Optical fiber cable break detection device, optical fiber cable break identification system, optical fiber cable break detection method and program

Abstract

In an optical fiber cable disconnection identification system (1) in which a master device (100) and one or more device devices (200-A, 200-B) controlled by the master device (100) are communicatively connected using a transmission optical fiber cable and a reception optical fiber cable, a detection unit (202) detects, in a device device (200-A) on the receiving side of communication using the optical fiber cable, a disconnection of the reception optical fiber cable connected to the device device (200-A). When a disconnection of the reception optical fiber cable is detected, a transmission unit (203) transmits a disconnection detection frame indicating that a disconnection of the reception optical fiber cable has been detected to the master device (100) by Internet Protocol communication.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber cable break detection device, an optical fiber cable break identification system, an optical fiber cable break detection method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technique for detecting an abnormality in a communication cable in a system in which a master device and devices controlled by the master device are connected by the communication cable. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which, in a system in which a master device, a plurality of devices, and a commercially available branching device are connected by a LAN cable, the devices diagnose an abnormality in the LAN cable by using a reflected wave and notify the master device of the diagnosis result. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-139820 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, in a conventional system in which a master device and a plurality of devices are connected using optical fiber cables for transmission and reception, the device detects a link down of the optical fiber cable for reception to detect a break in the optical fiber cable, and transmits a dedicated signal indicating the detection of the break to the connection destination of the optical fiber cable for reception in which the break was detected, that is, the device on the transmitting side of the optical fiber cable in which the break was detected. The device that detected the break stops transmitting data to the device on the transmitting side of the optical fiber cable in which the break was detected. Then, when the device on the transmitting side of the optical fiber cable in which the break was detected receives the dedicated signal, it stops transmitting data to the device that detected the break. After that, the master device detects that the transmission and reception of data between the device that detected the break and the device on the transmitting side of the optical fiber cable in which the break was detected has been stopped, thereby identifying the optical fiber cable in which the break occurred as the optical fiber cable between the device that detected the break and the device on the transmitting side of the optical fiber cable in which the break was detected.

[0005] However, since the above-mentioned dedicated signal is a signal that cannot be recognized by commercially available branching devices, if a commercially available branching device is interposed between the device that detected the break and the device on the transmitting side of the optical fiber cable in which the break was detected, the device on the transmitting side of the optical fiber cable in which the break was detected cannot receive the dedicated signal normally. Therefore, the device on the transmitting side of the optical fiber cable in which the break was detected cannot stop transmitting data to the device that detected the break, and as a result, there is a problem that the optical fiber cable in which the break occurred cannot be identified in a system using a commercially available branching device.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide an optical fiber cable break detection device, an optical fiber cable break identification system, an optical fiber cable break detection method, and a program that are capable of identifying a break in an optical fiber cable even if a commercially available branching device is used in the system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, an optical fiber cable break detection device according to the present disclosure includes: A master device and one or more devices controlled by the master device are communicatively connected to each other using a transmission optical fiber cable and a reception optical fiber cable. and one or more branching devices that relay communication between the device devices or communication between the device devices and the master device. In the optical fiber cable disconnection identification system, a detection unit for detecting a break in the receiving optical fiber cable connected to the device on the receiving side of the communication using the optical fiber cable; and a transmitting means for transmitting, when the detecting means detects a break in the receiving optical fiber cable, a break detection frame indicating that a break in the receiving optical fiber cable has been detected to the master device via Internet Protocol communication. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an optical fiber cable break detection device, an optical fiber cable break identification system, an optical fiber cable break detection method, and a program that are capable of identifying a break in an optical fiber cable even if a commercially available branching device is used in the system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an optical fiber cable break identification system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an optical fiber cable break identification system according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing the process of a device included in an optical fiber cable break identification system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5]1 is a flowchart showing the process of a master device included in an optical fiber cable break identification system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (Embodiment) An optical fiber cable break identifying system 1 according to the embodiment is a system that identifies a break in an optical fiber cable that connects devices included in the system.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the optical fiber cable break identification system 1 includes a master device 100, one or more device devices 200-1,...,200-i (i: natural number equal to or greater than 1), and one or more branch devices 300-1,...,300-j (j: natural number equal to or greater than 1). In the following, except when describing a specific device device, the device devices 200-1,...,200-i are collectively referred to as device devices 200. Also, except when describing a specific branch device, the branch devices 300-1,...,300-j are collectively referred to as branch devices 300. Fig. 1 shows an example of an optical fiber cable break identification system in which the master device 100, three device devices 200, and two branch devices 300 are connected in a ring shape.

[0012] The master device 100 is a device that controls the devices 200, and is, for example, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) for controlling FA (Factory Automation) equipment.

