BE1027926A1 - A DEVICE CONFIGURED TO INSPECT, CLEAN AND RECOVER DATA FROM SEVERAL OPTICAL TRANSCEIVERS AND THE OPTICAL TRANSCEIVER THUS OBTAINED - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus configured to inspect, clean, and retrieve data from multiple optical transceivers, an optical transceiver comprising one or more electrical connectors, one or more optical connectors, and a tag, wherein the apparatus comprises an inspection camera and a tag data retrieval system, in which an apparatus is configured to inspect the optical connector (s) of optical transceivers via the inspection camera, and in which the apparatus is configured to capture tags from the transmitters -optical receivers; and a cleaning tip configured to clean the optical connector (s) of the optical transceivers.

Description

t BE2019 / 5993 AN APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO INSPECT, CLEAN AND RECOVER DATA FROM MULTIPLE OPTICAL TRANSCEIVERS AND THE OPTICAL TRANSCEIVER THUS OBTAINED FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus configured to inspect, clean and recover data from multiple optical transceivers. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a jig for holding multiple optical transceivers in a desired position. In a third aspect, the present invention also relates to a method of inspecting, cleaning and recovering data from multiple optical transceivers. In a fourth aspect, the present invention also relates to the optical transceivers obtained.

BACKGROUND US 9,528,908 B2 describes a system for cleaning and inspecting optical fibers. In one embodiment, the system includes a wide field of view (FOV) camera to image the ferrule and quickly locate fiber ends and a narrow FOV camera to provide detailed inspection of individual fiber ends. A cleaning module with a cleaning tip and a cleaning medium that is pulled through the tip is used to clean the ends of the fibers. The images captured by the two cameras are automatically enhanced and analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the cleaning process and to identify the types and amount of defects present. In another embodiment, a single higher resolution camera is provided with a lens which can image an entire fiber array and still be able to detect defects by analyzing sub-images of each fiber in the fiber array. US 8,988,670 B2 relates to a device for inspecting and cleaning a fiber connector simultaneously comprising a housing with a front panel, a microscope system, a connector holder mounted remotely from the front panel to receive a ferrule connector of a fiber connector, and a translational step to move the microscope system transversely

? BE2019 / 5993 to align its optical axis with the connector ferrule. The device further includes a hand knob attached to a thin screw through the connector holder to adjust the vertical position of the connector ferrule, a mirror mounted to pivot between the connector holder and the front panel, an LED lamp, air nozzles attached to the front panel and a cleaning air tube to supply compressed air to the air nozzles. The cleaning air from the air nozzles sprays sideways onto the fiber ends so that the cleaning air bounces sideways to avoid secondary contamination.

There remains a need in the art for an improved device and method for inspecting optical transceivers. As described above, the conventional optical transceiver inspection apparatus allows the optical transceiver to be inspected while wearing it. However, when a plurality of optical transceivers are to be inspected, it is impractical to inspect the optical transceivers one by one, and therefore it takes a long time. In addition, it is not easy to ensure that the serial number of the optical transceiver, which is written on the label of the optical transceiver, matches the optical transceiver to actually inspect. Further more, when the optical transceiver is contaminated with unknown substance, which needs to be cleaned by a separate device, it may be inconvenient to introduce such a separate device alongside the conventional inspection apparatus.

The present invention aims to solve at least some of the problems and drawbacks mentioned above. The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and a method which improve the inspection of optical transceivers. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention and its embodiments serve to provide a solution to one or more of the drawbacks mentioned above. To this end, the present invention relates to an apparatus according to claim 1. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a jig according to claim 16. According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method according to claim 22.

The present invention relates to the improved inspection of a plurality of optical transceivers, whereby, in addition to inspecting the optical sockets of the optical transceivers, the transceiver data is also inspected.

Typically, optical transceivers include a tag that contains information for the user. By looking at the label, the user will be able to identify which optical transceiver he / she should use and / or purchase. In addition, network operators claim that 15-50% of all network problems can be attributed to dirty connectors, causing connection problems, highlighting the need to improve the inspection of a plurality of connections. optical. In order to avoid the distribution of faulty and / or dirty transceivers, it is beneficial to inspect both the optical connectors and the data printed on the label. For inspection of optical plugs, it is advantageous to test both the cleanliness of the optical plug and the position and / or depth of the optical connector. By inspecting the print quality of labels, barcode information, and label information, it is verified that the label provides the correct information. However, the wrong label could still be placed on an optical transceiver. In order to ensure that the tag matches the transceiver, it is advantageous to compare the tag data to the data in the memory of the optical transceiver.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FI G URES The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present teachings, their application or their uses. Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numbers indicate similar or corresponding parts and features. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention. This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 1.

Figure 2A shows a perspective view of a schematic representation of one embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention. This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 1. Figure 2B shows another perspective view of a schematic representation of one embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention. This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 1. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a schematic representation of the lower portion of one embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention.

This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 1.

Figure 4A shows a top view of a schematic representation of an embodiment of a jig (optical transceiver tray) according to the present invention. This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 2.

Figure 4B shows a perspective view of a schematic representation of one embodiment of a jig (optical transceiver tray) according to the present invention. This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 2.

Figure 4C shows a perspective view of a schematic representation of one embodiment of a section of a jig according to the present invention. This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 2.

Figure 4D is a perspective view of a jig (optical transceiver tray) assembled in accordance with the present invention. This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 2.

- Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a drive unit and an inspection unit according to the present invention. This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 3.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a sectional inspection unit assembly according to the present invention. This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 3.1.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a label recognition unit assembly according to the present invention. This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 3.2.

> BE2019 / 5993 FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a cleaning unit assembly according to the present invention. This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 3.3. Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a schematic representation of the fluid supply unit according to the present invention. This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 3.3. Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a first set of axis drive unit (X axis) according to the present invention. This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 3.4.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a second set of axis drive unit (Y axis) according to the present invention. This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 3.5.

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a third axis (Z axis) drive unit assembly according to the present invention. This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 3.6.

Fig. 13A shows a flowchart showing one embodiment of a method of inspecting an optical transceiver according to the present invention. This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 4.1.

Fig. 13B shows another flowchart showing an embodiment of a method according to the present invention. This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 4.2.

Fig. 13C shows another flowchart showing an embodiment of a method according to the present invention. This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 4.3.

Fig. 13D shows another flowchart showing an embodiment of a method according to the present invention. This figure is discussed in more detail in Example 4.4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for inspecting multiple optical transceivers.

Unless otherwise indicated, all terms used to disclose the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs.

By way of further guidance, definitions of terms are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings: "A", "an" and "the" as used herein refer to both singular and plural referents, unless the context clearly indicates opposite.

By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more compartments.

An "optical transceiver" as used herein refers to an apparatus configured to convert an electrical signal to an optical signal and to convert an optical signal to an electrical signal signal.

The optical transceiver includes non-volatile memory and a transceiver ID.

Preferably, the optical transceiver includes one, two or more ports for inserting an outer end of a fiber optic cable.

