Display structure, optical transmission device, and display method

Abstract

To provide a display structure, an optical transmission device, and a display method capable of improving the degree of freedom of design of the optical transmission device.SOLUTION: A display structure of an optical transmission device includes a front member, a light diffusion part, and an optical waveguide. The front member of the display structure is a front member on the front surface of the optical transmission device. The light diffusion portion of the display structure is disposed at a position where the display item related to the optical transmission device is displayed. The optical waveguide of the display structure propagates light for a display item input in the front member to the light diffusion portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display structure, an optical transmission device, and a display method. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in optical transmission devices, various pieces of information are displayed on a front panel operated by a user. For example, as a related technique, Patent Document 1 describes that a port of an optical transmission device is provided with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) for display and a light output unit that outputs the LED light. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-70241 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, space saving is achieved by attaching an LED for display and a light output unit that outputs the LED light to the port of an optical transmission device. In recent years, as optical communications have become faster and larger in capacity, the transmission capacity efficiency of optical transmission devices has improved and the hardware packaging density has also increased. In order to accommodate high-density designs, it is desirable to enable further space saving and increase the degree of freedom in the design of optical transmission devices.

[0005] In view of the above problems, one object of the present disclosure is to provide a display structure, an optical transmission device, and a display method that can improve the degree of freedom in designing an optical transmission device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A display structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a front member of an optical transmission device, a light diffusion section arranged in the front member at a position where display items related to the optical transmission device are displayed, and an optical waveguide in the front member that propagates light for the display items input to the light diffusion section.

[0007] An optical transmission device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a front member, a light diffusion unit arranged in the front member at a position where display items related to the optical transmission device are displayed, and an optical waveguide in the front member that propagates light for the display items input to the light diffusion unit.

[0008] A display method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a display method for an optical transmission device, which includes arranging a light diffusion unit in a front member of the optical transmission device at a position where display items related to the optical transmission device are displayed, and propagating light for the display items input to the front member to the light diffusion unit via an optical waveguide. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in designing optical transmission devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view illustrating a configuration example of a display structure of an optical transmission device according to some embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a configuration example of a related optical transmission device. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic front view illustrating an example of a configuration of an optical transmission device according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of a configuration of a front cover according to some embodiments. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic front view illustrating a configuration example of an optical transmission device to which a front cover according to some embodiments is attached. [Figure 6]1 is a schematic side view illustrating a configuration example of an optical transmission device to which a front cover according to some embodiments is attached. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of display of a light diffusion portion of a front cover according to some embodiments. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of display of a light diffusion portion of a front cover according to some embodiments. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of display of a light diffusion portion of a front cover according to some embodiments. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic front view illustrating an example of a configuration of an optical transmission device according to some embodiments. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of a configuration of a front cover according to some embodiments. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic front view illustrating a configuration example of an optical transmission device to which a front cover according to some embodiments is attached. [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic side view illustrating a configuration example of an optical transmission device to which a front cover according to some embodiments is attached. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic front view illustrating an example of a configuration of an optical transmission device according to some embodiments. [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic side view illustrating a configuration example of an optical transmission device according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted as necessary.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) First, a description will be given of embodiment 1. In this embodiment, an outline of several embodiments will be described.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of the configuration of a display structure 1 of an optical transmission device 10 according to some embodiments. For example, the optical transmission device 10 is a transponder that houses multiple optical transceivers and performs optical communication via optical fibers connected to the optical transceivers. The optical transmission device 10 is not limited to a transponder, and may be any other optical communication device. The optical transmission device 10 may be a horizontally placed horizontal optical transmission device (also called a pizza box type) or a vertically placed vertical optical transmission device (also called a shelf type). In other words, the up / down (vertical direction) and left / right (horizontal direction) in each drawing are examples for explanation, and up / down / left / right may be read as left / right / up / down.

[0014] In the example of FIG. 1, the display structure 1 includes a front member 11 of the optical transmission device 10, a light diffusion unit 12, and an optical waveguide 13. The front member 11 is a member arranged on the front side of the interior of the optical transmission device 10. The front member 11 may be a front cover attached externally to the front panel of the optical transmission device 10, or may be the front panel of the optical transmission device 10. The front panel is a panel on the front side of the housing of the optical transmission device 10. Note that the display structure 1 may be applied to other members arranged on the outside of the interior of the optical transmission device 10 (including the housing), not limited to the front member 11.

