Staggered Optical Network Device Ports for Automatic Cable Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical distribution networks (ODNs) face high labor costs and error rates due to the manual recording of connection relationships between optical cable ports and cables, leading to inefficient construction and maintenance in passive networks.
Innovation Solution
An optical network device with staggered port and adapter arrangements, featuring identification areas and photographing direction indicators, allows for automatic identification of optical fiber connectors and cables through on-site imaging, reducing the need for manual recording and improving construction efficiency and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual recording of connection relationships is used, then labor costs are high and error rates are high, but the system structure remains simple
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-recording of connection relationships through image capture and recognition. The optical network device automatically captures images of connection ports and cables, extracts connection information through recognition algorithms, and stores the data without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating human error and reducing labor costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical recording operations with an automated optical-mechanical-electrical system. Image capture devices, recognition algorithms, and automated data storage replace the manual process of recording connection relationships, transforming a labor-intensive mechanical process into an automated intelligent system
2Extent of automation
If staggered arrangement of ports and adapters is implemented, then photographing capability is improved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric staggered arrangement of ports and adapters instead of symmetric alignment. This asymmetric design creates unobstructed photographing directions, allowing image capture devices to clearly capture connection information without interference from adjacent components, thereby enabling reliable automatic identification
Solution Approach 2:
The staggered arrangement transitions from a single-row linear arrangement to a multi-dimensional spatial configuration. By distributing ports and adapters across different positions and angles in three-dimensional space, the system creates optimal photographing directions and avoids occlusion, enhancing automatic identification capability
3Productivity
If identification areas are added to optical fiber connectors and cables, then automatic identification is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identification areas (barcodes, QR codes, or other machine-readable markers) are pre-manufactured and attached to optical fiber connectors and cables before installation. This preliminary preparation enables automated recognition during the construction process without adding complexity to the installation procedure, thereby improving construction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The identification areas serve as intermediary elements that bridge the physical connection and the digital record. These markers act as mediators that enable image capture devices to automatically capture and recognize connection information, transforming physical connections into machine-readable data without requiring complex manufacturing processes
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an optical network device. The optical network device includes an enclosure, where the enclosure is provided with at least one port. The optical network device further includes at least one adapter mounted on the port, where the adapter is configured to connect to an optical fiber connector. An optical cable is connected to the optical fiber connector. An outer sidewall of the optical fiber connector or an outer sidewall of the optical cable is provided with a first identification area, and the first identification area is used to identify the optical fiber connector or the optical cable. All of the ports are mutually arranged in a staggered manner, the adapters mounted on all of the ports are mutually arranged in a staggered manner, and the optical fiber connectors mounted on all of the adapters are mutually arranged in a staggered manner, so that at least a first photographing direction is present, and the first identification area on the optical fiber connector or the first identification area on the optical cable can be photographed in the first photographing direction. The optical network device can help an engineering person to take a photograph to obtain an on-site image, so that a correspondence between each port identifier and an identification number of a corresponding optical fiber connector can be automatically obtained based on the on-site image. In this case, the on-site engineering person does not need to manually record a correspondence between each optical cable port and an optical cable during construction, but only needs to directly take a photograph along the first photographing direction. In this way, labor costs are low, and construction efficiency and accuracy are high.