Optical power supply system management device

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a management device, a management method, and a program with which it is possible to avoid communication disruption between the management device and an optical node and to avoid having to re-execute a command in an optical power supply system.　This management device 11 comprises: a light source 11a that is connected by an optical fiber 52 to a plurality of optical nodes 20 through a selector 12, and that performs optical power supply to a selected optical node (optical node 20#1 in the present example), which is one of the optical nodes 20 selected by the selector 12; a communication unit 11b that performs communication with the selected optical node 20#1 via a control signal superimposed on light from the light source 11a; a database 11c that retains a power storage voltage value and a time at which the power storage voltage value was confirmed for each of the optical nodes 20; and a program 11d that, when condition 1 and condition 2 are satisfied during confirmation prior to causing the selected optical node 20#1 to perform any operation, causes the selected optical node 20#1 to perform the operation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical node control device (hereinafter referred to as a management device) that is installed in a communication station and manages optical power supply to multiple optical nodes in an optical communication network consisting of a communication station and multiple optical nodes installed outside the communication station, a management method thereof, and a program for causing a computer to execute the management method. [Background technology]

[0002] In access networks, fiber switching work is performed manually by on-site technicians. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 proposes a method in which a single laser can simultaneously perform the functions of optical power supply and control of multiple optical switches contained in an optical node in a system consisting of a power supply control light source installed in a power supply environment such as an on-site power source and one or more remotely located remote optical path switching nodes (optical nodes). This optical node is installed in an optical fiber network and has the advantage of being able to interconnect and switch optical fibers on an individual fiber basis.

[0003] As shown in FIG. 1A, optical power supply light emitted from a power supply control light source located remotely, such as within the building of the communication station 10, is sequentially connected to multiple optical nodes 20 via optical fiber 52. "Sequentially" means that the channel selector 12 changes the route, for example, connecting to optical node 20#1, then changing the path to connect to the next optical node 20#2. For simplicity, FIG. 1A shows two optical nodes, but the number of nodes is not limited to this. In the optical power supply system shown in FIG. 1A, the optical fiber 52 is used for power supply and is provided separately from the optical fiber 51 for communication and main signals. The communication station 10 also includes a management device 11 that optically supplies power to the optical nodes 20, controls the switching of the channel selector 12, and communicates with the optical nodes 20. The management device 11 has a power supply control light source for optical power supply. In FIG. 1A, optical node #1 is connected to the optical fiber 52, and optical node #2 is connected to the optical fiber 52 via another optical fiber, but this connection configuration is not limited to this. 1(B), the optical nodes 20 may each have a channel selector, allowing them to share a single power-feeding optical fiber 52. In this case, each optical node 20 can change its own channel selector to switch between feeding power to itself or to another optical node, thereby changing the route.

[0004] Optical nodes can receive control signals superimposed on the power supply control light and control devices within the optical node. Furthermore, photoelectric conversion elements convert the optical power supply light into electricity, which is then stored in capacitors and other storage units for the devices and control unit. This stored electricity is supplied to the optical node's control unit and each device, controlling and driving them.

[0005] Control units and devices cannot be controlled or driven if the voltage drops below a value that allows them to operate. By optically feeding multiple optical nodes, it is necessary to constantly store a certain amount of power in each power storage unit, maintaining the voltage at which the control unit can operate. To check this voltage value, the management device must inquire about the current amount of stored power to the optical node, and the optical node must have the function of responding to the management device with the amount of stored power. By providing this function, it is possible to ensure that the stored power is above a certain level. Furthermore, it is essential to operate optical node commands while maintaining a voltage above the value that allows the optical node to operate. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the management device can only feed optical power to one optical node at a time.

[0006] The optical node is a remote optical path switching node that performs operations according to instructions from a management device. In Non-Patent Document 2, the operations include fiber switching using an optical switch with an optical cross-connect function included in the optical node, acquisition of optical intensity measurement data using a port monitoring function, and transmission of data to the management device. To operate the optical node, a signal from the management device is superimposed on the optical power supply light.

