Optical Path Connection Identification in Submarine Cable Branching Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods cannot confirm the connection state of an optical path in a branching unit of an optical submarine cable system until an optical communication device for actual communication is installed, which is not feasible in open cable systems where devices are introduced separately.
Innovation Solution
A connection state determination system that adds identification information to an unassigned frequency band of inspection optical signals, allowing optical communication devices to determine the connection state of branching units by analyzing noise reduction or signal intensity patterns in these bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical communication devices are installed to confirm connection state, then connection state can be determined, but device installation requirement increases system complexity and delays inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces identification information as an intermediary element that enables connection state determination without requiring full optical communication devices. By embedding unique identifiers in inspection optical signals and analyzing their frequency characteristics at the other end, the system can trace signal paths and determine connection states through the branching unit using only simple inspection equipment rather than complete communication devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inspection optical signals as simplified copies of actual communication signals. These inspection signals carry identification information that replicates the functionality needed for connection state determination without requiring the full capabilities of actual communication devices, enabling inspection operations with reduced equipment requirements.
2Measurement precision
If optical communication devices are installed before inspection, then connection state can be confirmed, but inspection timing is delayed until device installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary connection state inspection by incorporating identification information directly into the inspection optical signals before they traverse the system. This allows connection state determination to occur during the inspection phase itself, before actual communication devices are installed, by analyzing the frequency characteristics of these pre-marked inspection signals at the receiving end.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification information embedded in inspection optical signals serves as an intermediary that enables early connection state verification. By analyzing the frequency characteristics of these marked signals, the system can determine connection states during the inspection phase without waiting for communication device installation, thus advancing the inspection timing.
3Measurement precision
If communication optical signals are used for inspection, then connection state can be confirmed, but inspection requires actual communication devices and frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inspection function from actual communication operations by using separate inspection optical signals with embedded identification information. This segmentation allows inspection operations to be performed independently of communication device installation and frequency band allocation, providing flexibility to inspect connection states during system commissioning and troubleshooting without requiring active communication functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces identification information as an intermediary that enables connection state determination using inspection optical signals independent of communication devices. By marking inspection signals with unique identifiers and analyzing their frequency characteristics, the system can determine connection states without requiring actual communication devices or assigned communication frequency bands, thus enhancing inspection adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection state identification system includes an identification information addition means and an identification information acquisition means. When an inspection optical signal, which is an optical signal for inspection transmitted by a first optical communication device to a second optical communication device, is received by the second optical communication device over inter-optical communication device optical paths, which are the optical paths included in the undersea optical cable system between the optical communication devices, the identification information addition means adds, to an unassigned frequency band of the inspection optical signal, the unassigned frequency band being a frequency band other than a frequency band assigned to optical communication, identification information differing for each inter-optical communication device optical path through which the inspection optical signal passes. The identification information acquisition means outputs the identification information in the inspection optical signal received by the second optical communication device.