[0013] The device 200 is a device controlled by the master device 100, and is, for example, an FA device. As will be described later, the device 200 includes the function of an optical fiber cable break detection device 500. The optical fiber cable break detection device 500 has a function of detecting a break in the optical fiber cable connected to the device 200.

[0014] The branching device 300 is a device that relays communication between the devices 200 or communication between the device 200 and the master device 100, and is, for example, a hub.

[0015] In the optical fiber cable break identifying system 1, a master device 100 and one or more device devices 200 controlled by the master device are communicatively connected to each other using an optical fiber cable for transmission and an optical fiber cable for reception.

[0016] 1, the optical fiber cable 410-1 is connected to the master device 100 as an optical fiber cable for transmitting communication with the device device 200-1, and the optical fiber cable 420-1 is connected to the master device 100 as an optical fiber cable for receiving communication with the device device 200-1. Also, the optical fiber cable 420-6 is connected to the master device 100 as an optical fiber cable for transmitting communication with the device device 200-3, and the optical fiber cable 410-6 is connected to the master device 100 as an optical fiber cable for receiving communication with the device device 200-3. Furthermore, the optical fiber cable 420-5 is considered to be connected to the master device 100 as an optical fiber cable for transmitting communication with the device device 200-3, and the optical fiber cable 410-5 is considered to be connected to the master device 100 as an optical fiber cable for receiving communication with the device device 200-3.

[0017] The optical fiber cable 420-1 is connected to the device 200-1 as an optical fiber cable for transmitting communication with the master device 100, and the optical fiber cable 410-1 is connected to the device 200-1 as an optical fiber cable for receiving communication with the master device 100. Also, the optical fiber cable 410-2 is connected to the device 200-1 as an optical fiber cable for transmitting communication with the device 200-2, and the optical fiber cable 420-2 is connected to the device 200-1 as an optical fiber cable for receiving communication with the device 200-2. Furthermore, the optical fiber cable 410-3 is considered to be connected to the device 200-1 as an optical fiber cable for transmitting communication with the device 200-2, and the optical fiber cable 420-3 is considered to be connected to the device 200-1 as an optical fiber cable for receiving communication with the device 200-2.

[0018] The optical fiber cable 420-3 is connected to the device 200-2 as an optical fiber cable for transmitting communication with the device 200-1, and the optical fiber cable 410-3 is connected to the device 200-2 as an optical fiber cable for receiving communication with the device 200-1. Furthermore, the optical fiber cable 420-2 is considered to be connected to the device 200-2 as an optical fiber cable for transmitting communication with the device 200-1, and the optical fiber cable 410-2 is considered to be connected to the device 200-2 as an optical fiber cable for receiving communication with the device 200-1. Furthermore, the optical fiber cable 410-4 is connected to the device 200-2 as an optical fiber cable for transmitting communication with the device 200-3, and the optical fiber cable 420-4 is connected to the device 200-2 as an optical fiber cable for receiving communication with the device 200-3.

[0019] The optical fiber cable 420-4 is connected to the device device 200-3 as an optical fiber cable for transmitting communication with the device device 200-2, and the optical fiber cable 410-4 is connected to the device device 200-2 as an optical fiber cable for receiving communication with the device device 200-2. Also, the optical fiber cable 410-5 is connected to the device device 200-3 as an optical fiber cable for transmitting communication with the master device 100, and the optical fiber cable 420-5 is connected to the device device 200-3 as an optical fiber cable for receiving communication with the master device 100. Furthermore, the optical fiber cable 410-6 is considered to be connected to the device device 200-3 as an optical fiber cable for transmitting communication with the master device 100, and the optical fiber cable 420-6 is considered to be connected to the device device 200-3 as an optical fiber cable for receiving communication with the master device 100.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 in which the master device 100 and the device 200 are realized.

[0021] The information processing device 10 includes a processor 11 that executes various processes, a main memory unit 12 that is used as a working area for the processor 11, an auxiliary memory unit 13 that stores various data used in the processes of the processor 11, and a communication unit 14 for communicating with external devices. The main memory unit 12, the auxiliary memory unit 13, and the communication unit 14 are all connected to the processor 11 via a bus 15.

[0022] The processor 11 is a central processing unit (CPU) that executes various processes. The processor 11 executes programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 to realize various functions of the information processing device 10.

[0023] The main memory unit 12 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory). Programs are loaded into the main memory unit 12 from the auxiliary memory unit 13. The main memory unit 12 is used as a working area for the processor 11.

[0024] The auxiliary storage unit 13 includes a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). In addition to programs, the auxiliary storage unit 13 stores various data used in the processing of the processor 11. In accordance with instructions from the processor 11, the auxiliary storage unit 13 supplies the processor 11 with data used by the processor 11 and stores the data supplied from the processor 11.

