Optical communication device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide an optical communication device, a control method, and a program capable of cleaning a communication surface while suppressing adverse effects on optical communication in various directions.SOLUTION: In a system that performs underwater optical communication between underwater optical communication devices, an optical communication device 1 includes a plurality of optical communication units 10a to 10c arranged in an array along a curved communication surface, a moving mechanism 40 that moves a cleaning member 30 for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface, and a control unit 20 that controls the moving mechanism 40 according to the status of optical communication in the plurality of optical communication units 10a to 10c.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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[0005] , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical communication device, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in underwater communication, an optical communication system using light (particularly visible light) as a transmission medium is known. Since light has high directivity, in a conventional optical communication system, it is common to communicate with the transmission side and the reception side facing each other on the premise that each optical communication device on the transmission side and the reception side is fixed.

[0003] On the other hand, Patent Document 1 describes a cleaning mechanism used for a housing portion that houses a camera by engaging an upper dome portion and a lower dome portion. Specifically, in this cleaning mechanism, while rotating the lower dome portion, a wiper portion fixed outside the imaging range of the camera is slid on the spherical surface of the lower dome portion to clean the spherical surface.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a future optical communication system, for example, assuming that an optical communication device is movable, it is conceivable to arrange a plurality of optical communication units on a curved communication surface of the optical communication device so that the plurality of optical communication units can support optical communication in various directions. Here, if dirt adheres to the communication surface, the optical signal will be blocked or attenuated due to the dirt, so a mechanism for cleaning the communication surface of the optical communication device is required.

[0006] The cleaning mechanism described in Patent Document 1 assumes that the camera's shooting range (shooting direction) is fixed, and the cleaning member (wiper part) is fixed outside the camera's shooting range. However, in an optical communication device in which multiple optical communication units are arranged on a curved communication surface, it may be necessary to switch the optical communication unit used for optical communication depending on the position of the communication partner, or to perform omnidirectional optical communication using all optical communication units. Therefore, if a cleaning mechanism like the one described in Patent Document 1 is applied to an optical communication device, there is a concern that the optical communication unit and the cleaning member may interfere with each other and adversely affect optical communication.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an optical communication device, a control method, and a program that can clean the communication surface while suppressing adverse effects on optical communication in various directions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The optical communication device according to the first embodiment comprises a plurality of optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface, a moving mechanism for moving a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface, and a control unit for controlling the moving mechanism according to the optical communication status of the plurality of optical communication units.

[0009] A control method according to a second embodiment is a control method for controlling an optical communication device, comprising the steps of: performing optical communication using a plurality of optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface; and controlling a moving mechanism that moves a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface according to the optical communication status of the plurality of optical communication units.

[0010] The program according to the third embodiment causes the optical communication device to perform optical communication using a plurality of optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface, and to control a moving mechanism that moves a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface according to the optical communication status of the plurality of optical communication units. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical communication device, a control method, and a program that can clean the communication surface while suppressing adverse effects on optical communication in various directions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example configuration of an optical communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the block configuration of an optical communication device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the external configuration of an optical communication device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows the external appearance of the optical communication device according to the embodiment, viewed from above (direction "A" in Figure 2). [Figure 5] This figure shows the external appearance of the optical communication device according to the embodiment, viewed from the side (direction "B" in Figure 2). [Figure 6] This figure shows a DL transmission as an example of optical communication according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a communication frame used in the optical communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a first cleaning operation flow in directional communication according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating the first cleaning operation in directional communication according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a second cleaning operation flow in directional communication according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a first cleaning operation flow in omnidirectional communication according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a second cleaning operation flow in omnidirectional communication according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a diagram illustrating the second cleaning operation in omnidirectional communication according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows a first modified example of the optical communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 15]It is a diagram showing a second modification example of the optical communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing a second modification example of the optical communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing a second modification example of the optical communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing a third modification example of the optical communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing a third modification example of the optical communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing a third modification example of the optical communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a diagram showing an optical communication device according to another embodiment. [Figure 22] It is a diagram showing an optical communication device according to another embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] The optical communication system and optical communication device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0014] (1) Configuration Example of Optical Communication System First, a configuration example of the optical communication system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the optical communication system according to the embodiment.

[0015] The optical communication system according to the embodiment is a system that performs underwater optical communication between optical communication devices 1. That is, each optical communication device 1 is an underwater optical communication device. In the embodiment, as underwater optical communication, mainly undersea optical communication is assumed, but underwater optical communication may be optical communication in a lake or a river. The optical communication system according to the embodiment is not limited to underwater optical communication and may be applied to optical communication on the ground (or in space). Further, the optical communication system according to the embodiment is a system that performs optical communication using visible light as an example of light. However, the optical communication system may be a system that performs optical communication using light other than visible light, for example, infrared light.

[0016] The example in Figure 1 shows the operation of transmitting an optical signal from one optical communication device 1(1a) to the other optical communication device 1(1b). The first optical communication device 1(1a) transmits and receives optical communication with its optical axis directed toward the other optical communication device 1(1b). Similarly, the other optical communication device 1(1b) transmits and receives an optical signal with its optical axis directed toward the first optical communication device 1(1a). Here, the first optical communication device 1(1a) is assumed to be a terminal device, and the other optical communication device 1(1b) is assumed to be a base station device.

[0017] In the example shown in Figure 1, the base station device 1b is located near the water surface. For example, the base station device 1b may be fixed to a buoy via a frame. The base station device 1b may be connected to the network via a backhaul line. The backhaul line may be a wireless line or a wired line. In order to efficiently secure a communication area underwater, the base station device 1b may be installed at a predetermined distance from other adjacent base station devices. The base station device 1b may be installed temporarily, for example, for the period during which underwater surveys are conducted using the terminal device 1a.

[0018] Terminal device 1a may be configured to be mobile underwater. Terminal device 1a communicates with base station device 1b using optical communication (specifically, underwater optical communication). That is, base station device 1b is a serving base station for each terminal device 1a. Terminal device 1a may be equipped with sensors such as image sensors (including cameras) and generate sensor data. For example, terminal device 1a may transmit uplink data including sensor data to base station device 1b via optical communication. Terminal device 1a may receive downlink (DL) data including instruction data from base station device 1b via optical communication. Terminal device 1a may perform movement and sensing operations (such as taking pictures) based on the instruction data.

[0019] Thus, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the optical communication device 1 is movable. To enable optical communication in various directions, multiple optical communication units are arranged on the curved communication surface of each optical communication device 1, and these multiple optical communication units enable the optical axis to be directed in various directions. However, if dirt adheres to the communication surface of the optical communication device 1, the optical signal will be blocked or attenuated due to the dirt. Therefore, a mechanism for cleaning the communication surface is provided in each optical communication device 1.