[0015] The light diffusion unit 12 and the optical waveguide 13 are formed on the front member 11. The light diffusion unit 12 is disposed at a position where display items related to the optical transmission device 10 are displayed. The light diffusion unit 12 is a member that diffuses input light and also a display unit that displays display items related to the optical transmission device 10. The display items may include the status of an optical transceiver inserted into the optical transmission device 10 and the status of the optical transmission device 10. When displaying the status of the optical transceiver, the light diffusion unit 12 may be disposed around the insertion portion of the optical transceiver.

[0016] The optical waveguide 13 propagates the input light for the display items to the light diffusion section 12. The light diffusion section 12 diffuses the propagated light, making the light visible from outside the front member 11.

[0017] The display structure 1 may include a light source that outputs light for display items to the optical waveguide 13. The light source may be a light source formed on a silicon substrate using silicon photonics technology. For example, multiple light sources may be integrated on the silicon substrate. The light source may be included in the front member 11 or may be included inside the optical transmission device 10.

[0018] The display structure 1 may include a control circuit (light source control circuit) that controls the light of the light source in response to a signal from inside the optical transmission device 10. The control circuit may be included in the front member 11, like the light source, or may be included inside the optical transmission device 10. For example, the light source and the control circuit may be integrated into a semiconductor device.

[0019] As described above, in this embodiment, a front member such as an external front cover or front panel of an optical transmission device is provided with a light diffusion section for display and an optical waveguide for propagating light to the light diffusion section. This makes it possible to reduce the space required for display LEDs and the like on the front surface of the optical transmission device, thereby improving the degree of freedom in designing the optical transmission device.

[0020] In the following embodiment, a specific example of the first embodiment will be described.

[0021] (Embodiment 2) Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a front cover capable of displaying display items is externally attached to the front surface of an optical transmission device.

[0022] First, a related optical transmission device before the application of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a schematic front view showing an example of the configuration of a related optical transmission device 900. For example, the optical transmission device 900 is a transponder that relays communications between an optical fiber on the land side and an optical fiber on the undersea side in a submarine cable system.

[0023] In the example of FIG. 2, the optical transmission device 900 includes, as interfaces, a first port 120, a second port 130, and an external connector 140 on a front panel 911 on the front surface of a housing 910.

[0024] The first ports 120 are ports into which first optical transceivers 121 for optical communication are inserted or removed. For example, eight first ports 120 are provided into which eight first optical transceivers 121 indicated by T1 to T8 are inserted or removed. For example, the first optical transceivers 121 are optical transceivers that connect to optical fibers on the land side. For example, the first optical transceivers 121 may be transceivers with a form factor such as QSFP28 (Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable 28) for 100 Gbps transmission.

[0025] The second port 130 is a port into which a second optical transceiver 131 for optical communication is inserted or removed. For example, two second ports 130 are provided into which two second optical transceivers 131 indicated by LINE1 and LINE2 are inserted or removed. For example, the second optical transceiver 131 is an optical transceiver that connects to an optical fiber on the undersea side. For example, the second optical transceiver 131 may be a transceiver with a form factor such as OSFP (Octal Small Form Factor Pluggable) for 400 Gbps transmission.

[0026] The external connector 140 is a connector for connecting an external connection cable for maintenance purposes. For example, the external connector 140 may be a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector for connecting a cable such as a USB.

[0027] The front panel 911 is also provided with a first LED display area 950, a second LED display area 960, and a third LED display area 970 as an LED display unit. In each LED display area, an indicator LED mounted on an internal circuit board is exposed through a hole in the front panel 911. The color of the LED changes depending on the status of the optical transceiver or optical transmission device to inform the user of the status. The first LED display area 950 displays the status of the first optical transceiver 121 (T1 to T8) with an LED. The second LED display area 960 displays the status of the second optical transceiver 131 (LINE1 to LINE2) with an LED. The third LED display area 970 displays the status of the optical transmission device 900 with an LED.

[0028] Furthermore, the front panel 911 is provided with symbols 901. The symbols 901 include characters, symbols, etc. For example, symbol 901a indicates the number of the optical transceiver inserted into the port. Symbol 901b is a mark (sticker) on the laser component. Symbol 901c indicates the object (optical transceiver number) whose status is displayed by the LED.

[0029] Next, we will discuss the challenges of related optical transmission devices. First, considering the internal design of the device, there is a demand for a more densely packed internal design to improve the transmission capacity efficiency per unit space of the optical transmission device. This high-density design reduces the design margin within the transmission device, resulting in a problem of limited design flexibility. In particular, arranging the LEDs as described above requires a structure and wiring to secure the LEDs, and optical transceivers, displays, and air intakes and exhausts are concentrated near the narrow front surface. This necessitates a need to reduce the area occupied by auxiliary circuits and mechanical components, including LEDs. Furthermore, the mounting position of the LEDs presupposes the presence of a circuit board on which the LEDs are mounted, resulting in limited design flexibility. Therefore, in this embodiment, the indicator LEDs are mounted externally, saving space and creating more space within the internal space of the transmission device, improving design flexibility.

