Management device for a photovoltaic power generation system and file transmission method

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a management device which can avoid the re-transmission of files and the re-execution of commands in an optical power supply system, and a file transmission method.　This management device 11 comprises: a light source 11a that performs optical power supply to an optical node 20 through an optical fiber 52 connected to one or a plurality of the optical nodes 20; a communication unit 11b that performs communication with the optical node 20 via a control signal superimposed on light from the light source 11a; a database 11c that retains a relationship between a power storage amount of a power storage unit of the optical node 20 and a bulk transmittable file capacity; and a program 11d that inquires, of the database 11c, the power storage amount of the power storage unit of the optical node 20 acquired by the control signal, and the size of files to be transmitted to the optical node 20, and determines whether the size of the files is bulk transmittable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical node control device (hereinafter referred to as a management device) installed in a communication station and managing a plurality of optical nodes, and a file transmission method for transmitting and receiving between the management device and the plurality of optical nodes in an optical communication network composed of a communication station and a plurality of optical nodes installed outside the communication station.

Background Art

[0002] In an access network, the core wire switching operation is carried out manually by construction workers on-site. For example, in Non-Patent Document 1, in a system composed of a power supply control light source installed in a power supply environment such as within a station and one or more remote optical path switching nodes (optical nodes) arranged remotely, a method has been proposed that can simultaneously realize the functions of optical power supply with a single laser and control of a plurality of optical switches included in the optical nodes. This optical node is installed in an optical fiber network and performs connection and switching between core wires in units of core wires of the optical fiber.

[0003] As shown in FIG. 1, the optical power supply light emitted from a remote power supply control light source such as inside the building of the communication station 10 is sequentially connected to a plurality of optical nodes 20 by a single optical fiber 52. "Sequentially" means that by changing the route by the channel selector 12, for example, after connecting to the optical node 20#1, the route is changed and then connected to the next optical node 20#2.

[0004] In the optical power supply system of FIG. 1, the optical fiber 52 is for power supply and is provided separately from the optical fibers 51 for communication and main signals. Further, the communication station 10 includes a management device 11 that performs optical power supply to the optical node 20, controls the switching of the channel selector 12, and communicates with the optical node 20. The management device 11 has a power supply control light source for optical power supply.

[0005] The optical node can receive a control signal superimposed on the power supply control light and control the devices within the optical node. Also, the photoelectric conversion element converts the optical power supply light into electricity and stores it in the power storage units for the devices and the control unit. The control unit and each device of the optical node are driven by this stored power.

[0006] When the voltage value drops below the drivable voltage value, the control unit and the devices can no longer be controlled or driven. For multiple optical nodes, it is necessary to perform optical power supply so that a certain amount of power is always stored in each power storage unit and the control unit is maintained at a drivable voltage value. As a method for checking this voltage value, it is necessary for the in-house node to inquire about the current power storage amount from the optical node and for the optical node to have a function of responding with the power storage amount to the in-house node. By having such a function, it is possible to ensure a power storage amount above a certain level. Furthermore, it is essential to operate the commands of the optical node after maintaining a value above the drivable voltage value of the optical node.

[0007] Since the optical node assumes power-saving operation and a simple functional configuration is desirable, multiple operation commands cannot be executed simultaneously. This is to avoid consuming more power than expected. Therefore, it is desired to suppress power consumption by allowing only a single operation command (each operation command is basically an exclusive operation). For this reason, before executing an operation command, it is necessary to check whether there are any other commands being executed.

[0008] The optical node is a remote optical path switching node, and as a network device, it requires a management / maintenance function. Specifically, when there is a malfunction event or when a new function is added, firmware modification is required so that software modification becomes possible. Compared with existing network devices such as the OLT (Optical Line Terminal) and ONU (Optical Network Unit) of the optical line termination device, the constraints for the optical node are that it stores power by optical power supply from the communication station side (specifically, it does not receive commercial power from the electric wires on the utility pole), and the communication between the communication station and the optical node is serial communication at about several hundred bps.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Literature

[0009]

Non-Patent Literature 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] As described above, although the optical node requires firmware update, the current optical power supply system does not have the function of updating the firmware due to the above-mentioned constraints. Specifically, when the stored power (e.g., voltage value) stored by optical power supply drops below the threshold value, the communication between the management device and the optical node will be interrupted. Without confirming whether the optical node has the stored power required from the batch reception of the firmware file to the completion of the download, if the batch transmission of the firmware file to the optical node is started and power shortage occurs, the communication will be interrupted, the firmware update will fail, and the operation will be set back.