[0007] Compared to existing network devices such as optical line terminals (OLT) (Optical Line Terminal) and optical network units (ONU), optical nodes are constrained by the requirement that they store power through optical power supply from the communication station (specifically, that they do not receive commercial power from the power lines on utility poles), and that communication between the communication station and the optical node is serial communication at around several hundred bps. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] 2021 Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers General Conference B-13-16 "Study on remote optical path switching nodes for future optical access networks" [Non-patent document 2] Watanabe et al., Study on remote optical path switching node and optical cross-connect function in multistage loop networks, IEICE Technical Report, vol. 121, no. 332, OFT2021-62, pp. 36-41, January 2022. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Optical nodes are designed to operate on low power consumption, and a simple functional configuration is desirable, so they cannot execute multiple operation commands simultaneously. This is because doing so would consume more power than expected. Therefore, in order to reduce power consumption, a mechanism is needed that allows only a single operation command (each operation command is essentially an exclusive operation).

[0010] In addition to the above operations, the management device can also instruct the optical node to perform operations for management and maintenance functions. Operations for the management and maintenance functions of the optical node as a network device include power supply, remote restart to restore the MPU (Micro Processor Unit) in the event of an abnormality, firmware updating to repair malfunctions and add new functions, responses to stored power inquiries from the management device, and responses when checking communication to confirm normality. Hereinafter, these operations, such as fiber switching, port monitoring (data acquisition), port monitoring (data transfer), restart, firmware updating, responses to stored power inquiries, and responses when checking communication, will be referred to as "operation x."

[0011] As mentioned above, optical nodes can perform a variety of operations, but unless the power consumption during each operation is known in advance, there is a possibility that a power shortage may occur during the operation. There are two cases in which a power shortage can occur.

[0012] The first case occurs when an optical node to which optical power is supplied from the management device (selected by a channel selector and attempting to perform operation x) experiences a power shortage. In the following explanation, this optical node will be referred to as the "selected optical node." For example, if the selected optical node starts operation from a state in which the amount of power (e.g., voltage value) stored in the optical power supply is smaller than the power consumption required for fiber switching, a power shortage occurs during fiber switching, and the fiber switching is not completed, preventing normal communication and possibly forcing the operation to be retried.

[0013] The second case occurs when optical nodes other than the selected optical node (hereinafter referred to as "other optical nodes") experience a power shortage. For example, if optical node 20#1 is the selected optical node, optical node 20#2 is another optical node that is not powered and whose stored power decreases due to natural discharge. If operation x of optical node 20#1 is a file transmission operation (for example, sending optical intensity measurement data to a management device using a port monitoring function or transferring a file for firmware update) and the file size is large, it may take some time to complete the operation due to the limited communication speed as mentioned above. In this case, the stored power of optical node 20#2 decreases due to natural discharge and falls below the drive voltage. If optical node 20#2 does not have stored power equal to or greater than the drive voltage when the operation of optical node 20#1 is completed, it may not be able to communicate with the management device.

[0014] It is also possible that both the first and second cases occur.

[0015] In other words, conventional optical power supply systems have a structure in which the management device cannot constantly monitor the amount of power stored in multiple optical nodes, and there is a problem that depending on the amount of power stored in an optical node, the desired operation cannot be completed, and the operation may have to be performed again.

[0016] Therefore, in order to solve the above problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a management device, a management method, and a program that can avoid communication interruptions between the management device and optical nodes and avoid the need to re-execute commands in an optical power supply system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] In order to achieve the above object, the management device according to the present invention makes the optical nodes execute operations after taking into consideration the power consumption and time required for the operations of the optical nodes.