[0030] Furthermore, when considering interfaces with the outside of the equipment, as the transmission capacity of the submarine-side optical transceivers installed in transmission equipment continues to increase, there is a demand to increase the number of land-side optical transceivers that can be installed in line with the increase in transmission capacity. Furthermore, there is also a demand to support multiple form factors (size types) of land-side optical transceivers. However, there is a problem in that it is difficult to increase the space on the front of the transmission equipment to install optical transceivers. That is, land-side optical transceivers must be mounted on the front of the equipment, but the size of the front of the equipment is fixed and cannot be expanded. Therefore, there is not enough space on the front of the transmission equipment to increase the number of land-side optical transceivers that can be installed while maintaining the size of the transmission equipment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the indicator LED is space-saving and externally mounted, thereby securing space on the front of the transmission equipment and increasing the number of land-side optical transceivers that can be installed.

[0031] Next, a display structure of an optical transmission device according to this embodiment will be described. In the display structure of this embodiment, the LEDs and symbols are removed from the optical transmission device, and a front cover is attached to the front panel of the optical transmission device. That is, in this embodiment, the display structure of the optical transmission device is realized by the front cover.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view illustrating an example of the configuration of the optical transmission device 100 with the front cover 200 removed according to some embodiments. FIG. 4 is a schematic front view illustrating an example of the configuration of the front cover 200 according to some embodiments. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view illustrating an example of the configuration of the optical transmission device 100 with the front cover 200 attached. FIG. 6 is a schematic side (cross-sectional) view illustrating an example of the configuration of the optical transmission device 100 with the front cover 200 attached. Note that for the sake of explanation, the control unit 250 and the optical waveguide 260 are illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. However, the control unit 250 and the optical waveguide 260 are included inside the front cover 200 and may not be visible from the outside. Furthermore, although the optical waveguide 260 is illustrated as being bent at a right angle in FIGS. 4 and 5, it is assumed that the optical waveguide 260 is actually bent with a curvature that allows light to propagate. This also applies to the subsequent figures.

[0033] For example, the optical transmission device 100 according to this embodiment is a transponder that relays communication between an optical fiber on the land side and an optical fiber on the undersea side, similar to the optical transmission device 100 shown in FIG.

[0034] 3, the optical transmission device 100 does not have the symbols 901a and 901b, the first LED display area 950, the second LED display area 960, and the third LED display area 970 shown in FIG. 2 on the front panel 111 of the housing 110. This allows for free space, such as area A1, for installing additional optical transceivers. Note that if the front cover 200 is made of a transparent material, the symbols may be attached to the front panel 111.

[0035] The housing 110 accommodates components, boards, and the like for implementing functions required for the optical transmission device 100. For example, the housing 110 is a horizontally long rectangular parallelepiped housing member, and the front panel 111 has a horizontally long rectangular shape.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the front panel 111, similar to Figure 2, is provided with a first port 120 for inserting and removing a first optical transceiver 121 (e.g., a land-side optical transceiver), a second port 130 for inserting and removing a second optical transceiver 131 (e.g., an undersea-side optical transceiver), and an external connector 140 for connecting an external connection cable.

[0037] For example, eight first ports 120 for inserting and removing eight first optical transceivers 121 are arranged in the area from the center to the right side of the front panel 111. Note that the number of first ports 120 is not limited to eight, and any number of first ports 120 may be provided. For example, four first ports 120 are arranged side by side on the upper side and four first ports 120 are arranged side by side on the lower side. The first ports 120 are rectangular openings that are aligned to fit the first optical transceivers 121.

[0038] The external connector 140 is arranged on the front panel 111 at the lower left side of the first port 120 (at the lower right side of the second port 130). Multiple external connectors 140 may be arranged as needed. In the example of FIG. 3, the area above the external connector 140 is an empty space (area A1). Area A1 is the location where the first LED display area 950 was formed in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the external connector 140 may be arranged at the upper left side of the first port 120, with the area below the external connector 140 being an empty space.

[0039] Two second ports 130 for inserting and removing two second optical transceivers 131 are arranged on the lower left side of the external connector 140 on the front panel 111. Note that the number of second ports 130 is not limited to two, and any number may be provided. The second ports 130 are square openings that fit the second optical transceivers 131. In the example of FIG. 3, an empty space (the location of the second LED display area 960 in FIG. 2) can also be secured above the second ports 130.