[0011] Also, when the optical node executes a command, it is assumed that power shortage may occur even if the command is started from a fully charged state. For example, when the data capacity of the file from the management device to the optical node is large, or when the charging capacity has decreased due to deterioration of the storage battery of the optical node. In such a case, if the firmware update of the optical node is started, it will be difficult to perform batch transmission of the file, and a state where all files cannot be transmitted to the optical node will occur. As a result, it may lead to the inability to repair malfunction events and limitations in function addition.

[0012] Furthermore, the power storage characteristics also vary depending on each optical node and the elapsed time since the start of use. When there is a change in the components constituting the optical node, the drivable voltage may change, and the charging capacity may decrease due to aging deterioration. Therefore, it is necessary to perform firmware update considering each optical node and the elapsed time since the start of use.

[0013] That is, the conventional optical power supply system has a problem that it is impossible to complete batch transmission of files or commands depending on the power storage amount of the optical node, and re-execution may occur. Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a management device and a file transmission method that can avoid retransmission of files and re-execution of commands in an optical power supply system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, when updating the firmware of an optical node that supplies optical power, the management device according to the present invention holds in a database the relationship between the size of the firmware and the power storage amount of the optical node required for the update in order to avoid update failure. When updating the firmware, it is confirmed whether the size of the firmware can be batch-transmitted. If the size cannot be batch-transmitted, the firmware is transmitted in a divided manner.

[0015] Specifically, the management device according to the present invention a light source that supplies optical power to the optical node via an optical fiber connected to one or more optical nodes, a communication unit that communicates with the optical node using a control signal superimposed on the light of the light source, a database that holds the relationship between the power storage amount of the power storage unit of the optical node and the file capacity that can be batch-transmitted, a program that queries the database about the power storage amount of the power storage unit of the optical node acquired by the control signal and the size of the file to be transmitted to the optical node, and determines whether the size of the file can be batch-transmitted, and when the program determines that the size of the file can be batch-transmitted, the communication unit batch-transmits the file to the optical node using the control signal.

[0016] The file transmission method according to the present invention is a file transmission method in an optical communication system having a management device including a light source that supplies power to an optical node via an optical fiber connected to the single or plural optical nodes, and a communication unit that communicates with the optical node using a control signal superimposed on the light of the light source, and includes: storing in a database the relationship between the power storage amount of the power storage unit of the optical node and the file capacity that can be transmitted in a batch; inquiring of the database about the power storage amount of the power storage unit of the optical node acquired by the control signal and the size of the file to be transmitted to the optical node, and determining whether the size of the file can be transmitted in a batch; and when the size of the file can be transmitted in a batch, transmitting the file from the communication unit to the optical node in a batch using the control signal.

[0017] When the program determines that the size of the file cannot be transmitted in a batch, the communication unit divides the file into a size that can be transmitted in a batch and sequentially transmits the divided files while sandwiching the optical power supply. The management device and the file transmission method according to the present invention are characterized in that

[0018] Based on past information, the present management device determines whether the file can be transmitted in a batch before transmitting the file. If it can be transmitted in a batch, the file is transmitted in a batch. On the other hand, if it cannot be transmitted in a batch, the present management device divides the file, and while recovering the power storage amount of the optical node by optical power supply after transmitting the divided files, transmits all the divided files. With such a file transmission method, failures in file transmission and command execution can be prevented. Therefore, the present invention can provide a management device and a file transmission method capable of avoiding file retransmission and command re-execution in an optical power supply system.

[0019] The management device and file transmission method according to the present invention are characterized in that the database holds the relationship for each optical node, and the program determines whether the size of the file can be transmitted in a batch for each optical node.

[0020] Since this management device determines whether files can be transmitted in a batch for each optical node, even when the power storage characteristics differ for each optical node, retransmission of files and re-execution of commands can be avoided.

[0021] The management device and file transmission method according to the present invention are characterized in that the database holds the relationship for each optical node, and the program determines whether the size of the file can be transmitted in a batch based also on the timing of the optical power supply for each optical node.

[0022] Since optical power supply to the optical node is performed periodically, it is determined whether to wait for the optical power supply according to the timing of the optical power supply and perform file transmission before the optical power supply / file transmission. It is possible to avoid split transmission of files and improve the efficiency of file transmission.

[0023] Incidentally, the above inventions can be combined as much as possible.

