Sheath capable of surrounding an electrically insulating channel, supervisor, and method for supervising electrically insulating channels in a network of channels

Abstract

The invention relates to a sheath capable of surrounding an electrically insulating channel, to a supervisor, and to a method for supervising electrically insulating channels in a network of channels, such as, in particular, optical fibres in fibre optic networks. One subject matter of the invention is a sheath capable of surrounding an electrically insulating channel, wherein the sheath comprises at least one layer of smart material, and wherein the smart material is capable of changing state in response to a given stimulus applied to one end of the assembly formed by the electrically insulating channel surrounded by the sheath. Thus, identification of the electrically insulating channel is facilitated even from a distance. This in particular allows for the rapid diagnosis of errors and / or faults in the connection of an electrically insulating channel at a distributor.

Description

Sheath capable of enveloping an electro-insulating channel, supervisor and method for supervising electro-insulating channels of a channel network

[0001] The invention relates to a sheath capable of enveloping an electro-insulating channel, a supervisor and method for supervising electro-insulating channels of a channel network, such as in particular optical fibers of optical fiber networks. State of the art

[0002] Channel networks, particularly cable networks, also called wired networks, allow the distribution of services such as energy services, communication services, etc. They are equipped with distributors, for example interconnections, such as interconnection cabinets, also called street cabinets, mutualization points or connection points, allowing the "last mile connection", i.e. the connection of a service distribution point to an existing cable network. This type of distributor therefore groups together the cables used to connect numerous distribution points.

[0003] Today, these cable networks are experiencing increasing malfunctions, often linked to deliberate damage, errors or connection defects at these distributors. In particular, since users have a choice of distribution operators, the multiplicity of technicians working on these distributors to connect new distribution points or for after-sales service can cause numerous malfunctions, particularly linked to connection defects or errors. This results in dissatisfaction among customers of the distribution points and additional after-sales service interventions.

[0004] Furthermore, fault diagnosis is often complicated. The main reason for this difficulty lies in the fact that the distributor has a tangled set of cables due to successive connections and disconnections to unsuitable connectors of the distributor. In addition, the connection information not only cannot be determined remotely but is also not directly readable on site. Therefore, acquiring this information is time-consuming and requires human intervention by at least one first technician on the distributor or even a second technician at the distribution point, i.e. at the customer's premises.

[0005] Furthermore, the information and updating of the digital twin of the distributor, namely the virtual representation of the distributor allowing in particular simulations and diagnostics of the cable network and / or the distribution of a service to a distribution point, also pose problems for the same reasons.

[0006] Currently, the proposed solution only addresses the problem of intentional damage by securing access to interconnection cabinets. This limits interventions by people outside the distribution operators, particularly telecommunications operators in the case of telecommunications interconnection cabinets. However, this does not resolve the problem of cable tangles, which make them difficult to identify.

[0007] One solution is to use a fiber optic fault visualization laser. However, it has the disadvantage of being difficult to operate remotely.

[0008] One of the aims of the present invention is to remedy drawbacks and inadequacies of the state of the art.

[0009] An object of the invention is a sheath capable of enveloping an electro-insulating channel, the sheath comprising at least one layer of smart material, the smart material being capable of changing state depending on a given stimulus exerted at one end of the assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath.

[0010] This makes it easier to identify the electrically insulating channel, even remotely. This allows for rapid diagnosis of electrically insulating channel connection errors and / or faults at a distributor.

[0011] Advantageously, the smart material is capable of changing state depending on one of the following stimuli: - a given mechanical stimulus; - a given optical stimulus; - a given thermal stimulus; - an electronic stimulus; - a magnetic stimulus; - a chemical stimulus.

[0012] Thus, the stimulus can be adapted to the cable type. For example, an optical stimulus can be easily used for an optical fiber. This makes it possible to stimulate the smart material without using an additional stimulation device by using an existing emission device at the fiber optic network to stimulate the smart material layer of the sheath surrounding the optical fiber. Thus, the optical fiber identification system will be less complex because it uses existing devices from the fiber optic communication network.

[0013] Advantageously, the change of state of the material is capable of modifying a wave transmitted by the cable.

[0014] Advantageously, the smart material is able to change state among the following states: - shape; - volume; - color; - thermal; - active / inactive.

[0015] Thus, depending on the change of state, the identification of the electro-insulating channel will be more or less facilitated. For example, in the case of a change in the shape of the connector of the assembly consisting of the electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath triggered by the stimulus, this change in shape makes it possible in particular to connect the electro-insulating channel to the correct connector of the distributor, which would not otherwise be possible.

[0016] Advantageously, the intelligent material activated by a given stimulus is capable of performing at least one of the following operations: - capturing an identifier; - performing a diagnosis; - activating a command from a remote supervisor.

[0017] Thus, the smart material may constitute an electro-insulating channel identifier or even a diagnostic one. The electro-insulating channel identification system will therefore be less complex because it does not require an additional electro-insulating channel identifier.

[0018] Advantageously, the layer of smart material is positioned on the sheath at at least one position among the following:- at the level of at least one connector of the assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath;- along the cable.

[0019] Advantageously, the layer of smart material is at least one layer of the sheath among the following: - a thin layer; - an inner layer of the sheath; - an outer layer of the sheath; - an intermediate layer of the sheath.

[0020] Thus, the sheath possibly allows several simultaneous identifications thanks to the possible multiple layers of intelligent material: in particular an identification of the electro-insulating channel by the outer layer, an identification of the diagnosis with an inner layer (in particular, in the case of optical fiber, carried out by a deformation of the emitted wave, etc.).