[0025] The communication unit 14 includes a network interface circuit for communicating with an external device. The communication unit 14 receives a signal from the external device and outputs data indicated by the signal to the processor 11. The communication unit 14 also transmits a signal indicating the data output from the processor 11 to the external device.

[0026] Next, functions of the optical fiber cable break identifying system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The device 200 included in the optical fiber cable break identifying system 1 includes an optical fiber cable break detection device 500. In the following, the device 200 on the receiving side of the communication using the optical fiber cable in which the break has occurred is referred to as the device 200-A, and the device 200 on the transmitting side of the communication using the optical fiber cable in which the break has occurred is referred to as the device 200-B.

[0027] For example, in the optical fiber cable break identification system 1 of FIG. 1, if a break occurs in the optical fiber cable 410-2 or the optical fiber cable 410-3, the device 200-A on the receiving side of the communication using the optical fiber cable where the break occurred is the device 200-2, and the device 200-B on the transmitting side of the communication using the optical fiber cable where the break occurred is the device 200-1.

[0028] First, a description will be given of the functions of the optical fiber cable break detection device 500. Functionally, the optical fiber cable break detection device 500 includes a receiving unit 201 that receives data from other devices included in the optical fiber cable break identification system 1, a detecting unit 202 that detects a break, and a unit 203 that transmits data to other devices included in the optical fiber cable break identification system 1.

[0029] The receiving unit 201 receives data using a receiving optical fiber cable from another device included in the optical fiber cable break identifying system 1. The receiving unit 201 is realized by the processor 11 and the communication unit .

[0030] Specifically, the receiving unit 201 receives data from the master device 100 and the other device devices 200. For example, in the system configuration of Fig. 1, the receiving unit 201 of the device device 200-2 receives data from the device device 200-1 using the optical fiber cables 410-2 and 410-3. Also, the receiving unit 201 of the device device 200-2 receives data from the device device 200-3 using the optical fiber cable 420-4.

[0031] Furthermore, the receiver 201 detects link-up and link-down in the receiving optical fiber cable by receiving an optical signal.

[0032] For example, the receiving unit 201 of the device 200-2 detects link-up and link-down in the optical fiber cables 410-3 and 420-4. For example, when a break occurs in the optical fiber cable 410-2 or the optical fiber cable 410-3 in FIG. 1, the receiving unit 201 of the device 200-2 (device 200-A) detects link-down in the optical fiber cable 410-3.

[0033] The detection unit 202 detects, in the device 200 on the receiving side of communication using an optical fiber cable, a break in the receiving optical fiber cable connected to the device 200. The detection unit 202 is realized by the processor 11. The detection unit 202 is an example of a detection means.

[0034] Specifically, the detection unit 202 monitors the detection status of the receiving optical fiber cable of the receiving unit 201, and detects a break in the receiving optical fiber cable when the receiving unit 201 detects a link down of the receiving optical fiber cable. For example, when the receiving unit 201 of the device unit 200-2 (device unit 200-A) on the receiving side of the communication using the optical fiber cables 410-2 and 410-3 detects a link down in the optical fiber cable 410-3, the detection unit 202 detects a break in the optical fiber cables 410-2 and 410-3 connected to the device unit 200-2 (device unit 200-A).

[0035] The transmitting unit 203 transmits data to other devices included in the optical fiber cable break identification system 1 using the optical fiber cable for transmission. The transmitting unit 203 is realized by the processor 11 and the communication unit 14. The transmitting unit 203 is an example of a transmitting means and a first transmitting means.

[0036] Specifically, the transmitting unit 203 transmits data to the master device 100 and the other device devices 200. For example, the transmitting unit 203 of the device device 200-2 transmits data to the device device 200-1 using the optical fiber cables 420-2 and 420-3. Also, the transmitting unit 203 of the device device 200-2 transmits data to the device device 200-3 using the optical fiber cable 410-4.

[0037] In addition, when the detection unit 202 detects a break in the receiving optical fiber cable, the transmission unit 203 transmits a break detection frame, via Internet Protocol communication, to the master device 100 indicating that a break in the receiving optical fiber cable has been detected.

[0038] The break detection frame is a frame transmitted from the device 200, and indicates that a break has been detected in the optical fiber cable for reception used by the device 200.

[0039] The disconnection detection frame includes information that can identify the receiving optical fiber cable connected to the device 200 that transmits the frame. The identifying information is, for example, information on the communication port number to which the optical fiber cable is connected. For example, the optical fiber cables 410-3 and 420-4 are connected to the device 200-2 as receiving optical fiber cables, so when the disconnection detection frame is transmitted from the transmitting unit 203 of the device 200-2 (device 200-A), the disconnection detection frame includes information on the communication port number to which one of the optical fiber cables 410-3 and 420-4 in which the disconnection was detected is connected.