[0018] Specifically, the management device according to the present invention comprises: a light source connected to a plurality of optical nodes via a selector by an optical fiber, and optically feeding power to a selected optical node, which is one of the optical nodes selected by the selector; a communication unit that communicates with the selected optical node using a control signal superimposed on the light from the light source; a database that stores, for each of the optical nodes, a stored voltage value and a time when the stored voltage value was confirmed; a program for causing the selected optical node to perform an arbitrary operation if conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied when checking before causing the selected optical node to perform the operation; Equipped with. However, the above condition 1 is the selected optical node has the stored voltage equivalent to the energy required for the operation and the energy to drive itself at the time of the confirmation; The condition 2 is Among the optical nodes, all of the optical nodes other than the selected optical node have a drive voltage that is higher than a drive voltage that enables the other optical nodes to be driven after the operation of the selected optical node and after the end of a power supply cycle in which the optical nodes are sequentially optically powered; is.

[0019] A management method according to the present invention is a management method for managing an operation of an optical power supply system in which a management device is connected to a plurality of optical nodes via a selector by optical fibers, and performs at least one of optical power supply and communication with a selected optical node, which is one of the optical nodes selected by the selector, comprising: For each of the optical nodes, a stored voltage value and a time when the stored voltage value was confirmed are stored; and When checking before causing the selected optical node to perform any operation, causing the selected optical node to perform the operation if conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied; Do the following.

[0020] Furthermore, a program according to the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute a management method, The management method is a method for managing an operation of an optical power supply system in which a management device is connected to a plurality of optical nodes via a selector by optical fibers, and performs at least one of optical power supply and communication with a selected optical node, which is one of the optical nodes selected by the selector; For each of the optical nodes, a stored voltage value and a time when the stored voltage value was confirmed are stored; and When checking before causing the selected optical node to perform any operation, causing the selected optical node to perform the operation if conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied; is.

[0021] The management device grasps the relationship between the power consumption and time required for operation, and checks the amount of power stored in each optical node before the selected optical node performs an operation. Based on this relationship and confirmation, the management device causes the selected optical node to perform an operation if it determines that the optical node will not have enough power stored to cause a communication interruption or that the selected optical node will not re-execute a command. Therefore, the present invention can provide a management device, a management method, and a program that can avoid communication interruptions between the management device and optical nodes and avoid re-execution of commands in an optical power supply system.

[0022] The program of the management device according to the present invention is characterized in that, when the operation is a designated operation designated in advance, the energy optically supplied to the selected optical node is made larger than the energy consumed in the designated operation. The designated operation is one that takes a long time to operate or consumes a lot of power. When a designated operation is performed, there is a high possibility that the stored power will run out during the operation. Therefore, when a designated operation is performed, the optical power supply energy can be increased to prevent the stored power from running out.

[0023] The program of the management device of the present invention is characterized in that, if the time required to perform the specified action is longer than a predetermined time, the specified action is divided so that the time required to perform one action is shorter than the predetermined time. If the operation time is longer than the predetermined time, the stored power amount of the selected optical node may become insufficient, and the time when optical power is not supplied may become long, so that the stored power amount of other optical nodes may also become insufficient. If the operation time is predicted to be longer than the predetermined time, the stored power amount of each optical node can be prevented from becoming insufficient by dividing and executing the specified operation.

[0024] The program of the management device of the present invention is characterized in that, before causing the selected optical node to perform the operation, it checks whether the operation is being executed for each of the optical nodes, and if any of the optical nodes is executing the operation, it waits before causing the selected optical node to perform the operation until the operation is completed. By limiting the number of optical nodes operating within the system to one, it is possible to prevent the amount of stored power from decreasing more than expected.

[0025] The above inventions can be combined as much as possible. The program of the present invention can be recorded on a recording medium or provided to the management device via a network. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] The present invention can provide a management device, a management method, and a program that can avoid communication interruptions between the management device and optical nodes and avoid re-execution of commands in an optical power supply system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an optical power supply system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a management device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a management method according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the time and energy required for operations performed by an optical node. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a management method according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a management method according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a management method according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a management device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. The preferred embodiments described below are examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments. In this specification and the drawings, components having the same reference numerals are intended to represent the same components.