[0021] Advantageously, the sheath is made up of the smart material layer.

[0022] An object of the invention is also a supervisor of electro-insulating channels of a network of channels comprising: - a detector of the state of an intelligent material of a layer of a sheath enveloping at least one electro-insulating channel of the network of channels during an exercise of a given stimulus at one end of an assembly constituted by an electro-insulating channel enveloped by a sheath, the exercise of the stimulus causing a change of state of the layer in intelligent material.

[0023] Thus, the supervisor allows an identification relative to an electro-insulating channel of the channel network. It therefore constitutes an identifier relative to the electro-insulating channels of the channel network.

[0024] Advantageously, the supervisor comprises: - an analyzer capable of interpreting the state detected during the exercise of a given stimulus at one end of an assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath.

[0025] An object of the invention is also a supervision method relating to an electro-insulating channel of a network of channels comprising: - detecting a state of an intelligent material of a layer of a sheath, during an exercise of a given stimulus at one end of an assembly constituted by an electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath, the exercise of the stimulus causing a change of state of the layer in intelligent material.

[0026] Advantageously, the supervision method comprises: - triggering, prior to state detection, the exercise of the given stimulus at one end of the assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel wrapped in a sheath comprising at least one layer of intelligent material.

[0027] Advantageously, the given stimulus is exerted at one end among the following:- one end of the electro-insulating channel;- one end of the sheath;- one end of the smart material layer of the sheath.

[0028] Advantageously, the detection of state relating to the electro-insulating channel is a detection of one of the following states: - a state of the electro-insulating channel itself; - a state of at least one connector at the other end of the assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath.

[0029] Advantageously, according to an implementation of the invention, the different steps of the method according to the invention are implemented by software or computer program, this software comprising software instructions intended to be executed by a data processor of a device forming part of a supervisor according to the invention and being designed to control the execution of the different steps of this method.

[0030] The invention therefore also relates to a program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the supervision method according to the invention when said program is executed by a processor.

[0031] This program may use any programming language and be in the form of source code, object code, or code intermediate between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form or in any other desirable form.

[0032] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description, given by way of example, and the figures relating thereto which represent:

[0033] , a simplified diagram of a sheath enveloping an electrically insulating channel according to the invention,

[0034] , a simplified diagram of a sectional view of a multilayer variant of the sheath according to the invention,

[0035] , a simplified diagram illustrating a first change of state of a sheath according to the invention,

[0036] , a simplified diagram illustrating a second change of state of a sheath according to the invention,

[0037] , a simplified diagram illustrating a third change of state of a sheath according to the invention,

[0038] , a simplified diagram illustrating a variation of the wave transmitted by an electro-insulating channel enveloped by a sheath according to the invention, during a fourth change of state of the sheath,

[0039] , a simplified diagram illustrating a fifth change of state consisting of an activation of the intelligent material of the sheath according to the invention,

[0040] , a simplified diagram of an electro-insulating channel supervisor according to the invention,

[0041] , a simplified diagram of a method for monitoring electro-insulating channels according to the invention.

[0042] By channel is meant not only a cable, such as an optical fiber, but also a conduit, such as a gas or water pipe. The channel is said to be electro-insulating, that is to say electrically insulating, also said to be electrically non-conductive. Therefore, electro-insulating channels exclude electric cables. Note that electro-insulating channels are in particular channels made of dielectric material.

[0043] A smart material is understood to mean a sensitive, adaptive and scalable material. In particular, a smart material is understood to mean any material capable of modifying one of its states, in particular its physical properties, depending on any stimulus. A smart material is also a material with functions, i.e. it is capable of performing at least one action, it behaves like a specific device, for example a sensor, an actuator, a processor, etc.

[0044] By state of the smart material is meant a physical property of the smart material such as: shape, color, volume, temperature, etc. but also a characteristic of activity of its functions.

[0045] Thus, an intelligent material whose only states corresponding to its physical properties evolve according to a stimulus is said to be reactive and an intelligent material whose at least one function is activated by a stimulus is said to be active.

[0046] Illustrates a simplified diagram of a sheath enveloping an electrically insulating channel, such as a cable according to the invention.

[0047] The sheath 1 is capable of enveloping an electrically insulating channel, in particular a cable 2. The sheath 1 comprises at least one layer of smart material 10i. The smart material i is capable of changing state depending on a given stimulus st exerted at one end of an assembly constituted by the cable 2 enveloped by the sheath 1.

[0048] In particular, the smart material i is capable of changing state depending on a stimulus st among the following: - a given mechanical stimulus; - a given optical stimulus; - a given thermal stimulus; - an electronic stimulus; - a magnetic stimulus; - a chemical stimulus.

[0049] In particular, the smart material i is able to change state e(t) among the following states: - shape; - volume; - color; - thermal; - active / inactive; - etc.

[0050] The change of state can also be that the material passes from a state at rest (i.e. stable) to a dynamic state (vibration, oscillation, etc.)

[0051] Thus, the change in shape of the smart material possibly allows the shape of the sheath 1 to be changed. This change in shape of the sheath will allow it to be passed through a predefined template possibly positioned upstream of a connector of the distributor, thus allowing the connection of only the electro-insulating channel whose stimulated sheath will have the shape corresponding to the template.

[0052] In particular, the smart material i is capable of returning, after the end of the stimulation, to its initial state, i.e. to the state before stimulation. This allows supervision to continue. Alternatively, the change of state may be definitive, in particular when the stimulus makes it possible to detect a serious or dangerous event for the system using the electro-insulating channel and / or the operators or for the traceability of the event.

