Optical transceiver device

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical transceiver device (1) for transmitting and receiving optical signals in and from one or more optical fibres (61, 62), the device (1) comprising: a connection port (2) configured to allow the connection of the one or more optical fibres (61, 62) to the device (1), the connection port (2) comprising a transmit connector (21) and a receive connector (22), at least one transmitter (3) configured to be connected to a transmit optical fibre (61) via the transmit connector (21) and configured to transmit an optical signal transmitted towards the transmit optical fibre (61), at least one receiver (4) configured to be connected to a receive optical fibre (62) via the receive connector (22) and configured to receive an optical signal received from the receive optical fibre (62), at least one first device (51) for emitting visible light that is configured to be connected to the transmit optical fibre (61) and / or to the receive optical fibre (62) via the transmit connector (21) and / or the receive connector (22) and configured to emit a first light signal into the transmit optical fibre (61) and / or the receive optical fibre (62).

Description

Optical transmitter and receiver device FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to optical fiber infrastructure for telecommunications, more specifically an optical transmitter and receiver device. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A Passive Optical Network (PON) is a telecommunications network that uses fiber optic cables to provide high-speed internet access to buildings where users are located. The PON infrastructure includes buried or aerial fiber optic cables, street cabinets, and various connection boxes, including the optical connection box connected to the user's terminal equipment, such as a residential gateway, using a fiber optic patch cord.

[0003] To detect a fault affecting an optical fiber or the position of an optical fiber within a patch panel containing multiple optical fibers, a technician must travel to the network operator's premises housing the telecommunications equipment to be checked, such as an optical line terminal (OLT). The technician must disconnect the suspected faulty optical fiber from the telecommunications equipment and connect a diagnostic device, also called an injector, to this fiber. This injector injects a light signal into the optical fiber.

[0004] To locate a position in a fiber patching device, the technician must then move to the other end of the optical fiber to identify the illuminated position and, if necessary, perform the necessary patching operations.

[0005] For fault location, the technician must move along the optical fiber path to locate the presence, leakage or absence of visible signal and, if necessary, carry out the necessary repair operations.

[0006] Finally, to finish, the technician must return to the original location to disconnect the "visible laser" type equipment and reconnect the examined fiber to the telecommunications equipment.

[0007] US patent applications 2009 0257048 A1 and EP 4167005 A1 describe such a method involving the use of an injector that must be moved from one end of the fiber to another.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a solution to facilitate and make fiber optic diagnostics more efficient.

[0009] One objective of the invention is to provide an optical transmitter and receiver device to facilitate and improve the efficiency of optical fiber diagnostics. Optical fiber diagnostics broadly refers to fault detection, location, and / or identification of the optical fiber. It also includes the diagnostics of the optical transmitter and receiver device configured to be connected to the optical fiber and / or of the equipment, such as network equipment, to which the device is intended to be connected. The diagnostics of the device and equipment may include obtaining information about them.

[0010] According to one aspect, an optical transmitter and receiver device is proposed for transmitting and receiving optical signals in and from one or more optical fibers, the device comprising:

[0011] a connection port configured to allow the connection of the optical fiber(s) to the device, the connection port comprising a transmit connector and a receive connector,

[0012] at least one transmitter configured to be connected to a transmit optical fiber via the transmit connector and configured to transmit an optical signal towards said transmit optical fiber,

[0013] at least one receiver configured to be connected to a receiving optical fiber via the receiving connector and configured to receive an optical signal received from said receiving optical fiber,

[0014] at least one first visible light emitting device configured to be connected to the transmitting optical fiber and / or the receiving optical fiber via the transmitting connector and / or the receiving connector and configured to emit a first light signal in the transmitting optical fiber and / or the receiving optical fiber.

[0015] The optical transmitter and receiver device allows for easy diagnosis of an optical fiber, as well as the device itself and any equipment to which the device is connected. Such a light signal is easily detectable, either with the naked eye or using a simple, inexpensive sensor. Information about the optical fiber, the device, and / or the equipment can therefore be easily transmitted through the optical fiber, which is already used for telecommunications signal transmission, enabling efficient and straightforward diagnostics.

[0016] According to advantageous and non-limiting characteristics, taken alone or in any combination: The emitted optical signal and the received optical signal are infrared signals. The device is therefore suitable for use in Passive Optical Networks (PONs). The first light signal has a wavelength between 200 nanometers and 1000 nanometers. Thus, the light signal can have a wavelength in the near-ultraviolet or very-near-infrared range, which is not visible to the naked eye, allowing the confidentiality of the information represented by the signal to be maintained while being easily detectable with simple sensors. The light signal can also have a wavelength visible to the naked eye, which facilitates signal detection by anyone. The first light signal has a wavelength between 380 nanometers and 780 nanometers.The light signal is thus visible to the naked eye, therefore easy to detect and harmless to the eye. The first light signal represents information relating to the optical transmitter and receiver device and / or the optical fiber(s). The information can therefore also relate to equipment to which the optical transmitter and receiver device is potentially connected or even integrated. In this way, the optical transmitter and receiver device allows the transmission of such information via an easily detectable light signal. The transmitting optical fiber and the receiving optical fiber are separate optical fibers.

[0017] The transmit connector is separate from the receive connector and

[0018] the first visible light emitting device is associated with the transmitter so as to be configured to emit the first light signal in the transmitting optical fiber via the transmitting connector or the first visible light emitting device is associated with the receiver so as to be configured to emit the first light signal in the receiving optical fiber via the receiving connector.

[0019] In this case, the optical transmitter and receiver device is therefore of the duplex type. The optical transmitter and receiver device includes a second visible light emitting device configured to emit a second light signal.

[0020] the first visible light emitting device being associated with one of the emitter and receiver and the second visible light emitting device being associated with the other of the emitter and receiver such that the first visible light emitting device is connected, via one of the emitter connector and the receiver connector, to one of the emitter optical fiber and the receiver optical fiber and the second visible light emitting device is connected, via the other of the emitter connector and the receiver connector, to the other of the emitter optical fiber and the receiver optical fiber.

[0021] The optical transmitter and receiver device therefore allows light signals to be sent both in the transmitting optical fiber and in the receiving optical fiber. The first visible light emitting device and the second visible light emitting device are configured so that the first light signal and the second light signal have one or more different characteristics.