[0040] For example, in device unit 200-2 (device unit 200-A), when detection unit 202 detects a break in optical fiber cables 410-2, 410-3, transmission unit 203 transmits a break detection frame including information of the communication port number to which optical fiber cable 410-3 is connected to master unit 100 via Internet Protocol communication.

[0041] Alternatively, the disconnection detection frame may include identification information capable of identifying the device on the transmitting side of the communication using the receiving optical fiber cable in which the disconnection was detected. The identification information is, for example, a Media Access Control (MAC) address or an Internet Protocol (IP) address assigned to the device 200.

[0042] For example, in the optical fiber cable break identification system 1, identification information of the devices included in the optical fiber cable break identification system 1 is acquired using a known protocol such as LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol) or a protocol independently developed by an administrator, user, etc. of the optical fiber cable break identification system 1. The timing for acquiring the identification information may be either before or after the break is detected by the device 200.

[0043] For example, in device unit 200-2 (device unit 200-A), when detection unit 202 detects a break in optical fiber cables 410-2, 410-3, transmission unit 203 transmits a break detection frame containing the MAC address and IP address of device unit 200-1, which is the sending side of the communication using optical fiber cables 410-2, 410-3, to master unit 100 via Internet Protocol communication.

[0044] Furthermore, the transmitting unit 203 stops transmitting data to the device 200 on the transmitting side of the communication using the receiving optical fiber cable in which the breakage was detected.

[0045] For example, the transmitting unit 203 of the device 200-2 (device 200-A) stops transmitting data to the device 200-1 (device 200-B) on the transmitting side of the communication using the optical fiber cables 410-2 and 410-3 using the optical fiber cables 420-2 and 420-3.

[0046] Next, a description will be given of the functions of the master device 100 in Fig. 3. The master device 100 functionally comprises a receiving unit 101 that receives data from the device 200, an identifying unit 102 that identifies the device 200 on the transmitting side of communication using the disconnected receiving optical fiber cable, a transmitting unit 103 that transmits data to the device 200, a configuration information updating unit 104 that updates configuration information, and a detecting unit 105 that detects the disconnection.

[0047] The receiving unit 101 receives data from the device 200 included in the optical fiber cable break identification system 1, using a receiving optical fiber cable. The receiving unit 101 is realized by the processor 11 and the communication unit 14. The receiving unit 101 is an example of a receiving means.

[0048] For example, the receiving unit 101 of the master device 100 receives data from the device 200-1 through the optical fiber cable 420-1, and receives data from the device 200-3 through the optical fiber cables 410-5 and 410-6.

[0049] Here, the receiving unit 101 receives a disconnection detection frame from the device 200 .

[0050] For example, the receiving unit 101 of the master device 100 receives a disconnection detection frame including information on the communication port number of the optical fiber cable 410-3 from the device device 200-2 (device device 200-A).

[0051] Alternatively, the receiving unit 101 of the master device 100 receives from the device 200-2 (device 200-A) a disconnection detection frame including the MAC address and IP address of the device 200-1 on the transmitting side of communication using the optical fiber cables 410-2 and 410-3.

[0052] The identifying unit 102 identifies the transmitting device 200 of the communication using the receiving optical fiber cable in which the disconnection indicated in the disconnection detection frame received by the receiving unit 101 has been detected. The identifying unit 102 is realized by the processor 11. The identifying unit 102 is an example of an identifying means.

[0053] For example, the identifying unit 102 uses configuration information stored in the master device 100 to identify the device 200 on the transmitting side of the communication using the receiving optical fiber cable in which the breakage was detected.

[0054] The configuration information includes identification information for identifying devices included in the optical fiber cable break identification system 1, and information indicating the connection relationships of the devices. For example, the configuration information includes the MAC address and IP address of each device, and information indicating which device the communication port of each device is used to communicate with.

[0055] For example, it is assumed that the receiving unit 101 of the master device 100 receives a disconnection detection frame including a communication port number to which the optical fiber cable 410-3 is connected from the device device 200-2 (device device 200-A). In this case, the identifying unit 102 of the master device 100 refers to the MAC address and IP address, communication port number, and configuration information of the device device 200-2 (device device 200-A), and identifies the device device 200 on the transmitting side of the communication using the optical fiber cables 410-2, 410-3 in which the disconnection was detected as the device device 200-1 (device device 200-B).

[0056] Alternatively, suppose that the receiving unit 101 of the master device 100 receives a disconnection detection frame including the MAC address and IP address of the device device 200-1 (device device 200-B) from the device device 200-2 (device device 200-A). In this case, the identifying unit 102 identifies the device device 200 on the transmitting side of the communication using the disconnected optical fiber cable as the device device 200-1 (device device 200-B) from the MAC address and IP address included in the received disconnection detection frame. Therefore, in this case, the process of identifying the device device on the transmitting side of the disconnected optical fiber cable using the configuration information can be omitted.

