JP2007225728A - Optical communication cable and system therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical communication cable capable of controlling output communication light intensity by length and raw material of the optical communication cable. <P>SOLUTION: The optical communication cable 0210 is constituted of a connector part 0211 and a cable main body 0212, and the connector part has a light intensity information reading means 0213 which makes connected equipment 0220 read light intensity information as the information for determining communication light in tensity according to an attribute of the cable main body. Thus, since the connected equipment can take into account the loss caused when connecting the optical cable, the connected equipment can output light at proper light intensity, and can eliminates wasteful power consumption. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical communication cable capable of controlling the intensity of communication light output by the length and material of the optical communication cable and a system thereof.

An optical communication cable using an optical fiber has a higher communication speed and less signal attenuation than a metal cable. Therefore, it is often used for long-distance communication, Internet backbone networks, LAN cables, digital input / output cables, and the like. However, the conventional optical communication apparatus has a problem that even if the optical communication cable is not connected, the optical output is performed and the power is consumed. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses an optical communication system capable of detecting that an optical cable is connected and performing optical output. Patent Document 2 discloses an optical cable connector in which a shutter is provided in a connector to be connected, and the optical output can be controlled to be turned on and off by opening and closing the shutter.
JP 2001-185783 A JP-A-2005-197908

  However, the optical communication cables described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 both control only whether to perform output, and do not consider the loss of communication light that occurs during connection. Therefore, when the connected device performs optical communication, there is a problem that output is always performed at a constant light intensity and wasteful power is consumed.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an optical communication cable capable of performing optical output in consideration of the loss of communication light that varies depending on the length and material of the optical communication cable, and a system therefor. 1st invention is an optical communication cable which consists of a connector part and a cable body, and a connector part is light intensity information which is information for determining the intensity of communication light according to an attribute of a cable body to a connected apparatus. An optical communication cable having light intensity information reading means for reading is provided. In the second invention, the light intensity information reading means of the connector part is disposed in the connector part and has a resistance value determined according to the light intensity information, and a reading for reading the resistance value of the resistance element. An optical communication cable including terminals is provided. According to a third aspect of the present invention, the light intensity information reading means is disposed in the connector portion, and includes an inductor element having an inductance value determined according to the light intensity information, and a reading terminal for reading the inductance value of the inductor element. An optical communication cable is provided. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the light intensity information reading means is disposed in the connector portion, and includes a capacitor element having a capacitance value determined according to the light intensity information, and a reading terminal for reading the capacitance value of the capacitor element. An optical communication cable is provided. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical communication cable comprising a plurality of concavo-convex structures in which the light intensity information reading means is disposed in a connector portion and a combination is determined according to light intensity information detectable by a connected device. To do. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical communication cable comprising a color mark in which the light intensity information reading means of the connector part is arranged in the connector part and the color is determined according to the light intensity information that can be specified by the connected device . According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the light intensity information reading means is disposed in the connector portion, and returns a signal determined according to the light intensity information in response to an inquiry signal from an interrogator disposed in the connected device. An optical communication cable is provided. An eighth invention is an optical communication cable comprising a graphic code defined according to light intensity information readable by a connected device, wherein the light intensity information reading means is disposed in a connector portion. Further, the ninth invention is a connected device for connecting the optical communication cable according to any one of the first invention to the eighth invention, and is an insertion port portion that fits into a connector portion of the optical communication cable. A reading portion for reading light intensity information from the light intensity information reading means of the fitted connector portion, a communication light generating portion for generating communication light for the optical communication cable connected by the fitting, and the read And a communication light intensity control unit that controls the intensity of communication light generated by the communication light generation unit in accordance with the received light intensity information.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, when the optical communication cable is not connected to the optical communication apparatus, the optical communication apparatus does not output communication light, so that power is not consumed. Also, when an optical communication cable is connected, the optical communication device can take into account the loss of communication light that occurs when the optical communication cable is connected. Can do. Thereby, useless power consumption can be omitted.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, claims 1 and 9 will be mainly described. The second embodiment will mainly describe claim 2. The third embodiment will mainly describe claim 3. The fourth embodiment will mainly describe claim 4. The fifth embodiment will mainly describe claim 5. The sixth embodiment will mainly describe claim 6. The seventh embodiment will mainly describe Claim 7. The eighth embodiment will mainly describe Claim 8.
Embodiment 1
<Outline of Embodiment 1>

The optical communication cable of this embodiment has a light intensity information reading means in the connector portion, and can show information such as transmission loss of the own optical communication cable to the connected device.
<Configuration of Embodiment 1>

  FIG. 2 shows an example of functional blocks of the present embodiment. The “optical communication cable” (0110) of this embodiment includes a “connector portion” (0211) and a “cable body” (0212), and the connector portion has “light intensity information reading means” (0213). In addition, the “connected device” (0220) of the present embodiment includes an “insertion port” (0221), a “reading unit” (0222), a “communication light generation unit” (0223), and a “communication light”. Strength control unit "(0224).