[0053] In particular, the layer 10i of smart material is positioned on the sheath 1 at at least one position among the following:- at the level of at least one connector of the assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath;- at the level of at least a first part of the sheath 1 C corresponding to a connector of the assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel 2 enveloped by the sheath 1; - along the electro-insulating channel 2; - along a second part of the sheath 1 Lenveloping the electro-insulating channel 2 itself (illustrated in particular by the).

[0054] In particular, the sheath 1 being constituted by the layer of intelligent material 10i.

[0055] In particular, a sheath 1 envelops an electrically insulating channel 2: for example, an electrical line, a copper pair, an optical fiber, etc. Optionally, the assembly constituted by the electrically insulating channel enveloped by the sheath 1 is a sheathed electrically insulating channel. Either the sheath 1 comprises a layer of smart material, in our example an outer layer 10i of smart material, or the sheath 1 is made of smart material.

[0056] The stimulus st is capable of modifying a state e of the smart material i of the smart material layer 10 i , in this case the modified state e is the color c of the smart material i in the example of the.

[0057] At a time t = t0, prior to the stimulation of the intelligent material i in particular by the exercise of a stimulus st at one end of the assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel 2 enveloped by the sheath 1, the layer of intelligent material 10 i is in a nominal state e(t0) corresponding to a default color c0 of the smart material layer.

[0058] The stimulus st is applied to one end of the assembly consisting of the cable 2 wrapped by the sheath 1, for example one end of the cable 2 and / or one end of the sheath 1, or even of the layer of intelligent material 10i at this end of the sheath 1, at the instant t = t1 subsequent to the instant t0. When the stimulus st is exerted at the instant t1, the intelligent material i changes state : in this case, the smart material layer 10 i changes color .

[0059] In the case of an electrical stimulus, this is applied to one end of the sheath 1, or even to the smart material layer 10i at this end of the sheath 1, at time t = t1 subsequent to time t0.

[0060] Illustrates a simplified diagram of a sectional view of a multi-layer variant of the sheath according to the invention.

[0061] In particular, sheath 1 has several layers {1n} n = [0,N] = 10, …, 1n, …, 1N of which at least one of the layers 1n, n = [0,N] is made of smart material i: 1n i .

[0062] In particular, the 1n smart material layer i is at least one layer of the sheath among the following:- a thin layer;- an inner layer of the sheath 1N (n = N);- an outer layer of the sheath 10 (n=0);- an intermediate layer of the sheath 1n ( ).

[0063] Thus, depending on the state modifiable by the stimulus, in particular when this state is of a nature other than visual, the layer of intelligent material is positionable in the parts not visible from the outside of the sheath, in particular an intermediate layer or the inner layer of the sheath (positioned against the electro-insulating channel 2). The advantage of positioning the layer of intelligent material in a position other than the outer layer 10 of the sheath 1 is to reduce the risks of degradation of this layer of intelligent material and therefore of its properties, that is to say, in the context of the invention, to reduce the risks of detected state error and therefore the risks of identification errors relating to the electro-insulating channel, to the diagnosis and / or the risks of errors in actuated commands.

[0064] For example, a sheath could comprise several thin layers of smart material possibly reacting to different types of stimuli. For example, the sheath enveloping an optical fiber comprises three layers of smart material: - an inner layer stimulable by laser illumination in the optical fiber; - an outer layer stimulable again by illumination or by illumination here by a particular ray (white light or other); - a layer in the middle of the sheath (by middle of the sheath is meant an intermediate layer not contiguous to the inner and outer layers) reactive to heat for example or to other stimuli passing through the “conventional” sheath (that is to say the layers not made of smart material).

[0065] In an embodiment not shown, one or more layers of smart material partially surround the electrically insulating channel, i.e. it only constitutes part of the perimeter of the sheath. The sheath is then not homogeneous over its perimeter.

[0066] Figures 3a to 3d show several types of change of state of a sheath according to the invention.

[0067] Illustrates a simplified diagram illustrating a first change of state, in particular by temporary tattooing of the electro-insulating channel, of a sheath according to the invention.

[0068] In particular, the stimulus st is capable of modifying a state e of the smart material i of the smart material layer 10 i (here, an outer layer of sheath 1), in this case the modified state e is a 100i tattoo of the smart material i in the example of the.

[0069] At a time t = t0 (not shown), prior to the stimulation of the intelligent material i in particular by the exercise of a stimulus st at one end of the assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel 2 enveloped by the sheath 1, the layer of intelligent material 10 i is in a state e(t0) in which the smart material layer does not have a tattoo .

[0070] The stimulus st is applied to one end of the assembly consisting of the electro-insulating channel 2 enveloped by the sheath 1, for example one end of the electro-insulating channel 2 and / or one end of the sheath 1, or even of the layer of smart material 10i at this end of the sheath 1, at the instant t = t1 subsequent to the instant t0. When the stimulus st is exerted at the instant t1, the smart material i changes state : in this case, on the smart material layer 10 i a temporary tattoo appears . In particular, the temporary tattoo IDN° is an identifier of the electro-insulating channel 2 and / or an identifier of the connector of the distributor to which the electro-insulating channel 2 is connected and / or a fault identifier, etc.

[0071] Thus, the electro-insulating channel 2 or more precisely the sheath 1 enveloping the electro-insulating channel 2 is capable of communicating with a user, in particular a technician, information relating to the electro-insulating channel 2 by means of the intelligent material of the external layer 10i of the sheath 1. This information relating to the electro-insulating channel 2 is determined in particular by a layer of intelligent material 1n i ( ) of sheath 1 activated by a stimulus st (identical or not to the stimulus triggering the display of the temporary tattoo).