[0040] 6, the electrical connector 150 is a connector that electrically connects the optical transmission device 100 and the front cover 200 and inputs and outputs a control signal (electrical signal) for display output. For example, a detection circuit (not shown) that detects the states of the first optical transceiver 121, the second optical transceiver 131, and the optical transmission device 100 is provided inside the housing 110, and a control signal indicating the states of the first optical transceiver 121, the second optical transceiver 131, and the optical transmission device 100 is output from the detection circuit via the electrical connector 150. Power may be supplied from the optical transmission device 100 to the front cover 200 via the electrical connector 150.

[0041] For example, the electrical connector 150 is disposed to the left of the second port 130 on the front panel 111, i.e., at the left end of the front panel 111. The electrical connector 150 may be disposed in another position as long as it can be connected to the front panel 111. For example, the electrical connector 150 may be disposed above the second port 130.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the front cover 200 includes a cover body 210, a first insertion hole 220, a second insertion hole 230, a third insertion hole 240, a control unit 250, an optical waveguide 260, and a light diffusion unit 270, and is marked with a symbol 201.

[0043] The cover body 210 is a plate-like member having the same shape (size) as the front panel 111 of the optical transmission device 100. That is, the front cover 200 is attached so as to cover the entire front panel 111.

[0044] The first insertion / removal hole 220, the second insertion / removal hole 230, and the third insertion / removal hole 240 are through-holes that penetrate the cover main body 210. The first insertion / removal hole 220 is a hole for inserting and removing the first optical transceiver 121. The first insertion / removal hole 220 is formed at a position corresponding to the first port 120 of the front panel 111 so that the first optical transceiver 121 can be inserted and removed. That is, the first insertion / removal hole 220 is arranged at a position that overlaps with the first port 120 when the front cover 200 is attached. In the example of FIG. 4 , the eight first insertion / removal holes 220 are arranged in the same positions as the eight first ports 120 in the area from the center to the right of the cover main body 210. Like the first port 120, the first insertion / removal hole 220 has a rectangular shape that matches the first optical transceiver 121. The first insertion / removal hole 220 may be the same size as the first port 120, or may be larger than the first port 120. For example, the first insertion / removal hole 220 may be large enough to include multiple first ports 120. In the example of FIG. 5 , with the front cover 200 attached to the front panel 111, the first port 120 is exposed through the first insertion / removal hole 220, allowing the first optical transceiver 121 to be inserted or removed. When the first optical transceiver 121 is inserted, the inserted first optical transceiver 121 is exposed from the first insertion / removal hole 220. The first optical transceiver 121 may be exposed from the first insertion / removal hole 220 to the outside of the front cover 200.

[0045] The third insertion / removal hole 240 is a hole for inserting and removing an external connection cable for the external connector 140. The third insertion / removal hole 240 is formed at a position corresponding to the external connector 140 on the front panel 111 so that the external connection cable can be inserted and removed. That is, the third insertion / removal hole 240 is arranged at a position overlapping the external connector 140 when the front cover 200 is attached. In the example of FIG. 4 , the third insertion / removal hole 240 is arranged at the same position as the external connector 140, below the left side of the first insertion / removal hole 220 in the cover body. The third insertion / removal hole 240 may have a shape that matches the external connector 140 (the terminal of the external connection cable). The third insertion / removal hole 240 may be the same size as the external connector 140 or may be larger than the external connector 140. For example, the third insertion / removal hole 240 may be rectangular in shape and large enough to include multiple external connectors 140. In the example of FIG. 5, with the front cover 200 attached to the front panel 111, the external connector 140 is exposed through the third insertion / removal hole 240, allowing an external connection cable to be inserted or removed.

[0046] The second insertion / removal holes 230 are holes for inserting and removing the second optical transceiver 131. The second insertion / removal holes 230 are formed at positions corresponding to the second ports 130 of the front panel 111 so that the second optical transceiver 131 can be inserted and removed. That is, the second insertion / removal holes 230 are arranged at positions overlapping the second ports 130 when the front cover 200 is attached. In the example of FIG. 4 , two second insertion / removal holes 230 are arranged at the same positions as the two second ports 130, below and to the left of the third insertion / removal hole 240 (and the symbol 201d) in the cover body 210. Like the second ports 130, the second insertion / removal holes 230 have a square shape that matches the second optical transceiver 131. The second insertion / removal holes 230 may be the same size as the second ports 130 or may be larger than the second ports 130. For example, the second insertion / removal hole 230 may be large enough to accommodate multiple second ports 130. In the example of Fig. 5, with the front cover 200 attached to the front panel 111, the second ports 130 are exposed through the second insertion / removal hole 230, allowing the second optical transceiver 131 to be inserted or removed. When the second optical transceiver 131 is inserted, the inserted second optical transceiver 131 is exposed from the second insertion / removal hole 230. The second optical transceiver 131 may be exposed from the second insertion / removal hole 230 to the outside of the front cover 200.