[0022] Therefore, the optical transmitter and receiver allows the transmission of many different types of information. For example, if the first visible light-emitting device is configured to emit light signals of a different color than the light signals of the second visible light-emitting device, it is possible to transmit, via the same optical transmitter and receiver, very different signals that can therefore represent different information. Furthermore, it is possible to identify, through the light signals, whether a fiber is a receiving or transmitting fiber. The characteristic(s) include at least one of the following: wavelength, frequency, on / off periods, and on / off duration. The transmitting and receiving optical fibers are a single optical fiber, with the transmitting and receiving connectors being one and the same.

[0023] In this case, the optical transmitter and receiver device is therefore bidirectional. The optical transmitter and receiver device includes an optical multiplexer configured to combine the optical signal emitted by the transmitter and the first light signal before their transmission into the optical fiber. The optical transmitter and receiver device includes a coupler configured to be connected to the optical fiber via the connector and comprising at least one transmit port to which the transmitter is connected and one receive port to which the receiver is connected. The first visible light-emitting device is associated with the transmitter and connected to the transmit port, or is associated with the receiver and connected to the receive port. The coupler includes a visible light-emitting port to which the first visible light-emitting device is connected. The coupler and the first visible light-emitting device are connected to the optical multiplexer.

[0024] According to a second aspect, a system is proposed comprising a first optical transmitter and receiver device as described above, a second optical transmitter and receiver device as described above and at least one optical fiber connecting the first optical transmitter and receiver device and the second optical transmitter and receiver device.

[0025] According to advantageous and non-limiting characteristics, taken alone or in any combination: The first optical transmitter and receiver device and the second optical transmitter and receiver device are of the duplex type,

[0026] the system comprising a first optical fiber connecting the transmitter of the first optical transmitter and receiver device and the receiver of the second optical transmitter and receiver device, the first optical fiber being the transmitting optical fiber with respect to the first optical transmitter and receiver device and the receiving optical fiber with respect to the second optical transmitter and receiver device, and

[0027] The system comprises a second optical fiber, separate from the first optical fiber, connecting the receiver of the first optical transmitter and receiver device and the transmitter of the second optical transmitter and receiver device. The second optical fiber is the receiving optical fiber with respect to the first optical transmitter and receiver device and the transmitting optical fiber with respect to the second optical transmitter and receiver device. The first optical transmitter and receiver device and the second optical transmitter and receiver device are bidirectional and are connected by a single optical fiber. The first optical transmitter and receiver device and the second optical transmitter and receiver device are such that at least one optical fiber is provided to receive a light signal from the first optical transmitter and receiver device and a light signal from the second optical transmitter and receiver device.

[0028] the first optical transmitter and receiver device and the second optical transmitter and receiver device being configured so that said light signals have one or more different characteristics.

[0029] Thus, the first optical transmitter and receiver device and the second optical transmitter and receiver device are configured to transmit different light signals, making it possible, for example, to distinguish which device a light signal originates from by analyzing the light signal. The characteristic(s) include at least one of the following: a wavelength, a frequency, two on / off periods, and an on / off and / or off duration. At least one optical fiber connected to a visible light-emitting device has a beveled end, and said visible light-emitting device includes a visible light source arranged opposite this beveled end.

[0030] This makes it easy to inject light signals (i.e., visible light) into the optical fiber. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0031] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment. This description will be given with reference to the accompanying figures, including:

[0032] - illustrates a duplex type optical transmitter and receiver device according to a first embodiment;

[0033] - illustrates a duplex type optical transmitter and receiver device according to a second embodiment;

[0034] - illustrates a duplex type optical transmitter and receiver device according to a third embodiment;

[0035] - illustrates a bidirectional optical transmitter and receiver device according to a first embodiment;

[0036] - illustrates a bidirectional optical transmitter and receiver device according to a second embodiment;

[0037] - illustrates a bidirectional optical transmitter and receiver device according to a third embodiment;

[0038] - illustrates a bidirectional optical transmitter and receiver device according to a fourth embodiment;

[0039] - illustrates a bidirectional optical transmitter and receiver device according to a fifth embodiment;

[0040] - illustrates a system comprising two optical transmitter and receiver devices of duplex type;

[0041] - illustrates a system comprising two bidirectional optical transmitter and receiver devices;

[0042] - schematically represents a beveled optical fiber and a visible light emission device arranged according to a first arrangement;

[0043] - schematically represents a beveled optical fiber and a visible light emission device arranged in a different arrangement;

[0044] - represents the steps in a process of transmitting information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Device

[0045] With reference to Figures 1 to 8, an optical transmitter and receiver device 1 is proposed for transmitting and receiving optical signals in and from one or more optical fibers 61, 62. Device 1 is therefore an optical signal transceiver. Such a device 1 is advantageously designed to be connected to, or even integrated into, a piece of equipment 10.

[0046] Equipment 10 could, for example, be network equipment. Network equipment is telecommunications equipment. Telecommunications equipment includes, for example:

[0047] - Optical Network Unit and Optical Line Terminal type equipment for Passive Optical Network or Point to Point type optical access networks;

[0048] - In general, equipment equipped with optical ports (switch, router, server, etc.).

[0049] According to one embodiment, equipment 10 is an internet box (i.e. a multi-service box or home gateway), that is to say, computer equipment serving as an interface between a telecommunications operator's network and a home network.

[0050] Equipment 10 can be data center equipment (such as a server) or IT (Information Technology) equipment such as a server, a PC, a storage device, etc…

[0051] Device 1 includes a connection port 2 configured to allow the connection of the optical fiber(s) 61, 62 to Device 1. Connection port 2 includes a transmit connector 20, 21 and a receive connector 20, 22. Connection port 2, and therefore the connectors, are an interface between the optical fiber 6 and the components of Device 1. It will be seen later that the transmit connector 20, 21 and the receive connector 20, 22 can be distinct or combined.

[0052] Device 1 includes at least one transmitter 3 configured to be connected to a transmitting optical fiber 6, 61 via the transmitting connector 20, 21. Transmitter 3 is configured to transmit an optical signal, called the transmitted optical signal, to the transmitting optical fiber 6, 61.

[0053] Device 1 includes at least one receiver 4 configured to be connected to a receiving optical fiber 6, 62 via the receiving connector 20, 22. Receiver 4 is configured to receive an optical signal, referred to as the received optical signal, from said receiving optical fiber 6, 62.