  FIG. 1 shows an example of the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention relates to an “optical communication cable” (0110) and a “connected device” (0120). The optical communication cable further includes a “connector portion” (0111) and a “cable body” (0112). The “optical communication cable” (0110) is a transmission path for performing data communication using an optical fiber, and has a higher communication speed than a metal cable for performing data communication using an electrical signal. It's being used. “Connector part” (0111) is located at the end of the optical communication cable and refers to a part for connecting to the connected device (0120). “Cable body” (0112) is a part other than the connector part (0111). Refers to the part. The shape of the connector portion is not particularly limited as long as it is connected to the connected device, and for example, a square or round connector can be used. Further, the shape of the cable body is not limited, and may be any shape. For example, a single-core cable or a multi-core cable may be used. Since the optical communication cable has different transmission loss of the communication light depending on the material and length of the optical fiber, the present invention has a light intensity information reading means (0213) as shown in FIG.

  The “light intensity information reading means” (0213) is arranged in the connector section (0211) and is configured to allow the connected device (0220) to read the light intensity information. “Light intensity information” is information for determining the intensity of communication light according to the attribute of the cable body. The “cable body attribute” refers to the characteristics of the optical communication cable such as the transmission loss determined by the optical fiber material, the length of the optical communication cable, the number of optical fiber aggregates, and the like. For example, in the case of a 2 m cable using an optical fiber having a transmission loss of 0.2 dB / m, the transmission loss of the optical communication cable is 0.4 dB. “Communication light intensity according to cable body attributes” means a transmission loss that the connected device (optical signal transmitter) should output in order to transmit a certain communication light intensity to the optical signal receiver. The communication light intensity taking into account This light intensity information is information determined for each optical communication cable, and is information that can be read by the connected device. Further, the light intensity information may be information indicating transmission loss, or when the same symbol or number is attached to an optical communication cable exhibiting the same transmission loss, the symbol or number is used as the light intensity information. Also good. By arranging the light intensity information reading means in the connector portion, it becomes possible to cause the connected device to read the light intensity information when connected to the connected device.

  Next, the configuration of the connected device will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 6. The “connected device” (0220) refers to a device that is connected to an optical communication cable and can transmit data by light. It may be a device that can simultaneously receive data. For example, a telephone set, a facsimile machine, a personal computer, an AV device, a television receiver, and the like are applicable.

  The “insertion port” (0221) is configured to be fitted to the connector (0211) of the optical communication cable (0210). Any fitting type may be used as long as the fitting is performed so as not to lose the communication light intensity. In the example of FIG. 6, the concave portions (a, b) of the connector portion (0211) are formed in two convex portions (a ′, b ′) of the insertion port portion (0221), respectively, as shown in FIG. It is comprised so that it may fit.

  The “reading unit” (0222) is configured to read the light intensity information from the light intensity information reading means (0213) of the fitted connector part (0211). For example, when the light intensity information is indicated by a resistance value as in the second embodiment described later, as shown in FIG. 6A, a constant voltage is applied when the optical communication cable is connected, and the value of the flowing current is measured. By doing so, it can be set as the structure which can read resistance value. As described above, the reading unit is configured to read the light intensity information by a method corresponding to the light intensity information reading unit of the optical communication cable. The light intensity information may be read at any timing, for example, when detecting the insertion of the optical communication cable into the insertion port, or starting processing for performing data transfer by optical communication. Sometimes it can be done.

  The “communication light generator” (0223) is configured to generate communication light for the optical communication cable (0210) connected by fitting. The communication light generation unit has a light emitting element such as a laser diode, and performs E / O conversion for converting an electrical signal into an optical signal. That is, the electric pulse is converted into communication light which is a light pulse. Various light-emitting elements can be used as long as they can generate communication light. The communication light generation unit is controlled by a communication light intensity control unit (0224), which will be described later, and can vary the generated communication light intensity. Here, the communication light intensity will be described with reference to FIG. The communication light is composed of pulses of two types of intensity, H (High) and L (Low), and “1” of the electric signal corresponds to “H” and “0” corresponds to “L”. The “communication light intensity” in this specification refers to the intensity of a pulse indicating H. That is, changing the communication light intensity means changing the intensity of the H pulse as shown in FIGS. 3 (2) and 3 (3).