Preferably, the optical transceiver is configured to plug into an outlet of a network device. - The optical transceiver may be a small form factor pluggable optical transceiver (SFP). The optical transceiver can be an enhanced SFP (SFP +), SFP28, SFP56, compact SFP (cSFP), or dual density SFP (SFP-DD) optical transceiver. The optical transceiver may be a small form factor pluggable optical transceiver (QSFP) quad. The optical transceiver can be an enhanced QSFP (QSFP +), QSFP28, QSFP56, QSFP28 dual density (QSFP28-DD), or QSFP56 dual density (QSFP56-DD) optical transceiver. The optical transceiver may be a 10 gigabit low form factor (XFP) pluggable optical transceiver.

The optical transceiver may be an octagonal pluggable small form factor (OSFP) optical transceiver. The optical transceiver can be pluggable into a Format C (CFP) optical transceiver.

The optical transceiver can be a CFP1, CFP2, CFP4, or a CFP8 optical transceiver. The optical transceiver can also be another optical transceiver.

Preferably, the non-volatile memory is an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Preferably, a memory card in the non-volatile memory is associated with the optical transceiver according to a multi-source agreement (MSA), which is accessible via an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface. Preferably, the transmitter-

optical receiver is configured for digital diagnostic monitoring (DDM). Preferably, the digital diagnostic monitoring data includes one or more: temperature, supply voltage, laser bias current, average transmitted power, and average received power. In addition, the digital diagnostic monitoring data may also include other diagnostic features. An "optical connector" as used herein refers to a part of an optical transceiver, which connects an optical wire to the optical transceiver. Preferably, the optical connector is positioned in an optical socket of the optical transceiver. Preferably, the optical connector comprises an optical ferrule. "Include", "comprising" and "includes" and "composed of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms which specify the presence of the following, eg, a component, and do not exclude or prevent the presence of unspecified components, features, elements, elements, additional steps known in the art or disclosed.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims are used to distinguish like elements and not necessarily to describe a sequential or chronological order, unless otherwise indicated. It should be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable in appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein may operate in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein. The recitation of numeric ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as endpoints - recited. While the terms "one or more" or "at least one", such as one or more or at least one or more members of a group of members, are clear in themselves, by way of further example the term includes in particular a reference to any one of said members, or to two or more of said members, such as, for example, any 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27 etc. of said members, and up to all said members.

Unless otherwise indicated, all terms used to disclose the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. By way of further guidance, definitions of terms used in the specification are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention. The terms or definitions used herein are provided only to aid in understanding the invention. A reference in this description to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular characteristic, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the embodiment. present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in one embodiment" at various places in this description do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but can. Further, the particular features, structures or features may be combined in any suitable manner, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this description, in one or more embodiments. Further, although certain embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

In a first aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus. Preferably, the apparatus is configured to inspect, clean, and recover data from multiple optical transceivers. Preferably, an optical transceiver includes one or more electrical connectors. Preferably, an optical transceiver includes one or more optical connectors. Preferably, an optical transceiver includes a tag. Preferably, the apparatus comprises holding means for simultaneously holding said multiple optical transceivers. Preferably, the apparatus comprises at least one inspection camera.

The apparatus may or may not include two or more inspection cameras. Preferably, the apparatus includes a tag data retrieval system. The label data retrieval system may or may not include a camera, laser, scanner, or any other system that is capable of recognizing optical characters or a combination thereof. Preferably, the apparatus is configured to inspect the optical connector (s) of the optical transceivers via the inspection camera. Preferably, the apparatus is configured to capture tags from optical transceivers. Preferably, the apparatus includes a cleaning tip. Preferably, the cleaning tip is configured to clean the optical connector (s) of optical transceivers. The cleaning tip may or may not be removably attached to the apparatus.

Apparatus for inspecting multiple optical transceivers comprising a holding means, an inspection camera, a cleaning tip and a laboratory data recovery system is advantageous for improving the inspection procedure of optical transceivers. The device can - identify which optical transceiver is inspected (and if necessary cleaned), inspect both the label content and the optical connection of the transceivers, and can store the inspection results under the 'correct identification of the transceiver. In addition, the device also allows inspection of label printing quality. Further, due to the holding means, multiple optical transceivers can be inspected automatically by a single device, without the need for manual intervention in addition to placing the multiple optical transceivers on the holding means, which can also be automated. The holding means also allow the use of a single device to inspect a wide variety of types - of optical transceivers. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a jig. Preferably, the template is removably attached to the holding means. The addition of a template is beneficial because it allows a better resistance of the optical transceivers. The jig provides more support for the transceiver, while keeping it firmly in place, thus improving inspection quality. Preferably, the template is configured to simultaneously contain said multiple optical transceivers. Preferably, the jig includes multiple electrical outlets. Preferably, each jack is configured to connect an optical transceiver to the jig. Electrical outlets are useful for firmly connecting a transceiver to the jig. Electrical outlets are particularly advantageous if simultaneously a memory of an optical transceiver is to be updated, configured and / or read.

In a preferred embodiment, an op optical transceiver optically comprises an optical socket for receiving a fiber optic cable, wherein the apparatus is configured to enter the cleaning tip at least partially into an optical socket of the optical system. an optical transceiver. By at least partially allowing the cleaning tip to enter an optical socket, cleaning efficiency will be increased, while cleaning will still be performed by a non-contact method. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is configured to retrieve tag data from the tag of an optical transceiver via the retrieval camera by scanning a barcode and / or by optical recognition of the device. characters. The barcode can be used as a reference label for the inspection (and cleaning) of the optical transceiver, being beneficial for an automatic and effortless ally and correctly saving all inspection results. Typically, optical transceivers include alongside a bar code detailed information about the optical transceiver, for example the type of transceiver. Retrieving optical characters from the label is beneficial for controlling label print quality and for inspecting whether the optical transceiver understands the correct information printed on the label. Preferably, the apparatus is configured to retrieve bar code data and for optical character recognition. Preferably both are picked up by a camera. In a preferred embodiment, the optical transceiver includes a memory. Preferably, the memory is a read-write memory. Preferably, the read-write memory is protected by a password. Preferably, the apparatus is configured to retrieve memory data from the transceiver memory. Retrieving data from memory allows even better inspection, as today label data can be compared to data in memory, inspecting whether the two include similar data or the correct complementary data, and thus ensure that a correct label is placed on the optical transceiver. Preferably, the optical transceiver and / or apparatus comprises an integrated circuit (I2C) communication system. Preferably, the communication system