[0047] The control unit 250 controls the light output (display) of the light diffusion unit 270. The control unit 250 is connected to the electrical connector 150 of the front panel 111 when the front cover 200 is attached. For example, a terminal for connecting to the electrical connector 150 is provided on the back side of the control unit 250. The control unit 250 includes a plurality of light sources 251 and a light source control circuit 252.

[0048] The light source 251 generates light to be diffused (displayed) by the light diffusion unit 270. The light source 251 is coupled to the optical waveguide 260 and outputs the light source light to the optical waveguide 260. The light source 251 may be an LED capable of outputting light of different colors (wavelengths). The light source 251 outputs light of different colors in response to control from the light source control circuit 252. A plurality of light sources 251 are provided corresponding to the plurality of light diffusion units 270 (plurality of optical waveguides 260). That is, the light source 251 outputs light for display items to be displayed by the light diffusion unit 270. All light sources 251 required for displaying the optical transmission device 100 are provided in the control unit 250. For example, the light source 251 may be a light source formed on a silicon substrate using silicon photonics technology and coupled to the optical waveguide 260. Silicon photonics technology enables the plurality of light sources 251 to be miniaturized and integrated.

[0049] The light source control circuit 252 controls the light output by the light source 251. The light source control circuit 252 controls the ON / OFF of the light source 251 and the wavelength (color) of the light in response to a control signal from the electrical connector 150. The light source control circuit 252 may be configured by hardware, software, or both. The function of the light source control circuit 252 may be implemented by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program stored in a memory. For example, the light source control circuit 252 may be implemented on a silicon substrate including the light source 251.

[0050] For example, the light source control circuit 252 receives a control signal indicating the status of the first optical transceiver 121 (T1 to T8), and controls the output light of the light source 251 connected to the light diffusion unit 270a of the first optical transceiver 121 (T1 to T8) in accordance with the received control signal. For example, if the status of a first optical transceiver 121 is normal, the light source control circuit 252 controls the light source 251 for the corresponding first optical transceiver 121 to output green light, and displays green using the light diffusion unit 270a bearing the symbol 201a of the number of the corresponding first optical transceiver 121. If the status of a first optical transceiver 121 is abnormal, the light source control circuit 252 controls the light source 251 for the corresponding first optical transceiver 121 to output red light, and displays red using the light diffusion unit 270a bearing the symbol 201a of the number of the corresponding first optical transceiver 121.

[0051] The light source control circuit 252 receives a control signal indicating the status of the second optical transceiver 131 (LINE1 to LINE2), and controls the output light of the light source 251 connected to the light diffusion unit 270b of the second optical transceiver 131 (LINE1 to LINE2) in accordance with the received control signal. For example, if the status of the second optical transceiver 131 is normal, the light source control circuit 252 controls the light source 251 for the corresponding second optical transceiver 131 to output green light, and displays green using the light diffusion unit 270b to which the symbol 201b of the number of the corresponding first optical transceiver 121 is attached. If the status of the second optical transceiver 131 is abnormal, the light source control circuit 252 controls the light source 251 for the corresponding second optical transceiver 131 to output red light, and displays red using the light diffusion unit 270b to which the symbol 201b of the number of the corresponding first optical transceiver 121 is attached.

[0052] The light source control circuit 252 receives a control signal indicating the state of the optical transmission device 100, and controls the output light of the light source 251 connected to the light diffusion unit 270c indicating the state (ACTIVE / FAIL) of the optical transmission device 100 in accordance with the received control signal. For example, when the state of the optical transmission device 100 is ACTIVE, the light source 251 corresponding to the ACTIVE display is controlled to output green light, and the light diffusion unit 270c with the ACTIVE display symbol 201c displays green. When the state of the optical transmission device 100 is FAIL, the light source 251 corresponding to the FAIL display is controlled to output red light, and the light diffusion unit 270c with the FAIL display symbol 201c displays red.

