooling methods used therefor in general. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 1. Measuring equipment 2. Device body 5, 5A, 5B Optical Module Cooling Device 10. Cabinet 15 Fans 16 Outside air temperature sensor (first temperature sensor) 17 Optical module temperature sensor (second temperature sensor) 18 Human Sensor 20, 20a, 20b optical modules 30, 30A, 30B control section 31a Fan drive control section (fan drive control means) 31b, 31c Temperature sensor reading unit 31d Setting control unit (setting means) 31e, 31eA, 31eB Usage state determination unit (determination means) 31f Display control unit (warning means, high temperature warning means) 31g Signal processing section 31h Communication control section (remote control means) 31i Optical module control unit (optical module control means) 31j Non-operation monitoring unit (non-operation monitoring means) 34 Control Table 34a Usage status setting table 34b Usage state determination control table 34c Manual mode control table 40 Control section 41 Display section 45 Timer Tb1 control table (first control table) Tb2 control table (second control table)

Claims

1. A measurement device (1) that performs measurements using an optical module (20) that converts optical signals into electrical signals and vice versa, a fan (15) for generating airflow to cool the optical module; temperature sensors (16, 17) for detecting temperature; remote control means (31h) for remotely controlling the measuring device; A determination means (31e) for determining whether the usage state is a local usage state or a remote usage state; a fan drive control means (31 a) for controlling the rotational operating rate of the fan so as to perform cooling with priority given to quietness based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor when it is determined that the local use state is occurring, and for controlling the rotational operating rate of the fan so as to perform cooling with priority given to cooling capacity based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor when it is determined that the remote use state is occurring; A measuring device comprising:

2. The temperature sensor is a first temperature sensor (16) that detects the temperature of outside air taken in by the fan, The measuring device described in claim 1, characterized in that when it is determined that the device is in the local usage state, the fan drive control means controls the fan's rotational operating rate in accordance with a user setting regarding the fan's rotational operating rate in relation to the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, and when it is determined that the device is in the remote usage state, the fan drive control means controls the fan's rotational operating rate in accordance with a pre-set setting regarding the fan's rotational operating rate in relation to the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor.

3. The measuring device described in claim 2, characterized in that when the fan drive control means determines that the device is in the local usage state, the user manually sets a first control table (Tb1) in which the rotational operating rate of the fan is associated with the outside air temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, or a control table similar to the first control table, to perform cooling control that prioritizes quietness.

4. The measuring device has a setting means (31d) for setting the local or remote operation, The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the determination means determines whether the device is in the local usage state or the remote usage state based on the operation setting made by the setting means.

5. The measuring device includes a timer (45) for measuring time; and a non-operation monitoring means (31j) for monitoring a non-operation period during which no input operation is performed by the user, The measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the determination means determines whether the device is in the remote usage state or the local usage state depending on whether the non-operation period has been detected continuously for a predetermined period of time.

6. The measuring device includes a timer (45) for measuring time; and a human presence sensor (18) for detecting the presence of a person in the vicinity. The measuring device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the determination means determines whether the device is in the remote usage state or the local usage state depending on whether the presence of a person is detected by the human presence sensor continuously for a predetermined period of time.

7. The measurement device includes, as the advance setting, a first control table (Tb1) in which a rotational operating rate range (Low, Mid, High, Extra) of the fan is associated with each of a first temperature range (Low temperature (L), Normal temperature (L), High temperature (L), Extra (L)) divided into a plurality of stages with respect to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor; a second control table (Tb2) in which a rotational operation rate range (Low, Mid, High, 100%) of the fan is associated with each of second temperature ranges (low temperature (R), normal temperature (R), high temperature (R), Extra (R)) different from the first temperature range, the second temperature range being divided into a plurality of stages with respect to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, or in which the highest rotational operation rate range (100%) of the fan is associated with all of the second temperature ranges; 2. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the fan drive control means controls the rotational operating rate of the fan based on the first control table when it determines that the device is in the local usage state, and controls the rotational operating rate of the fan based on the second control table when it determines that the device is in the remote usage state.

8. The measuring device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first control table and the second control table are set to have hysteresis characteristics in which the starting temperatures for increasing and decreasing the rotational operating rate are different for each division of the fan rotational operating rate range.

9. a manual mode in which a user manually sets a manual mode control table (34c) each time the user wants to set a correspondence relationship between a temperature range and a rotational operating rate range of the fan, and performs cooling control of the fan based on the manual mode control table, and an auto mode in which cooling control of the fan is automatically performed based on the first control table and the second control table that are set in advance, The measuring device according to claim 7, further comprising a warning means (31f) for issuing a warning that the auto mode has priority when it is determined that the remote is in use, even if the manual mode control table has been set.

10. The measuring device according to claim 7, further comprising a high temperature warning means (31f) for issuing a warning when the temperature sensor detects a high temperature exceeding the highest temperature range set in the first control table or the second control table.

11. The temperature sensor further includes a second temperature sensor (17) that detects the temperature of the optical module; 2. The measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising an optical module control means (31i) for controlling the optical module to power down when the second temperature sensor detects a temperature equal to or higher than the absolute rating of the optical module.

12. An optical module cooling device (5, 5A, 5B) mounted on a measuring device (1) that performs measurements using an optical module (20) that converts optical signals into electrical signals and vice versa, and that cools the optical module by blowing air onto the optical module, a fan (15) for generating airflow to cool the optical module; temperature sensors (16, 17) for detecting temperature; remote control means (31g) for remotely controlling the measuring device; A determination means (31e) for determining whether the usage state is a local usage state or a remote usage state; a fan drive control means (31 a) for controlling the rotational operating rate of the fan so as to perform cooling with priority given to quietness based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor when it is determined that the local use state is occurring, and for controlling the rotational operating rate of the fan so as to perform cooling with priority given to cooling capacity based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor when it is determined that the remote use state is occurring; 1. A cooling device for an optical module, comprising:

13. 2. A method for cooling an optical module, the method being mounted on the measurement device according to claim 1, and cooling the optical module by air generated by the fan, comprising: a receiving step (S1) of receiving a cooling start command; a determination step (S5) of determining whether the usage state is local or remote; a fan drive control step (S6, S7) of controlling the rotational operating rate of the fan so as to perform cooling with priority given to quietness based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor when it is determined that the local use state is occurring, and controlling the rotational operating rate of the fan so as to perform cooling with priority given to cooling capacity based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor when it is determined that the remote use state is occurring; 10. A cooling method for an optical module, comprising:

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