Co-cable Probability Detection Using Sounding Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting shared cable segments between communication paths are inefficient and costly, requiring manual recording and leading to potential communication quality deterioration or interruption.

Innovation Solution

A co-cable probability detection method that uses a network device to obtain information about events in two transmission media through sounding signals, calculating the probability that cable segments in these media share a co-cable segment based on event distances and types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual recording of co-cable information is used, then information can be recorded, but the process takes a long time and results in low efficiency and high maintenance costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of co-cable information recordingVSAvoidtime for manual recording
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical recording process with an automated electronic detection system using OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer). The system automatically sends sounding signals through transmission media, detects events such as connectors and splices, and calculates co-cable probabilities through computer processing, eliminating the need for manual recording and significantly improving efficiency while reducing time consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the network device to automatically detect and record co-cable information without human intervention. The OTDR automatically sends signals, detects events, and the processor automatically calculates co-cable probabilities and generates reports, making the entire process autonomous and eliminating dependency on manual operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual recording of co-cable information is used, then information can be recorded, but maintenance costs and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of co-cable informationVSAvoidmaintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual recording with automated electronic detection and processing. The system uses OTDR to automatically detect events, processes data through algorithms that calculate co-cable probabilities, and generates structured reports. This automation eliminates human error, ensures consistent and accurate recording, and simplifies maintenance through standardized digital data storage and retrieval

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the detected event information is processed and used to calculate co-cable probabilities. The system continuously monitors transmission media, detects changes in the network topology through event detection, and updates co-cable information accordingly, ensuring the information remains accurate and current without requiring manual verification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If co-cable segments are not accurately identified, then communication paths can operate, but communication quality deteriorates or interruption occurs when faults happen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddifficulty of detecting shared cable segments
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces difficult manual detection of shared cable segments with automated OTDR-based electronic detection. The system sends sounding signals through the transmission media and automatically detects events such as connectors, splices, and faults. By processing event information from multiple transmission media and calculating co-cable probabilities, the system accurately identifies shared cable segments that would be difficult to detect manually

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses event information from OTDR detection as an intermediary to indirectly identify shared cable segments. Instead of directly observing the physical cable routing, the system detects events (connectors, splices, faults) at specific locations and uses the spatial relationship and probability calculations of these events to infer which cable segments are shared between different transmission media, making the detection process feasible and accurate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method reduces maintenance costs and time by accurately and efficiently determining shared cable segments, thereby improving communication reliability and reducing the risk of communication disruptions.

Implementation Method 1

information about at least two first events in a first transmission medium and information about at least two second events in a second transmission medium, where information about at least two first events is obtained based on a first sounding signal transmitted in a first transmission medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR):

Data Source

PatentEP4102741B1Method and device for detecting probability of using same cable
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4102741B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4102741B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4102741B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

This application discloses a co-cable probability detection method and an apparatus, to accurately and efficiently detect a cable segment shared by different transmission media. The method includes: obtaining information about at least two first events generated by a first sounding signal transmitted in a first transmission medium and information about at least two second events generated by a second sounding signal transmitted in a second transmission medium, where the information about the at least two first events indicates at least one cable segment on the first transmission medium, and the information about the at least two second events indicates at least one cable segment on the second transmission medium; and obtaining, based on the information about the at least two first events and the information about the at least two second events, a probability that the at least one cable segment on the first transmission medium and the at least one cable segment on the second transmission medium include a co-cable segment.