[0054] The transmitting optical fiber 6, 61 is therefore the optical fiber to which the transmitter 3 is intended to be connected, and thus the fiber into which the transmitter 3 is configured to inject an optical signal. The receiving optical fiber 6, 62 is therefore the optical fiber to which the receiver is intended to be connected, and thus the fiber from which the receiver 4 is configured to receive an optical signal. The terms "transmitting" and "receiving" are therefore used relative to the device 1 to which the fibers are connected. The same fiber can be a transmitting optical fiber with respect to one device 1 and a receiving optical fiber with respect to another device 1, as will be seen later.

[0055] Transmitter 3 and receiver 4 are therefore connected to connection port 2, i.e. to connectors, which is configured to be the interface between, on the one hand, transmitter 3 and receiver 4 and, on the other hand, one or more optical fibers 6, 61, 62. The connections of transmitter 3 and receiver 4 with connectors 20, 21, 22 are advantageously of the optical fiber type to allow the transmission / reception of optical signals to / from the connectors.

[0056] Advantageously, both the emitted and received optical signals are infrared signals. In other words, the transmitter 3 is configured to emit infrared signals, and the receiver 4 is configured to receive infrared signals. These optical signals are telecommunications signals. Advantageously, the optical fiber(s) 6, 61, 62 are therefore suitable for the transmission of infrared optical signals carrying a telecommunications signal; that is, they exhibit minimal attenuation for the wavelength of the optical signal. An optical signal is advantageously not a very near-infrared signal (the very near-infrared being defined hereafter as wavelengths between 780 nanometers and 1000 nanometers). The optical signal advantageously has a wavelength greater than 1200 nanometers, preferably between 1260 nanometers and 1680 nanometers.

[0057] Thus, device 1 is suitable for use in PONs (Passive Optical Networks).

[0058] Preferably, emitter 3 includes an infrared light source which is an infrared laser.

[0059] Device 1 includes at least one first visible light emitting device 51 configured to be connected to the transmitting optical fiber 6, 61 (i.e. via the transmitting connector 20, 21) and / or to be connected to the receiving optical fiber 6, 62 (i.e. via the receiving connector 20, 22).

[0060] The first visible light emitting device 51 is configured to emit a first light signal in the transmitting optical fiber 6, 61 and / or in the receiving optical fiber 6, 62. The light signal is a visible light signal.

[0061] Thus, the first visible light emission device 51 is configured to emit a light signal into an optical fiber 6, 61, 62 which in practice serves to allow the circulation of an optical signal, in particular an infrared signal.

[0062] Advantageously, a visible light emission device 51 comprises a visible light source 510 and an electronic circuit 512 configured to control the emission of the light signal by the visible light source 510. Note that a visible light emission device 51 may comprise several visible light sources 510, each configured to emit a different light signal, for example of different colors.

[0063] Visible light refers to light in the visible spectrum (i.e., conventionally 380–780 nm) as well as potentially the very near-infrared (particularly 780–1000 nm) and the near-ultraviolet (particularly 200–380 nm). In other words, in this text, the spectrum of so-called visible light may extend slightly beyond the strictly visible spectrum, into an "extended" spectrum encompassing wavelengths between 200 nanometers and 1000 nanometers. This is because conventional means of emitting / receiving visible light (such as LEDs or CMOS sensors) typically exhibit a slight sensitivity beyond their normal operating range.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the visible light source 510 is thus configured to emit, preferably only, light with a wavelength between 200 nanometers and 1000 nanometers (light in the extended visible range).

[0065] In another embodiment, the visible light source 510 is configured to emit, preferably only, light with a wavelength between 380 nanometers and 780 nanometers (light strictly within the visible range), i.e., to limit itself to the visible spectrum, for example, by reducing the spectral bandwidth or using filters. This light is visible to the naked eye and harmless to the eye. This can, for example, facilitate the work of a technician who wishes to perform a remote diagnosis, as an unqualified person can indicate whether or not they can distinguish a signal of such a wavelength.

[0066] In any case, the visible light source 510 is not configured to emit an optical signal as described above, that is, with a wavelength greater than 1200 nanometers, preferably between 1260 and 1680 nanometers. In practice, the visible light source 510 is not configured to emit a signal with a wavelength greater than 1000 nanometers, or even greater than 850 nanometers.

[0067] Advantageously, the visible light source 510 comprises, or even is, a light-emitting diode and / or a semiconductor laser.

[0068] Preferably, the visible light source 510 is adapted to emit a visible light signal, hereafter referred to as a red light signal (for example, with a wavelength of approximately 650 nm). Red is easier to detect with the naked eye. However, the visible light source 32 can be adapted to emit a visible light signal of any other color (blue, green, etc.).

[0069] Alternatively, the 510 visible light source is adapted to emit a light signal in the very near-infrared (wavelength between 780 and 1000 nanometers) or near-ultraviolet (wavelength between 200 and 380 nanometers) range. As such, the light signal is barely or not at all visible to the naked eye, and therefore its information remains secret unless a suitable diagnostic device is used to capture the signal. Moreover, such a light signal is easily captured with a simple optical sensor.

[0070] The visible light source 510 is configured, i.e., arranged, to emit the light signal into the optical fiber(s). Preferably, one or more lenses guide the light signal towards the optical fiber.

[0071] Advantageously, the first light signal represents information relating to device 1 and / or to the optical fiber(s) 6, 61, 62 to which device 1 is intended to be connected. Since device 1 can be connected to or even integrated into equipment 10, information relating to device 1 can be information relating to equipment 10. Thus, preferably, the electronic circuit 512 is configured to control the emission of the light signal by the visible light source 510 according to this information.

[0072] Preferably, the information allows identification of device 1, equipment 10 and / or optical fiber(s) 6, 61, 62.

[0073] The "at least one piece of information" includes, for example, at least one of the following:

[0074] - an equipment identifier 10 (which can for example be a serial number or an ONU identifier, Optical Network Unit);

[0075] - an identifier of a port of the equipment 10 (which may include for example a port number and / or a physical address, i.e. a MAC address, Media Access Control);

[0076] - a device identifier 1;

[0077] - a state of device 1;

[0078] - control and / or test information for optical fiber(s) 6, 61, 62.

[0079] Control and / or test information for optical fiber(s) 6, 61, 62 advantageously refers to information on the basis of which the location and / or a defect of optical fiber(s) 6, 61, 62 can be determined / detected. In other words, it is information that allows for the control / testing of optical fiber(s) 6, 61, 62. This information can be generated by a microcontroller of device 1.

[0080] The control and / or test information of the optical fiber(s) 6, 61, 62 may be information enabling the determination of whether the optical fiber is a receiving and / or transmitting optical fiber for the optical transmitting and receiving device 1.

