Optical Distribution Port Detection for New Subscriber Pathways

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Solution Overview

Problem

In conventional optical communication systems, the control unit cannot recognize which port of the optical distribution unit a newly connected subscriber device is connected to via the optical transmission line, leading to issues in establishing an optical path.

Innovation Solution

An optical communication device with a first optical multiplexing and demultiplexing unit that splits and outputs control and main signal lights at different wavelengths, an optical distribution unit with detection capabilities to identify the connected port, and a subscriber device management control unit that controls port connections to establish a communicable optical route.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an optical distribution unit is used to connect subscriber devices, then the system can support multiple subscriber devices and provide flexible connection, but the control unit cannot recognize which port a newly connected subscriber device is connected to, making it impossible to establish an optical path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidport identification information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical distribution unit detects optical signals from newly connected subscriber devices and reports back to the control unit which port the signal was received on. This feedback loop enables the control unit to identify connected devices and establish appropriate optical paths, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining connection flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism between the subscriber devices and the control unit. The optical distribution unit acts as an intermediary that detects optical signals and provides port identification information to the control unit, enabling path establishment without direct recognition capability in the control unit itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If wavelength multiplexing units are added to enable control signal transmission, then control units can exchange signals with subscriber devices, but the system complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol signal transmissionVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the optical distribution unit multi-functional by enabling it to both distribute optical signals to subscriber devices and detect optical signals for port identification. This universal function reduces the need for separate dedicated detection devices, thereby controlling system complexity while ensuring reliable control signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the signal distribution function and the signal detection function into a single optical distribution unit. By combining these functions, the system avoids adding separate complex detection subsystems, thus maintaining simpler overall architecture while achieving reliable control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 establishment of an optical route that communicably connects a newly connected subscriber device with a communication counterpart by accurately identifying and controlling port connections within the optical distribution unit.

Implementation Method 1

a first optical multiplexing and demultiplexing unit that splits and outputs a control signal and main signal light transmitted at different wavelengths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical multiplexing and demultiplexing: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentEP4597881A1Optical communication device and optical communication pathway opening method
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 NT T INC
  • EP4597881A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4597881A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4597881A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical communication device including: a first optical multiplexing and demultiplexing unit that splits and outputs a control signal and main signal light transmitted at different wavelengths from at least one newly connected subscriber device; an optical distribution unit that includes a plurality of first ports and a plurality of second ports, receives as input at least the main signal light split by the first optical multiplexing and demultiplexing unit from any first port of the plurality of first ports, and outputs the main signal light from any second port of the plurality of second ports; a detection unit that is included inside or outside the optical distribution unit and detects the main signal light; a subscriber device management control unit that recognizes a port of the optical distribution unit to which at least one newly connected subscriber device is connected on a basis of the main signal light detected by the detection unit; and an optical distribution control unit that controls connection between ports of the optical distribution unit such that main signal light transmitted from the at least one newly connected subscriber device is transferred to a subscriber device as a communication counterpart.