[0053] The optical waveguide 260 optically connects the light source 251 and the light diffusion unit 270 and propagates light from the light source 251 to the light diffusion unit 270. The optical waveguide 260 connects each of the light sources 251 to the light diffusion units 270. That is, the optical waveguide 260 is used to establish optical wiring between the control unit 250 and the light diffusion unit 270 inside the front cover 200. The optical waveguide 260 may be a polymer waveguide formed on a sheet. For example, the light source 251 and the light diffusion unit 270 are connected by a core portion in the optical waveguide sheet that confines light with a high refractive index. The polymer waveguide can be formed in a desired pattern by an imprinting method or the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the sheet 212 on which the optical wiring of the optical waveguide 260 is formed is entirely sandwiched between the exterior unit 211. The exterior unit 211 is an exterior material that protects both sides of the sheet 212.

[0054] The light diffusion unit 270 is an indicator light that displays the status of the optical transmission device and each unit. The light diffusion unit 270 is coupled to the optical waveguide 260 and diffuses visible light sent from the light source 251 of the control unit 250 via the optical waveguide 260. The light diffusion unit 270 diffuses the light so that it appears to shine to the user's eyes. For example, the light diffusion unit 270 may be a light diffusion film including a light diffusion layer. The light diffusion unit 270 can be configured by attaching a light diffusion film to a desired position on the sheet 212.

[0055] 4, a light diffusion unit 270 is arranged around the first insertion hole 220 to display the status of the first optical transceiver 121. For example, a symbol 201a indicating the number (T1 to T8) of the first optical transceiver 121 is attached to the top of the first insertion hole 220, and the light diffusion unit 270a is arranged below the characters of the symbol 201a. This allows the status of the first optical transceiver 121 to be displayed effectively even in a small space.

[0056] To display the status of the second optical transceiver 131, a light diffusion portion 270b is arranged around the second insertion hole 230. For example, a symbol 201b indicating the number (LINE1 to LINE2) of the second optical transceiver 131 is attached to the top of the second insertion hole 230, and the light diffusion portion 270b is arranged below the characters of the symbol 201b. This makes it possible to effectively display the status of the second optical transceiver 131 even in a small space.

[0057] The light diffusion unit 270b is disposed at an arbitrary position to display the status of the optical transmission device 100. For example, a symbol 201c indicating the status (ACTIVE / FAIL) of the optical transmission device 100 is attached to the upper left edge of the front cover 200, i.e., above the control unit 250, and the light diffusion unit 270b is disposed below the characters of the symbol 201b. This allows the status of the optical transmission device 100 to be displayed effectively even in a small space.

[0058] 2 (to the left of the third insertion hole 240), the front cover 200 is provided with a symbol 201d indicating a mark of a laser component. The content of the symbol 201d may be displayed by a light diffusing unit 270. Also, a light diffusing unit 270 indicating the connection state of the external connector 140 may be disposed around the third insertion hole 240.

[0059] The display by the light diffusion portion 270 is not limited to the above example. That is, although the light diffusion portion 270 extends horizontally in a straight line in Fig. 4, it may have any other shape (pattern) or size (thickness). The light diffusion portion 270 may be a straight line extending vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, or a curved line, or a combination of these.

[0060] 7 to 9 show other examples of displays using the light diffusion unit 270. In the example of FIG. 7, the light diffusion unit 270a is arranged to surround the periphery of the first insertion hole 220. By illuminating the entire periphery of the first insertion hole 220 with the light diffusion unit 270a, the user can easily understand the status of the first optical transceiver 121. Similarly, the entire periphery of the second insertion hole 230 may be illuminated, or the entire periphery of the characters ACTIVE / FAIL may be illuminated.

[0061] In the example of FIG. 8, the characters of the symbol 201a above the first insertion hole 220 are displayed by the light diffusion unit 270a. That is, the light diffusion unit 270 is shaped like the number (T1 to T8) of the first optical transceiver 121. By illuminating the number of the first optical transceiver 121 itself, the number and status of the first optical transceiver 121 can be grasped simultaneously. Similarly, the number (LINE1 to LINE2) of the second optical transceiver 131 or the status (ACTIVE / FAIL) of the optical transmission device 100 may be displayed. Furthermore, the language of the displayed characters (English / Japanese) may be switched depending on the language support.

[0062] In the example of FIG. 9, any character (number) is displayed by the light diffusion unit 270a above the first insertion hole 220. For example, the light diffusion unit 270a may have a pattern similar to that of a 7-segment LED, and any character may be displayed by controlling the light of each segment. For example, the CH number (wavelength number) used by the first optical transceiver 121 may be displayed. This allows information other than the status of the first optical transceiver 121 to be grasped. Furthermore, since an input optical fiber and an output optical fiber are connected to the second optical transceiver 131, the characters "input side" (IN) or "output side" (OUT) may be displayed near each optical fiber. For example, if a fault occurs in the optical transmission device or the optical transceiver, information indicating the details of the fault may be displayed.