[0029] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the management device 11 of this embodiment. a light source 11a connected to a plurality of optical nodes 20 via a selector 12 by an optical fiber 52, and supplying optical power to a selected optical node (optical node 20#1 in this example) that is one of the optical nodes 20 selected by the selector 12; a communication unit 11b that communicates with the selected optical node 20#1 using a control signal superimposed on the light of the light source 11a; a database 11c for storing, for each optical node 20, a stored voltage value and a time when the stored voltage value was confirmed; a program 11d for causing the selected optical node 20#1 to perform an arbitrary operation if conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied when checking before causing the selected optical node 20#1 to perform the operation; Equipped with. However, condition 1 is The selected optical node 20#1 has the stored voltage equivalent to the energy required for the operation and the energy to drive itself at the time of the confirmation. Condition 2 is: Among the optical nodes 20, all of the other optical nodes 20#n (in this example, n is an integer between 2 and N) other than the selected optical node 20#1 have a drive voltage higher than the drive voltage that enables the other optical nodes 20#n to be driven after the operation of the selected optical node 20#1 and after the end of the power supply cycle in which optical power is supplied sequentially. is.

[0030] The management device 11 has a program 11d that determines whether the above two conditions are met before causing the selected optical node 20#1 to perform operation x. When the program 11d determines that both of the two conditions are met before executing operation x, the management device 11 causes the selected optical node 20#1 to perform operation x. When the management device 11 determines that both or only one of the two conditions is met, the management device 11 causes the selected optical node 20#1 to wait before executing operation x until both conditions are met, and optical power is supplied from the light source 11a to each optical node 20. Note that instead of supplying optical power to all optical nodes 20, optical power may be supplied only to the optical nodes 20 that do not satisfy the conditions.

[0031] Two conditions will be described. There are N optical nodes in the optical power supply system. Consider that operation x is performed on the first optical node 20#k (k=1; k is the optical node identification number and is an integer between 1 and N) at time t=t1. Here, we will explain two conditions for keeping the capacitor voltage values ​​(storage voltage values) of all N optical nodes 20 at or above the drive voltage V0 at which the optical nodes themselves can be driven. The parameters are as follows: V k (t): The voltage value of the capacitor at time t (>V0) [V]. C k : Capacitor capacitance [F], U x : Energy consumption of the optical node when performing operation x [J], D x : Transfer data volume of control signals and control data between the management device and the optical node [bytes] v: Communication speed [bps], T x :Transfer (execution) time [s], Pk (t): Energy increase per unit time during power supply [J / s] d k : Amount of capacitor voltage drop when power is not supplied [V / s].

[0032] (Condition 1) The energy required at the selected optical node 20#1 (k=1 in this example) when it is executed (time t=t1) is the energy U required for operation x. x and is greater than the total value of the stored energy equivalent to the optical node's driving voltage V0.

number

number

[0033] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a management method performed by the management device 11. A management method for managing an operation of an optical power supply system in which a management device 11 is connected to a plurality of optical nodes 20#k via a selector 12 by optical fibers 52, and performs at least one of optical power supply and communication with a selected optical node 20#1, which is one of the optical nodes selected by the selector 12, comprising: For each optical node 20#k, the stored voltage value and the time when the stored voltage value was confirmed are stored (step 1); and When checking before causing the selected optical node 20#1 to perform any operation, if conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied, the selected optical node 20#1 is caused to perform the operation (step 2); Do the following.

[0034] In this example, N=2 for ease of explanation. [Step 1] First, the communication unit 11b of the management device 11 starts by checking the voltage values ​​of all optical nodes 20. As an example of a method for checking the voltage values, the management device 11 selects optical node 20#1 with the optical channel selector 12 and requests the voltage value (step S1-11), and the optical node 20#1 responds with the current capacitor output voltage value (step S1-12). The optical node 20#2 can also be checked by performing a similar checking operation (steps S1-21 and S1-22). The management device 11 receives the number k of the optical node 20, the confirmation time t, and the voltage value V k (t) is stored in DB 11c in the management device 11.