+ BE2019 / 5993 I2C is configured to adapt and / or retrieve memory data on transceiver memory. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is configured to move the inspection camera, tag data retrieval system, and cleaning tip in three mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions. Preferably, the apparatus is configured to automatically and sequentially inspect, clean, and retrieve information from optical transceivers. By enabling the movement of the inspection camera, tag data retrieval system and cleaning tip in the device, the device could be functionalized to inspect, clean and recover automatically and sequentially information from optical transceivers, which is more time efficient and less prone to errors.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a jig connection system configured to be able to connect different types of jigs to the apparatus, in which each type of jig is configured to contain a predetermined type of optical transceiver, and wherein the jig is configured to contain multiple optical transceivers of the same type. The apparatus in combination with the jig connection system is advantageous for the production of a universal apparatus, which can inspect a wide variety of optical transceivers in a time efficient manner, while being less prone to errors. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a guide rail. Preferably, the guide rail comprises a first and a second guide rail end, a longitudinal guide rail body between the first and second rail end, and an auxiliary drive unit with single freedom in the X direction positioned. at or near the first or second end of the guide rail. Preferably, the guide rail includes a support system including the inspection camera, the label data retrieval system, and the cleaning tip. Preferably, the support system is configured to move along the guide rail in the X direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the support system comprises a first movable member comprising an auxiliary drive unit with single freedom in the Y direction; and a second movable member comprising the inspection camera, the label data retrieval system, the cleaning tip and an auxiliary drive unit with single freedom in the Z direction, wherein the first movable member is configured to moving the second movable member in the Y direction, and wherein the second movable member is configured to move the at least two cameras and the cleaning tip in the Z direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a control board and / or a processor board. Preferably, the control board and / or the processor board is configured to control the amount of cleaning liquid used and the duration of the cleaning. Preferably, said amount is based on the inspection via the inspection camera. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a refillable cleaning liquid reservoir and an alarm system configured to indicate when the refillable liquid reservoir needs to be refilled. Including a refillable cleaning fluid reservoir is beneficial in improving the portability of the device. In order to ensure that the device always includes sufficient cleaning liquid in the tank, it is advantageous that the device includes an alarm system. Preferably, the alarm system emits an audible, visual and / or electronic message.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a monitoring system configured to adjust one or more parameters, start and / or stop the apparatus, display the status of each optical connector or a combination thereof. Preferably, the monitoring system is a touch screen monitor.

In a preferred embodiment, the movable cleaning tip, the movable inspection camera, and the movable label data retrieval system are positioned between the refillable cleaning liquid reservoir and the jig connection system. The previous one allows for an optimal minimalist design, which is not only beneficial for portability but also to increase the inspection speed of multiple optical transceivers. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is configured to inspect optical transceivers in accordance with International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. Thus, an optical connector of the optical transceivers is inspected by automatically focusing the inspection camera on the optical connector of the optical transceiver; and the optical connector is cleaned, if it fails the inspection. Inspecting transceivers to a standard assures users that optical transceivers are properly inspected.

In a preferred embodiment, the holding means and / or the jig comprises an optical transceiver socket and a data communication port. Preferably, the apparatus is configured to preform at least one of the following steps: - receiving an optical transceiver in the socket, the optical transceiver comprising non-volatile memory and a transceiver ID, - read the identifier of the transceiver from the optical transceiver, and preferably read the binary files from the memory of the optical transceiver; - provide via the port a file based at least in part on the transceiver ID to a user computing device, the file readable through a web browser, the file configured to display one or more update options of the firmware selectable by the user via the user computing device; - receive via the port selection data on a firmware update of - the user computing device; and - writing a firmware update based at least in part on the selection data to the memory of the optical transceiver.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a jig. Preferably, the jig is configured to contain multiple optical transceivers. Preferably, an optical transceiver comprising an electrical connector end, an optical end, a longitudinal body between the electrical connector and the optical ends. Preferably, the longitudinal body comprises a label face comprising a label. Preferably, the end of the electrical connector comprises one or more electrical connectors. Preferably, the optical end comprises one or more optical connectors. Preferably, the jig comprises a substantially planar body comprising multiple electrical outlets. Preferably, each electrical outlet is configured to plug the electrical connector end of an optical transceiver so that the label face of the optical transceiver is oriented away from the body of the jig. Preferably, the jig body comprises at least one electrical outlet printed circuit board (PCB). Preferably, the electrical outlet PCB is configured to retrieve data from the optical transceiver (s). Preferably, the template comprises a PCB electrical outlet per electrical outlet. The presence of one electrical outlet PCB per electrical outlet is beneficial for the electrical communication with each optical transceiver. With a single jig, multiple optical transceivers can be supported, while the jig can retrieve data from the memory of optical transceivers and hold the transceivers in the correct position, allowing inspection of the label and optical connectors of optical transceivers. As a result, the inspection of optical transceivers is improved.

In a preferred embodiment, the jig body includes a first and second body-spaced edge, in which the jig's electrical outlets are positioned near the first edge, in which the electrical outlets are oriented so that the one or more jig. Optical connectors of an optical transceiver plugged into the socket is positioned at or near the second edge. The permeable ensures that data retrieved from transceiver memory and transceiver inspections do not interfere with each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the jig includes a read PCB and a communication port. Thus, the template can communicate with other devices. Preferably, the template is configured for data communication with each of the optical transceivers and / or with another device via I2C data communication.

In a preferred embodiment, the electrical outlet PCB is manually replaceable. An advantage can be found in the ease of replacing a faulty or damaged electrical outlet PCB.

In a third aspect, the invention provided a method of inspecting, cleaning, and recovering data from multiple optical transceivers. Preferably, an optical transceiver comprising a connector end, an optical end, a longitudinal body between the connector and the optical ends. Preferably, the longitudinal body comprises a label face comprising a label. Preferably, the end of the connector comprises one or more electrical connectors. Preferably, the optical end includes one or more optical connectors. Preferably, the method comprises connecting said multiple optical transceivers to an apparatus, wherein the apparatus is configured to maintain, inspect and clean the multiple optical transceivers. Preferably, the method further comprises retrieving data from the tag of an optical transceiver. Preferably, the tag data is recovered by a tag data recovery system. Preferably, the method further comprises inspecting the optical connector (s) over an inspection time period. Preferably, the optical connector (s) are inspected by an inspection camera. Preferably, the method further comprises cleaning the optical connector (s). Preferably, the optical connector (s) are cleaned by a cleaning tip. Preferably, only one or more optical connectors that failed inspection are cleaned. In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises connecting an optical transceiver to a jig, wherein the jig comprises a substantially planar body including a plurality of electrical outlets each configured to plug the connector end of a jig. optical transceiver so that the label face of the optical transceiver faces away from the body of the jig. Preferably, the method further comprises connecting the jig to an apparatus, the apparatus preferably being configured to inspect, clean and - recover data from said optical transceivers. In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the step of measuring the position and / or depth of an optical connector. When inspecting an optical transceiver, it is not only important to inspect the cleanliness of the optical connector, but also the position and / or depth of the optical connector should be checked and / or measured. In a preferred embodiment, the label data is retrieved by scanning a bar code and / or by optical character recognition.

In a preferred embodiment, an optical transceiver includes a memory. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of retrieving memory data from an optical transceiver memory. Preferably, the data from the memory is retrieved via the I2C data communication.

In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the step of comparing the retrieved tag data with the retrieved memory data.

In a preferred embodiment, the inspection time period is adjustable. In a preferred embodiment, the cleaned optical connectors are inspected again. Failed optical connectors undergo a minimum of one and a maximum of a predetermined amount of cleaning inspection cycles. Preferably, the predetermined amount of cleaning-inspection cycles is at least 2, more preferably at least 3, even more preferably at least 5, even more preferably at least 6, still more preferably at least 7, even more preferably at least less 8, even more preferably at least 9, even more preferably at least 10, even more preferably at least 11, even more preferably at least 12. In a preferred embodiment, the position and / or the depth of an optical connector is measured each time before inspecting the optical connector. In a preferred embodiment, the steps of the method are performed automatically, preferably by an apparatus configured to inspect and clean the optical transceivers. In a preferred embodiment, all of the recovered data is saved in a cloud. Preferably, the data is stored under a reference tag corresponding to an optical transceiver.

