Optical Control Apparatus Route Setting for Monitoring Light Reflection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In long distance optical transmission systems, it is challenging to monitor the state of an optical transmission path while minimizing the usage band of monitoring light, as using the same wavelength band for both uplink and downlink lines can lead to multiple reflections, causing oscillation and confusion in monitoring data.

Innovation Solution

An optical control apparatus with first and second connection units connected to the optical transmission paths and a route setting unit that complements the optical routes to either conductive or non-conductive states, allowing monitoring light to loop back through the second path, thereby avoiding multiple reflections by switching the routes to prevent signal return in a multiple manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If monitoring light in the same wavelength band is used for both uplink and downlink lines, then the usage band of monitoring light is minimized, but multiple reflections occur causing oscillation and confusion in monitoring data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage band of monitoring lightVSAvoidmonitoring data accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical transmission path into separate first and second optical transmission paths, each with dedicated connection units. The first connection unit handles the first path while the second connection unit handles the second path, segmenting the monitoring functions to prevent multiple reflections even when using the same wavelength band for monitoring light in both paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into integrated connection units that can operate in different states. Each connection unit can function as a through connection, a loopback connection, or a blocking connection, allowing the system to use the same wavelength band for monitoring while preventing harmful multiple reflections through coordinated state management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If wavelength selective reflection devices are used for uplink and downlink monitoring, then monitoring is enabled, but the reflection center wavelengths must be different to avoid multiple reflections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidwavelength allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic route setting that can change the state of connection units based on monitoring requirements. The route setting unit can complementarily set optical routes to conductive or non-conductive states, allowing the system to adaptively manage wavelength usage and prevent multiple reflections without requiring fixed different wavelengths for uplink and downlink monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of connection units between different states (through, loopback, blocking) rather than changing physical wavelength parameters. This allows the system to maintain monitoring capability while avoiding multiple reflections through state management rather than wavelength differentiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If loopback state is set for monitoring, then monitoring light returns through the second path, but route configuration must be carefully controlled to prevent signal oscillation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath state detection accuracyVSAvoidroute configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the route setting unit monitors the state of connection units and complementarily adjusts optical routes. When monitoring is required, the system sets appropriate loopback states and receives feedback about path conditions, allowing accurate path state detection while automatically managing route configuration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates asymmetric route configurations where the first and second optical paths have different connection unit states. The first connection unit and second connection unit are configured in complementary states, allowing monitoring light to return through the second path while preventing oscillation through asymmetric route management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 approach enables effective monitoring of the optical transmission path while minimizing the usage band of monitoring light, preventing signal oscillation and data confusion, and ensuring accurate path state assessment.

Implementation Method 1

a wavelength selective reflection device for an uplink line, and a wavelength selective reflection device for a downlink line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavelength selective reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4343397A1Optical control apparatus and optical transmission path monitoring method
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 NEC CORP
  • EP4343397A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4343397A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4343397A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical control apparatus includes a first connection unit to be connected to a first optical transmission path and a second optical transmission path, a second connection unit to be connected to the first optical transmission path and the second optical transmission path, and a route setting unit that complementarily sets a first optical route in the first connection unit, and a second optical route in the second connection unit, to either of a conductive state and a non-conductive state.