[0035] [Step 2] Next, the program 11d calculates the voltage values ​​V1 and V2 of the current optical node 20 when the optical node 20#1 performs the operation x between the time t1 and the time Tx. kIt is determined whether the value of satisfies both Condition 1 and Condition 2 (Step S2-1). If not, the process waits until power supply to the optical node is completed (Step S2-2). If both Condition 1 and Condition 2 are satisfied, the channel selector 12 selects the optical node 20#1 and transmits the step of operation x (Step S2-3). If necessary, the optical node 20#1 transmits the completion step of operation x to the communication unit 11b of the management device 11 (Step S2-4) and completes operation x (End S3).

[0036] (Embodiment 2) Figure 4 shows the time T required to execute the operation x of an optical node. x and the energy consumption during operation of the optical node x is U x FIG. T x The operations with large σ are the port monitoring unit (data transfer) and FW update in area (i). In the case of these operations, the reduction in the energy consumption of the optical node 20#k (k=2 to N) during the operation x of the optical node 20#k (k=1) is large in the judgment of condition 2. On the other hand, T x The operations with small values ​​are fiber switching and port monitoring (data acquisition) in area (ii), and restart, stored power inquiry, and microcomputer communication check in area (iii). In the case of these operations, the reduction in the energy consumption of the optical node 20#k (k=2 to N) is small when determining condition 2.

[0037] Also, U x The operations with a large value are port monitoring (data transfer) and FW update in area (i) when the file capacity is large, and the operations in area (ii). In the case of these operations, the reduction in the energy consumption of the optical node 20#k (k=1) during operation x is large in the judgment of condition 1. On the other hand, U x The operation with a small value is the operation in region (iii). In this operation, the reduction in the energy consumption of the optical node 20#k (k=1) is small in the determination of condition 1.

[0038] From the above, it can be seen that when the file capacity is large in area (i), the decrease in energy consumption is large in all optical nodes, including optical node 20#k (k=1) and optical node 20#k (k=2 to N), during operation x. This indicates that there is a high possibility that operation x cannot be completed due to insufficient voltage and will have to be re-executed.

[0039] Here, P shown in Condition 1 k Specifically, the value of P (t) is adjusted by adjusting the light intensity output by the light source 11a. k The value of (t) can be adjusted. When optical node 20#k (k=1) executes operation x, U x is consumed, and the voltage drops from V1. At this time, from the energy balance of the optical node 20#k (k=1), U consumed in operation x is x The above energy may be supplied to the optical node (k=1) by optical power feeding. In other words, when the operation x is a designated operation (an operation included in the region (i)), the program 11d calculates the energy to be optically fed to the selected optical node 20#1 as the energy U consumed in the designated operation. x That is, during the execution of action x,

number

[0040] From the above, for operations included in region (i) shown in Figure 4, if energy that satisfies equation (3) is supplied to optical node 20#k (k=1), power can be supplied simultaneously with the start of operation x, thereby reducing the possibility of power shortages.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the management method performed by the management device 11 based on these operations. In this example, N=2 is also assumed for ease of explanation. First, the program 11d checks whether the operation x is in any of the areas (i) to (iii) (step S4). In the case of areas (ii) and (iii), the operation x is executed by the method explained in FIG. 3. In the case of area (i), the voltage value V of the optical node 20#k (k=2 to N) is k (t) (step S5-1 "select optical node 20#n (n=2 to N) by channel selector 12 and request voltage value" and step S5-2 "respond with current capacitor output voltage value"), and check whether it satisfies condition 2 between time t1 and time Tx (step S6-1).

[0042] If condition 2 is not satisfied, power is supplied to the node (step S6-2). If condition 2 is satisfied, the voltage value V k (t) (step S7-1 "select optical node 20#1 with channel selector 12 and request voltage value" and step S7-2 "respond with current capacitor output voltage value") and confirm whether it satisfies condition 1 between time t1 and time Tx (step S8-1).

[0043] If condition 1 is not satisfied, the supplied energy is adjusted to satisfy equation (3) (step S8-2), and operation x is executed and energy is supplied to optical node 20#k (k=1) simultaneously (step S9-1 "select optical node 20#1 with channel selector and request operation x"). On the other hand, if the condition 1 is satisfied, the operation x is executed and energy is supplied to the optical node 20#k (k=1) at the same time (step S9-1). Finally, if necessary, the optical node 20#1 transmits a completion step for operation x to the communication unit 11b of the management device 11 (step S9-2), and completes operation x (end S3).