[0057] The transmitting unit 103 transmits data to the device 200 included in the optical fiber cable break identification system 1, using the optical fiber cable for transmission. The transmitting unit 103 is realized by the processor 11 and the communication unit 14. The transmitting unit 103 is an example of a second transmitting means.

[0058] For example, the transmitting unit 103 of the master device 100 transmits data to the device 200-1 using the optical fiber cable 410-1, and transmits data to the device 200-3 using the optical fiber cables 420-5 and 420-6.

[0059] In addition, the transmitting unit 103 transmits a transmission stop frame to the transmitting device 200 identified by the identifying unit 102, instructing the transmitting device 200 to stop transmitting data to the receiving device 200 in the communication using the receiving optical fiber cable in which the break indicated in the break detection frame has been detected.

[0060] The transmission stop frame is a frame transmitted from the master device 100 to the device device 200-B, and includes an instruction to stop data transmission from the device device 200 on the transmitting side of communication using the optical fiber cable in which a break has been detected to the device device 200 on the receiving side. For example, the transmission stop frame includes identification information of the device device 200 on the receiving side.

[0061] For example, the transmitting unit 103 of the master device 100 transmits a transmission stop frame including the MAC address and IP address of the device device 200-2 (device device 200-A) to the device device 200-1 (device device 200-B).

[0062] When the transmitting device 200 receives the transmission stop frame, it stops transmitting data to the receiving device 200 in the communication using the optical fiber cable in which the breakage was detected.

[0063] For example, when the receiving unit 201 of the device device 200-1 (device device 200-B) receives a transmission stop frame including identification information of the device device 200-2 (device device 200-A) from the master device 100, the transmitting unit 203 of the device device 200-1 (device device 200-B) stops transmitting data to the receiving side device device 200-2 (device device 200-A) in communication using the optical fiber cables 410-2, 410-3.

[0064] Furthermore, the transmitting unit 103 stops transmitting the cyclic frame to the transmitting device 200 identified by the identifying unit 102. A cyclic frame is a frame that is transmitted periodically to communicate data between devices in the same network.

[0065] For example, the transmission unit 103 stops transmitting cyclic frames to the device 200-1 (the device 200-B).

[0066] The configuration information update unit 104 updates the configuration information when the transmitting device 200 of the communication using the receiving optical fiber cable in which the disconnection has been detected by the identification unit 102 is identified. The configuration information update unit 104 is realized by the processor 11.

[0067] For example, when the identification unit 102 identifies the device unit 200 on the transmitting side of communication using the receiving optical fiber cable in which a break was detected as the device unit 200-1 (device unit 200-B), the configuration information update unit 104 determines that the device unit 200-1 (device unit 200-B) has been disconnected, and updates the information indicating the connection relationship included in the configuration information to information indicating the connection relationship in which the device unit 200-1 (device unit 200-B) has been disconnected.

[0068] The detector 105 detects a break in the receiving optical fiber cable. The detector 105 is realized by the processor 11.

[0069] Specifically, the detector 105 monitors the detection status of the receiving optical fiber cable of the receiver 101, and detects a break in the receiving optical fiber cable when the receiver 101 detects a link down of the receiving optical fiber cable. For example, when the receiver 101 of the master device 100 detects a link down of the optical fiber cable 410-6, the detector 105 detects a break in the optical fiber cables 410-5 and 410-6.

[0070] When the detection unit 105 detects a break, the identification unit 102 refers to the communication port number to which the optical fiber cable in which the break was detected is connected and the configuration information to identify the device 200 on the transmitting side of the communication using the optical fiber cable in which the break was detected. Then, the transmission unit 103 transmits a transmission stop frame to the device 200 identified by the identification unit 102. Furthermore, the configuration information update unit 104 updates the configuration information.

[0071] For example, when the detection unit 105 detects a break in the optical fiber cables 410-5 and 410-6, the identification unit 102 identifies the device unit 200 on the transmitting side of the communication using the optical fiber cables 410-5 and 410-6 as the device unit 200-3 (the device unit 200-B). Then, the transmission unit 103 transmits a transmission stop frame to the device unit 200-3 and stops transmitting cyclic frames to the device unit 200-3. In addition, the configuration information update unit 104 determines that the device unit 200-3 (the device unit 200-B) has been disconnected, and updates the information indicating the connection relationship included in the configuration information to information indicating the connection relationship in which the device unit 200-3 (the device unit 200-B) has been disconnected.

[0072] Next, the process executed by the device 200 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 4. The process of Fig. 4 is executed, for example, when the device 200 is started up.