[0020] As shown in the example in Figure 1, a scenario in which optical communication device 1 performs optical communication with a specific communication partner is called "directional communication." On the other hand, a scenario in which optical communication device 1 performs optical communication with an unspecified number of communication partners is called "omnidirectional communication." For example, base station device 1b may transmit broadcast information to an unspecified number of terminal devices 1a using omnidirectional communication.

[0021] (2) Example of optical communication device configuration Next, an example of the configuration of the optical communication device 1 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0022] (2.2) Example of block configuration of optical communication equipment Figure 2 shows an example of the block configuration of the optical communication device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0023] The optical communication device 1 comprises a housing 2, a plurality of optical communication units 10 (10a, 10b, 10c, ...), a transmitting / receiving unit 15, a control unit 20, a cleaning member 30, and a moving mechanism 40. The optical communication device 1 may have a battery to supply the power necessary for its operation. The optical communication device 1 may have communication means for performing communications other than optical communication (for example, wired communication or sound wave communication). If the optical communication device 1 is a base station device, the communication means may be backhaul communication means that perform backhaul communication via a backhaul line.

[0024] The housing 2 is a light-transmitting housing 2 formed from a light-transmitting material, such as glass or acrylic resin. The housing 2 houses a plurality of optical communication units 10 (10a, 10b, 10c, ...), a transmitting / receiving unit 15, a control unit 20, a cleaning member 30, and a part of the moving mechanism 40. In this embodiment, the housing 2 has a spherical shape. The curved outer surface of the housing 2 constitutes the communication surface of the optical communication device 1. In this way, by having the outer surface of the spherical housing 2 constitute the communication surface, the optical communication device 1 becomes capable of performing optical communication in all directions.

[0025] Multiple optical communication units 10 are arranged in an array along the curved communication surface of the optical communication device 1. Each optical communication unit 10 includes a light-emitting element 11 used for transmitting optical signals and a light-receiving element 12 used for receiving optical signals. In the example in Figure 2, optical communication unit 10a includes a light-emitting element 11a and a light-receiving element 12a, optical communication unit 10b includes a light-emitting element 11b and a light-receiving element 12b, and optical communication unit 10c includes a light-emitting element 11c and a light-receiving element 12c.

[0026] Each light-emitting element 11 may be a laser diode or a light-emitting diode. Each light-emitting element 11 converts the electrical signal (transmission signal) output by the transmitting / receiving unit 15 for optical communication into an optical signal and transmits the optical signal. Each of the multiple light-emitting elements 11 has a different optical axis orientation. That is, each of the multiple light-emitting elements 11 has a different direction of directivity (transmission directivity).

[0027] Each light-receiving element 12 may be a photodiode. Each light-receiving element 12 receives an optical signal, converts the received optical signal into an electrical signal (received signal), and outputs the received signal to the transmitting / receiving unit 15. In this embodiment, each light-receiving element 12 is provided in a one-to-one pair with a light-emitting element 11. Specifically, each light-receiving element 12 has directionality (receiving directionality) in the same direction as its corresponding light-emitting element 11. That is, multiple pairs of light-emitting elements 11 and light-receiving elements 12 (i.e., multiple optical communication units 10) each transmit optical signals in different directions and each receive optical signals from different directions.

[0028] The transmitting / receiving unit 15 may be composed of an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or a SoC (System-on-a-chip). The transmitting / receiving unit 15 performs signal processing on the transmission signal output by the control unit 20, converts the processed signal, and outputs it to the light-emitting element 11 used for optical communication. The transmitting / receiving unit 15 also converts the received signal output by the photodetector 12, performs signal processing on the converted received signal, and outputs it to the control unit 20. The transmitting / receiving unit 15 may be distributed among multiple optical communication units 10.

[0029] The control unit 20 controls the overall operation of the optical communication device 1. For example, the control unit 20 controls multiple optical communication units 10 via the transmitting / receiving unit 15 and also controls the mobile mechanism 40. The control unit 20 includes at least one processor 21 and at least one memory 22. The memory 22 stores programs executed by the processor 21 and information used for processing by the processor 21. The processor 21 may include a digital signal processor and a CPU. The digital signal processor performs modulation, demodulation, encoding, and decoding of digital signals. The CPU executes programs stored in the memory 22 and performs various processes.

[0030] The cleaning member 30 is a member for cleaning the communication surface of the optical communication device 1. The cleaning member 30 may include at least one of a cleaning brush, sponge, and wiper. The cleaning member 30 is provided on the outside of the housing 2.

[0031] The moving mechanism 40 moves the cleaning member 30 along the communication surface of the optical communication device 1 under the control of the control unit 20. The moving mechanism 40 is mostly located on the outside of the housing 2. The moving mechanism 40 includes a moving mechanism 40a that moves the cleaning member 30 laterally along the communication surface of the optical communication device 1, and a moving mechanism 40b that moves the cleaning member 30 vertically along the communication surface of the optical communication device 1.

[0032] In the optical communication device 1 configured in this way, the outer surface of the spherical housing 2 constitutes the communication surface, and by arranging multiple optical communication units 10 in an array on the curved communication surface, the optical communication device 1 can perform optical communication in all directions. The control unit 20 switches the optical communication units 10 used for optical communication according to the location of the communication partner, or performs omnidirectional optical communication using all optical communication units 10.

[0033] Here, since the cleaning member 30 is located on the outside of the housing 2, there is a concern that the optical communication unit 10 and the cleaning member 30 may interfere with each other and adversely affect optical communication. Specifically, if the cleaning member 30 is located in the communication area corresponding to the optical communication unit 10 used for optical communication, the cleaning member 30 will block the optical signals transmitted and received by the optical communication unit 10, making it impossible to perform the desired optical communication.

[0034] Therefore, the control unit 20 controls the moving mechanism 40 according to the status of optical communication in the multiple optical communication units 10. For example, when the optical communication device 1 is not performing optical communication, the control unit 20 may control the moving mechanism 40 to clean the entire communication surface using the cleaning member 30. This makes it possible to clean the communication surface while suppressing adverse effects on optical communication.

[0035] When the optical communication device 1 is performing optical communication, the control unit 20 controls the moving mechanism 40 to suppress interference between the cleaning member 30 and the communication surface when the cleaning member 30 is used to clean the communication surface. This makes it possible to clean the communication surface while suppressing adverse effects on the optical communication, even when the optical communication device 1 is performing optical communication.