In a preferred embodiment, the inspection results are recorded in the cloud. Preferably, the inspection results are recorded under a reference tag corresponding to an optical transceiver. Preferably, the recovered data and inspection results are recorded under the reference tag.

In a preferred embodiment, the information stored on the cloud is retrievable and can be used to be written to the memory of an optical transceiver.

The invention is described in more detail by the following non-limiting examples which further illustrate the invention and are not intended to, nor should be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

The present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to examples which are not limiting. EXAMPLES and / or DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES With the aim of better illustrating the properties of the invention, the following presents, by way of example and not limiting in any way other potential applications, a description of a certain number of Preferred applications of the method of examining the condition of the grout used in a mechanical connection. based on the invention. The present invention will now be further illustrated with reference to the following examples. The present invention is in no way limited to the examples given or to the embodiments presented in the figures. Example 1 - Apparatus Overview First, Figure 1 is a perspective overview of an inspection apparatus for the optical transceiver 100 according to the present invention, Figures 2A and 2B are an internal perspective view of an inspection apparatus for the optical transceiver 100 according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lower part 101 according to the present invention. Referring to Figures 1 and 2A, 2B, an optical transceiver inspection apparatus 100 in one embodiment of the present invention comprises a lower potion (body) 101 which provides a housing, an emitter tray. optical receiver (jig) 110 which is removably attached to the lower part (body) 101 and receives one or more optical transceivers 10, an optical transceiver inspection part 130, 140, 150 which is provided one side of the optical transceiver tray (jig) 110 and inspects the optical transceiver 10, and a main printed circuit board 105 which is provided on the lower part (body) 101 and controls the part d Inspection of the optical transceiver 130, 140, 150. These components are protected by a cover 108, a printed circuit board for analysis 107a is provided to fully operate the printed circuit board 105, analysis various pictures, order operation of movement and display of various detection values, and a power supply unit 109 is provided on one side of the printed circuit board for analysis 107a. In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus 100 capable of simultaneously inspecting a plurality of optical transceivers 10 is provided, wherein the optical transceiver tray (jig) 110 includes a receiving portion 111 divided into a plurality of regions for optical transceivers 10 so as to accommodate a plurality of optical transceivers 10, respectively.

The apparatus comprises (1) a reservoir for cleaning liquid; (2) a main cleaning box; (3) an auxiliary drive unit with single freedom in the Y direction; (4) Z-direction single-freedom auxiliary drive unit; (5) a guide rail; (6) a template; a location for the control card and / or the processor card, located at (7); (8) an optical transceiver; (9) a printed circuit board; (10) a tag data recovery system; (11) a cleaning tip; (12) an inspection camera; (13) an auxiliary drive unit with single freedom in the X direction; (14) a support system; (15) a first movable element; (16) a second mobile element.

The guide rail includes an auxiliary X-direction single-freedom drive unit (160) and a support system. The X-direction single-freedom auxiliary drive unit (13) allows the support system to move along the guide rail in the X direction. The support system includes a first movable member including a support unit. Y-direction single-freedom auxiliary drive (170); and a second movable member (130) comprising the inspection camera (133), the label data retrieval system (140), the cleaning tip (153) and an auxiliary drive unit with single freedom in the chamber. direction Z (180). The Y-direction single-freedom auxiliary drive unit (170) allows the first movable member to move in the Y-direction. The Z-direction single-freedom auxiliary drive unit (180) allows the second movable element (130) to move in the Z direction. An advantage can be found in the freedom to move the inspection, cleaning and data recovery elements in all directions. This automates the inspection of multiple optical transceivers, whereby the camera and / or tag data retrieval system can focus automatically to improve the quality of the inspection. In addition, the positioning of the cleaning tip can be controlled with great precision, allowing efficient cleaning without the risk of damaging the optical socket of the optical transceiver.

The tag data retrieval system (140) includes a camera and can retrieve barcode and characters from a tag. Usually, optical transceivers include a label having both a barcode and characters that provide detailed information about the optical transceiver, e.g. type of transceiver, type of physical port, the part number or any other information. In order to improve the quality of the inspection, the information presented on the label should also be verified, as it provides the user with the information about the optical transceiver. It is beneficial to inspect the print quality and whether the transceiver information matches the transceiver hardware and / or software. Character recovery for the label can be achieved by optical character recognition. In addition, tag data retrieval enables an automated inspection information storage system. The barcode can be used as a reference label. In the exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may or may not retrieve data from the memory of the optical transceiver through the jig (110), allowing the device to inspect whether the memory data matches the data in the jig. label. The acquisition of memory data may or may not be accomplished through integrated circuit (I2C) communication. Thus, data in memory may or may not be sent to the control board and / or the processor board.

The jig (110), containing the optical transceivers, is removably connected to the apparatus, allowing the connection of different types of jigs and therefore allowing the inspection of a wide variety of types of optical transceivers. . The template can contain either transceivers of the same type or transceivers of different types.

The cleaning liquid is stored in the cleaning liquid reservoir (156). The cleaning fluid may or may not be isopropyl alcohol.

The cleaning fluid reservoir (156) is refillable, whereby the apparatus can be configured to indicate when the cleaning fluid reservoir (156) needs to be filled.

In the exemplary embodiment, the movable cleaning tip (153), the movable inspection camera (133), and the movable label data recovery system (140) are positioned between the refillable cleaning fluid reservoir ( 156) and the jig (110). Example 2 - The optical transceiver tray (jig) 110 For better illustration, reference is made to Fig 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D, which show a jig for holding multiple optical transceivers so that they can be inspected effectively.

The template (110) includes an optical transceiver (10) comprising a tag (222); an electrical outlet printed circuit board (115); a read printed circuit board (224); a position key hole (225); a small plug-in SFP receptacle (226); a contact spring (119); an optical connector; (29) a dividing element (112). The jig containing the elements described above, whereby the optical connector is located on the opposite side of the jig from the electrical outlet printed circuit board, is beneficial in keeping the optical transceivers in place, to achieve correct inspection results.

In addition, the inspection is further improved by the possibility of acquiring, and hence also inspecting, the memory data present in the memory of the optical transceiver.

By the use of electrical outlet printed circuit boards and a read printed circuit board, memory data acquisition is enhanced whereby data can be sent via integrated circuit communication (I2C) from of printed circuit boards of electrical outlets via reading. circuit board to other devices.

Each optical transceiver (10) is retained by the jig (110) such that the face of the transceiver including the tag (222) faces upward, allowing inspection of the tag.

Each electrical outlet circuit board is removably attached to the jig, making it easy to replace a faulty or damaged electrical outlet circuit board.