[0073] The detection unit 202 judges whether or not a break in the receiving optical fiber cable connected to the device unit 200 is detected in the device unit 200 on the receiving side of the communication using the optical fiber cable (step S101). When the detection unit 202 judges that a break in the receiving optical fiber cable is detected (step S101; YES), the transmission unit 203 transmits a break detection frame indicating that a break in the receiving optical fiber cable is detected to the master unit 100 by Internet Protocol communication (step S102). Then, the transmission unit 203 stops transmitting data to the device unit 200 on the transmitting side of the communication using the receiving optical fiber cable in which the break was detected (step S103). Then, the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, when the detection unit 202 judges that a break in the receiving optical fiber cable is not detected (step S101; NO), the reception unit 201 judges whether or not a transmission stop frame is received from the master unit 100 (step S104).

[0074] For example, when the receiving unit 201 of the device 200-2 (device 200-A) on the receiving side of the communication using the optical fiber cables 410-2 and 410-3 detects a link down in the optical fiber cable 410-3, the detecting unit 202 of the device 200-2 (device 200-A) detects a disconnection of the optical fiber cables 410-2 and 410-3 connected to the device 200-2 (device 200-A). Next, the transmitting unit 203 of the device 200-2 (device 200-A) transmits a disconnection detection frame including the MAC address and IP address of the device 200-1 on the transmitting side of the communication using the optical fiber cables 410-2 and 410-3 to the master 100 by Internet Protocol communication. Then, the transmitting unit 203 of the device 200-2 (device 200-A) stops transmitting data to the device 200-1 (device 200-B) using the optical fiber cables 420-2 and 420-3. On the other hand, if the receiving unit 201 of the device 200-1 on the receiving side of the communication using the optical fiber cables 420-2 and 420-3 determines that no break has been detected in the optical fiber cables 420-2 and 420-3, it determines whether or not a transmission stop frame has been received from the master device 100.

[0075] In step S104, if the receiving unit 201 determines that it has received a transmission stop frame from the master device 100 (step S104; YES), the transmitting unit 203 stops transmitting data to the receiving device in the communication using the receiving optical fiber cable in which the break indicated in the break detection frame has been detected (step S105). On the other hand, if the receiving unit 201 determines that it has not received a transmission stop frame from the master device 100 (step S104; NO), the process returns to step S101.

[0076] For example, when the receiving unit 201 of the device device 200-1 (device device 200-B) receives a transmission stop frame including identification information of the device device 200-2 (device device 200-A) from the master device 100, the transmitting unit 203 of the device device 200-1 (device device 200-B) stops transmitting data to the device device 200-2 (device device 200-A). On the other hand, when the receiving unit 201 of the device device 200-1 (device device 200-B) does not receive a transmission stop frame from the master device 100, the process proceeds to step S101.

[0077] Next, the process executed by the master device 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 5. The process in Fig. 5 is executed, for example, when the master device 100 is started up.

[0078] The receiving unit 101 judges whether or not a disconnection detection frame has been received from the device 200 (step S201). When the receiving unit 101 judges that a disconnection detection frame has been received from the device 200 (step S201; YES), the identifying unit 102 identifies the transmitting device 200 of the communication using the receiving optical fiber cable in which the disconnection indicated in the disconnection detection frame received by the receiving unit 101 has been detected (step S202). On the other hand, when the receiving unit 101 judges that a disconnection detection frame has not been received from the device 200 (step S201; NO), the detecting unit 105 judges whether or not a disconnection has been detected (step S206).

[0079] For example, when the receiving unit 101 of the master device 100 receives a disconnection detection frame including the MAC address and IP address of the device device 200-1 (device device 200-B) on the transmitting side of the communication using the optical fiber cables 410-2 and 410-3 from the device device 200-2 (device device 200-A), the identifying unit 102 identifies the device device 200 on the transmitting side of the communication using the disconnected optical fiber cable as the device device 200-1 (device device 200-B) from the MAC address and IP address included in the disconnection detection frame. On the other hand, when the receiving unit 101 determines that the disconnection detection frame has not been received from the device device 200, the detecting unit 105 determines whether or not a disconnection has been detected in the optical fiber cables 420-1, 410-5, and 410-6.

[0080] The transmitting unit 103 transmits a transmission stop frame to the transmitting device 200 identified by the identifying unit 102, instructing the device 200 to stop transmitting data to the receiving device 200 in the communication using the receiving optical fiber cable in which the disconnection indicated in the disconnection detection frame has been detected (step S203). The transmitting unit 103 also stops transmitting cyclic frames to the transmitting device 200 identified by the identifying unit 102 (step S204). Then, the configuration information updating unit 104 updates the configuration information (step S205). After that, the process returns to step S201.

