Optical Branching Unit for Control Signal Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical communication systems lack a control channel for transmitting control signals from subscriber devices once an optical path is opened, preventing subscriber devices from requesting changes to the control unit.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an optical branching unit on the transmission line between optical switches and the control unit to branch a portion of the optical signal for control signal transmission, and an optical transmitting and receiving apparatus with a reception unit to acquire control signals and a cutoff unit to prevent interference with main signals by controlling light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an optical path is opened for direct communication between subscriber devices, then communication efficiency is improved, but no control channel remains available for transmitting control signals from subscriber devices to the control unit
Solution Approach 1:
The optical signal is segmented into two functional components: a main signal carrying communication data and a control signal carrying control information. The main signal is transmitted through the optical path between subscriber devices, while the control signal is extracted and routed to the control unit through the optical branching unit, allowing both communication efficiency and control capability to coexist
Solution Approach 2:
The optical branching unit acts as an intermediary that taps a portion of the optical signal from the main transmission path and directs it to the control unit. This intermediary mechanism enables control signal transmission without disrupting the primary communication path, resolving the contradiction between maintaining direct communication and enabling control functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical transmitting and receiving apparatus transmits both main signals and control signals, then communication functionality is improved, but signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission functionality is segmented into separate channels: the main signal transmission path for communication data and the control signal path for control information. By separating these functions into distinct signal streams that are extracted and routed differently, the system avoids interference between main signals and control signals while maintaining comprehensive transmission functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The control signal is extracted from the optical signal using the optical branching unit, which separates it from the main signal path. This extraction process removes the control signal component from the main transmission path, preventing interference between control and communication signals while preserving both transmission functions
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
Enables the transmission of control signals to a control unit different from the communication partner device while minimizing interference with signals transmitted and received via the optical path, allowing for effective communication and path management.
Implementation Method 1
an optical branching unit that branches a part of the optical signal which has been transmitted through the first optical transmission line, and outputs the branched optical signal to a second optical transmission line
Implementation Method 2
a cutoff unit that prevents the light emitted by the light source from being input to the second optical transmission line
Data Source
AI summary
An optical switch receives an input of an optical signal which has been transmitted by a first optical communication device from a first port, and outputs the optical signal from a second port connected to a first optical transmission line included in an optical route in which an optical path between the first optical communication device and a second optical communication device is set. An optical branching unit branches a part of the optical signal which has been transmitted through the first optical transmission line, and outputs the branched optical signal to a second optical transmission line. An optical transmitting and receiving apparatus includes a reception unit, a transmission unit, and a light cutoff unit. The reception unit receives an input of the optical signal which has been branched by the optical branching unit from the second optical transmission line, and acquires a signal addressed to a destination different from the second optical communication device from the input optical signal. The transmission unit generates an optical signal using light emitted by a light source. The light cutoff unit prevents the light from the light source from being input to the second optical transmission line.