Effect of the Invention

[0024] The present invention can provide a management device and a file transmission method capable of avoiding retransmission of files and re-execution of commands in an optical power supply system.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In the present specification and drawings, components with the same reference numerals indicate the same components.

[0027] (Embodiment 1) The management device 11 in the present embodiment is a device provided in the communication station 10 of the optical communication system (optical power supply system) described in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the management device 11. The management device 11 is a light source 11a that supplies optical power to the optical node 20 via an optical fiber 52 connected to one or more optical nodes 20, a communication unit 11b that communicates with the optical node 20 using a control signal superimposed on the light of the light source 11a, a database 11c that holds the relationship between the power storage amount of the power storage unit of the optical node 20 and the file capacity that can be transmitted in a batch, a program 11d that queries the database 11c about the power storage amount of the power storage unit of the optical node 20 acquired by the control signal and the size of the file to be transmitted to the optical node 20, and determines whether the size of the file can be transmitted in a batch, and includes.

[0028] When the program 11d determines that the size of the file can be transmitted in a batch, the communication unit 11b transmits the file to the optical node 20 in a batch using the control signal. Also, when the program determines that the size of the file cannot be transmitted in a batch, the communication unit divides the file into a size that can be transmitted in a batch and sequentially transmits the divided files while sandwiching the optical power supply.

[0029] In the present embodiment and subsequent embodiments, the operation of updating the firmware of the optical node with the file will be described. However, the content of the file may be other than updating the firmware. In addition, the content common to each of the optical nodes (20#1 to #3) will be described as "optical node 20".

[0030] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a file transmission method for causing the management device 11 to update the firmware of the optical node 20. In the present embodiment, for ease of explanation, a state where the power storage unit of the optical node 20 is fully charged at the initial stage will be described. In addition, the operation in the case of one optical node will be described, but even if there are a plurality of optical nodes, each optical node operates in the same manner.

[0031] This file transmission method is to hold in the database 11c the relationship between the power storage amount of the power storage unit of the optical node 20 and the file capacity that can be transmitted in a batch (step S01), to query the database 11c about the power storage amount of the power storage unit of the optical node 20 acquired by the control signal and the size of the file to be transmitted to the optical node 20, and to determine whether the size of the file can be transmitted in a batch (step S05), and when the size of the file can be transmitted in a batch (Yes in step S06), to transmit the file from the communication unit 11b to the optical node 20 in a batch by the control signal (step S07), or when the size of the file cannot be transmitted in a batch (No in step S06), to divide the file into a size that can be transmitted in a batch (step S08), and to sequentially transmit the divided file from the communication unit 11b while sandwiching the optical power supply (step S09) is characterized by.

[0032] The management device 11 stores in advance in the database 11c the relationship between the power storage amount of the power storage unit of the optical node 20 and the file capacity that can be transmitted in a batch (step S01). To check the version of the current firmware, the management device 11 inquires the optical node 20 about the firmware version (step S02). The optical node 20 responds with the version on each surface of the memory that can be written with firmware (step S03).

[0033] Next, the management device 11 checks whether the version of the current firmware of the optical node 20 is the version of the firmware to be updated (step S04). If the version of the current firmware of the optical node 20 is the version of the firmware to be updated (Yes in step S04), since the firmware update is unnecessary, the operation ends (step S05). On the other hand, if the version of the current firmware of the optical node 20 is not the version of the firmware to be updated (No in step S04), the operation of transmitting the version of the firmware to be updated to the specified memory surface of the optical node 20 is started.

[0034] As described above, the management device 11 holds in the database 11c the relationship between the file capacity that can be transmitted in a batch with respect to the power storage amount of the optical node, and has a program 11d that determines whether a file can be transmitted in a batch based on this relationship. Note that this relationship may be input by an operator into the database 11c in advance, or may be created by the management device 11 from the power storage amount at the time of past file transmission and the success or failure of file transmission.

[0035] In the transmission of the firmware, the management device 11 determines by the program 11d whether the current power storage amount of the optical node is a value at which a file can be transmitted in a batch (step S06). If it is possible to transmit in a batch (Yes in step S06), the management device 11 transmits the file to the optical node 20 in a batch (step S07). Specifically, the management device 11 transmits the file by modulating the light output from the light source 11a with the file content, or by modulating light with a wavelength different from that of the light with the file content and wavelength multiplexing it with the light.