[0063] As described above, in this embodiment, by attaching the indicator lamp externally to the front cover, it is possible to reduce the space inside the device that is occupied by the LED in the related art. This allows for more space inside the device while still achieving the same effect as the LED display in the related art, thereby improving design freedom.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by consolidating light sources and transmitting visible light to various locations via optical wiring, it is possible to reduce the space in front of the device that is occupied by LEDs in related technologies. This allows for more space to be secured in front of the device while still achieving the same display effect as the LED displays in related technologies, thereby enabling an increase in the number of optical transceivers. For example, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, optical transceivers can be installed in the empty space in area A1.

[0065] (Embodiment 3) Next, a description will be given of a third embodiment. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a light source or the like is disposed within the optical transmission device when displaying display items using the front cover.

[0066] Fig. 10 is a schematic front view showing an example of the configuration of the optical transmission device 100 with the front cover 200 removed according to some embodiments. Fig. 11 is a schematic front view showing an example of the configuration of the front cover 200 according to some embodiments. Fig. 12 is a schematic front view showing an example of the configuration of the optical transmission device 100 with the front cover 200 attached. Fig. 13 is a schematic side (cross-sectional) view showing an example of the configuration of the optical transmission device 100 with the front cover 200 attached.

[0067] 10, the front panel 111 of the optical transmission device 100 has an optical connector 151 instead of the electrical connector 150. The rest is the same as in Fig. 3. The optical connector 151 optically connects the optical transmission device 100 and the front cover 200, and is a connector for inputting and outputting light for display output.

[0068] 11 and 12, the front cover 200 does not include a control unit 250. For example, an optical terminal 253 is provided in the location where the control unit 250 was located in FIGS. 4 and 5. The optical terminal 253 is connected to the optical connector 151 on the back side of the front panel 111. The optical terminal 253 is connected to an optical waveguide 260 inside the front panel 111. The rest is the same as in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0069] 13, the optical transmission device 100 includes a control unit 250 inside the housing 110, the control unit 250 including a light source 251 and a light source control circuit 252. The light source 251 and the light source control circuit 252 are similar to those in FIGS. 4 and 5. The light source 251 is connected to an optical connector 151.

[0070] For example, as in the second embodiment, the light source control circuit 252 receives a control signal from inside the optical transmission device 100 and controls the output light of the light source 251 according to the states of the first optical transceiver 121, the second optical transceiver 131, and the optical transmission device 100. The light source 251 outputs light via the optical connector 151 according to the control of the light source control circuit 252. In the front cover 200, the light from the optical connector 151 is input to the light diffusion unit 270, and the light that passes through the light diffusion unit 270 is diffused by the light diffusion unit 270 and displayed.

[0071] As described above, when attaching the front cover externally, the control unit including the light source and the light source control circuit may be disposed inside the optical transmission device. In this case, the light source and the light source control circuit are not required on the front cover, so the free space on the front cover can be increased. Alternatively, the light source may be disposed on the front cover, and the light source control circuit may be disposed inside the optical transmission device.

[0072] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a display is made on the front panel of an optical transmission device in the same manner as on the front cover of the second and third embodiments. That is, in this embodiment, the display structure of the optical transmission device is realized by the front panel.

[0073] Fig. 14 is a schematic front view showing an example of the configuration of an optical transmission device 100 according to some embodiments. Fig. 15 is a schematic side (cross-sectional) view showing an example of the configuration of an optical transmission device 100 according to some embodiments.

[0074] As shown in Figure 14, the optical transmission device 100 has, on the front panel 111, a first port 120 for inserting and removing a first optical transceiver 121, a second port 130 for inserting and removing a second optical transceiver 131, and an external connector 140 for connecting an external connection cable, as in Figure 3, and further has a control unit 250, an optical waveguide 260, and an optical diffusion unit 270, as in Figure 4, and is marked with a symbol 201.

[0075] 15, a sheet 212 including an optical waveguide 260 is built into the front panel 111. A control unit 250 including a light source 251 and a light source control circuit 252 may be disposed inside the housing 110. In this case, an electrical connector or an optical connector is not required.

[0076] As described above, a display structure similar to that of the second and third embodiments may be integrated into the front panel. Even in this case, the degree of freedom in designing the inside of the device can be improved, and it is also possible to add optical transceivers.