[0081] The control and / or test information of the optical fiber(s) 6, 61, 62 may be information enabling the determination of whether a piece of equipment 10 and / or a device 1 is connected to the optical fiber (for example, the mere presence of a light signal, i.e. visible light, detectable at one end of the fiber could be interpreted as the fact that a transmitting and receiving piece of equipment and / or device is connected to the opposite end of said fiber).

[0082] By locating an optical fiber 6, 61, 62, we generally mean determining which optical fiber 6, 61, 62, among a plurality of optical fibers (for example, in a patch panel), is connected to a given device 1 (when it is connected to an optical fiber 6, 61, 62). For example, emitting a light signal (i.e., visible light) into optical fiber 6, 61, 62 allows for the visual detection, or detection with a diagnostic device including a simple optical sensor such as a smartphone (which typically includes a camera), of said fiber within a patch panel. Moreover, if the first light signal is representative of an identifier, for example, an identifier of device 1 or equipment 10, it is easy to determine that the located optical fiber 6 is connected to that device 1 or equipment 10.

[0083] A defect in optical fiber 6, 61, 62 refers, for example, to the fact that the optical fiber may be damaged in such a way as to poorly transmit an optical signal, and therefore also a visible signal (i.e., the first light signal). Consequently, by injecting the first light signal into a fiber, the state of the fiber can be determined based on whether the signal is detectable or not at a diagnostic point on the fiber, for example, at the end of the fiber opposite the end connected to device 1. For example, if the light signal is detectable but with very low intensity, it can be concluded that there is a defect. Moreover, if the light signal is representative of an identifier, for example, an identifier of device 1 or equipment 10, it is easy to determine that the optical fiber 6 connected to this device 1 or equipment 10 is the one with the defect.

[0084] The state of device 1 can be related, for example, to the bias voltage of the infrared laser, the output power of the infrared laser, the temperature of device 1, the voltage of device 1, or the power of the receiving infrared laser. The state of device 1 can also be an alarm that signals a problem, for example, that parameters are abnormal (for example, if the temperature exceeds a certain temperature threshold).

[0085] Information can be sourced from (or even stored in) electronic components 7 of device 1, such as a microcontroller to which the visible light-emitting device 51 is advantageously connected. An electronic component 7 can store information relating to device 1 and equipment 10. An electronic component 7 can be connected to equipment 10 and receive information relating to equipment 10, then transmit it to the electronic circuit 512. In one embodiment, the visible light-emitting device 51, more specifically the electronic circuit 512, is directly connected to electronic elements of equipment 10 to directly receive information relating to equipment 10.

[0086] Advantageously, the 512 electronic circuit is configured to emit a light signal that exhibits information-dependent characteristics. Preferably, the characteristics include at least one of the following: a color (wavelength), a frequency, an amplitude, one or more continuous or flashing periods…

[0087] Advantageously, the 512 electronic circuit is configured to emit a light signal that exhibits a temporal and / or spectral pattern of illumination dependent on the information. By spectral, we mean that the pattern can be characterized by one or more colors (i.e., wavelengths). In other words, the light signal can comprise one or more colors, emitted for certain durations, at a certain frequency, continuously or with flashes, etc. All types of patterns are conceivable.

[0088] The light signal can be modulated in different ways: it can be continuous, include flashes emitted at a determined frequency, can include continuous periods and periods of flashes, the amplitude can vary, etc.

[0089] Several embodiments of device 1 will be described. First, as illustrated, device 1 can be of the duplex type. In other words, the transmitting optical fiber 61 and the receiving optical fiber 62 are separate optical fibers. Consequently, the transmitting connector 21 is separate from the receiving connector 22. Device 1 therefore comprises two different connectors 21 and 22.

[0090] In the case illustrated, the first visible light-emitting device 51 is associated with the emitter 3 so as to be configured to emit the first light signal into the transmitting optical fiber 61 via the transmitting connector 21. In this case, the first visible light-emitting device 51, like the emitter 3, is connected to the transmitting connector 21, preferably via the same connection 63. This connection 63 may be of the optical fiber type, of the integrated optical type, or simply a gap. Alternatively, as illustrated, the first visible light-emitting device 51 is associated with the receiver 4 so as to be configured to emit the first light signal into the receiving optical fiber 62 via the receiving connector 22. In this case, the first visible light-emitting device 51, like the receiver 4, is connected to the receiving connector 22, preferably via the same connection 64.This 64 connection can be of the fiber optic type, of the integrated optical type, or simply a free space.

[0091] Thus, device 1 allows the injection of visible light into the transmitting optical fiber 61 or the receiving optical fiber 62, thereby enabling the acquisition of information about device 1, equipment 10, the transmitting optical fiber 61, or the receiving optical fiber 62. An optical signal and a light signal can therefore be injected simultaneously into the transmitting optical fiber 6, 61. A light signal can also be injected into the receiving optical fiber 62, simultaneously with the reception of an optical signal from the receiving optical fiber 62.

[0092] In this text, when it is stated that the visible light-emitting device is associated with the transmitter, it is understood that the optical module 1 is configured so that the visible light-emitting device emits visible light into the same optical fiber as the optical fiber into which the transmitter emits the optical signal. In some embodiments where the device 1 includes a coupler, this means that the visible light-emitting device emits visible light into the same coupler port 8 as the coupler port 8 into which the transmitter emits the optical signal.

[0093] When it is stated that the visible light emitting device is associated with the receiver, it is understood that the optical module 1 is configured so that the visible light emitting device emits visible light into the same optical fiber as the optical fiber from which the receiver receives the optical signal. In some embodiments where the device 1 includes a coupler, this means that the visible light emitting device emits visible light into the same coupler port 8 as the coupler port 8 from which the receiver receives the optical signal.

[0094] In some cases, the visible light emitting device is not specifically associated with the emitter or receiver but is associated with a set including the emitter and receiver. This is the case, for example, when the emitter, receiver, and visible light emitting device are each independently connected (each to a different coupler / multiplexer port) to a coupler or multiplexer, as will be described later.

[0095] According to an embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the device 1 includes a second visible light-emitting device 52 configured to emit a second light signal (i.e., a second visible light signal). The second visible light-emitting device 52 has the same characteristics as the first visible light-emitting device 51 and therefore includes a visible light source 520 and an electronic circuit 522 configured to control the source 520.