[0044] Here, if step S8-2 is not performed, a separate step of optically feeding power to the optical node 20#k (k=1) is required before the execution of operation x (before step S9-1). In this embodiment, by performing step S8-2 as shown in FIG. 5, the execution of operation x and the supply of energy to the optical node 20#k (k=1) can be performed simultaneously, so it is not necessary to check whether condition 1 is satisfied before the execution of operation x. The voltage value V k Since the inquiry (t) also consumes power, efficient operation is possible from the viewpoint of power consumption and the time required for confirmation.

[0045] (Embodiment 3) If operation x is a communication check, D x Since the value of is uniquely determined, U x and T x , and ultimately V k However, as explained in the second embodiment, if the operation x is a FW update and D x If the value of changes each time, then, according to the relationship in equation (1a), if v is constant, D x By T x The value of changes.

[0046] At this time, T satisfying condition 1 calculated by the method described in the first embodiment x1 and T calculated from condition 2 x2 In other words, if the file capacity of optical node 20#k (k=1) is large and it is calculated from condition 1 that a long transfer time is required, it may not be possible to set a time that satisfies condition 2 because that time is below V0 for all optical nodes (k=2 to N).

[0047] In this case, it is desirable to adopt the smaller value. (T x1 <T x2 in the case of) Even after the execution of operation x of the optical node 20#1 is completed, the minimum voltage value of the optical node 20#n (n=2 to N) still exceeds V0. x1By adopting this value, all optical nodes 20 are kept at or above the driving voltage. (T x1 >T x2 in the case of) T x2 By adopting this value, the operation of the optical node (k=1) can be completed before the lowest voltage value of any of the optical nodes 20#n (n=2 to N) falls below V0, and power supply to the optical nodes 20#n (n=2 to N) can be started.

[0048] where T x1 , T x2 The smaller value of xs From the above formula (1a), the capacity of the FW file to be applied, D, is calculated from the known value v. x and compare the magnitude relationship. (T xs ·v>8D x When It is possible to send the FW file with a single power supply. (T xs v<8D x When The FW file cannot be sent in one power supply. In this case, the capacity of the FW file must be T xs Divide the file into chunks of 8 or less and send it in multiple batches, with power supply in between.

[0049] 6 is a diagram illustrating a management method based on these operations performed by management device 11. Program 11d of management device 11 is characterized in that, when the time required to perform a designated operation (operation in area (i)) is longer than a predetermined time, the designated operation is divided so that the time required to perform one operation is shorter than the predetermined time.

[0050] Up to step 3 (steps S8-1 and S8-2), the management method is the same as that explained in FIG. 7. After step S8-1 or step S8-2, this management method xs ·v>8D x ) is satisfied (step S10-1). If the predetermined requirements are met, step S9-1 described with reference to FIG. 7 is carried out. On the other hand, if the specified requirements are not met, FW file size T xs Dividing into v / 8 or less (step S10-2), The selector 12 selects the optical node 20#1, and transmits the divided FW file and supplies optical power (step S10-3). The selector 12 sequentially selects other optical nodes 20#n (n=2 to N) and performs optical power feeding (step S10-4); and Check whether all the divided FW files have been sent, and if not, repeat steps S10-3 and S10-4 (step S10-5). Do the following. Finally, if necessary, the optical node 20#1 transmits a completion response of the operation x to the communication unit 11b of the management device 11 (response S9-2), and completes the operation x (end S3).

[0051] This management method makes it possible to update the firmware while maintaining all optical nodes at or above their operating voltage.

[0052] (Embodiment 4) 7 is a diagram illustrating a management method performed by the management device 11 of this embodiment. Before causing the selected optical node 20#1 to perform operation x, the program 11d of the management device 11 checks whether or not an operation is currently being executed for each of the optical nodes 20#k (k=1 to N), and if any optical node is currently executing an operation, waits until the operation is completed before causing the selected optical node 20#1 to perform operation x.