[0072] Illustrates a simplified diagram illustrating a second change of state, in particular by change of volume, of a sheath according to the invention.

[0073] The stimulus st is capable of modifying a state e of the smart material i of the smart material layer 1N i , in this case the modified state e is the volume v of the smart material i. In the example of the, the modification of the volume v of the smart material i of the inner layer 1N: 1N i of sheath 1 causes a change in the internal diameter of sheath 1.

[0074] At a time t = t0, prior to the stimulation of the intelligent material i in particular by the exercise of a stimulus st at one end of the assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel 2 enveloped by the sheath 1, the layer of intelligent material 1N i is in a nominal state e(t0) corresponding to a default internal diameter d0 of the smart material layer 1N i and therefore of sheath 1.

[0075] The stimulus st is applied to one end of the assembly consisting of the electro-insulating channel 2 enveloped by the sheath 1, for example one end of the electro-insulating channel 2 and / or one end of the sheath 1, or even of the layer of smart material 1Ni at this end of the sheath 1, at time t = t1 subsequent to time t0. When the stimulus st is exerted at time t1, the smart material i changes state : in this case, the 1N smart material layer i changes in volume and therefore in internal diameter .

[0076] Note that this change of state can cause a change in a wave (in particular as illustrated by the) transmitted via the electro-insulating channel 2, thus making it possible to detect the change of state remotely, in particular at the level of a supervision device located in a center of the distribution operator using this cable.

[0077] Illustrates a simplified diagram illustrating a third change of state, in particular by change of shape of a connector of the assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel, in particular an optical fiber, enveloped by the sheath according to the invention.

[0078] The stimulus st is capable of modifying a state e of the smart material i of the smart material layer 1n i of at least one specific part of the sheath 1 among the following:- a part 1 C of the sheath 1 enveloping a connector of the optical fiber 2; - a part 1 L of sheath 1 wrapping the optical fiber 2 itself.

[0079] In this case, the modified state e is the form f of the smart material i, more precisely the form f C from part 1 C wrapping the optical fiber connector 2.

[0080] At a time t = t0, prior to the stimulation of the intelligent material i in particular by the exercise of a stimulus st at one end of the assembly constituted by the optical fiber 2 enveloped by the sheath 1, the layer of intelligent material is in a nominal state e(t0), more precisely part 1 C has a circular shape e(t0) = (f C0 =c) corresponding to a default form.

[0081] The stimulus st is applied to one end of the assembly consisting of the optical fiber 2 enveloped by the sheath 1, for example one end of the optical fiber 2 and / or one end of the sheath 1, or even of the layer of intelligent material i at this end of the sheath 1, at the instant t = t1 subsequent to the instant t0. When the stimulus st is exerted at the instant t1, the intelligent material i changes state : in this case, part 1 C at the other end of the assembly consisting of the optical fiber 2 wrapped by the sheath 1 changes shape to take a hexagonal shape.

[0082] In a first particular embodiment, the connectors of the cable, in particular of the optical fiber 2, enveloped by the sheath 1 comprising a layer of intelligent material i are in a nominal state, i.e. have a default shape, which is not suitable for their connection, in particular to the connectors of a distributor. On the other hand, the stimulated shape f Cs allows the fiber optic connector to be connected to a specific connector on the distributor. In fact, the st stimulus then allows the shape of the fiber optic connector to be changed at the other end so that the shape taken by part 1 C of the sheath 1 surrounding the connector of the optical fiber 2 during the stimulation of the intelligent material i, also called stimulated form f Cs , corresponds to that of the specific connector (in particular the splitter) to which it must be connected.

[0083] In a second particular embodiment, taken alone or in combination with other particular embodiments such as the first particular embodiment, the connectors 401, …, 40 j , …, 40 J of the distributor 4 (illustrated by the) correspond to one end of an electro-insulating channel, in particular of an optical fiber, 21, …, 2 j , …, 2 J (not shown) from at least one distribution center (not shown). These electro-insulating channels {2j} j , j=[1,J] are possibly also each wrapped in a sheath respectively 11, …, 1 j , …, 1 J(not shown) comprising a layer of smart material. In particular, the same smart material is used for the sheath 1 enveloping the optical fiber, between the distributor 4 and the distribution point 6, and the sheath 1j enveloping the optical fiber 2j between the distributor 4 and the distribution center. Thus, when the same stimulus st is exerted at a time t1:- at the end of the optical fiber 2 corresponding to the distribution point 6 (illustrated by the) for example by a stimulator connected to the distribution point 6 or directly on the end of the assembly constituted by the optical fiber 2 enveloped by the sheath 1, and- at the end of the optical fiber 2 jcorresponding to the distribution center for example by the distribution center itself or a monitoring or supervision device connected to the distribution center, the change of state of the intelligent material of the sheath 1 and the sheath 1j is constituted, for example, by a connector taking the same predefined shape, respectively the connector 1 C of the assembly constituted by the optical fiber 2 wrapped by the sheath 1 and the connector 4j of the distributor corresponding to the connector at the distributor 4 of the assembly constituted by the optical fiber 2j wrapped by the sheath 1j both take the same shape thus allowing the connection of the assembly constituted by the optical fiber 2 wrapped by the sheath 1 to the connector 4j of the distributor.

[0084] Illustrates a simplified diagram illustrating a variation of the wave transmitted by an electro-insulating channel enveloped by a sheath according to the invention, during a fourth change of state of the sheath.

[0085] In particular, the change of state e of the intelligent material i is capable of modifying a wave oe transmitted by the electro-insulating channel 2, in particular the optical fiber.

[0086] The stimulus st is capable of modifying a state e of the smart material i of the smart material layer 1n.