[0096] The first visible light-emitting device 51 is then associated with one of the emitter 3 and the receiver 4, and the second visible light-emitting device 52 is associated with the other of the emitter 3 and the receiver 4. In other words, there is at least one visible light-emitting device associated with the emitter 3 and one visible light-emitting device associated with the receiver 4. Thus, the first visible light-emitting device 51 is connected, via one of the transmitting connector 21 and the receiving connector 22, to one of the transmitting optical fiber 61 and the receiving optical fiber 62. The second visible light-emitting device 52 is connected, via the other of the transmitting connector 21 and the receiving connector 22, to the other of the transmitting optical fiber 61 and the receiving optical fiber 62.

[0097] According to this embodiment, advantageously, the first visible light-emitting device 51 and the second visible light-emitting device 52 are configured such that the first and second light signals have one or more different characteristics. The characteristic(s) preferably include at least one of the following: a wavelength, a frequency of on / off periods, and an on / off and / or off duration. Advantageously, the first and second light signals have different temporal and / or spectral (i.e., color-related) patterns.

[0098] For example, the visible light source 510 of the first visible light-emitting device 51 is configured to emit light of a first color, and the visible light source 520 of the second visible light-emitting device 52 is configured to emit light of a second color, different from the first color. In this way, the location of the transmitting optical fiber 61 and the receiving optical fiber 62 can be determined and distinguished within a patch panel.

[0099] As illustrated in Figures 4 to 8, the device 1 can be bidirectional. In other words, the transmitting optical fiber 61 and the receiving optical fiber 62 are one and the same optical fiber 6. Put another way, the transmitting optical fiber 61 and the receiving optical fiber 62 are indistinguishable. Consequently, the transmitting connector 21 and the receiving connector 22 are one and the same connector 20, i.e., the transmitting connector 21 and the receiving connector 22 are indistinguishable.

[0100] According to an embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the device 1 comprises an optical multiplexer 72 configured to combine (i.e., multiplex) the optical signal emitted by the emitter 3 and the first light signal before their transmission into the optical fiber 6. The emitter 3 and the first visible light-emitting device 51 are thus connected to the multiplexer 72. In this way, the device 1 is configured to inject into the optical fiber 6 an optical signal combined with the first light signal. The emitter 3 and the first visible light-emitting device 51 can be connected to the optical multiplexer 72 by means of a fiber optic connection, an integrated optical connection, or simply by a gap. The optical multiplexer 72 allows the wavelengths of an emitted optical signal and a light signal to pass through the transmitting optical fiber 6, 61.

[0101] Optical multiplexer 72 also acts as a demultiplexer, thus isolating (i.e., demultiplexing) the received optical signal. Receiver 4 is therefore advantageously connected to optical multiplexer 72, preferably via a fiber optic connection, an integrated optical connection, or simply through a gap. If a light signal is received, this light signal could interfere with, i.e., dazzle, receiver 4 and thus prevent it from correctly receiving an optical signal. Optical multiplexer 72, in its role as a demultiplexer, filters the wavelengths of an optical signal to allow only those wavelengths to pass to the receiver and to block the wavelengths of the light signal.

[0102] The optical multiplexer 72 is for example a WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexer).

[0103] The optical multiplexer 72 is connected to connector 20. Thus, the emitter 3, the receiver 4 and the first visible light emitting device 51 are indeed connected to connector 20 but indirectly, because there is the optical multiplexer 72 between, on the one hand, the emitter 3, the receiver 4 and the first visible light emitting device 51 and, on the other hand, connector 20.

[0104] According to this embodiment, in which the first visible light-emitting device 51, the emitter 3, and the receiver 4 are connected to the optical multiplexer 72, the first visible light-emitting device 51 is considered to be associated with the emitter 3 and receiver 4 assembly. In other words, the first visible light-emitting device 51, the emitter 3, and the receiver 4 are independently connected to the optical multiplexer 72 (i.e., each is connected to a separate chromatic port of the multiplexer). The first visible light-emitting device 51 is not specifically associated with the emitter 3 or the receiver 4.

[0105] As illustrated in Figures 5 to 8, the device 1 advantageously includes a coupler 8 configured to be connected to the optical fiber 6 via the connector 20. The coupler 8 is a device known to those skilled in the art. The coupler 8 includes at least one transmit port 82 to which the transmitter 3 is connected and a receive port 84 to which the receiver 4 is connected. The coupler 8 is adapted to direct a portion of a received optical signal to the receiver 4, a portion of an optical signal transmitted by the transmitter 3 to the optical fiber 6, and a portion of a transmitted light signal to the optical fiber 6. The transmitter 3 and the receiver 4 are therefore connected to the coupler 8, for example, by a fiber optic connection, an integrated optical connection, or simply by a gap. The coupler 8 is connected to the connector 20, for example, by a fiber optic connection, an integrated optical connection, or simply by a gap.Transmitter 3 and receiver 4 are therefore connected to connector 20, but indirectly, via coupler 8.

[0106] According to an embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the first visible light-emitting device 51 is associated with the emitter 3 and is connected to the emitter port 82. In other words, the first visible light-emitting device 51 is configured to emit visible light into the emitter port 82 (i.e., the same coupler port 8 into which the emitter 3 is configured to emit an optical signal). In this case, advantageously, the first visible light-emitting device 51 and the emitter 3 are connected to the emitter port 82 by means of the same connection, for example, of the fiber optic type, the integrated optical type, or via a gap. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 2, the first visible light-emitting device 51 is associated with the receiver 4 and is connected to the receiver port 84. In other words, the first visible light-emitting device 51 is configured to emit visible light into the receiver port 84 (i.e., the same coupler port 8 into which the emitter 3 is configured to emit an optical signal). In this case, advantageously, the first visible light-emitting device 51 and the emitter 3 are connected to the emitter port 82 by means of the same connection, for example, of the optical fiber type, the optically integrated type, or via a gap. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 3, the first visible light-emitting device 51 is associated with the receiver 4 and is connected to the receiver port 84. In other words, the first visible light-emitting device 51 is configured to emit visible light into the receiver port 84 (i.e., the same coupler port 8 into which the emitter 3 is configured to emit an optical signal).the same coupler port 8 from which the receiver 4 is configured to receive an optical signal). In this case, advantageously, the first visible light-emitting device 51 and the receiver 4 are connected to the receiving port 84 by means of the same connection, for example, a fiber optic connection, an integrated optical connection, or a gap connection. This embodiment is simple to implement and inexpensive.

[0107] According to an embodiment not illustrated, the device 1 comprises two visible light emission devices, one device associated with the emitter 3 and connected to the emission port 82 of the coupler 8 and the other device associated with the receiver 4 and connected to the reception port 84 of the coupler 8.