[0053] In the management method of this embodiment, before performing step 1 or 3 described in the first to third embodiments, the management device 11 checks whether any operation is being executed for each optical node 20 (step S11-1). If no operation is being executed for each optical node 20, step 1 or 3 is started. On the other hand, if any operation is being executed for any optical node 20, the execution of step 1 or 3 is put on hold until the operation is completed (step S11-2).

[0054] In this management method, the operation executed from the management device 11 is only a single operation command, and an exclusive operation can be realized.

[0055] (Embodiment 5) The management device 11 can also be realized by a computer and a program, and the program can be recorded on a recording medium or provided via a network. 8 shows a block diagram of a system 100. The system 100 includes a computer 105 connected to a network 135.

[0056] Network 135 is a data communications network. Network 135 may be a private or public network and may include any or all of the following: (a) a personal area network, e.g., covering a room; (b) a local area network, e.g., covering a building; (c) a campus area network, e.g., covering a campus; (d) a metropolitan area network, e.g., covering a city; (e) a wide area network, e.g., covering an area spanning city, region, or country boundaries; or (f) the Internet. Communications are conducted over network 135 by electronic and optical signals.

[0057] Computer 105 includes a processor 110 and memory 115 connected to processor 110. Although computer 105 is depicted herein as a stand-alone device, it is not limited to such, but rather may be connected to other devices not shown in a distributed processing system.

[0058] Processor 110 is an electronic device made up of logic circuits that responds to and carries out instructions.

[0059] The memory 115 is a tangible computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is encoded. In this regard, the memory 115 stores data and instructions, i.e., program code, that can be read and executed by the processor 110 to control its operation. The memory 115 can be implemented as a random access memory (RAM), a hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), or a combination thereof. One component of the memory 115 is a program module 120.

[0060] The program modules 120 contain instructions for controlling the processor 110 to perform the processes described herein. Although operations are described herein as being performed by the computer 105 or a method or process or sub-process thereof, those operations are actually performed by the processor 110.

[0061] The term "module" is used herein to refer to a functional operation that may be embodied as either a stand-alone component or an integrated configuration of multiple subcomponents. Thus, program module 120 may be implemented as a single module or as multiple modules operating in coordination with one another. Furthermore, while program module 120 is described herein as being installed in memory 115 and thus implemented in software, it may be implemented in any of hardware (e.g., electronic circuitry), firmware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0062] Although program module 120 is shown as already loaded into memory 115, it may also be configured to reside on storage device 140 for later loading into memory 115. Storage device 140 is a tangible, computer-readable storage medium that stores program module 120. Examples of storage device 140 include compact discs, magnetic tape, read-only memory, optical storage media, a memory unit consisting of a hard drive or multiple parallel hard drives, and a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive. Alternatively, storage device 140 may be random access memory or another type of electronic storage device located in a remote storage system (not shown) and connected to computer 105 via network 135.

[0063] System 100 further includes data source 150A and data source 150B, collectively referred to herein as data sources 150, that are communicatively connected to network 135. In practice, data sources 150 may include any number of data sources, i.e., one or more data sources. Data sources 150 may include unstructured data and may include social media.

[0064] The system 100 further includes a user device 130 operated by the user 101 and connected to the computer 105 via a network 135. The user device 130 includes an input device, such as a keyboard or a voice recognition subsystem, that allows the user 101 to communicate information and command selections to the processor 110. The user device 130 also includes an output device, such as a display device or a printer or a voice synthesizer. A cursor control, such as a mouse, trackball, or touch-sensitive screen, allows the user 101 to manipulate a cursor on the display device to communicate further information and command selections to the processor 110.

[0065] The processor 110 outputs the results 122 of the execution of the program modules 120 to the user device 130. Alternatively, the processor 110 can provide the output to a storage device 125, such as a database or memory, or via a network 135 to a remote device not shown.

[0066] 3 may be the program 120. The system 100 can be operated as the management device 11.