[0077] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments. For example, in the above-described embodiments, a display structure in an optical transmission device has been described as an example, but the present disclosure may be applied not only to optical transmission devices but also to other devices that perform LED displays.

[0078] Each drawing is merely an example for describing one or more embodiments. Each drawing may relate not only to one particular embodiment, but also to one or more other embodiments. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings to create, for example, an embodiment not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing are necessary to describe an exemplary embodiment, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps described in any drawing may be changed as appropriate.

[0079] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0080] (Appendix 1) a front member of an optical transmission device; a light diffusion unit disposed in the front member at a position where display items related to the optical transmission device are displayed; an optical waveguide in the front member that propagates input light for the display items to the light diffusion unit; A display structure comprising: (Appendix 2) a light source for outputting light for the display item; The display structure described in Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) The light source is formed on a silicon substrate using silicon photonics technology. Display structure as described in Appendix 2. (Appendix 4) the light source is included in the front member or inside the optical transmission device; Display structure as described in Appendix 2. (Appendix 5) a control circuit for controlling the light from the light source in response to a signal from the optical transmission device; 5. The display structure according to any one of claims 2 to 4. (Appendix 6) the control circuit is included in the front member or the optical transmission device; The display structure described in Appendix 5. (Appendix 7) the display items include display items related to an optical transceiver to be inserted into the optical transmission device; the light diffusion unit is disposed around the insertion unit of the optical transceiver; 5. The display structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4. (Appendix 8) the front member is a front cover attached externally to a front panel of the optical transmission device, or the front panel; 5. The display structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4. (Appendix 9) An optical transmission device, A front member; a light diffusion unit disposed in the front member at a position where display items related to the optical transmission device are displayed; an optical waveguide in the front member that propagates input light for the display items to the light diffusion unit; An optical transmission device comprising: (Appendix 10) A method for displaying an optical transmission device, comprising: a light diffusion unit disposed in a front member of the optical transmission device at a position where display items related to the optical transmission device are displayed; In the front member, the light for the display items inputted is propagated to the light diffusion section through an optical waveguide. Display method.

[0081] Some or all of the elements (e.g., configurations and functions) described in Supplementary Notes 1 to 8 that are subordinate to Supplementary Note 1 (display structure) may also be subordinate to Supplementary Note 9 (optical transmission device) and Supplementary Note 10 (display method) in the same subordinate relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 8. Some or all of the elements described in any Supplementary Note may be applied to various hardware, software, recording means for recording software, systems, and methods. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 Display structure 10 Optical transmission equipment 11 Front member 12 Light diffusion section 13 Optical waveguide 100 Optical transmission equipment 110 Case 111 Front Panel 120 First Port 121 First Optical Transceiver 130 Second Port 131 Second Optical Transceiver 140 external connector 150 Electrical Connectors 151 Optical Connector 200 front cover 201, 201a~201d Symbols 210 Cover body 211 Exterior part 212 seats 220 First insertion hole 230 Second insertion hole 240 Third insertion hole 250 control section 251 Light source 252 Light source control circuit 253 Optical terminal 260 Optical waveguide 270, 207a-270c Light diffusion section

Claims

1. a front member of an optical transmission device; a light diffusion unit disposed in the front member at a position where display items related to the optical transmission device are displayed; an optical waveguide in the front member that propagates input light for the display items to the light diffusion unit; A display structure comprising:

2. a light source for outputting light for the display item; The display structure according to claim 1 .

3. The light source is formed on a silicon substrate using silicon photonics technology. The display structure according to claim 2 .

4. the light source is included in the front member or inside the optical transmission device; The display structure according to claim 2 .

5. a control circuit for controlling the light from the light source in response to a signal from the optical transmission device; The display structure according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. the control circuit is included in the front member or the optical transmission device; The display structure according to claim 5 .

7. the display items include display items related to an optical transceiver to be inserted into the optical transmission device; the light diffusion unit is disposed around the insertion unit of the optical transceiver; The display structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. the front member is a front cover attached externally to a front panel of the optical transmission device, or the front panel; The display structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. An optical transmission device, A front member; a light diffusion unit disposed in the front member at a position where display items related to the optical transmission device are displayed; an optical waveguide in the front member that propagates input light for the display items to the light diffusion unit; An optical transmission device comprising:

10. A method for displaying an optical transmission device, comprising: a light diffusion unit disposed in a front member of the optical transmission device at a position where display items related to the optical transmission device are displayed; In the front member, the light for the display items inputted is propagated to the light diffusion section through an optical waveguide. Display method.

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