Referring to Figures 4A through 4D, particularly Figure 4D, each of the optical transceiver regions 10 in the optical transceiver tray (jig) 110 includes a plug 113 which is provided on one side of the. the receiving part 111, into which each of the optical transceivers 10 is inserted; a socket 115 connected to the plug 113; an optical transceiver connector board 117 which is electrically connected to socket 115 and plug 113; an optical transceiver control circuit board 118 which is electrically connected to the optical transceiver connection board 117 through the socket 115; and a tray interface portion 119 which is connected to the optical transceiver control circuit board 118 and to a main circuit board 105. A plurality of connection pins 114 are provided at the socket 115. to electrically connect its two ends. The optical transceiver tray (jig) 110 is covered by an upper cover 116a and a lower cover 116b. A hole 116c is provided in the bottom cover 116b, through which the tray interface part 119 is electrically connected to the main printed circuit board 105. The tray interface part 119 is electrically connected to the interface board of the machine. tray 103 (see Figure 3), and matters relating to the cleaning unit 150, are controlled by the cleaning circuit board 106, a motherboard 107 is connected to the main circuit board 105 to perform a function of interface to support connections between various motors, sensors and printed circuit board cleaning

106. The optical transceiver 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is an optical transceiver comprising different types, and the optical transceiver tray (jig) 110 can be changed according to the type and size. of it. For this purpose, the plurality of optical transceivers 10 may be mounted on a plurality of regions partitioned by a plurality of voltage guides 112, respectively.

The optical transceiver printed circuit board 118 includes a main control unit (MCU) and memory, and communicates with and operates in conjunction with the main printed circuit board 105. The optical transceiver printed circuit board The optical transceiver obtains internal information from the optical transceiver 10 through the optical transceiver connector board 117 to buffer it and transfer it to the main printed circuit board 105. In addition, it can not only obtaining the programmed information from the optical transceiver 10 but also installing a new program therein. The optical transceiver connector board 117 powers each of the optical transceivers 10 independently.

Further, the optical transceiver connection board 117 functions as an interface to connect the optical transceiver 10 and the optical transceiver control circuit board 118. Each optical transceiver 10 is installed. independently.

Further, the optical transceiver inspection part 130, 140, 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one tag recognition unit 140 for reading a tag from the optical transceiver. 10, a cross-inspection unit for photographing a cross section of the optical transceiver 10, and a cleaning unit 150 for cleaning the optical transceiver 10.

Example 3 - Drive unit and inspection unit Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a drive unit and an inspection unit according to the present invention. Referring to Fig. 5, an inspection apparatus for optical transceiver 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first axis 160 (X axis) drive unit 160 which is provided on the body 101 and moves the optical transceiver inspection part 130, 140 150 in a first direction; a second axis (Y axis) drive unit 170 which is limited by the movement of the first axis (X axis) drive unit 160 and controls the movement of the inspection part 130, 140, 150 of the optical transceiver while moving in a second direction (intersecting with the first direction); and a third axis (Z axis) drive unit 180 which is limited by the movement of the second axis (Y axis) drive unit 170, moves along a third direction intersecting the first and second directions and controls the height of the optic. transceiver inspection part 130, 140, 150. The first axis (X-axis) drive unit 160 controls the movement of the transceiver optical inspection part 130, 140, 150 in lateral direction, the drive unit 170 of the second axis (Y axis) 170 controls the movement of the optical transceiver inspection part 130, 140, 150 in the front and rear directions, and the unit drive 180 of the third axis (Z axis) controls the movement of the optical transceiver inspection part 130, 140, 150 in the vertical direction. For example, the first axis can be the X axis, the second axis can be the Y axis, and the third axis can be the Z axis. The second axis drive unit 170 is coupled to the first d unit. 'axis drive 160, the third shaft drive unit 180 is coupled to the second drive unit 170, and thus the second shaft drive unit 170 moves laterally with the first drive unit of axis 160; and the third axis drive unit 180 moves in the forward and backward direction with the second axis drive unit 170. However, the third axis drive unit 180 moves independently in the direction. vertical, and the optical transceiver inspection part 130, 140, 150 is fixed to the third axis drive unit 180 and thus move with the third axis drive unit 180.

Example 3.1 - Cross-sectional inspection unit Fig. 6 is a perspective overview of a cross-sectional inspection unit 130 according to the present invention. Referring to Fig. 6, the cross-sectional inspection unit 130 includes a camera body 131 which is attached to the third axis drive unit 180; a camera for cross-inspection 133 which is provided at one end of the camera body 131; a light source 135 which is provided on the upper side of the camera body 131; a beam splitter 137 which is provided inside the camera body 131 to distribute the light output from the light source 135; and an object lens and a liquid lens 139 which are provided on a front surface of the beam splitter 137. A lens portion 132 includes a lens is provided at the front of the camera body 131, and a circuit board printed 136 to control the liquid lens 139 is monitored by a main printed circuit board 105. The image detected through the camera for cross-sectional inspection 133 is stored in the inspection apparatus 100 through the camera for inspection. cross-section inspection 133, and the bottom of the cross-section inspection unit 130 is covered by the bottom cover 138.

Example 3.2 - Label Recognition Unit Figure 7 is a perspective overview of a label recognition unit 140 according to the present invention. Referring to Fig. 7, the tag recognition unit 140 includes a camera for tag recognition 149a; a rack gear 143 which houses the AC for tag recognition 149 which is provided along the second direction, and which passes along the second direction; a body support 142 through which the rack gear 143 passes to move and which is attached to a secondary support 188 of the third axis drive unit 180; a 144p motor disposed in the body support 142; and a pinion gear 145 which is coupled to the rack gear 143 and rotated by the motor 144. The camera for tag recognition 149a is housed in a card 149 which is housed in a receiving part 143a in recessed into the rack gear 143. The tag recognition camera 149a can photograph through a through-hole 143c which is provided at the end of the rack gear 143. The tag recognition unit 140 is connected to the third axis drive unit 180 through the secondary bracket 188. One side of the tag recognition camera 149a is provided with a light source (LED) 141 to provide the light needed for the label recognition camera. In photography, the light source 141 is housed in a light source receiving part 141b, and the tag recognition camera 149a and the light source 141 are covered by a camera cover 141a. At this time, the light source 141 and the light source receiving part 141b are provided on one side of the rack gear 143. The limit sensor 146 is provided on the body holder 142 for detecting the detection. proximity of the label recognition camera 149a by the movement of the rack gear 143. The limit sensor 146 is caught by a sensor plate 146a provided at the bottom of the rack gear 143 to limit its movement. movement. The rack gear 143 moves through the interior of the body support 142.