[0036] On the other hand, when bulk transmission is not possible (No in step S06), the management device 11 divides the file (step S08). At this time, if the data capacity of the file to be transmitted is “D” and the capacity of the file that can be transmitted with one power supply is D Vaf-Va0 (represented by the voltage Vaf when the power storage unit of the optical node 20 is fully charged and the driving voltage Va0), the file to be transmitted may be divided into D / D Vaf-Va0 pieces. Let each of the divided files be D1, D2, ···, Dx. D = D1 + D2 + ··· + Dx (x = 1, 2, ···)

[0037] The management device 11 transmits the file D1 (step S09 11 ) and then supplies power (step S09 12 ). After that, the management device 11 transmits the file D2 (step S09 21 ) and then supplies power (step S09 22 ). After that, the management device 11 also repeats file transmission and power supply until the file Dx (steps S09 x1 ~ step S10). The optical node 20 stores the bulk - transmitted file or the divided - transmitted file in the memory (step S11).

[0038] After receiving the download completion response indicating that the management device 11 has received the file from the optical node 20 (step S12), the management device 11 instructs the optical node 20 to reset (step S13). The firmware update is completed when the optical node 20 performs the reset (step S14). Specifically, the management device 11 checks for reset completion with the optical node 20 (step S15), and after receiving a reset success response from the optical node 20 (step S16), it inquires about the firmware version from the optical node 20 (step S17). The management device 11 receives a response regarding the firmware version from the optical node 20 (step S18), and checks that the version is the one that was about to be updated (step S19). If it is the desired version (Yes in step S19), the management device 11 ends the operation (step S05). On the other hand, if it is not the desired version (No in step S19), the management device 11 repeats the operation from step S06.

[0039] By the management device 11 determining whether it is possible to update the firmware based on the power storage level (e.g., voltage value) of the power storage unit of the optical node 20, it is possible to complete the firmware update without any setbacks such as communication interruption due to power shortage in the optical node 20. Furthermore, since the management device 11 has a file splitting function, it is possible to update the firmware regardless of the file size.

[0040] (Embodiment 2) FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a file transmission method for updating the firmware of the optical node 20 performed by the management device 11 in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a case where the power storage characteristics of the power storage unit differ for each optical node will be described. In the present embodiment, the database 11c of the management device 11 holds the relationship (relationship between the power storage level of the power storage unit of the optical node and the file capacity that can be transmitted in a batch) for each optical node 20, and the program 11d determines whether the size of the file can be transmitted in a batch for each optical node 20.

[0041] For example, when there is a change in the components constituting the optical node, the drivable voltage for firmware update may change from before. Also, the full charge voltage may decrease due to the aging deterioration of the power storage unit. For this reason, the available power during firmware update differs depending on the situation of each optical node and the elapsed time since the start of use.

[0042] In the file transmission method of this embodiment, when the management device 11 supplies power to the optical node 20, the power storage amount (voltage value) of the power storage unit is periodically acquired (step S01a), and the value is recorded in the database 11c in chronological order for each optical node 20. For example, the management device 11 can determine the deterioration state of the power storage unit of the optical node 20 when the voltage of the power storage unit at full charge has decreased, and can determine whether it is possible to batch-transmit files based on the power storage amount of the deteriorated power storage unit (step S06). Further, when the voltage of the power storage unit after the firmware update is completed is higher than before, the management device 11 can know that there has been a replacement of parts of the optical node and power saving has been achieved, and can determine whether it is possible to batch-transmit files in the state of the layer (step S06).

[0043] By taking into account the information on the aging deterioration of the power storage unit and the replacement of parts in the determination of step S06, it becomes possible to perform an efficient firmware update according to the power storage characteristics of each optical node.

[0044] (Embodiment 3) FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a file transmission method for causing the management device 11 in this embodiment to update the firmware of the optical node 20. In this embodiment, the management device 11 determines whether to immediately start file transmission of the firmware or to perform file transmission in a planned manner based on the power supply timing of each optical node 20. That is, in this embodiment, the database 11c of the management device 11 holds the relationship (relationship between the power storage amount of the power storage unit of the optical node and the file capacity that can be batch-transmitted) for each optical node 20, and the program 11d determines whether the size of the file can be batch-transmitted based on the power supply timing of each optical node 20.

[0045] For example, if it is an optical node immediately after power supply, although the power storage amount is large and batch transmission of files is possible, if the voltage value is close to the drivable voltage (the minimum amount of power storage that can be driven) without power supply for a while, batch transmission of files may not be possible. As described in Embodiment 2, it is also possible to transmit files in a divided manner according to the power storage amount, but the number of file transmissions will increase.