[0108] According to another embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, the coupler 8 includes a visible light emission port 86 to which the first visible light emission device 51 is connected. The connection of the first visible light emission device 51 to the visible light emission port 86 is implemented, for example, by means of a fiber optic connection 66, an integrated optical type, or a free-space type. The first visible light emission device 51, the emitter 3, and the receiver 4 are thus independently connected to the coupler 8. According to this embodiment, it is not necessary to use an optical multiplexer to combine the signals; a single device, namely the coupler 8, is sufficient for this purpose. Moreover, since the coupler 8 generates power losses, an optical multiplexer 72 is not necessary because a light signal will be less likely to interfere with the receiver 4.According to this embodiment, the first visible light-emitting device 51 is considered to be associated with the emitter 3 and receiver 4 assembly. Indeed, the first visible light-emitting device 51, the emitter 3, and the receiver 4 are independently connected to the coupler 8 (i.e., each to a separate port of the coupler 8). The first visible light-emitting device 51 is not specifically associated with the emitter 3 or the receiver 4.

[0109] According to an embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the emitter 3 and the receiver 4 are connected to the coupler 8, the coupler 8 is connected to an optical multiplexer 72, and the first visible light-emitting device 51 is connected to the optical multiplexer 72. The first visible light-emitting device 51 is therefore not connected to the coupler 8 in this case. This significantly reduces coupling losses. The optical multiplexer 72 mixes the first light signal with an emitted optical signal. The optical multiplexer 72, which also acts as a demultiplexer, prevents wavelengths of a light signal from reaching the receiver 4. In this embodiment, the first visible light-emitting device 51 is considered to be associated with the emitter 3 and receiver 4 assembly.Indeed, the first visible light-emitting device 51, the emitter 3, and the receiver 4 are independently connected (the emitter and receiver via the coupler) to the optical multiplexer 72. The first visible light-emitting device 51 is connected to a different port of the optical multiplexer 72 than the port of the optical multiplexer 72 to which the emitter and receiver are connected via the coupler. The first visible light-emitting device 51 is not specifically associated with the emitter 3 or the receiver 4.

[0110] Numerous embodiments of an optical transmitter and receiver device comprising a visible light emitting device have been described. It should be noted that the optical transmitter and receiver device could comprise a plurality of assemblies including a transmitter, a receiver, and a visible light emitting device arranged according to the described embodiments. These assemblies can be connected to the same connector 20 or to different connectors.

[0111] Furthermore, each transmitter, receiver, or transmitter-receiver combination can be associated with more than one visible light-emitting device. For example, several visible light-emitting devices could be associated with a single transmitter, potentially allowing the injection of light signals of different colors into the optical transmission fiber.

[0112] The optical transmitter and receiver device 1 thus facilitates the diagnosis of the optical fiber(s) 6, 61, 62 and the devices / equipment to which the fibers may be connected. The optical transmitter and receiver device 1 allows for the easy and efficient transmission of information, particularly concerning the optical fiber(s) 6, 61, 62, the optical transmitter and receiver device 1, and / or the equipment 10. This facilitates the identification of the optical module 1 and / or the equipment 10 and consequently simplifies their diagnosis. Indeed, the light signal (i.e., visible light) makes it possible to determine the information visually (with the human eye if the light signal is within the strictly visible spectral range) or with a simple optical sensor such as a smartphone camera.Moreover, even if a human cannot visually access the light signal (because the location is inaccessible due to being too small or dangerous), it is easy to detect the light signal with a simple sensor (for example, one can extend their arm into the location with a smartphone). Furthermore, a technician does not need to disconnect a fiber to inject the light signal, i.e., visible light, into the optical fiber since the visible light source is integrated into the optical transmitter and receiver device.

[0113] If the light signal is in the near-ultraviolet or very-near-infrared range, it is considered confidential because it is not visible to the naked eye but can be easily detected using a suitable diagnostic device (a smartphone camera, for example, can sometimes capture wavelengths in the very-near-infrared). Furthermore, a visible light source such as this is inexpensive. In addition, using such a suitable diagnostic device is safe if the light signal is in the near-ultraviolet or very-near-infrared range, because some of these wavelengths outside the visible spectrum are dangerous to the human eye. System

[0114] With reference to Figures 9 and 10, a system 100 is proposed comprising a first optical transmitter and receiver 1a, a second optical transmitter and receiver 1b, and at least one optical fiber 6, 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b connecting the first optical transmitter and receiver 1a and the second optical transmitter and receiver 1b. In this application, letters (a, b) may be added to the numerical references to allow them to be associated with a specific optical transmitter and receiver 1 whose numerical reference contains the same letter. For example, reference 51a refers to the first optical light-emitting device of the first optical transmitter and receiver 1a, and reference 51b refers to the first optical light-emitting device of the second optical transmitter and receiver 1b.The first optical light-emitting devices 51a, 51b are as described previously under the generic numeric reference 51. This applies to the other elements and their associated numeric references.

[0115] Devices 1a, 1b are therefore configured to exchange optical and light signals (i.e. visible light) via the optical fiber(s).

[0116] It is understood that a transmitting optical fiber 61a of the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a is a receiving optical fiber 62b of the second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b. A receiving optical fiber 62a of the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a is a transmitting optical fiber 61b of the second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b. Indeed, if the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a injects a signal into an optical fiber destined for the second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b, this optical fiber is a transmitting optical fiber with respect to the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a and a receiving optical fiber with respect to the second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b.Similarly, if the second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b injects a signal into an optical fiber destined for the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a, this optical fiber is a transmitting optical fiber with respect to the second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b and a receiving optical fiber with respect to the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a.

[0117] According to an embodiment illustrated in Figure 1a, the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a and the second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b are duplex devices. More specifically, devices 1a and 1b are connected by a first optical fiber 61a, 62b and a second optical fiber 61b, 62a. The first optical fiber is separate from the second optical fiber. The first optical fiber connects the transmitter 3a of the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a (via the transmit connector 21a of the connection port 2a) and the receiver 4b of the second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b (via the receive connector 22b of the connection port 2b). The first optical fiber is therefore the transmit optical fiber 61a with respect to the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a (and thus is also the receive optical fiber 62b with respect to the second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b).The second optical fiber connects receiver 4a of the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a (via the receive connector 22a of the connection port 2a) and transmitter 3b of the second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b (via the transmit connector 21b of the connection port 2b). The second optical fiber is therefore the receive optical fiber 62a with respect to the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a (and thus is also the transmit fiber 61b with respect to the second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b).