[0067] The terms "comprising" or "comprising" should be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not excluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof. The terms "a" and "an" are indefinite articles and therefore do not exclude embodiments having a plurality thereof.

[0068] (Other embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In short, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the components can be modified and embodied in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0069] Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0070] [Definition] The abbreviations used in this specification and drawings are as follows:

[0071] DCN: Data Communication Network CLI: client IF: Interface OSS: Open Source Software OpS: Operation System [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10: Communications Station 11: Management device 11a: Light source 11b:Communication Department 11c:Database 11d: Program 12: Channel selector 20, 20#1, 20#2, 20#3: Optical nodes 51: Main signal optical fiber 52: Optical fiber 100: System 101:User 105: Computer 110: Processor 115: Memory 120: Program module 122:Result 125: Storage device 130: User device 135: Network 140: Storage device 150: Data source

Claims

1. a light source connected to a plurality of optical nodes via a selector by an optical fiber, and optically feeding power to a selected optical node, which is one of the optical nodes selected by the selector; a communication unit that communicates with the selected optical node using a control signal superimposed on the light from the light source; a database that stores, for each of the optical nodes, a stored voltage value and a time when the stored voltage value was confirmed; a program for causing the selected optical node to perform an arbitrary operation if conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied when checking before causing the selected optical node to perform the operation; A management device comprising: However, the above condition 1 is the selected optical node has the stored voltage value corresponding to the energy required for the operation and the energy to drive itself at the time of the confirmation; The condition 2 is Among the optical nodes, all of the optical nodes other than the selected optical node have a drive voltage that is higher than a drive voltage that enables the other optical nodes to be driven after the operation of the selected optical node and after the end of a power supply cycle in which the optical nodes are sequentially optically powered; is.

2. The program If the operation is a designated operation designated in advance, the energy optically supplied to the selected optical node is made larger than the energy consumed in the designated operation. The management device according to claim 1 .

3. The program If the time required to perform the specified action is longer than a predetermined time, the specified action is divided so that the time required to perform one action is shorter than the predetermined time.

3. The management device according to claim 2, wherein:

4. The program Before causing the selected optical node to perform the operation, it is confirmed whether the operation is being executed for each of the optical nodes, and if any of the optical nodes is executing the operation, it waits until the operation is completed before causing the selected optical node to perform the operation.

4. The management device according to claim 1, wherein:

5. A management method for managing an operation of an optical power supply system in which a management device is connected to a plurality of optical nodes via a selector by optical fibers, and performs at least one of optical power supply and communication with a selected optical node, which is one of the optical nodes selected by the selector, comprising: For each of the optical nodes, a stored voltage value and a time when the stored voltage value was confirmed are stored; and When checking before causing the selected optical node to perform any operation, causing the selected optical node to perform the operation if conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied; A management method for doing this. However, the above condition 1 is the selected optical node has the stored voltage value corresponding to the energy required for the operation and the energy to drive itself at the time of the confirmation; The condition 2 is Among the optical nodes, all of the optical nodes other than the selected optical node have a drive voltage that is higher than a drive voltage that enables the other optical nodes to be driven after the operation of the selected optical node and after the end of a power supply cycle in which the optical nodes are sequentially optically powered; is.

6. A program for causing a computer to execute a management method, The management method is a method for managing an operation of an optical power supply system in which a management device is connected to a plurality of optical nodes via a selector by optical fibers, and performs at least one of optical power supply and communication with a selected optical node, which is one of the optical nodes selected by the selector; For each of the optical nodes, a stored voltage value and a time when the stored voltage value was confirmed are stored; and When checking before causing the selected optical node to perform any operation, causing the selected optical node to perform the operation if conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied; A program that: However, the above condition 1 is the selected optical node has the stored voltage value corresponding to the energy required for the operation and the energy to drive itself at the time of the confirmation; The condition 2 is Among the optical nodes, all of the optical nodes other than the selected optical node have a drive voltage that is higher than a drive voltage that enables the other optical nodes to be driven after the operation of the selected optical node and after the end of a power supply cycle in which the optical nodes are sequentially optically powered; is.

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