[0087] At a time t = t0, prior to the stimulation of the intelligent material i in particular by the exercise of a stimulus st at one end of the assembly constituted by the optical fiber 2 enveloped by the sheath 1, the layer of intelligent material 1n iis in a state e(t0). In this state e(t0), if a wave oe is emitted on optical fiber 2 from one end of the optical fiber 2, then the wave or received at the other end of the optical fiber is identical: or = oe or at least similar to the emitted wave oe, that is to say that at least one property (shape, frequency, amplitude, etc.) of the emitted wave is not modified: p(or) = p(oe). In this case, the emitted wave oe at time t0: oe(t0) illustrated by has a sinusoidal shape. Consequently, the wave received at time t0: or(t0) is also sinusoidal in shape.

[0088] The stimulus st is applied to one end of the assembly consisting of the optical fiber 2 enveloped by the sheath 1, for example one end of the optical fiber 2 and / or one end of the sheath 1, or even of the layer of intelligent material 1ni at this end of the sheath 1, at the instant t = t1 subsequent to the instant t0. When the stimulus st is exerted at the instant t1, the intelligent material i changes state which affects the wave transmitted by the optical fiber. In this case, while the emitted wave oe at time t1: oe(t1) illustrated by la still has a sinusoidal shape, the shape of the wave received at time t1 is modified: or(t1) is then square in shape

[0089] More generally, the change of state of the smart material leads to a modification of the reaction of the electro-insulating channel, in particular of the optical fiber, and / or of the sheath to third-party radiation, i.e. radiation external to the electro-insulating channel (eg Wifi or 5G).

[0090] Illustrates a simplified diagram illustrating a fifth change of state consisting of an activation of the intelligent material of the sheath according to the invention.

[0091] In particular, a sheath 1 envelops an electro-insulating channel 2: for example, an optical fiber, etc. Possibly, the assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath 1 is a sheathed electro-insulating channel. Let the sheath 1 comprise a layer of smart material, in our example of figure 4 the nth layer 1n i of sheath 1 is made of smart material: .

[0092] Optical fiber 2 makes it possible, for example, to connect a distributor 4 to a distribution point 6, in particular a distribution socket at the customer's premises or a domestic distribution device (domestic communication gateway, electricity meter, etc.).

[0093] In particular, the intelligent material i activated by a given stimulus st is capable of performing at least one operation among the following: - capturing an identifier cid, in particular from the connector 40j of the distributor 4 to which it is connected; - performing a diagnosis cdg, for example a diagnosis of a connection of the optical fiber 2; - activating a command cmd_trg from a remote supervisor 3.

[0094] Thus, the sheath 1 constitutes respectively an identifier sensor of the connector 40j of the distributor 4 to which it is connected, a connection diagnostic device, an actuator.

[0095] The stimulus st is capable of modifying a state e of the smart material i of the smart material layer 10 i , in this case the modified state e is the color c of the smart material i in the example of the.

[0096] At a time t = t0, prior to the stimulation of the intelligent material i in particular by the exercise of a stimulus st at one end of the assembly constituted by the optical fiber 2 enveloped by the sheath 1, the layer of intelligent material 1n i is in a state e(t0) that is to say that the device that it constitutes is inactive.

[0097] The stimulus st is applied to one end of the assembly consisting of the optical fiber 2 enveloped by the sheath 1, for example one end of the optical fiber 2 and / or one end of the sheath 1, or even of the layer of intelligent material 1ni at this end of the sheath 1, at the instant t = t1 subsequent to the instant t0. When the stimulus st is exerted at the instant t1, the intelligent material i changes state : in this case, the device consisting of the 1n smart material layer i is activated, thus allowing this device to perform at least one operation for which it is intended.

[0098] Thus, at time t=t1, the smart material layer 1:- either provides a signal containing information, such as:+ an identifier cid of a connector 4 j , 6 to which the optical fiber 2 is connected, and / or+ a cid identifier of the optical fiber 2, and / or+ a cdg diagnosis of a connection of the optical fiber 2 to a connector 4 j , 6 to which the optical fiber 2 is connected, and / or+ a cdg diagnosis of a connection of the optical fiber 2,- or activates a cmd_trg command from a remote supervisor 3.

[0099] Either optical fiber 2 is connected to supervisor 3 instead of splitter 4 so that the smart material layer 1n iperforms an operation relating to the optical fiber 2 and / or to the connection of the optical fiber to the distribution point 6 by stimulating st the assembly constituted by the optical fiber 2 enveloped by the sheath 1 from respectively the end of this assembly on the side of the distribution point 6 as illustrated by la and / or of the distribution point 6 (not illustrated).

[0100] Either optical fiber 2 is connected to supervisor 3 instead of distribution point 6 so that the smart material layer 1n i performs an operation relating to the optical fiber 2 by stimulating the assembly constituted by the optical fiber 2 enveloped by the sheath 1 from the end of this assembly on the side of the distributor 4 (not illustrated).

[0101] In both cases, supervisor 3 will directly receive the information signal cdi, cdg and / or will be directly activated cmd_trg by the smart material layer 1n i .

[0102] Either the supervisor 3 is connected upstream of the distributor 4 to which the optical fiber 2 is connected so that the intelligent material layer 1n i performs an operation relating to the optical fiber 2 and / or to the connection of the optical fiber to the distributor 4 by stimulating st the assembly constituted by the optical fiber 2 enveloped by the sheath 1 from respectively the end of this assembly on the side of the distribution point 6 as illustrated by la and / or from the distribution point 6 (not illustrated).