[0036] Specifically, when the optical communication device 1 performs directional communication, the control unit 20 may identify an optical communication unit 10 corresponding to the direction of a specific communication partner from among a plurality of optical communication units 10, and control the movement mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to a second region different from the first region corresponding to the identified optical communication unit 10. This makes it possible to suppress the adverse effects of the cleaning member 30 on directional communication even when the optical communication device 1 performs directional communication with a specific communication partner. Here, the control unit 20 may also control the movement mechanism 40 to perform optical communication with the specific communication partner using the identified optical communication unit 10, and to clean the second region using the cleaning member 30. This makes it possible to clean the communication region (i.e., the second region) that is not used for directional communication when the optical communication device 1 performs directional communication.

[0037] On the other hand, when the optical communication device 1 performs omnidirectional communication, the control unit 20 may identify the optical communication unit 10 with the highest reception strength based on the reception strength in each of the multiple optical communication units 10, and control the moving mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to a second region different from the first region corresponding to the identified optical communication unit 10. This makes it possible to suppress the adverse effects of the cleaning member 30 on the omnidirectional communication even when the optical communication device 1 performs omnidirectional communication with an unspecified number of communication partners. Here, the control unit 20 may also perform optical communication using optical communication units 10 other than the optical communication unit 10 corresponding to the second region, and control the moving mechanism 40 to clean the second region using the cleaning member 30. This makes it possible to clean the communication region corresponding to the direction in which there are no communication partners (i.e., the second region) when the optical communication device 1 performs omnidirectional communication.

[0038] When the optical communication device 1 is performing optical communication (directional or omnidirectional communication), the control unit 20 may control the moving mechanism 40 to perform the cleaning operation using the cleaning member 30 during the interruption period when optical communication is temporarily interrupted. This makes it possible to clean the communication surface while suppressing adverse effects on optical communication. During the interruption period, the control unit 20 may control the moving mechanism 40 to clean only the first area, or to clean the entire communication surface. For example, if the interruption period is within a predetermined period, the control unit 20 may control the moving mechanism 40 to clean only the first area. On the other hand, if the interruption period exceeds a predetermined period, the control unit 20 may control the moving mechanism 40 to clean the entire communication surface.

[0039] Here, the control unit 20 may determine whether it is possible to temporarily interrupt optical communication when the optical communication device 1 is performing optical communication and it becomes necessary to perform a cleaning operation on the communication surface using the cleaning member 30. For example, the control unit 20 may identify the priority of the optical communication currently in progress and make the determination according to that priority. In this case, the control unit 20 may determine that it is possible to temporarily interrupt optical communication if the priority of the optical communication currently in progress is low. Alternatively, the control unit 20 may make the determination according to whether or not there is data to be transmitted and data to be received via optical communication. In this case, the control unit 20 may determine that it is possible to temporarily interrupt optical communication if there is no data to be transmitted and data to be received via optical communication. If it is determined that it is possible to temporarily interrupt optical communication, the control unit 20 may temporarily interrupt optical communication and control the moving mechanism 40 to perform a cleaning operation during the interruption period. This makes it possible to temporarily interrupt optical communication and perform a cleaning operation when performing low-priority optical communication or when there is no data to be transmitted or received.

[0040] The optical communication device 1 may further include a sensor 50 for detecting dirt on the communication surface. At least one of the multiple optical communication units 10 may be used as the sensor 50. For example, the sensor 50 has a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and detects dirt by measuring the amount of reflected light on the communication surface, which changes depending on the degree of dirt. The sensor 50 may perform the dirt detection operation only on a first region of the communication surface, or it may perform the dirt detection operation on the entire communication surface. The control unit 20 may determine that it is necessary to perform a cleaning operation in response to the detection of dirt on the communication surface.

[0041] Alternatively, the control unit 20 may determine that a cleaning operation is necessary when the received signal strength of the optical communication unit 10 used for optical communication falls below a threshold. In this case, the control unit 20 may control the moving mechanism 40 to clean the area of ​​the communication surface corresponding to the optical communication unit 10 whose received signal strength has fallen below the threshold during the interruption period when optical communication is temporarily interrupted. If the received signal strength of the optical communication unit 10 does not improve even after the cleaning operation, the control unit 20 may determine that turbidity in the optical propagation path is the cause of the deterioration in received signal strength.

[0042] The control unit 20 may control the movement mechanism 40 to sequentially move the cleaning member 30 to each of a plurality of candidate positions on the communication surface when the optical communication device 1 is performing omnidirectional communication. The control unit 20 may then identify the candidate position from among the plurality of candidate positions that minimizes interference from the cleaning member 30 to the optical communication by measuring the received signal strength of each of the plurality of optical communication units 10 when the cleaning member 30 is at each candidate position. The control unit 20 may then control the movement mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to the identified candidate position. This makes it possible for the optical communication device 1 to move the cleaning member 30 to the position that minimizes interference from the cleaning member 30 to the optical communication during omnidirectional communication. Here, the control unit 20 may also control the movement mechanism 40 to clean the position of the cleaning member 30 and its surroundings.

[0043] (2.1) Example of external configuration of optical communication equipment Figure 3 shows an example of the external configuration of the optical communication device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0044] The optical communication device 1 comprises a spherical housing 2 and a main body 60 housed within the housing 2, which includes a plurality of optical communication units 10. The curved outer surface 2a of the housing 2 constitutes the communication surface of the optical communication device 1. The plurality of optical communication units 10 are arranged in an array along the curved inner surface 2b of the housing 2. Specifically, the optical axis of each optical communication unit 10 is directed in the direction normal to the curved communication surface (i.e., the outer surface 2a). With this configuration, the optical communication device 1 is capable of optical communication in all directions.

[0045] The optical communication device 1 has a moving mechanism 40 that supports the cleaning member 30 so as to be movable above the outer peripheral surface 2a of the housing 2. The moving mechanism 40 includes a first rotating shaft 41 and a first arm 42 as a moving mechanism 40a that moves the cleaning member 30 in a first direction (lateral direction) along the communication surface (outer peripheral surface 2a) of the optical communication device 1. The first rotating shaft 41 is provided on the main body 60, and both ends thereof are outside the housing 2. The first arm 42 is rotatably supported by the first rotating shaft 41 and rotates the cleaning member 30 in the first direction (lateral direction).

[0046] Furthermore, the moving mechanism 40 includes a second rotation shaft 43 and a second arm 44 as a moving mechanism 40b for moving the cleaning member 30 in the vertical direction along the communication surface (outer peripheral surface 2a) of the optical communication device 1. The second rotation shaft 43 is provided on the first arm 42. The second arm 44 is rotatably supported by the second rotation shaft 43 and rotates the cleaning member 30 in a second direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to the first direction.

