Modular Optical Signal Transfer for Multi-Protocol Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems require dedicated media converters and systems for each protocol, leading to high initial investment, long development periods, and increased management complexity.
Innovation Solution
A signal transfer device and method that utilizes attachable and detachable interface units and conversion units implemented via processors executing programs, enabling communication of arbitrary protocols over optical networks with reduced development and management loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated media converters are used for each protocol, then protocol-specific communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal media converter that can handle multiple protocols (Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) through a single device. The converter includes protocol identification functionality that automatically detects the input signal type and applies appropriate conversion algorithms, eliminating the need for separate dedicated converters for each protocol while maintaining reliable communication across different protocol types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of protocol-specific hardware conversion to software-based protocol conversion. By implementing protocol identification and conversion algorithms in the control unit, the system can dynamically adjust conversion parameters based on the detected protocol type, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining protocol-specific communication reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If dedicated media converters are deployed for each protocol, then protocol conversion accuracy is improved, but initial investment and development period increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal conversion platform that supports multiple protocols through integrated protocol identification and software-based conversion. This approach achieves protocol conversion accuracy comparable to dedicated converters while significantly reducing development time by using a single multi-functional device instead of developing separate dedicated converters for each protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software algorithms to replicate the conversion functionality of dedicated hardware converters. By implementing protocol-specific conversion algorithms in the control unit, the system can accurately convert various protocols without requiring physical copies of dedicated converter hardware for each protocol type.
3Reliability
If multiple dedicated media converters are used, then protocol-specific performance is improved, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple protocol-specific conversion functions into a single unified device. The control unit automatically identifies the input protocol and applies the appropriate conversion algorithm, providing protocol-specific performance while simplifying management to a single device instead of multiple dedicated converters that would require separate configuration and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automatic protocol identification and selection functionality in the control unit. The device automatically detects the input signal protocol and configures the appropriate conversion parameters without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining protocol-specific performance while eliminating the management overhead associated with configuring multiple dedicated converters.
4Reliability
If protocol-specific hardware converters are used, then signal conversion reliability is improved, but adaptability to new protocols decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses software-based protocol conversion that can replicate and adapt to new protocols through algorithm updates. This approach maintains signal conversion reliability by implementing robust conversion algorithms while providing adaptability to new protocols that dedicated hardware converters cannot achieve, as software can be updated to support emerging protocol standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic protocol conversion system where the control unit can automatically adapt to different protocol types and versions. The software-based architecture allows the converter to dynamically adjust conversion parameters and algorithms based on the detected protocol, providing both reliable conversion for known protocols and adaptability to new protocols through software updates.
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
Facilitates easy realization of communication and edge computing services for various protocols with minimal initial investment and reduced hardware complexity, allowing for rapid service deployment and simplified management.
Implementation Method 1
an optical interface unit configured to perform processing of receiving an optical signal, and converting the received optical signal into an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
A signal transfer device includes an optical interface unit, first and second interface units, and first and second conversion units. The optical interface unit performs processing of converting a received optical signal into an electric signal to generate a reception signal, and performs processing of converting a transmission signal from an electric signal to an optical signal to transmit the converted optical signal. The first conversion unit converts the reception signal generated by the optical interface unit into a signal of a first protocol, and transmits the signal from the first interface unit. The second conversion unit converts a signal of a second protocol received by the second interface unit into a transmission signal to be transmitted by an optical signal, and outputs the converted transmission signal to the optical interface unit. Each of the first and second interface units is attachable to and detachable from the signal transfer device. The first and second conversion units are realized by a processor executing a program.