[0103] In this case, supervisor 3 will receive the information signal cdi, cdg and / or will be actuated cmd_trg by the smart material layer 1n i via distributor 4.

[0104] There is a simplified diagram of a supervisor of electro-insulating channels, in particular optical fibers, according to the invention.

[0105] A supervisor 3 of electro-insulating channels of a channel network, in particular of optical fibers of an optical fiber network, comprises:- a detector 31 of state e(t) of an intelligent material i of a layer 1n i of a sheath 1 enveloping at least one electro-insulating channel 2 of the channel network during an exercise of a given stimulus st at one end of a set constituted by the electro-insulating channel 2 enveloped by the sheath 1.

[0106] In particular, the supervisor 3 comprises: - an analyzer 33 capable of interpreting a detected state ve_ind, ve=f(e) during an exercise of a given stimulus st at one end of an assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel 2 enveloped by the sheath 1.

[0107] In particular, a stimulator 5 exerts a given stimulus at one end of an assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel 2 enveloped by the sheath 1.

[0108] In particular, the stimulator 5 comprises a device 50 for exerting a stimulus, such as an emitter of an optical stimulus or a vibratory stimulus or a mechanical actuator for exerting a mechanical stimulus or a thermal actuator for exerting a thermal stimulus, etc.

[0109] In particular, sheath 1 comprises the smart material layer 1n i : .

[0110] In particular, the detector 31 comprises a device 310 capable of obtaining information relating to the state of the layer of intelligent material 1n i at time t: e(t), dc(t).

[0111] In particular, the device for obtaining information relating to the state is a state sensor 310. The state sensor 310 is in particular capable of capturing a state e at a time t: e(t) of the layer of intelligent material 1n ifrom the sheath 1 to the other end of the assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel 2 enveloped by the sheath 1. For example, the sensor 310 is a camera, or even a thermal camera capable of capturing the color, shape, volume, etc., or even the temperature of the layer of smart material 1n i .

[0112] In particular, the device for obtaining information relating to the state is a state receiver capable of receiving information relating to the state e(t) of the layer of intelligent material 1n i .

[0113] In particular, the detector 31 comprises an analyzer 312 of captured data dc, e(t) provided by the sensor 310. The analyzer 312 is capable of determining from a captured state e(t), or even from captured data dc, the passage of the intelligent material into a distinct state e(t) from the nominal state e(t0): . In particular, the analyzer 312 is capable, prior to determining the output of the nominal state e(t0) of the intelligent material i, of determining from the captured data dc the current state e(t) of the intelligent material i. The analyzer 312 is in particular capable of providing, as a function of the change of state determined during the exercise of a stimulus st, either an indication of change of state ve_ind, or information relating to the change of state ve=f(e).

[0114] In particular, the supervisor 3 comprises a receiver 30 of signals s i coming from at least one layer of smart material of a sheath 1 enveloping the electro-insulating channel 2 connected directly or via a distributor 4 (cf.) to the supervisor 3. In the case where the stimulus st activates the layer of smart material 1n i of the sheath 1, the receiver 30 is able to receive the signals s i of the 1n smart material layer i activated such as a signal s icomprising:- an identifier cid relating to the stimulated electro-isolating channel: such as an identifier of the electro-isolating channel and / or an identifier of a connector, connector of the distributor 4 or of the distribution point 6 to which the electro-isolating channel 2 is connected;- a diagnostic identifier cdg relating to the stimulated electro-isolating channel, such as a connection error diagnostic, a diagnostic of the electro-isolating channel and / or of at least one connector of the electro-isolating channel, etc.;- a trigger cmd_trg of a command from a supervisor, in particular the supervisor 3;- etc.

[0115] In particular, the supervisor 3 comprises a state change analyzer 33 capable of determining, as a function of the determined state change and / or the signal s i received from the 1n smart material layer i, information ic relating to the stimulated electro-insulating channel: for example: - an identifier cid relating to the stimulated electro-insulating channel: such as an identifier of the electro-insulating channel and / or an identifier of a connector, connector of the distributor 4 or of the distribution point 6 to which the electro-insulating channel 2 is connected; - a diagnostic identifier cdg relating to the stimulated electro-insulating channel, such as a connection error diagnostic, a diagnostic of the electro-insulating channel and / or of at least one connector of the electro-insulating channel, etc.; - a command cmd from a supervisor to be actuated. In the latter case, the change of state analyzer 33 is able to actuate cmd_trg the determined command of a supervisor, in particular of the supervisor 3.

[0116] In particular, the supervisor 3 comprises a device to be controlled 34 capable of executing a command, such as an actuator, a processor, etc. and / or of reproducing information such as an interface... Thus, when the analyzer 33 or the intelligent material layer 11n provides information ic relating to the stimulated electro-insulating channel, the interface 34 reproduces the information ic provided, thus making it possible to inform an operator in particular. And, when the analyzer 33 or the intelligent material layer 11n actuates cmd_trg a command from the supervisor 3, the device to be controlled 34 executes the actuated cmd command.

[0117] There is a simplified diagram of a method for monitoring electro-insulating channels, in particular optical fibers, according to the invention.

[0118] The CMNT supervision method relating to an electro-insulating channel of a channel network comprises: - detecting VE_DTC a state e of an intelligent material of a layer of a sheath, during an exercise of a stimulus st given at an end CG_ext1 of a set CG constituted by an electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath, the exercise of the stimulus st causing a change of state of the layer into intelligent material.

[0119] In particular, the CMNT supervision method comprises: - triggering DTC_BG, prior to the detection of state VE_DTC, the exercise ST_X of the given stimulus st at one end CG_ext1 of the assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel wrapped in a sheath comprising at least one layer of intelligent material.