[0118] Devices 1a, 1b are connected by two separate optical fibers. In other words, the transmitting optical fiber 61a of the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a is separate from the receiving optical fiber 62a of the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a (i.e., the transmitting optical fiber 61b of the second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b is separate from the receiving optical fiber 62b of the second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b).

[0119] According to this implementation method, several configurations are possible:

[0120] - the emitter 3a, 3b of one or both of the first optical emitter and receiver device 1a and of the second optical emitter and receiver device 1b is associated with a visible light emission device and / or

[0121] - the receiver 4a, 4b of one or both of the first optical emitting and receiving device 1a and of the second optical emitting and receiving device 1b is associated with a visible light emitting device.

[0122] In the embodiment of the, a first visible light emitting device 51a is associated with the emitter 3a of the first optical emitter and receiver device 1a, a second visible light emitting device 52a is associated with the receiver 4a of the first optical emitter and receiver device 1a, and a first visible light emitting device 51b is associated with the emitter 3b of the second optical emitter and receiver device 1b.

[0123] It is possible that two different light signals can be injected into the same optical fiber, one light signal injected by the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a and one light signal injected by the second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b.

[0124] Thus, depending on the configurations chosen, one or each optical fiber, each optical transmitter and receiver device (or each piece of equipment 10 to which an optical transmitter and receiver device is connected) can be easily diagnosed in a specific way (for example, it may be possible to choose to associate a visible light emitting device with a transmitter and / or a receiver depending on the information that one wishes to obtain).

[0125] According to an embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the system 100 comprises a first bidirectional optical transmitter and receiver device 1a and a second bidirectional optical transmitter and receiver device 1b. In other words, the transmitter 3a and receiver 4a of the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a are connected to a single optical fiber 6, which is also the single optical fiber 6 to which the transmitter 3b and receiver 4b of the second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b are connected. It should be noted that, in Figure 1, devices 1a and 1b include couplers, but any previously described bidirectional device 1a and 1b could be considered (for example, with an optical multiplexer 72).

[0126] According to the embodiment illustrated in, the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a and the second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b are connected by a single optical fiber 6. In other words, the optical and light signals travel through the same optical fiber 6.

[0127] As illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, in one embodiment, the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a and the second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b are such that at least one optical fiber 6, 61, 62 is provided to receive a light signal from the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a and a light signal from the second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b. Advantageously, the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a and the second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b are configured so that said light signals have one or more different characteristics.In other words, a visible light-emitting device 51a of the first optical transmitter-receiver device 1a is configured to emit a different light signal into an optical fiber 6 than the light signal that a visible light-emitting device 51b of the second optical transmitter-receiver device 1b is configured to emit into said optical fiber 6. In this way, the first optical transmitter-receiver device 1a and the second optical transmitter-receiver device 1b can each simultaneously emit a light signal into the same optical fiber while remaining easily detectable independently. Preferably, the characteristic(s) include at least one of the following: a wavelength, a frequency, two on / off periods, and an on / off duration. Methods of modulating and varying light signals have been described previously.

[0128] According to an embodiment schematically illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, at least one optical fiber 6 connected to a visible light-emitting device 51 has a beveled end 600, and the visible light-emitting device 51 includes a visible light source 510, 520 arranged opposite this beveled end 600. The beveled optical fiber may be the optical fiber 6, 61, 62 connecting the optical transmitter and receiver devices 1a, 1b, or it may be a connection 63, 64 between the visible light-emitting device 51 and the optical fiber 6, 61, 62 connecting the optical transmitter and receiver devices 1a, 1b, if this connection 63, 64 is of the optical fiber type. The beveled optical fiber is the one through which the light signal is injected.

[0129] Optical fiber can, for example, beveled at a 45-degree angle.

[0130] By "opposite", it is understood that the arranged visible light source 510, 520 is arranged with respect to the beveled end so that a light ray emitted by the visible light source 510, 520 reaches said end and is injected into the optical fiber through said end.

[0131] The optical transmitter and receiver device 1a, 1b concerned is therefore arranged with respect to the optical fiber 6, 61, 62 so that its visible light source 510, 520 is arranged opposite the beveled end of the optical fiber 6, 61, 62.

[0132] The bevel allows a light signal to be easily injected into the optical fiber from different positions.

[0133] As shown schematically, the visible light emission device 51 can be arranged above the optical fiber 6, at the beveled end 600. As shown schematically, the visible light emission device 51 can be arranged opposite the beveled end 600. Other positions of the visible light emission device 51 are possible.

[0134] Advantageously, the visible light source 510, 520 is arranged less than 2 cm, or even less than 1 cm, from the beveled end 600. The visible light source 510, 520 can be arranged less than 1 µm, or even in contact, with the beveled end 600.

[0135] Preferably, the visible light source 510, 520 is arranged at a distance between 1 µm and 1 cm, advantageously at a distance of about 100 µm, from the beveled end 600.

[0136] According to an embodiment where a lens device(s) is arranged between the visible light source 510, 520 and the beveled end 600, the lens device(s) is arranged at a distance of between 1 µm and 1 cm (preferably about 100 µm) from the beveled end 600 and the visible light source 510, 520 is itself arranged at a distance of between 1 µm and 1 cm (preferably about 100 µm) from the lens device(s).

[0137] Advantageously, the visible light source 510, 520 is arranged directly opposite the beveled end; that is, there is no object between the visible light source 510, 520 and the beveled end, such as a mirror, lens, or optical guide. Indeed, the visible light source 510, 520 is arranged relative to the beveled end in such a way that such an object is unnecessary, the bevel further facilitating the injection of light into the optical fiber. In this case, preferably, the visible light source 510, 520 is arranged at a distance of between 1 µm and 1 cm, advantageously at a distance of approximately 100 µm, from the beveled end 600. Process

[0138] With reference to the, a method is proposed for transmitting information via one or more optical fibers 6, 61, 62 by means of a first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a connected to at least one optical fiber 6, 61, 62.

[0139] The process includes a step a), implemented by the electronic circuit 512 of a visible light emission device 51 of the system 100, of control of an emission, by the visible light source 510, of a first light signal, possibly representative of information relating to the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a, to the equipment 10 or to the optical fiber 6, 61, 62. The electronic circuit 512 therefore develops a control which will allow the emission of the first light signal, advantageously representing the information.