Example 3.3 - cleaning unit and fluid supply unit Fig. 8 is an overall perspective view of a cleaning unit 150 according to the present invention. Referring to Fig. 8, the cleaning unit 150 comprises the third axis drive unit 180, more particularly, a cleaning support 151 which is attached to a secondary support 188; a nozzle 153 which is connected to the cleaning medium 151 through a cleaning head 152 and coupled to the cleaning head 152 for ejecting air or liquid, or for sucking air; and a valve 154 for regulating an amount of air or liquid supply supplied to the nozzle 153. The valve 154 may be, for example, a solenoid valve and is covered by a valve holder 154a. Air or liquid is supplied through tube 152b, nozzle 153 is provided at nozzle body 153a, and nozzle body 153a is secured to cleaning head 152 by a nut 153b. At this time, a head holder 152a is attached to the cleaning head 152, and a limit sensor 152c which detects the proximity thereof is provided when passing through the head holder 152a. The cleaning support 151 can be connected to the third axis drive unit 180 through the secondary support 188. In addition, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fluid supply unit 155 according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 9, in one embodiment of the present invention, a fluid such as air or liquid is provided to clean the optical transceiver 10. Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the substance foreign material in the optical transceiver 10 can be absorbed in a vacuum. For this purpose, a fluid supply unit 155 provided in the body 101 is provided with a liquid storage part 156, a liquid outlet part 157, an air outlet part 158 and of a vacuum inlet part 159. Air or liquid is supplied to the tube 152b through the liquid outlet part 157, the air outlet part 158 and the vacuum inlet part 159 The liquid storage part 156 can be a reservoir for storing alcohol - isopropyl (IPA, purity: 99%) used for cleaning and the interior of the liquid storage part 156 can be maintained at a pressure. predetermined, and further the remaining amount can be confirmed by the remaining amount sensor provided therein. The liquid outlet part 157 is connected to the cleaning unit 150 as the part through which isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is discharged, and is automatically controlled via the solenoid valve 154 of the cleaning unit 150. The air outlet part 158 is connected to the cleaning unit 150 as the outlet part of the compressed air inlet of the external compressor, and is automatically controlled through the solenoid valve 154 of the. 'cleaning unit 150.

Further, the vacuum inlet part 159 is configured to admit compressed air introduced by the external compressor and air using the vacuum valve 154, which is connected to the cleaning unit 150, and is automatically controlled by vacuum valve 154 and solenoid valve 154 in the cleaning unit

150.

Example 3.4 - First Axis (X Axis) Drive Unit Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a first axis (X axis) drive unit assembly according to the present invention. The first axis drive unit 160 to the third axis drive unit 180 according to one embodiment of the present invention move each of the drive units 160, 170, 180 by the method of a stepper motor. step and a lead screw. More particularly, the first axis drive unit 160 comprises a first base 161 which is provided along the first direction, a first rail 163 which is provided on the first base 161, a first shaft 165 which is attached to a pair of panels 164a, 164b provided at both ends of the first rail 163 and is provided in parallel with the first rail 163, a first mobile unit 167 which is coupled to the first shaft 165 and moves along the first rail 163, and a first motor 169 to rotate the first 165. The first rail 163 is provided in pairs, and the first mobile unit 167 includes a mobile support 167a moving on the first shaft 165 and a pair of heads 167b, one end of which is attached to the movable support 167a and at its other end is fixed to the first rail

163. In addition, a first triangular shaped nut 166 is inserted inside the movable support 167a, the first shaft 165 is coupled to the first motor 169 by the first motor coupling 169a passing through the panel 16 4b, so that the rotation of the first motor 169 is transmitted to the first shaft 165. The first shaft drive unit 160 is covered with a cover 162. The second shaft drive unit 170 and the third shaft drive unit d The axle 180, which will be described later, also has a configuration similar to that of the first axle drive unit 160.

Example 3.5 - Second Axis (Y Axis) Drive Unit Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a second axis (Y axis) drive unit assembly according to the present invention.

As shown in Fig. 5, the second axis drive unit 170 is provided on the first axis drive unit 160. As shown in Fig. 11, the second axis drive unit 170 comprises a second base 171 which is provided along the second direction, a second rail 173 which is provided along the second base 171, a second shaft 175 which is attached to a pair of panels 174a, 174b provided at both ends of the second rail 173 and which is provided in parallel with the second rail 173, a second displacement unit 177 which is coupled to the second shaft 175 and moves along the second rail 173, and a second motor 179 for rotating the second shaft 175 The second mobile unit 177 includes a mobile support 177a which moves on the second shaft 175 and a pair of heads 177b, one end of which is fixed to the mobile support 177a and the other end thereof is fixed to the second rail 173. In addition, a second nut 176 of f triangular elm is inserted inside the movable support 177a, the second shaft 175 is coupled to the second motor 179 by the second motor coupling 179a through the panel 174b, so that the rotation of the second motor 179 is transmitted to the second shaft 175. The second axis drive unit 170 is covered by the cover 172.

Example 3.6 - Third Axis (Z Axis) Drive Unit Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a third axis (Z axis) drive unit assembly according to the present invention.

As shown in Fig. 12, the third axis drive unit 180 comprises a third base 181 which is provided on the second axis drive unit 170 along the third direction, a third rail 183 which is provided. along the third base 181, a third shaft 185. which is attached to a pair of panels 1844, 184b provided at both ends of the third rail 183 and is provided in parallel with the third rail 183, a third mobile unit 187 which is coupled to the third shaft 185 and moves along the third rail 183, and a third motor 189 to rotate the third shaft 185.

The third mobile unit 188 includes a mobile support 187a which moves on the third shaft 185 and a pair of heads 187b, one end of which is fixed to the mobile support 187a and the other end thereof is fixed to the third rail 183. In addition, a third triangular shaped nut 186 is inserted inside the movable support 187a, the third shaft 185 is coupled to the third motor 189 by the third motor coupling 189a passing through the panel 184b, so that the rotation of the le third motor 189 is transmitted to the third shaft 185. The third axis drive unit 180 is covered by the cover 182. In the cover 182, a sub-holder 188 provided with the optical transceiver inspection part 130, 140, 150 is provided on the cover 182.

In this way, the first axis drive unit 160 to the third axis drive unit 180 are operated by a similar configuration.

Example 4.1 - flowchart (1) To better illustrate, reference is made to Fig. 13A, which shows a diagram showing one embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 13A, a method of inspecting an optical transceiver 10 will be described in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

First, an embodiment of the present invention describes a method of inspecting an optical transceiver 10 using an inspection apparatus for an optical transceiver 100 including a tag recognition unit 140. for reading a tag of an optical transceiver 10, a cross inspection unit. 130 for photographing a cross section of the optical transceiver 10, and a cleaning unit 150 for cleaning - the optical transceiver 10. According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for simultaneously inspecting an optical transceiver. a plurality of optical transceivers 10, comprising the steps of: inserting optical transceiver 10 into optical transceiver tray 110 (S110); connecting the optical transceiver tray 110 to a tray support 102 of the inspection apparatus for the optical transceiver 100 (S120); and acquiring information programmed into optical transceiver 10 by automatically scanning optical transceiver 10 (S130). For this purpose, a data acquisition part may be provided to obtain data stored in the optical transceiver 10 by scanning the optical transceiver 10. At this time, communications between a control circuit board optical transceiver 118 and a main printed circuit board 105 are started. A plurality of optical transceivers 10 are automatically scanned via an I2C bus, and the data obtained from optical transceiver 10 is transmitted to the software of the optical transceiver control circuit board 118, of the main circuit board 105 and inspection device

In addition, the data obtained is compared to the value of the internal real-time database and stored.