[0120] Optionally, an STP stimulation method comprises: exerting ST_X the given stimulus at one end CG_ext1 of the assembly consisting of the electro-insulating channel wrapped in a sheath comprising at least one layer of smart material.

[0121] In particular, the given stimulus st is exerted at one end among the following:- one end of the electro-insulating channel C_ext1;- one end of the sheath G_ext1;- one end of the smart material layer of the sheath cmi_ext1.

[0122] In particular, the detection of state VE_DTC relating to the electro-insulating channel is a detection of one of the following states: - a state of the layer of smart material surrounding the electro-insulating channel itself; - a state of the layer of smart material surrounding at least one connector at the other end of the cable.

[0123] In particular, the CMNT supervision method comprises: - activating DTC_BG state detection. The activation DTC_BG of the state detection triggers st_trg the exercise ST_X of the stimulus st given at one end CG_ext1 of a CG assembly constituted by an electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath.

[0124] Alternatively to this DTC_BG activation of state detection, the exercise ST_X of the stimulus st given to one end CG_ext1 of a CG assembly constituted by an electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath triggers edtc_trg the state detection VE_DTC, in particular a reception CMI_RCV of a signal s i originating from a layer of smart material of the stimulated assembly consisting of an electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath and / or obtaining E_CPT information relating to a state of a layer of smart material of the stimulated assembly consisting of an electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath.

[0125] In particular, the CMNT supervision method, or even the VE_DTC state detection, comprises at least one step among the following: - receive CMI_RCV from a signal s i from a smart material layer of the stimulated assembly consisting of an electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath; and / or- obtaining E_CPT information relating to a state of a smart material layer of the stimulated assembly consisting of an electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath.

[0126] In particular, obtaining E_CPT information relating to the state includes or consists of: capturing a state. State capture either directly captures a state e at a time t: e(t) of the smart material layer of the sheath at the other end GC_ext2 of the assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath, or data dc(t) relating to the state. For example, state capture E_CPT captures states e(t) and / or data dc(t) such as the color, shape, volume, temperature of the smart material layer 1n i , etc.

[0127] In particular, obtaining E_CPT information relating to the state includes or consists of: receiving information relating to the state e(t) of the smart material layer.

[0128] In particular, the CMNT supervision method, or even the VE_DTC state detection, comprises: determining VE_DT a change of state by analyzing captured data dc, e(t) provided by the E_CPT capture. The VE_DT determination determines from a captured state e(t), or even from captured data dc the passage of the intelligent material into a distinct state e(t) from the nominal state e(t0): . In particular, the determination VE_DT determines, from the captured data dc, the current state e(t) of the intelligent material i prior to the determination of the output of the nominal state e(t0) of the intelligent material i. For example, the determination VE_DT provides, depending on the change of state determined during the exercise of a stimulus st, either an indication of change of state ve_ind, or information relating to the change of state ve=f(e).

[0129] In case the stimulus st activates the smart material layer of the sheath, the CMI_REV reception receives the signals s i of the 1n smart material layer i activated such as a signal s i comprising:- an identifier cid relating to the stimulated electro-insulating channel: such as an identifier of the electro-insulating channel and / or an identifier of a connector, connector of the distributor or of the distribution point to which the electro-insulating channel is connected;- a diagnostic identifier cdg relating to the stimulated electro-insulating channel, such as a connection error diagnostic, a diagnostic of the electro-insulating channel and / or of at least one connector of the electro-insulating channel, etc.;- a trigger cmd_trg of a command of a supervision process, in particular of the CMNT supervision process;- etc.

[0130] In particular, the CMNT supervision method comprises: analyzing VE_NLZ a change of state. The analysis of change of state VE_NLZ determines, as a function of the determined change of state ve and / or the signal s i received from the 1n smart material layer i, information ic relating to the stimulated electro-insulating channel: for example: - an identifier cid relating to the stimulated electro-insulating channel: such as an identifier of the electro-insulating channel and / or an identifier of a connector, connector of the distributor 4 or of the distribution point 6 to which the electro-insulating channel 2 is connected; - a diagnostic identifier cdg relating to the stimulated electro-insulating channel, such as a connection error diagnostic, a diagnostic of the electro-insulating channel and / or of at least one connector of the electro-insulating channel, etc.; - a command cmd of a supervisor to be actuated. In the latter case, the state change analysis VE_NLZ actuates cmd_trg the determined command of a supervision process, in particular of the supervision process CMNT.

[0131] In particular, the CMNT supervision method comprises: managing an electro-insulating channel of a CG_MGT channel network. The CG_MGT electro-insulating channel management performs in particular one or more of the following operations: - execute a command; - reproduce information... Thus, when the VE_NLZ analysis or the smart material layer 11n provides information ic relating to the stimulated electro-insulating channel, the CG_MGT electro-insulating channel management reproduces the information ic provided in particular on a DSP screen, for example reproduces an identifier relating to the electro-insulating channel rpr(cid) and / or an identifier relating to the diagnosis rpr(cdg). And, when the VE_NLZ analysis or the smart material layer actuates cmd_trg a command, the CG_MGT electro-insulating channel management executes the actuated command cmd and / or controls cmd a third-party device DV by means of this command.

[0132] In particular, in the case where the CMNT supervision method of an electro-insulating channel is implemented simultaneously with a transmission, in particular of a useful signal, via the electro-insulating channel, the stimulus used is such that it does not disturb the transmission.

[0133] A particular embodiment of the supervision method is a program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the supervision method according to the invention when said program is executed by a processor.

