Optical Relay Device Intensity Modulation Control Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wavelength multiplexing transmitters that include a light source for monitoring optical signals struggle to flexibly change the wavelength of control signals according to network conditions, and installing such a light source can be challenging in environments like underwater installations.
Innovation Solution
An optical relay device that receives a wavelength multiplexed optical signal, specifies a first wavelength, and applies intensity-modulation to the selected signal based on notification information, allowing it to output the modified signal without needing a dedicated light source for control signals, enabling flexible wavelength management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a light source for monitoring optical signal is included in the wavelength multiplexing transmitter, then the control signal light can be generated, but the wavelength of the monitoring optical signal cannot be flexibly changed according to network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a dedicated light source for control signals, the patent copies the control signal information onto existing data transmission wavelengths. The control information is modulated onto optical carriers that are already present in the wavelength-division multiplexed signal, eliminating the need for separate control light sources while maintaining full wavelength flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the data transmission wavelengths serve dual purposes: carrying both data information and control signal information. By embedding control commands within the existing wavelength-division multiplexed data channels, the system achieves multi-functionality where the same optical infrastructure handles both data communication and device control without requiring dedicated control wavelengths or light sources.
2Ease of operation
If a light source for monitoring optical signal is installed in the optical relay device, then the control signal light can be output, but it becomes difficult to equip the device in environments like underwater installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source requirement from the optical relay device itself and relocates it to the wavelength multiplexing transmitter at the network edge. By generating control signals at the transmitter end and embedding them in the data signal, the optical relay device only needs to perform optical switching and signal forwarding functions, eliminating the need for local light sources and simplifying installation in remote or harsh environments like underwater locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing data transmission infrastructure to carry control signals back to the optical relay device. The control information is embedded in the bidirectional optical signal flow, allowing the system to self-configure and self-manage without requiring additional dedicated control signal generation capabilities at the remote relay device location.
3Adaptability or versatility
If control signal light is transmitted using existing data wavelengths, then wavelength flexibility is improved, but the control signal may interfere with data communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission signal into multiple wavelength channels and assigns specific wavelengths or time slots for control signal embedding while reserving others for pure data transmission. By dividing the wavelength spectrum into dedicated data channels and control channels, or by using time-division multiplexing within wavelengths, the system maintains clear separation between control and data signals, preventing interference while preserving wavelength flexibility for control purposes.
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 output of control signals without a light source and flexible wavelength adjustment according to network conditions, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
applying intensity-modulation in accordance with the notification information to the selected optical signal
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical relay device is provided which is capable of outputting control signal light without equipping a light source for the control signal light and capable of flexibly managing and changing a wavelength of the control signal light in accordance with a state of a network. The optical relay device includes an optical receiving unit that receives a wavelength multiplexed optical signal, a control unit that specifies a first wavelength and outputting notification information, and a processing unit that selects an optical signal having the first wavelength from the received wavelength multiplexed optical signal, applying intensity-modulation in accordance with the notification information to the selected optical signal, adding the intensity-modulated optical signal back to the wavelength multiplexed optical signal, and outputting the wavelength multiplexed optical signal.