Since the optical transceiver 10 has different sizes depending on its type, the optical transceiver inspection part 130, 140, 150 must correspond to the locations of the optical transceiver 10. C ' that is, the location of the cross-sectional inspection unit 130 has to be adjusted according to the type of the optical transceiver 10 so that the cross-sectional inspection unit 130 faces to optical transceiver 10 (S140). Next, the optical transceiver 10 is inspected by recognizing the tag of the optical transceiver 10 while inspecting the cross section of the optical transceiver 10 (S150). The cross section of the optical transceiver 10 is sequentially inspected in one direction based on the positional information stored in the internal database.

The focus on the cross section is adjusted in real time by the acquisition data of the camera, the liquid lens 139, and the driver's control during the inspection of the cross section of the optical transceiver 10. The data obtained by the cross-sectional inspection camera 133 is analyzed in real time by the software of the inspection apparatus 100 to determine pass / fail.

If the cross section of the optical transceiver 10 is determined to be severely contaminated based on the data obtained by the cross-sectional inspection camera 133 (S160), the contaminated optical transceiver 10 is cleaned ( S170) and the optical cross section of the transceiver 10 is inspected again (S150). In addition, the tag of the optical transceiver 10 is visually inspected through the tag recognition unit 140. The part number and seal number obtained when converting the image to text from the image.

The information programmed inside the optical transceiver is obtained by scanning the optical transceiver 10, and the obtained part number and serial number are compared to determine whether or not they should match - (S180). To date, it is determined that passes when continued use is available as a result of inspection, and it is determined to fail when it is difficult to further use due to contamination or damage.

And the analyzed real-time data is stored in the database of the inspection apparatus 100 and updated at the same time (S190).

The cross inspection unit 130, the label recognition unit 140 and the cleaning unit 150 are coupled to the drive unit 180 of the third axis (Z axis). During the inspection, the positions of the cross-inspection unit 130, the tag recognition unit 140, and the cleaning unit 150 are adjusted by the drive unit 160 of the first axis ( X axis) which is provided along the first direction in which the optical transceiver 10 is arranged, the drive unit 170 of the second axis (Y axis) 170 which is coupled to the drive unit 160 of the first axis and moved along the first direction, and the drive unit 180 of the third axis (Z axis) which is coupled to the drive unit 170 of the second axis and moved along the second direction.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the inspection state of the optical transceiver 10 in the inspection apparatus for the optical transceiver 100 can be recognized through the status display 104. The status display 104 is a part for indicating the driving state in real time while driving the inspection apparatus 100, which can for example display: green LED 1: indication whether driving or not, LED green 2: indication of an operating state of the optical transceiver plate, red LED 1: indication of an alcohol (IPA) remaining level alarm and red LED 2: indication of an alarm for the quantity of liquid remaining in the liquid reservoir.

The foregoing detailed description should not be construed as being limited in all respects and should be regarded as illustrative.

The scope of the present invention is to be determined by a rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes in the scope of equivalents of the present invention are included within the scope of the present invention.

Example 4.2 - flowchart (2) For a better illustration, reference is made to Fig. 13B, which shows a diagram showing one embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

The first multiple optical transceivers are placed in a jig (S210). The jig is then placed on an apparatus configured to inspect and clean the optical transceivers (S211). When placing the template on the device, the device starts up (S212). The device may or may not be marketed under the Anaconda name.

The method further includes retrieving the tag data and retrieving the memory data from the memory of the optical transceiver (5213). The tag data and the recovered memory data are recorded (S215). Label data is retrieved by scanning a bar code and optical character recognition. The tag data and the memory data are compared (S214). If the tag data does not match the data in memory, the inspection result is saved (S215). If the tag data matches the data in memory, the optical jacks of optical transceivers are inspected.

First, the position and / or depth of each optical connector of an optical transceiver is checked or measured (S216). Further, the optical connector is inspected, preferably with an inspection camera (S217). The results of the optical connector inspection are recorded (S215). Then, it is determined whether the optical connector passes or fails the inspection (S218). If the optical connector passes the inspection, the optical connector inspection is performed (S219). If the optical connector fails inspection, the optical connector is cleaned (S220), preferably with a cleaning tip. After cleaning, the position and / or depth of an optical connector is again checked or measured (S216) and the optical connector again undergoes (S217), (S215) and (S218).

In step (S217), the optical connector is inspected for an inspection time. The inspection time is adjustable. This is beneficial for optimizing the temporal efficiency of the method.

Example 4.3 - flowchart (3) For better illustration, reference is made to Fig. 13C, which shows a diagram showing one embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

The first multiple optical transceivers are placed in a template (S310). The jig is then placed on an apparatus configured to inspect and clean the optical transceivers (S311). When placing the template on the device, the device starts up (S312). The device may or may not be marketed under the Anaconda name.

The method further includes retrieving the tag data and retrieving the memory data from the memory of the optical transceiver.

(S313). The tag data and the recovered memory data are saved (S315). Label data is retrieved by scanning a bar code and optical character recognition.

The tag data and the memory data are compared (S314). If the tag data does not match the data in memory, the inspection result is saved (S315). If the tag data matches the data in memory, the optical jacks of optical transceivers are inspected.

First, each optical connector of an optical transceiver is inspected, preferably with an inspection camera (S316). The results of the optical connector inspection are recorded (S315). Then the position and / or the depth of the optical connector is checked or measured (S317). Depending on the inspection and measurement of position and / or depth, the optical connector will be cleaned (S318), after which it will again undergo the steps of (S316) and (S317). Example 4.4 - flowchart (4) To better illustrate, reference is made to Fig. 13D, which shows a diagram showing one embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

The first multiple optical transceivers are placed in a template (S410). The jig is then placed on an apparatus configured to inspect and clean optical transceivers (S411). When placing the template on the device, the device starts up (S412). The device may or may not be marketed under the Anaconda name.

The inspection program is configured according to the type of optical transceiver (S413). Then the inspection begins (S414). The method further includes retrieving the tag data and checking whether the tag data matches the type of optical transceiver (S415). If the tag data does not match, a notification is sent and / or displayed (S416). If the tag data matches, each optical connector of an optical socket of an optical transceiver is inspected (S417). The inspection is analyzed (S418). If it is determined that the optical connector is clean, inspection of the optical connector is performed (S420). If it is determined that the optical connector is not clean, the method further comprises cleaning the optical connector (S419), after which the optical connector will again undergo the steps of (S417) and (S418).

The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described in the examples and / or shown in the figures.