[0134] The invention also relates to a medium. The information medium may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise a storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM or a magnetic recording means, for example a floppy disk or a hard disk.

[0135] On the other hand, the information medium may be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal which may be conveyed via an electrically or optically insulating channel, by radio or by other means. The program according to the invention may in particular be downloaded from a network, in particular of the Internet type.

[0136] Alternatively, the information carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to perform or to be used in the performance of the method in question.

[0137] In another implementation, the invention is implemented by means of software and / or hardware components. In this regard, the term module can correspond to either a software component or a hardware component. A software component corresponds to one or more computer programs, one or more sub-programs of a program, or more generally to any element of a program or software capable of implementing a function or a set of functions according to the description above. A hardware component corresponds to any element of a hardware assembly capable of implementing a function or a set of functions.

[0138] The invention makes it possible to simply, quickly and unambiguously identify the path and connections of an electro-insulating channel, in particular an optical fiber. It uses a smart material that has the property of changing state when subjected to a specific stimulus. The sheath surrounding the electro-insulating channel is made of this smart material and / or comprises a layer of this smart material. It is sufficient to apply an appropriate stimulus, either internally via the optical fiber or by an external procedure, to activate the change in behavior, also called change of state, of the smart material. The entire electro-insulating channel chosen is thus differentiated from the other electro-insulating channels present on the installation, in particular from the optical fibers present on the installation in the particular case, which makes it possible to follow its path, and in particular to locate its input and output connections.This invention can be used for customer installation, for diagnosing a home connection problem or for updating the information contained in the digital twin of the interconnection cabinet. The change of state can be detected in situ by an operator or captured by a device to be transmitted remotely.

[0139] The invention consists of using a smart material to constitute the sheath of an optical fiber or the terminal connector. This type of material has the property of changing state under the influence of a given stimulus. For example, the company Olikrom (https: / www.olikrom.com) develops materials that change color with temperature, light, pressure, etc. It is foreseeable that smart materials will continue to diversify in the future to extend the nature of their response (change of state) to increasingly varied stimuli, which will make it possible to have the change of state and the associated stimulus best suited to the constraints of a given use case.

[0140] Thus, to identify whether a connection is correct, it will be sufficient to apply stimulation to the electro-insulating channel on the customer side or the network side. This stimulation could be applied via optical fiber or directly to the material. If, for example, the smart material used has the property of changing color, the entire electro-insulating channel or the connector will change color. It will then be easy (i.e., more efficient than with existing solutions) to locate the input and output connections, either for a technician on site or via an associated capture device, installed temporarily or permanently, allowing visualization (or via any other modality or several coupled modalities) and remote interpretation of changes in the state of the sheaths.In the case of remote supervision, the analysis can be carried out by a human operator or by an automatic detection model derived from machine learning (notably artificial intelligence).

Claims

Sheath capable of enveloping an electro-insulating channel, the sheath comprising at least one layer of smart material, the smart material being capable of changing state depending on a given stimulus exerted at one end of an assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath. Sheath according to the preceding claim, in which the intelligent material is capable of changing state depending on one of the following stimuli: - a given mechanical stimulus; - a given optical stimulus; - a given thermal stimulus; - an electronic stimulus; - a magnetic stimulus; - a chemical stimulus. Sheath according to one of the preceding claims, in which the change of state of the intelligent material is capable of modifying a wave transmitted by the cable. Sheath according to one of the preceding claims, in which the intelligent material is capable of changing state among the following states: - shape; - volume; - color; - thermal; - active / inactive. Sheath according to one of the preceding claims, in which the intelligent material activated by a given stimulus is capable of performing at least one operation among the following:- capturing an identifier;- performing a diagnosis;- activating a command from a remote supervisor. Sheath according to one of the preceding claims, in which the layer of smart material is positioned on the sheath at at least one position among the following:- at the level of at least one connector of the assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath;- along the cable. Sheath according to one of the preceding claims, in which the layer of smart material is at least one layer of the sheath among the following:- a thin layer;- an inner layer of the sheath;- an outer layer of the sheath;- an intermediate layer of the sheath. Sheath according to one of claims 1 to 6, the sheath being constituted by the layer of intelligent material. Supervisor of electro-insulating channels of a network of channels comprising:- a detector of the state of a smart material of a layer of a sheath enveloping at least one electro-insulating channel of the network of channels during an exercise of a given stimulus at one end of an assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath, the exercise of the stimulus causing a change of state of the layer in smart material. Supervisor according to the preceding claim, the supervisor comprising:- an analyzer capable of interpreting the state detected during an exercise of a given stimulus at one end of an assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath. Supervision method relating to an electro-insulating channel of a network of channels comprising:- detecting a state of an intelligent material of a layer of a sheath, during the exercise of a given stimulus at one end of an assembly constituted by an electro-insulating channel enveloped by the sheath, the exercise of the stimulus causing a change of state of the layer in intelligent material. Supervision method according to the preceding claim, the supervision method comprising: - triggering, prior to state detection, the exercise of the given stimulus at one end of the assembly constituted by the electro-insulating channel wrapped in a sheath comprising at least one layer of intelligent material. Supervision method according to one of claims 11 or 12, in which the given stimulus is exerted at one end among the following:- one end of the electro-insulating channel;- one end of the sheath;- one end of the layer of intelligent material of the sheath. Relative supervision method according to one of claims 11 to 13, in which the detection of state relative to the electro-insulating channel is a detection of one of the following states: - a state of the electro-insulating channel itself; - a state of at least one connector at the other end of the cable. Program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the supervision method according to any one of claims 11 to 14 when said program is executed by a processor.

Images