[0047] Thus, in this embodiment, the moving mechanism 40 is configured as a two-axis gimbal mechanism, and the moving mechanism 40 makes it possible to move the cleaning member 30 over the entire area of ​​the communication surface (outer peripheral surface 2a).

[0048] Figure 4 shows the optical communication device 1 as viewed from above (direction "A" in Figure 2), and Figure 5 shows the optical communication device 1 as viewed from the side (direction "B" in Figure 2).

[0049] The first rotating shaft 41 is provided vertically on the main body 60. The first rotating shaft 41 is rotationally driven by an actuator provided on the main body 60, for example. The first arm 42 is formed in an arc shape, and both ends of the first arm 42 are supported by the first rotating shaft 41. The first arm 42 is formed in an arc shape (semi-arc shape) with a central angle of 180°. The rotation of the first rotating shaft 41 causes the first arm 42 to rotate laterally, thereby allowing the cleaning member 30 to rotate 360° laterally.

[0050] The second rotation axis 43 is provided laterally on the first arm 42 at an intermediate position in the vertical direction of the first arm 42. The second rotation axis 43 is rotationally driven by an actuator provided on the first arm 42, for example. The second arm 44 is formed in an arc shape. One end of the second arm 44 is supported by the second rotation axis 43. A cleaning member 30 is provided at the other end of the second arm 44. The second arm 44 is formed in an arc shape with a central angle of 90°. The cleaning member 30 is fixed to the other end of the second arm 44. The rotation of the second rotation axis 43 causes the second arm 44 to rotate vertically, thereby allowing the cleaning member 30 to rotate 180° vertically.

[0051] (3) An example of optical communication Next, an example of optical communication according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a diagram showing DL transmission as an example of optical communication according to the embodiment. In the example of Figure 6, a simplified cross-section of a base station device 1b, which is an example of optical communication device 1, is shown.

[0052] In the base station device 1b, multiple optical communication units 10 are arranged such that the angle between the optical axis of one optical communication unit 10 and the optical axis of the other optical communication unit 10 increases as the distance between them increases. The base station device 1b associates an optical communication unit 10 (i.e., a pair of light-emitting element 11 and light-receiving element 12) corresponding to the direction in which a specific communication partner is located with that communication partner. In the example in Figure 6, the base station device 1b associates a specific communication partner with an optical communication unit 10d and uses the optical communication unit 10d to perform visible light communication with that communication partner. Specifically, the base station device 1b uses the light-emitting element 11 included in the optical communication unit 10d for DL ​​communication with the communication partner, and uses the light-receiving element 12 included in the optical communication unit 10d for UL communication with the communication partner.

[0053] Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of a communication frame used in an optical communication system according to an embodiment. In the example in Figure 7, one communication frame is composed of 10 time slots, but the number of time slots that make up one communication frame is not limited to 10. Each time slot is composed of a predetermined number of symbol intervals.

[0054] In the frame configuration example shown in Figure 7, the communication frame consists of one synchronization slot (Sync.), one control slot (Ctrl.), four DL slots (DL slot) #0 to #3, and four UL slots (UL slot) #0 to #3.

[0055] The synchronization slot (Sync.) is a time slot in which the base station device 1b transmits a synchronization optical signal (and a base station-specific reference signal). The terminal device 1a identifies the base station device 1b by the synchronization optical signal received from the base station device 1b and establishes or maintains synchronization with the base station device 1b using the synchronization optical signal. The control slot (Ctrl.) is a time slot in which the base station device 1b transmits a control optical signal (for example, scheduling information indicating the slot assignment of DL and UL). Note that the base station-specific reference signal may be transmitted in all slots except the UL slot.

[0056] DL slots #0 to #3 constitute a DL communication period. Base station device 1b assigns each of DL slots #0 to #3 to one or more terminal devices 1a. Base station device 1b transmits DL data optical signals in each DL slot. Each DL slot may have a light-emitting element-specific reference signal (Ref.TxElement) and a data optical signal arranged in time division.

[0057] UL slots #0 to #3 constitute a UL communication period. Base station equipment 1b assigns each of UL slots #0 to #3 to one or more terminal devices 1a. Terminal devices 1a transmit UL data optical signals in the assigned UL slots.

[0058] The base station device 1b can communicate simultaneously with multiple terminal devices 1a located in different directions from each other. Specifically, the base station device 1b can spatially multiplex multiple terminal devices 1a located in different directions from each other. Therefore, the base station device 1b may assign one DL slot to multiple terminal devices 1a. Alternatively, the base station device 1b may assign one DL slot to multiple terminal devices 1a.

[0059] (4) Example of a cleaning operation flow in an optical communication device Next, an example of the cleaning operation flow in the optical communication device 1 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0060] (4.1) Example of a first cleaning operation flow in directional communication Figure 8 shows an example of the first cleaning operation flow in directional communication according to the embodiment.

[0061] In step S100, the control unit 20 determines whether or not to clean the communication surface (outer surface 2a) of the optical communication device 1. For example, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the current timing is a periodically set cleaning timing. The control unit 20 may also determine whether or not to clean the communication surface (outer surface 2a) depending on whether or not dirt on the communication surface (outer surface 2a) is detected by the sensor 50. If the control unit 20 determines to clean the communication surface (outer surface 2a) (step S100: Yes), the process proceeds to step S101.

[0062] In step S101, the control unit 20 determines whether or not optical communication (directional communication in this example) is in progress. If it is determined that optical communication is not in progress (step S101: No), in step S102, the control unit 20 controls the moving mechanism 40 to clean the entire communication surface (outer peripheral surface 2a) with the cleaning member 30.

[0063] On the other hand, if it is determined that optical communication is in progress (step S101: Yes), in step S103, the control unit 20 identifies the optical communication unit 10 being used for optical communication (in this example, directional communication). The control unit 20 may also identify two or more adjacent optical communication units 10 as the optical communication units 10 being used for optical communication. For example, if two or more adjacent optical communication units 10 are being used to combine and transmit the same optical signal, the control unit 20 identifies these two or more optical communication units 10 in step S103.

[0064] In step S104, the control unit 20 identifies a second region on the opposite side of the first region of the communication surface (outer surface 2a) corresponding to the optical communication unit 10 identified in step S103. For example, as shown in Figure 9, if the control unit 20 identifies optical communication unit 10a, optical communication unit 10b, optical communication unit 10c, and optical communication unit 10d as the optical communication unit 10 used for optical communication, it identifies the region of the communication surface (outer surface 2a) corresponding to these optical communication units 10 as the first region. Then, the control unit 20 identifies the region on the opposite side of the first region, specifically the region corresponding to optical communication unit 10e, as the second region.