[0140] The process advantageously includes a step b) of emission, by the visible light source 510, of the first light signal in the optical fiber 6, 61, 62. The first light signal can be emitted and injected into the optical fiber 6, 61, 62 while one or more optical signals circulate in the same optical fiber 6, 61, 62.

[0141] The process advantageously includes a step (c) of obtaining the information represented by the first light signal. Step (c) may consist of receiving the light signal, for example at an end of the optical fiber 6 opposite to the end through which the light signal was injected, and decoding, i.e., interpreting this light signal to determine the information. For this purpose, said end of the optical fiber 6 opposite to the end through which the light signal was injected may be disconnected from the equipment to which it was connected. Alternatively, the optical fiber 6, 61, 62 may be bent so that a portion of the light signal exits the optical fiber and can be captured, thus allowing the light signal to be captured at any point along the optical fiber without disconnecting it.

[0142] This can be implemented by means of data processing and an optical sensor, for example from a smartphone, configured to determine the information from the light signal or directly by a technician visually (for example, if the technician sees the light signal he can locate the optical fiber or he can determine the information by visually interpreting colors and / or a temporal pattern of the light signal).

[0143] This can also be implemented by data processing means of a second optical transmitter and receiver device 1b connected to the first optical transmitter and receiver device 1a via optical fiber.

Claims

An optical transmitting and receiving device (1) for transmitting and receiving optical signals in and from one or more optical fibers (6, 61, 62), the device (1) comprising: a connection port (2) configured to allow connection of the optical fiber(s) (6, 61, 62) to the device (1), the connection port (2) comprising a transmit connector (20, 21) and a receive connector (20, 22), at least one transmitter (3) configured to be connected to a transmitting optical fiber (6, 61) via the transmit connector (20, 21) and configured to transmit an optical signal to said transmitting optical fiber (6, 61), at least one receiver (4) configured to be connected to a receiving optical fiber (6, 62) via the receive connector (20, 22) and configured to receive an optical signal received from said receiving optical fiber (6, 62), at least one first visible light emitting device (51) configured to be connected to the transmitting optical fiber (6,61) and / or the receiving optical fiber (6, 62) via the transmit connector (20, 21) and / or the receiving connector (20, 22) and configured to emit a first light signal in the transmit optical fiber (6, 61) and / or the receiving optical fiber (6, 62). Optical transmitting and receiving device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the emitted optical signal and the received optical signal are infrared signals. Optical transmitting and receiving device (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the first light signal has a wavelength between 200 nanometers and 1000 nanometers. Optical transmitting and receiving device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first light signal has a wavelength between 380 nanometers and 780 nanometers. Optical transmitting and receiving device (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first light signal represents information relating to said optical transmitting and receiving device (1) and / or to the optical fiber(s) (6, 61, 62). Optical transmitting and receiving device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: the transmitting optical fiber (61) and the receiving optical fiber (62) are separate optical fibers, the transmitting connector (21) is separate from the receiving connector (22) and the first visible light emitting device (51) is associated with the transmitter (3) so as to be configured to emit the first light signal in the transmitting optical fiber (61) via the transmitting connector (21) or the first visible light emitting device (51) is associated with the receiver (4) so ​​as to be configured to emit the first light signal in the receiving optical fiber (62) via the receiving connector (22). Optical transmitter and receiver device (1) according to claim 6, comprising a second visible light transmitter (52) configured to emit a second light signal, the first visible light transmitter (51) being associated with one of the transmitter (3) and the receiver (4) and the second visible light transmitter (52) being associated with the other of the transmitter (3) and the receiver (4) such that the first visible light transmitter (51) is connected, via one of the transmitter connector (21) and the receiver connector (22), to one of the transmitting optical fiber (61) and the receiving optical fiber (62) and the second visible light transmitter (52) is connected, via the other of the transmitter connector (21) and the receiver connector (22), to the other of the transmitting optical fiber (61) and the receiving optical fiber (62). Optical emitting and receiving device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the first visible light emitting device (51) and the second visible light emitting device (52) are configured so that the first light signal and the second light signal have one or more different characteristics. Optical transmitting and receiving device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the characteristic or characteristics include at least one of a wavelength, a frequency of on periods and an on and / or off duration. Optical transmitting and receiving device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the transmitting optical fiber (6, 61) and the receiving optical fiber (6, 62) are one and the same optical fiber (6), the transmitting connector (21) and the receiving connector (22) being one and the same connector (20). Optical transmitter and receiver device (1) according to claim 10, comprising an optical multiplexer (72) configured to combine the optical signal emitted by the transmitter (3) and the first light signal before their emission in the optical fiber (6). System (100) comprising a first optical transmitter and receiver device (1a) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, a second optical transmitter and receiver device (1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and at least one optical fiber (6, 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b) connecting the first optical transmitter and receiver device (1a) and the second optical transmitter and receiver device (1b). System (100) according to claim 17, wherein the first optical transmitter and receiver device (1a) and the second optical transmitter and receiver device (1b) are, according to any one of claims 6 to 9, the system (100) comprising a first optical fiber (61a, 62b) connecting the transmitter (3a) of the first optical transmitter and receiver device (1a) and the receiver (4b) of the second optical transmitter and receiver device (1b), the first optical fiber (61a, 62b) being the transmitting optical fiber (61a) with respect to the first optical transmitter and receiver device (1a) and the receiving optical fiber (62b) with respect to the second optical transmitter and receiver device (1b), and the system (100) comprising a second optical fiber (62a, 61b), distinct from the first optical fiber (61a, 62b), connecting the receiver (4a) of the first optical transmitter and receiver device (1a) and the emitter (3b) of the second optical transmitter and receiver device (1b),the second optical fiber (62a, 61b) being the receiving optical fiber (62a) with respect to the first optical transmitter and receiver device (1a) and the transmitting optical fiber (61b) with respect to the second optical transmitter and receiver device (1b). System (100) according to claim 12, wherein the first optical transmitter and receiver device (1a) and the second optical transmitter and receiver device (1b) are according to any one of claims 10 and 11, and are connected by a single optical fiber (6). System (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first optical transmitter and receiver device (1a) and the second optical transmitter and receiver device (1b) are such that at least one optical fiber (6, 61, 62) is provided to receive a light signal from the first optical transmitter and receiver device (1a) and a light signal from the second optical transmitter and receiver device (1b), the first optical transmitter and receiver device (1a) and the second optical transmitter and receiver device (1b) being configured so that said light signals have one or more different characteristics.

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