On the contrary, the methods according to the present invention can be carried out in many different ways without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (35)

1. The apparatus configured to inspect, clean, and retrieve data from multiple optical transceivers, an optical transceiver comprising one or more electrical connectors, one or more optical connectors, and a tag, wherein the apparatus comprises : - holding means for simultaneously holding said multiple optical transceivers; - an inspection camera and a tag data retrieval system, in which the apparatus is configured to inspect the optical connector (s) of optical transceivers via the inspection camera, and in which the apparatus is configured to capture tags from optical transceivers; and - a cleaning tip configured to clean the optical connector (s) of the optical transceivers. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a jig, wherein the jig is removably attached to the holding means, and wherein the jig is configured to simultaneously contain said multiple optical transceivers. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the jig comprises a plurality of electrical outlets, wherein each electrical outlet is configured to connect an optical transceiver to the jig. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one comprises the optical transceiver through the optical connector an optical socket for receiving an optical fiber cable, and wherein the apparatus is configured to enter. the cleaning tip at least partially in an optical socket of an optical transceiver. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is configured to retrieve tag data from the tag of an optical transceiver via the tag data retrieval system by scanning. a bar code and / or by optical character recognition. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an optical transceiver comprises a memory, and wherein the apparatus is configured to retrieve memory data from the memory of the transceiver, so that preferably the memory is a read-write memory, in which more preferably the read-write memory is password protected. 7. The apparatus according to the preceding claim 4, wherein an optical transceiver and / or the apparatus comprises an integrated circuit communication system (I2C), wherein the I2C communication system is configured to adapt and / or retrieve memory data from transceiver memory. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is configured to move the inspection camera, the label data retrieval system and the cleaning tip in three directions X, Y and Z. mutually orthogonal, and wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically and sequentially inspect, clean and retrieve information from optical transceivers. 9. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus comprises a guide rail comprising a first and a second end guide of the rail, a longitudinal guide rail body between the first and the second end of the rail. and an X-direction single-freedom auxiliary drive unit positioned at or near the first or second end of the guide rail; and a support system comprising the inspection camera, the label data retrieval system, and the cleaning tip, wherein the support system is configured to move along the guide rail in the X direction. The apparatus according to the preceding claim 9, wherein the support system comprises a first movable member comprising an auxiliary drive unit with simple freedom in the Y direction; and a second movable member comprising the inspection camera, the label data retrieval system, the cleaning tip and an auxiliary drive unit with single freedom in the Z direction, wherein the first movable member is configured to moving the second movable member in the Y direction, and wherein the second movable member is configured to move the at least two cameras and the cleaning tip in the Z direction. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus comprises a refillable cleaning liquid reservoir and an alarm system configured to indicate when the refillable liquid reservoir needs to be refilled. 12. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus comprises a monitoring system configured to adjust one or more parameters, start and / or stop the apparatus, display the status of each optical connector or a a combination thereof, whereby preferably the monitoring system is a touch screen monitor. 13. The apparatus according to preceding claims 1 and 11, and according to any preceding claim, wherein the cleaning nozzle, the inspection camera and the label data retrieval system are positioned between the refillable cleaning liquid reservoir and holding means. 14. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is configured to inspect optical transceivers, wherein an optical connector of the optical transceivers is inspected by automatically focusing the inspection camera on the optical transceiver. optical connector of the optical transceiver; and to clean the optical connector if the optical connector fails inspection. 15. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, in which the holding means comprise an optical transceiver socket and a data communication port, in which the apparatus is configured to: receive a transmitter. optical receiver in the socket, the optical transceiver including non-volatile memory and a transceiver ID, - read the identifier of the transceiver from the optical transceiver, and preferably read the binary files from the memory of the optical transceiver; - provide via the port a file based at least in part on the transceiver ID to a user computing device, the file readable through a web browser, the file configured to display one or more update options of the firmware selectable by the user via the user computing device; - receive via the port selection data on a firmware update of - the user computing device; and - writing a firmware update based at least in part on the optical transceiver memory selection data. 16. The jig configured to contain a plurality of optical transceivers, an optical transceiver comprising an electrical connector end, an optical end, a longitudinal body between the electrical connector and the optical ends, the longitudinal body including a label face. comprising a label, the electrical connector end comprising one or more electrical connectors, the optical end comprising one or more optical connectors, the jig comprising a substantially planar body comprising a plurality of electrical outlets each configured to plug the end of the electrical connector into '' an optical transceiver so that the label face of the optical transceiver faces away from the jig body, the jig body including at least one electrical outlet printed circuit board ( PCB) configured to retrieve data from the optical transceiver (s), and 17. The jig according to preceding claim 16, wherein the jig comprises an electrical outlet PCB by electrical outlet. 18. The jig according to preceding claims 16 to 17, wherein the jig body comprises a first and a second edge spaced apart by the body, wherein the jig's electrical outlets are positioned near the first edge, wherein the electrical outlets are oriented so that the optical connector (s) of an optical transceiver plugged into the socket are positioned at or near the second edge. 19. The template according to one of the preceding claims 16 to 18, wherein the template comprises a read PCB and a communication port. 20. The jig according to one of the preceding claims 16 to 19, wherein the electrical outlet PCB is manually replaceable. 21. The template according to one of the preceding claims 16 to 20, wherein the template is configured for data communication with each of the optical transceivers and / or with another device through data communication. integrated circuit (I2C). 22. Apparatus according to preceding claims 1 to 15, comprising the jig according to preceding claims 16 to 21. 23. A method for inspecting, cleaning and recovering data from plural optical transceivers, an optical transceiver comprising a connector end, an optical end, a longitudinal body between the connector and optical ends, the longitudinal body including a face a label comprising a label, the end connector comprising one or more electrical connectors, the optical end comprising one or more optical connectors, in which the method comprises the steps of: - connecting the multiple optical transceivers to an apparatus, the apparatus being configured to contain, inspect and clean the multiple optical transceivers; - retrieving tag data from the tag of an optical transceiver, in which preferably the tag data is retrieved by a tag data retrieval system; - inspecting the optical connector (s) over an inspection time period, in which preferably the optical connector (s) are inspected by an inspection camera; and - cleaning the optical connector (s), in which preferably the optical connector (s) are cleaned by a cleaning tip; in which only one or more optical connectors that failed inspection are cleaned. 24. The method of the preceding claim 23, wherein the method comprises the steps of: - connecting an optical transceiver to a template, wherein the template comprises a substantially planar body comprising several electrical outlets each configured to connect the end of connector of an optical transceiver so that the label face of the optical transceiver faces away from the body of the jig; and - connecting the jig to an apparatus, wherein the apparatus is configured to inspect, clean and recover data from said optical transceivers, wherein preferably the apparatus is an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15 previous ones. 25. Method according to one of the preceding claims 23 to 24, in which the method comprises the step of measuring the position and / or the depth of an optical connector. 26. Method according to one of the preceding claims 23 to 25, in which the label data is retrieved by scanning a bar code and / or by optical character recognition. 27. The method of one of the preceding claims 23 to 26, wherein an optical transceiver comprises a memory, and wherein the method comprises the step of retrieving memory data from a transceiver memory. optical receiver, in which preferably memory data is retrieved via I2C data communication. 28. The method of one of the preceding claims 23 to 27, wherein the method comprises the step of comparing the retrieved tag data with the retrieved memory data. 29. Method according to one of the preceding claims 23 to 28, in which the inspection time period is adjustable. 30. The method of one of the preceding claims 23 to 29, wherein the clean optical connectors are inspected again, and wherein the failed optical connectors undergo at least one and at most a predetermined amount of inspection and verification. cleaning cycles. 31. The method of claims 23 and 30, wherein the position and / or depth of an optical connector is measured each time before inspection of the optical connector. - 32. Method according to one of the preceding claims 23 to 31, wherein said steps are performed automatically. 33. System comprising an apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 16 and a template according to one of claims 17 to 21. 34. Use of a device according to one of claims 1 to 16 in a method according to one of claims 23 to 32. 35. Optical transceiver obtained via the method according to one of claims 22 to 32 or the apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 15.