[0065] In step S105, the control unit 20 controls the moving mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to the second region identified in step S104. When moving the cleaning member 30 to the second region, the control unit 20 may control the moving mechanism 40 so that the cleaning member 30 does not pass through the first region.

[0066] In step S106, the control unit 20 controls the moving mechanism 40 to clean the second area. In the example shown in Figure 9, the control unit 20 controls the moving mechanism 40 to clean at least the outer communication surface (outer peripheral surface 2a) of the optical communication unit 10e. For example, the control unit 20 performs the cleaning operation by moving the cleaning member 30 up, down, left, and right a predetermined number of times, centered on the position of the outer communication surface (outer peripheral surface 2a) of the optical communication unit 10e. The control unit 20 may further control the moving mechanism 40 to clean the outer communication surface (outer peripheral surface 2a) of the optical communication unit 10 adjacent to the optical communication unit 10e.

[0067] (4.2) Example of a second cleaning operation flow in directional communication Figure 10 shows an example of a second cleaning operation flow in directional communication according to the embodiment. Here, the differences from the cleaning operation flow example described above will be explained in detail.

[0068] In step S151, the control unit 20 determines whether or not optical communication (directional communication in this example) is in progress. If the control unit 20 determines that optical communication is in progress (step S151: Yes), it proceeds to step S152.

[0069] In step S152, the control unit 20 determines whether or not to clean the first region of the communication surface (outer surface 2a) corresponding to the optical communication unit 10 used for optical communication. For example, the control unit 20 may determine that it is necessary to perform a cleaning operation on the first region of the communication surface (outer surface 2a) in response to the reception strength of the optical communication unit 10 used for optical communication falling below a threshold. The control unit 20 may also determine that it is necessary to perform a cleaning operation on the first region of the communication surface (outer surface 2a) in response to the sensor 50 detecting dirt in the first region of the communication surface (outer surface 2a). If the control unit 20 determines to perform a cleaning operation on the first region of the communication surface (outer surface 2a) (step S152: Yes), the process proceeds to step S153.

[0070] In step S153, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the optical communication can be temporarily interrupted. For example, the control unit 20 may identify the priority of the optical communication currently in progress and make the determination according to that priority. The control unit 20 may also make the determination according to whether or not there is data to be transmitted and data to be received via optical communication. If the control unit 20 determines that the optical communication can be temporarily interrupted (step S153: Yes), the process proceeds to step S154.

[0071] In step S154, the control unit 20 interrupts the optical communication. Before interrupting the optical communication, the control unit 20 may control the optical communication unit 10 used for optical communication to send an optical signal to the communication partner indicating that the optical communication is being interrupted.

[0072] In step S155, the control unit 20 controls the moving mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to a first region of the communication surface (outer surface 2a), and also controls the moving mechanism 40 to clean the first region. In the example shown in Figure 9, if the control unit 20 identifies optical communication units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d as optical communication units 10 used for optical communication, it controls the moving mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to a first region of the communication surface (outer surface 2a) corresponding to these optical communication units 10, and to clean the first region. Once the cleaning of the first region of the communication surface (outer surface 2a) is complete, the control unit 20 proceeds to step S156.

[0073] In step S156, the control unit 20 restarts optical communication. When restarting optical communication, the control unit 20 may control the optical communication unit 10 (in the example in Figure 9, optical communication unit 10a, optical communication unit 10b, optical communication unit 10c, and optical communication unit 10d) that was used for optical communication to transmit an optical signal to the communication partner indicating that optical communication has been restarted.

[0074] (4.3) Example of the first cleaning operation flow in omnidirectional communication Figure 11 shows an example of a first cleaning operation flow in omnidirectional communication according to the embodiment. Here, the differences from the cleaning operation flow example described above will be explained in detail.

[0075] In step S200, the control unit 20 determines whether or not to clean the communication surface (outer surface 2a) of the optical communication device 1. For example, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the current timing is a periodically set cleaning timing. The control unit 20 may also determine whether or not to clean the communication surface (outer surface 2a) depending on whether or not dirt on the communication surface (outer surface 2a) is detected by the sensor 50. If the control unit 20 determines to clean the communication surface (outer surface 2a) (step S200: Yes), the process proceeds to step S201.

[0076] In step S201, the control unit 20 determines whether or not optical communication (in this example, omnidirectional communication) is in progress. If it is determined that optical communication is not in progress (step S201: No), in step S202, the control unit 20 controls the moving mechanism 40 to clean the entire communication surface (outer peripheral surface 2a) with the cleaning member 30.

[0077] On the other hand, if it is determined that optical communication is in progress (step S201: Yes), in step S203, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the optical communication can be temporarily interrupted. For example, the control unit 20 may identify the priority of the optical communication currently in progress and make the determination according to that priority. The control unit 20 may also make the determination depending on whether or not there is data to be transmitted and data to be received via optical communication. If the control unit 20 determines that the optical communication cannot be temporarily interrupted (step S203: No), the process proceeds to step S204.

[0078] In step S204, the control unit 20 measures the received signal strength in each of the multiple optical communication units 10. In step S205, the control unit 20 identifies the optical communication unit 10 with the highest received signal strength measured in step S204. In step S206, the control unit 20 identifies a second region opposite to the first region corresponding to the optical communication unit 10 identified in step S205. In step S207, the control unit 20 controls the moving mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to the second region identified in step S206. In step S208, the control unit 20 controls the moving mechanism 40 to perform (continue) optical communication using the optical communication units 10 other than the optical communication unit 10 corresponding to the second region, and to clean the second region using the cleaning member 30.

[0079] On the other hand, if it is determined that optical communication can be temporarily interrupted (step S203: Yes), in step S209, the control unit 20 interrupts the optical communication. Before interrupting the optical communication, the control unit 20 may control each optical communication unit 10 to transmit an optical signal indicating that the optical communication is being interrupted. Then, in step S210, the control unit 20 controls the moving mechanism 40 to clean the entire communication surface (outer peripheral surface 2a) with the cleaning member 30. Once the cleaning is completed, in step S211, the control unit 20 resumes the optical communication. When resuming the optical communication, the control unit 20 may control each optical communication unit 10 to transmit an optical signal indicating that the optical communication is being resumed.

[0080] (4.4) Example of a second cleaning operation flow in omnidirectional communication Figure 12 shows an example of a second cleaning operation flow in omnidirectional communication according to the embodiment. Here, the differences from the cleaning operation flow example described above will be explained in detail.