[0081] For example, the transmitting unit 103 of the master device 100 transmits a transmission stop frame including the MAC address and IP address of the device device 200-2 (device device 200-A) to the device device 200-1 (device device 200-B). The transmitting unit 103 also stops transmitting cyclic frames to the device device 200-1 (device device 200-B). Then, the configuration information updating unit 104 determines that the device device 200-1 (device device 200-B) has been disconnected, and updates the information indicating the connection relationship included in the configuration information to information indicating the connection relationship in which the device device 200-1 (device device 200-B) has been disconnected.

[0082] In step S206, if the detection unit 105 determines that a disconnection has been detected (step S206; YES), the process proceeds to step S202 and thereafter. On the other hand, if the detection unit 105 determines that a disconnection has not been detected (step S206; NO), the process returns to step S201.

[0083] For example, when the detection unit 105 detects a break in the optical fiber cables 410-5 and 410-6, the identification unit 102 identifies the device unit 200 on the transmitting side of the communication using the optical fiber cables 410-5 and 410-6 as the device unit 200-3 (the device unit 200-B). Then, the transmission unit 103 transmits a transmission stop frame to the device unit 200-3 and stops transmitting cyclic frames to the device unit 200-3. In addition, the configuration information update unit 104 updates the information indicating the connection relationship included in the configuration information to information indicating the connection relationship in which the device unit 200-3 (the device unit 200-B) has been disconnected.

[0084] According to this embodiment, if an optical fiber cable is broken, the device that detects the break notifies the master device of the break using a commonly used Internet protocol, making it possible to detect and identify a break in the optical fiber cable even if the system includes a commercially available branching device.

[0085] In addition, in the conventional technology, the master device detects the stop of transmission and reception between devices by analyzing cyclic frames transmitted and received within the system, thereby identifying the broken optical fiber cable. However, according to the present embodiment, a device device that detects a break in the optical fiber cable transmits a break detection frame containing information that can identify the broken optical fiber cable to the master device, so that the master device can identify the broken optical fiber cable without analyzing the cyclic frame. Therefore, the analysis process by the master device can be omitted, and the processing load of the master device can be reduced.

[0086] In addition, a method for diagnosing a cable break using reflected waves is known as a conventional technique, and in order to use such a method, a dedicated mechanism for diagnosing the break, such as a pulse transmitter and a signal diagnostic unit, is required in addition to a mechanism for communicating data for control. However, according to the present embodiment, a break is detected by detecting a link down, so no dedicated mechanism for diagnosis is required. Therefore, the location of the break in the optical fiber cable can be easily identified.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the break detection frame can include identification information for identifying the device on the transmission side of the broken optical fiber cable. This allows the master device to identify the device on the transmission side of the broken optical fiber cable without performing a process of identifying the device on the transmission side of the broken optical fiber cable using configuration information. This reduces the processing load on the master device.

[0088] (Modification) Although the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, various modifications and applications are possible in implementing the present disclosure.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the transmitting unit 203 transmits the disconnection detection frame to the master device 100, but this is not limited thereto. The transmitting unit 203 may further transmit the disconnection detection frame by Internet Protocol communication to the transmitting device of the communication using the receiving optical fiber cable in which the disconnection has been detected. Then, upon receiving the disconnection detection frame, the transmitting device stops transmitting data to the receiving device of the communication using the receiving optical fiber cable in which the disconnection indicated in the disconnection detection frame has been detected.

[0090] For example, in the device 200-2 (device 200-A), when the detection unit 202 detects a break in the optical fiber cables 410-2, 410-3, the transmission unit 203 transmits a break detection frame not only to the master device 100 but also to the device 200-1 (device 200-B) by Internet Protocol communication.

[0091] Then, when the receiving unit 201 of the device device 200-1 (device device 200-B) receives a disconnection detection frame from the device device 200-2 (device device 200-A), the transmitting unit 203 of the device device 200-1 (device device 200-B) stops transmitting data to the receiving side device device 200-2 (device device 200-A) in communication using the optical fiber cables 410-2, 410-3.

[0092] In this way, the transmitting device in communication using an optical fiber cable in which a break has been detected stops transmitting data to the receiving device after receiving a break detection frame, so that the transmitting device can stop transmitting at an earlier timing than when it stops transmitting after receiving a transmission stop frame from the master device 100. This makes it possible to execute a fail-safe operation in the system, and to shorten system downtime and the time required to take measures in the event of an abnormality.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the process executed by the master device has been described with reference to Fig. 5, but the timing of the process is not limited to this. For example, the order of steps S203 to S205 may be interchanged.

[0094] In addition, by applying an operating program that specifies the operation of the optical fiber cable break detection device of the above-mentioned embodiment to an existing personal computer or information terminal device, it is also possible to cause the personal computer or information terminal device to function as the optical fiber cable break detection device of the embodiment.