[0046] In order to avoid an increase in the number of file transmissions, the management device 11 determines whether the voltage value of the current optical node is a value at which files can be transmitted in a batch (step S06). If files can be transmitted in a batch (Yes in step S06), step S07 is performed as described in Embodiment 1. On the other hand, if files cannot be transmitted in a batch (No in step S06), the management device 11 checks whether the power supply timing is imminent (whether the voltage value is close to the drivable voltage) (step S06a). If the power supply timing is not imminent (No in step S06a), the management device 11 performs step S08 as described in Embodiment 1. On the other hand, if the power supply timing is imminent (Yes in step S06a), the management device 11 waits until the optical node is optically powered.

[0047] By the management device 11 performing schedule management so that file transmission is performed again after power supply, efficient firmware update becomes possible.

[0048] [Advantages of the Invention] By providing the optical node with a firmware update function, software can be updated when a malfunction occurs or when new functions are added. Further, in the transmission of firmware from an in-house node, by incorporating the operation of the in-house node to determine whether the voltage value of the optical node is a value at which firmware update is possible, communication interruption of the optical node due to insufficient voltage value, and thus the rollback of work due to update failure can be prevented.

[0049] Also, depending on the remaining power storage amount, the file is divided, and while sandwiching power supply, the divided files are transferred, so that firmware files of any data capacity can be updated.

[0050] Furthermore, optimal firmware update according to optical nodes with different power storage characteristics becomes possible.

[0051] [Definitions] The abbreviations used in this specification and the drawings are as follows. DCN: Data Communication Network CLI: Client IF: Interface OSS: Open Source Software OpS: Operating System

Explanation of Symbols

[0052] 10: Communication Station 11: Management Device 11a: Light Source 11b: Communication Unit 11c: Database 11d: Program 12: Channel Selector 20, 20#1, 20#2, 20#3: Optical Node 51: Main Signal Optical Fiber 52: Optical Fiber

Claims

1. A light source that supplies optical power to the optical node via an optical fiber connected to one or more optical nodes, A communication unit that communicates with the optical node using a control signal superimposed on the light of the light source, A database that holds the relationship between the power storage amount of the power storage unit of the optical node and the file capacity that can be transmitted in a batch, A program that queries the database about the power storage amount of the power storage unit of the optical node obtained by the control signal and the size of the file to be transmitted to the optical node, and determines whether the size of the file can be transmitted in a batch, Comprising, When the program determines that the size of the file can be transmitted in a batch, the communication unit is characterized in that it batch-transmits the file to the optical node using the control signal. A management device.

2. When the program determines that the size of the file cannot be transmitted in a batch, the communication unit divides the file into a size that can be transmitted in a batch, and sequentially transmits the divided files while sandwiching the optical power supply. The management device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The database holds the relationship for each optical node, and The program determines whether the size of the file can be transmitted in a batch for each optical node The management device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. The database holds the relationship for each optical node, and The program determines whether the size of the file can be transmitted in a batch based also on the timing of the optical power supply for each optical node The management device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

5. A file transmission method in an optical communication system having a management device comprising a light source that supplies optical power to an optical node via an optical fiber connected to one or more optical nodes, and a communication unit that communicates with the optical node using a control signal superimposed on the light of the light source. , Holding in a database the relationship between the power storage amount of the power storage unit of the optical node and the file capacity that can be transmitted in a batch, Querying the database about the power storage amount of the power storage unit of the optical node obtained by the control signal and the size of the file to be transmitted to the optical node, and determining whether the size of the file can be transmitted in a batch, and A file transmission method, characterized in that when the size of the file can be transmitted in a batch, the file is transmitted from the communication unit to the optical node in a batch by the control signal. **Claim 6** The file transmission method according to claim 5, characterized in that when the size of the file cannot be transmitted in a batch, the file is divided into a size that can be transmitted in a batch, and the divided files are sequentially transmitted from the communication unit while sandwiching the optical power supply. **Claim 7** Maintaining the relationship in the database for each optical node, and Determining whether the size of the file can be transmitted in a batch for each optical node The file transmission method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the above. **Claim 8** Maintaining the relationship in the database for each optical node, and Determining whether the size of the file can be transmitted in a batch based on the timing of the optical power supply for each optical node The file transmission method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the above.

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