[0081] In steps S251 to S255, the control unit 20 controls the movement mechanism 40 to sequentially move the cleaning member 30 to each of the multiple candidate positions on the communication surface (outer peripheral surface 2a), and measures the received intensity of each optical communication unit 10 when the cleaning member 30 is at each candidate position. For example, the multiple candidate positions may be the positions corresponding to optical communication unit 10a, optical communication unit 10e, optical communication unit 10f, optical communication unit 10g, and optical communication unit 10h, as shown in Figure 13.

[0082] Specifically, in step S251, the control unit 20 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to a position corresponding to the optical communication unit 10a, and measures the received signal strength of each optical communication unit 10 when the cleaning member 30 is in that position (test reception).

[0083] In step S252, the control unit 20 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to a position corresponding to the optical communication unit 10e, and measures the received signal strength of each optical communication unit 10 when the cleaning member 30 is in that position (test reception).

[0084] In step S253, the control unit 20 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to a position corresponding to the optical communication unit 10f, and measures the received signal strength of each optical communication unit 10 when the cleaning member 30 is in that position (test reception).

[0085] In step S254, the control unit 20 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to a position corresponding to the optical communication unit 10g, and measures the received signal strength of each optical communication unit 10 when the cleaning member 30 is in that position (test reception).

[0086] In step S255, the control unit 20 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to a position corresponding to the optical communication unit 10h, and measures the received signal strength of each optical communication unit 10 when the cleaning member 30 is in that position (test reception).

[0087] In step S256, the control unit 20 identifies the region with the highest interference level, i.e., the candidate position where the cleaning member 30 causes the greatest interference to optical communication, based on the measurement results of the received signal strength for each candidate position. The control unit 20 then identifies the region opposite to the region with the highest interference level as the region (candidate position) where the cleaning member 30 causes the least interference to optical communication.

[0088] In step S257, the control unit 20 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to the region (candidate position) where the cleaning member 30 causes the least interference to optical communication. Here, the control unit 20 may also control the movement mechanism 40 to clean the position of the destination of the cleaning member 30 and its surroundings.

[0089] (5) First example of modification of optical communication equipment Next, with reference to Figure 14, a first modified example of the optical communication device 1 according to the above embodiment will be described.

[0090] In the first modified example, the housing 2 (and main body 60) formed of a light-transmitting member has a hemispherical shape, and a plurality of optical communication units 10 are arranged in an array along the curved surface of the hemisphere. The moving mechanism 40 according to the first modified example has a rotating shaft 41 provided on the main body 60 and a support member 45 that is rotatably supported by the rotating shaft 41 and rotates the cleaning member 30 vertically along the curved surface of the hemisphere. The support member 45 includes a sliding mechanism that moves the cleaning member 30 vertically along the curved surface of the hemisphere. Instead of the support member 45 including a sliding mechanism, the support member 45 may be configured to be expandable and retractable. The control according to the above embodiment can also be applied to the optical communication device 1 configured in this way.

[0091] (6) Second example of modification of optical communication equipment Next, a second modification of the optical communication device 1 according to the above embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 17. In Figures 15 to 17, the light-transmitting housing 2 is shown by a dashed line. Figure 16 is a diagram showing the optical communication device 1 shown in Figure 15 as viewed from above (direction "A" in Figure 15), and Figure 17 is a diagram showing the optical communication device 1 as viewed from the side (direction "B" in Figure 15).

[0092] In the optical communication device 1 according to the second modification example, the housing 2 (and main body 60) has a rod-like shape, specifically a cylindrical shape. The moving mechanism 40 according to the second modification example includes a rotating shaft 41 provided on the main body 60, a support member 45 rotatably supported by the rotating shaft 41 and rotating the cleaning member 30 along the outer circumference of the rod-like shape, and a sliding mechanism 46 supported by the support member 45 and moving the cleaning member 30 along the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the rod-like shape. A telescopic mechanism may be provided instead of the sliding mechanism 46. The support member 45 has a wheel-like shape and is attached to both ends of the rotating shaft 41. The support member 45 rotates laterally due to the rotation of the rotating shaft 41. The sliding mechanism 46 has both ends connected to the upper and lower support members 45. The sliding mechanism 46 moves the cleaning member 30 up and down along the vertical direction. The control according to the above embodiment can also be applied to the optical communication device 1 configured in this way.

[0093] (7) Third example of modification of optical communication equipment Next, a third modification of the optical communication device 1 according to the above embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 18 to 20. Figure 19 shows the optical communication device 1 shown in Figure 18 as viewed from above (direction "A" in Figure 20), and Figure 20 shows the optical communication device 1 shown in Figure 18 as viewed from the side (direction "B" in Figure 20).

[0094] In the optical communication device 1 according to the third modification example, the housing 2 (and main body 60) has a rod-like shape, specifically a cylindrical shape, similar to the second modification example described above. However, in the optical communication device 1 according to the third modification example, the configuration of the mobile mechanism 40 differs from that of the second modification example.

[0095] The moving mechanism 40 according to the third modification example includes a rotating shaft 41 provided on the main body 60, a support member 45 rotatably supported by the rotating shaft 41 and which rotates the cleaning member 30 along the outer circumference of the rod shape, and a sliding mechanism 46 supported by the support member 45 and which moves the cleaning member 30 along the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the rod shape. Here, the sliding mechanism 46 has a vertical rail 46a whose both ends are connected to the upper and lower support members 45, a movable part 46b that moves along the rail 46a, and an arm 46c extending laterally from the movable part 46b. The cleaning member 30 is attached to the arm 46c. The control according to the above embodiment can also be applied to the optical communication device 1 configured in this way.

[0096] (8) Other embodiments In the embodiments and the first modification described above, an example in which the housing 2 (and main body 60) has a spherical shape was explained. However, the spherical shape is not limited to a perfect sphere, and as shown in Figure 21, the housing 2 (and main body 60) may be a polyhedron. Optical communication units 10 are provided on each face of the polyhedron. Such a polyhedron is also included in the spherical housing 2 (and main body 60). Furthermore, in the second and third modifications described above, an example in which the housing 2 (and main body 60) has a cylindrical shape as a rod shape was explained. However, the rod shape is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and as shown in Figure 22, the housing 2 (and main body 60) may be a prismatic shape. Optical communication units 10 are provided on each side of the prismatic prism.

[0097] Each of the above-described modification examples is not limited to being implemented separately and independently; two or more modification examples may be combined and implemented. Furthermore, the operation flow in the above-described embodiment does not necessarily have to be executed chronologically in the order shown in the flowchart. For example, the steps in the operation may be executed in a different order than that shown in the flowchart, or they may be executed in parallel. Also, some steps in the operation may be deleted, or further steps may be added to the process. Moreover, some steps in one flowchart may be replaced with some steps in another flowchart.