[0095] Furthermore, the method of distribution of such a program is arbitrary; for example, the program may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or a memory card and distributed, or the program may be distributed via a communications network such as the Internet.

[0096] Various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure are possible without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments are for explaining the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, the scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the scope of the disclosure equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0097] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an optical fiber cable break detection device, an optical fiber cable break identification system, an optical fiber cable break detection method, and a program that are capable of identifying a break in an optical fiber cable even if a commercially available branching device is used in the system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1 Optical fiber cable break identification system, 10 Information processing device, 11 Processor, 12 Main memory unit, 13 Auxiliary memory unit, 14 Communication unit, 15 Bus, 100 Master device, 101, 201 Receiving unit, 102 Identifying unit, 103, 203 Transmitting unit, 104 Configuration information updating unit, 105, 202 Detection unit, 200, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-i, 200-A, 200-B Device device, 300, 300-1, 300-2, 300-j Branching device, 410-1, 410-2, 410-3, 410-4, 410-5, 410-6, 420-1, 420-2, 420-3, 420-4, 420-5, 420-6 Optical fiber cable, 500 Optical fiber cable break detection device.

Claims

1. In an optical fiber cable break identification system, a master device and one or more device devices controlled by the master device are communicatively connected to each other using an optical fiber cable for transmission and an optical fiber cable for reception, and the system includes one or more branching devices that relay communication between the device devices or communication between the device devices and the master device, a detection unit for detecting a break in the receiving optical fiber cable connected to the device on the receiving side of the communication using the optical fiber cable; a transmitting means for transmitting, when a break in the receiving optical fiber cable is detected by the detecting means, a break detection frame indicating that a break in the receiving optical fiber cable has been detected to the master device by Internet Protocol communication. Optical fiber cable break detection device.

2. the transmitting means transmits, in the disconnection detection frame, identification information capable of identifying a device apparatus on a transmitting side of communication using the receiving optical fiber cable in which the disconnection has been detected.

2. The optical fiber cable breakage detection device according to claim 1.

3. the transmitting means further transmits the disconnection detection frame to a device on the transmitting side of communication using the receiving optical fiber cable in which the disconnection was detected, by the Internet Protocol communication; When the transmitting device receives the disconnection detection frame, the transmitting device stops transmitting data to the receiving device in communication using the receiving optical fiber cable in which the disconnection indicated in the disconnection detection frame has been detected.

3. The optical fiber cable breakage detection device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A system for identifying an optical fiber cable break, comprising: a master device and one or more device devices controlled by the master device, each of which is communicatively connected to the master device using an optical fiber cable for transmission and an optical fiber cable for reception, and including one or more branching devices for relaying communication between the device devices or communication between the device devices and the master device, a detection unit for detecting a break in the receiving optical fiber cable connected to the device on the receiving side of the communication using the optical fiber cable; a first transmitting means for transmitting, when a break in the receiving optical fiber cable is detected by the detecting means, a break detection frame indicating that a break in the receiving optical fiber cable has been detected to the master device by Internet protocol communication; A receiving means for receiving the disconnection detection frame; a determination unit that determines a transmitting device of a communication using the receiving optical fiber cable in which a break indicated in the break detection frame received by the receiving unit has been detected; and a second transmitting means for transmitting a transmission stop frame to the transmitting device identified by the identifying means, the transmission stop frame instructing the device to stop transmitting data to the receiving device in communication using the receiving optical fiber cable in which the disconnection indicated in the disconnection detection frame has been detected. Optical fiber cable break identification system.

5. In an optical fiber cable break identification system, a master device and one or more device devices controlled by the master device are communicatively connected to each other using an optical fiber cable for transmission and an optical fiber cable for reception, and the system includes one or more branching devices that relay communication between the device devices or communication between the device devices and the master device, detecting a break in the receiving optical fiber cable connected to the device on the receiving side of the communication using the optical fiber cable; when a break in the receiving optical fiber cable is detected, a break detection frame indicating that a break in the receiving optical fiber cable has been detected is transmitted to the master device by Internet Protocol communication. A method for detecting breaks in optical fiber cables.

6. Computer, In an optical fiber cable break identification system, a master device and one or more device devices controlled by the master device are communicatively connected to each other using an optical fiber cable for transmission and an optical fiber cable for reception, and the system includes one or more branching devices that relay communication between the device devices or communication between the device devices and the master device, a detection means for detecting a break in the receiving optical fiber cable connected to the device on the receiving side of the communication using the optical fiber cable; a transmitting means for transmitting, when a break in the receiving optical fiber cable is detected by the detecting means, a break detection frame indicating that a break in the receiving optical fiber cable has been detected to the master device by Internet Protocol communication; A program that functions as a

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