[0098] A program may be provided that causes a computer to execute each process performed by the optical communication device 1. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. Using a computer-readable medium, it is possible to install the program on a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transient recording medium. The non-transient recording medium is not particularly limited, but may be a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. Furthermore, the circuits that execute each process performed by the optical communication device 1 may be integrated, and at least a part of the optical communication device 1 may be configured as a semiconductor integrated circuit (chipset, SoC).

[0099] The terms “based on” and “depending on / in response to” used in this disclosure do not mean “based solely on” or “depending solely on” unless otherwise specified. “Based on” means both “based solely on” and “at least partially on.” Similarly, “depending on” means both “at least partially on” and “at least partially on.” The terms “include,” “comprise,” and variations thereof do not mean that only the listed items are included; they mean that only the listed items may be included, or that additional items may be included in addition to the listed items. Furthermore, the term “or” used in this disclosure is not intended to mean exclusive OR. Additionally, any reference to elements using designations such as “first,” “second,” etc., used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used herein as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Therefore, references to the first and second elements do not imply that only two elements may be adopted therein, or that the first element must precede the second element in any way. In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, these articles shall be plural unless it is clearly indicated by the context that they are not.

[0100] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to those described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0101] (9) Note The following is an addendum regarding the features of the embodiment described above.

[0102] (Note 1) Multiple optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface, A moving mechanism for moving a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface, The system includes a control unit that controls the mobile mechanism according to the status of optical communication in the plurality of optical communication units. Optical communication device.

[0103] (Note 2) Each of the aforementioned plurality of optical communication units includes a light-emitting element used for transmitting optical signals and a light-receiving element used for receiving optical signals. The optical communication device described in Appendix 1.

[0104] (Note 3) The control unit controls the moving mechanism to use the cleaning member to clean the entire communication surface when the optical communication device is not performing optical communication. Optical communication device as described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0105] (Note 4) When the optical communication device is performing optical communication, the control unit controls the moving mechanism to suppress interference between the cleaning member and the optical communication when the cleaning member is used to clean the communication surface. An optical communication device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 3.

[0106] (Note 5) The control unit, when the optical communication device performs directional communication, Identify the optical communication unit corresponding to the direction of a specific communication partner from among the plurality of optical communication units, The movement mechanism is controlled to move the cleaning member to a second region that is different from the first region corresponding to the identified optical communication unit. Optical communication device as described in Appendix 4.

[0107] (Note 6) The control unit performs optical communication with the specified communication partner using the specified optical communication unit and controls the moving mechanism to clean the second region using the cleaning member. Optical communication device as described in Appendix 5.

[0108] (Note 7) The control unit, when the optical communication device performs omnidirectional communication, Based on the received signal strength in each of the aforementioned plurality of optical communication units, the optical communication unit with the highest received signal strength is identified. The movement mechanism is controlled to move the cleaning member to a second region that is different from the first region corresponding to the identified optical communication unit. An optical communication device as described in any of the appendices 4 to 6.

[0109] (Note 8) The control unit performs optical communication using optical communication units other than the optical communication unit corresponding to the second region, and controls the moving mechanism to clean the second region using the cleaning member. Optical communication device as described in Appendix 7.

[0110] (Note 9) When the optical communication device is performing optical communication and it becomes necessary to perform a cleaning operation on the communication surface using the cleaning member, the control unit controls the moving mechanism to perform the cleaning operation during the interruption period when the optical communication is temporarily interrupted. An optical communication device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 8.

[0111] (Note 10) The control unit, When the optical communication device is performing optical communication, and it becomes necessary to perform a cleaning operation on the communication surface using the cleaning member, it is determined whether or not the optical communication can be temporarily interrupted. If it is determined that the optical communication can be temporarily interrupted, the optical communication is temporarily interrupted, and the moving mechanism is controlled to perform the cleaning operation during the interruption period. Optical communication device as described in Appendix 9.

[0112] (Note 11) The system further includes a sensor for detecting dirt on the communication surface, The control unit determines that it is necessary to perform the cleaning operation in response to the detection of the dirt. Optical communication device as described in Appendix 10.

[0113] (Note 12) The control unit determines that it is necessary to perform the cleaning operation when the received signal strength of the optical communication unit used for optical communication falls below a threshold. Optical communication device as described in Appendix 10.

[0114] (Note 13) The control unit controls the moving mechanism to clean the communication area corresponding to the optical communication unit where the received signal strength falls below the threshold during the interruption period when the optical communication is temporarily interrupted. Optical communication device as described in Appendix 12.

[0115] (Note 14) The control unit, when the optical communication device performs omnidirectional communication, The movement mechanism is controlled to sequentially move the cleaning member to each of the multiple candidate positions. By measuring the received intensity of each of the multiple optical communication units when the cleaning member is in each candidate position, the candidate position in which the cleaning member causes the least interference to the optical communication is identified from among the multiple candidate positions. The movement mechanism is controlled to move the cleaning member to the identified candidate position. An optical communication device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 13.

[0116] (Note 15) The device further comprises a housing formed of a light-transmitting material, which houses the plurality of optical communication units. The housing has a spherical, hemispherical, or rod-shaped form. The curved outer surface of the housing constitutes the communication surface. An optical communication device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 14.

[0117] (Note 16) The housing has the spherical shape, The aforementioned moving mechanism is The first axis of rotation and A first arm is rotatably supported by the first rotation axis and rotates the cleaning member in a first direction, The second rotation axis provided on the first arm, It includes a second arm that is rotatably supported by the second rotation axis and rotates the cleaning member in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Optical communication device as described in Appendix 15.

[0118] (Note 17) The housing has the hemispherical shape, The aforementioned moving mechanism is The axis of rotation and The system comprises a support member that is rotatably supported by the aforementioned rotating shaft and rotates the cleaning member in a first direction, The support member has a sliding mechanism or telescopic mechanism that moves the cleaning member in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Optical communication device as described in Appendix 15.

[0119] (Note 18) The housing has the rod-shaped form, The aforementioned moving mechanism is The axis of rotation and A support member that is rotatably supported by the aforementioned rotating shaft and rotates the cleaning member along the outer circumference of the rod-shaped structure, The cleaning member is supported by the aforementioned support member and includes a sliding mechanism or telescopic mechanism that moves the cleaning member along the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped structure. Optical communication device as described in Appendix 15.

[0120] (Note 19) A control method for controlling an optical communication device, The steps include performing optical communication using multiple optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface, The method includes a step of controlling a moving mechanism that moves a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface, according to the optical communication status in the plurality of optical communication units. Control method.

[0121] (Note 20) In optical communication equipment, The steps include performing optical communication using multiple optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface, The procedure involves controlling a moving mechanism that moves a cleaning member along the communication surface in accordance with the optical communication status in the plurality of optical communication units. program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1: Optical communication device 1a: Terminal device 1b:Base station equipment 2: Cabinet 2a: Outer surface (communication surface) 2b: Inner peripheral surface 10: Optical Communications Department 11: Light-emitting element 12: Photodetector 15: Transmitter / Receiver 20: Control Unit 21: Processor 22: Memory 30: Cleaning component 40: Movement mechanism 41: Rotation axis 42: First Arm 43: Second rotation axis 44: Second Arm 45: Support member 46: Sliding mechanism 46c: Arm 50: Sensor 60: Main body

Claims

1. An optical communication device, Multiple optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface, A moving mechanism for moving a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface, The system includes a control unit that controls the mobile mechanism according to the status of optical communication in the plurality of optical communication units, The control unit controls the moving mechanism to use the cleaning member to clean the entire communication surface when the optical communication device is not performing optical communication. Optical communication device.

2. Each of the aforementioned plurality of optical communication units includes a light-emitting element used for transmitting optical signals and a light-receiving element used for receiving optical signals. The optical communication device according to claim 1.

3. An optical communication device, Multiple optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface, A moving mechanism for moving a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface, The system includes a control unit that controls the mobile mechanism according to the status of optical communication in the plurality of optical communication units, When the optical communication device is performing optical communication, the control unit controls the moving mechanism to suppress interference between the cleaning member and the optical communication when the cleaning member is used to clean the communication surface. Optical communication device.

4. The control unit, when the optical communication device performs directional communication, Identify the optical communication unit corresponding to the direction of a specific communication partner from among the plurality of optical communication units, The movement mechanism is controlled to move the cleaning member to a second region that is different from the first region corresponding to the identified optical communication unit. The optical communication device according to claim 3.

5. The control unit performs optical communication with the specified communication partner using the specified optical communication unit and controls the moving mechanism to clean the second region using the cleaning member. The optical communication device according to claim 4.

6. The control unit, when the optical communication device performs omnidirectional communication, Based on the received signal strength in each of the aforementioned plurality of optical communication units, the optical communication unit with the highest received signal strength is identified. The movement mechanism is controlled to move the cleaning member to a second region that is different from the first region corresponding to the identified optical communication unit. The optical communication device according to claim 3.

7. The control unit performs optical communication using optical communication units other than the optical communication unit corresponding to the second region, and controls the moving mechanism to clean the second region using the cleaning member. The optical communication device according to claim 6.

8. An optical communication device, Multiple optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface, A moving mechanism for moving a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface, The system includes a control unit that controls the mobile mechanism according to the status of optical communication in the plurality of optical communication units, When the optical communication device is performing optical communication and it becomes necessary to perform a cleaning operation on the communication surface using the cleaning member, the control unit controls the moving mechanism to perform the cleaning operation during the interruption period when the optical communication is temporarily interrupted. Optical communication device.

9. The control unit, When the optical communication device is performing optical communication, and it becomes necessary to perform a cleaning operation on the communication surface using the cleaning member, it is determined whether or not the optical communication can be temporarily interrupted. If it is determined that the optical communication can be temporarily interrupted, the optical communication is temporarily interrupted, and the moving mechanism is controlled to perform the cleaning operation during the interruption period. The optical communication device according to claim 8.

10. The system further includes a sensor for detecting dirt on the communication surface, The control unit determines that it is necessary to perform the cleaning operation in response to the detection of the dirt. The optical communication device according to claim 9.

11. The control unit determines that it is necessary to perform the cleaning operation when the received signal strength of the optical communication unit used for optical communication falls below a threshold. The optical communication device according to claim 9.

12. The control unit controls the moving mechanism to clean the communication surface corresponding to the optical communication unit whose received signal strength falls below the threshold during the interruption period when the optical communication is temporarily interrupted. The optical communication device according to claim 11.

13. An optical communication device, Multiple optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface, A moving mechanism for moving a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface, The system includes a control unit that controls the mobile mechanism according to the status of optical communication in the plurality of optical communication units, The control unit, when the optical communication device performs omnidirectional communication, The movement mechanism is controlled to sequentially move the cleaning member to each of the multiple candidate positions. By measuring the received intensity of each of the multiple optical communication units when the cleaning member is in each candidate position, the candidate position in which the cleaning member causes the least interference to the optical communication is identified from among the multiple candidate positions. The movement mechanism is controlled to move the cleaning member to the identified candidate position. Optical communication device.

14. The device further comprises a housing formed of a light-transmitting material, which houses the plurality of optical communication units. The housing has a spherical, hemispherical, or rod-shaped form. The curved outer surface of the housing constitutes the communication surface. The optical communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The housing has the spherical shape, The aforementioned moving mechanism is The first axis of rotation and A first arm is rotatably supported by the first rotation axis and rotates the cleaning member in a first direction, The second rotation axis provided on the first arm, It includes a second arm that is rotatably supported by the second rotation axis and rotates the cleaning member in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The optical communication device according to claim 14.

16. The housing has the hemispherical shape, The aforementioned moving mechanism is The axis of rotation and The system includes a support member that is rotatably supported by the aforementioned rotating shaft and rotates the cleaning member in a first direction, The support member has a sliding mechanism or telescopic mechanism that moves the cleaning member in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The optical communication device according to claim 14.

17. The housing has the rod-shaped form, The aforementioned moving mechanism is The axis of rotation and A support member that is rotatably supported by the aforementioned rotating shaft and rotates the cleaning member along the outer circumference of the rod-shaped structure, The cleaning member is supported by the aforementioned support member and includes a sliding mechanism or telescopic mechanism that moves the cleaning member along the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped form. The optical communication device according to claim 14.

18. A control method for controlling an optical communication device, The steps include performing optical communication using multiple optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface, The steps include controlling a moving mechanism that moves a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface according to the optical communication status in the plurality of optical communication units, The method includes the step of controlling the moving mechanism to clean the entire communication surface using the cleaning member when the optical communication device is not performing optical communication. Control method.

19. In optical communication equipment, The steps include performing optical communication using multiple optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface, The steps include controlling a moving mechanism that moves a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface according to the optical communication status in the plurality of optical communication units, When the optical communication device is not performing optical communication, the step of controlling the moving mechanism to clean the entire communication surface using the cleaning member is performed. program.

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