  The “communication light intensity control unit” (0224) is configured to control the intensity of communication light generated by the communication light generation unit (0223) according to the light intensity information read by the reading unit (0222). ing. The conventional connected device (0220) has a communication light with a constant light intensity so that the receiving device can receive the communication light even when an optical communication cable with a large transmission loss of the communication light is used. Was output. Therefore, even when using an optical communication cable with a small transmission loss of communication light, it is output at the same intensity, and there is a case where the communication light intensity is generated that is too high for optical communication in the receiving device. There was wasteful power consumption. Therefore, in the case of an optical communication cable with a small communication light transmission loss, the communication light intensity control unit controls the generated communication light intensity to be weak so as not to consume unnecessary power. Further, in the case of an optical communication cable having a large transmission loss of communication light, control is performed so that communication light having a constant light intensity can be received by a receiving device. For example, when the light intensity information read from the optical communication cable is information indicating that the transmission loss of communication light is 5 dB, even if there is a transmission loss of 5 dB, the communication light is satisfactorily transmitted on the receiving side. The intensity of communication light generated by the communication light generation unit is controlled so that it can be received. Therefore, the communication light intensity control unit holds a table, a function, or the like that associates light intensity information with control information that is information that determines the intensity of communication light generated by the communication light generation unit. FIG. 5 is an example of a table for associating light intensity information with control information. The light intensity information and the control information may correspond one-to-one, but may not have a one-to-one relationship like the table shown in FIG. Further, when the optical communication cable does not have the light intensity information reading unit or when the light intensity information cannot be read for some reason, the communication light is transmitted with predetermined control information (control of “E” in FIG. 5). The intensity may be controlled. Furthermore, when the optical communication cable is not connected to the connected device, the light intensity information cannot be read by the reading unit, so that the connected device can determine that the optical communication cable is not connected. Therefore, in this case, it can be controlled not to perform light output.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a specific configuration of the connected device. Similar to FIG. 2, the reading unit (0422) reads the light intensity information and outputs it to the communication light intensity control unit (0424) using a jack or the like disposed at the insertion port (0421). A signal from the signal circuit (0428) is controlled by a communication light intensity control unit, converted into optical communication by a communication light generation unit (0423) having a laser diode and the like, and output. Here, an example of processing of the communication light intensity control unit will be described. The communication light intensity control unit (0424) includes a “CPU” (0425), a “ROM / RAM” (0426), a “drive control circuit” (0427), and the like. First, it is assumed that the CPU (0425) starts a state monitoring program stored at a predetermined address in the ROM (0426) and is in a state where various processes based on the program can be executed. . At this time, when detecting that the optical communication cable is inserted into the insertion port (0421) by a switch operation or the like by inserting the connector, the CPU acquires the detection result by the state monitoring program, and the ROM The communication light intensity control program stored in the predetermined storage area is started, and the light intensity information read by the reading unit is stored at a predetermined address in the RAM (0426). The CPU reads into the RAM control information that determines the intensity of communication light associated with the light intensity information from the ROM by the communication light intensity control program. Based on the control information read into the RAM, the drive control circuit (0427) is driven, and the communication light generator (0423) generates communication light.

The light intensity information may be used in a receiving device that receives communication light. In the device on the receiving side, the communication light received by the light receiving unit is O / E converted into an electric signal. The amplification factor of the amplifier is set according to the light intensity information so that the electric signal can be read appropriately. Can be in control. For example, in the case of an optical communication cable having a large transmission loss, control is performed so as to increase the amplification factor of the amplifier. Further, in the case of an optical communication cable with a small transmission loss, it is not necessary to increase the amplification factor of the amplifier, and thus the optical signal is amplified with an appropriate amplification factor. As a result, useless power consumption can be saved also on the receiving side device that performs optical communication.
<Effect of Embodiment 1>

The optical communication cable of this embodiment can present its own light intensity information to the connected device, and the connected device can generate the communication light intensity to be generated according to the presented light intensity information. Can be controlled. As a result, communication light is not generated at a light intensity higher than necessary while ensuring good optical communication, so that wasteful power consumption can be saved.
<< Embodiment 2 >>
<Outline of Embodiment 2>

The light intensity information reading means of the optical communication cable according to this embodiment is characterized in that the light intensity information is presented to the connected device by a resistance element.
<Configuration of Embodiment 2>

  The functional block of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 6 shows an example of the optical communication cable and the connected device of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the “optical communication cable” (0210) of the present embodiment is composed of a “connector portion” (0211) and a “cable body” (0212), and the connector portion is “light intensity information reading means”. (0213). In addition, the “connected device” (0220) of the present embodiment includes an “insertion port” (0221), a “reading unit” (0222), a “communication light generation unit” (0223), and a “communication light”. Strength control unit "(0224). Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the light intensity information reading means includes a “resistance element” (0601) and a “reading terminal” (0602).

  The “resistive element” (0601) is configured to have a resistance value determined according to the light intensity information. For example, when the transmission loss of the optical communication cable is 1 dB, 1Ω can be set to 2Ω when the transmission loss is 2 dB.

  The “reading terminal” (0602) is configured to cause the connected device (0220) to read the resistance value of the resistance element (0601). The shape of the reading terminal is not particularly limited as long as the connected device (0220) can read the resistance value, and may be provided on a surface that comes into contact with the connected device. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, you may make it arrange | position to the recessed part (b) used in order to fit with the insertion port part (0221) of a to-be-connected apparatus.

The “reading unit” (0603, 0222) of the connected device (0220) of the present embodiment has a shape that fits into the reading terminal (0602), and should be configured to detect the resistance value. I must. For example, when a reading terminal is arranged at b, b ′ becomes a part of the reading unit, and a resistance value can be read by applying a constant voltage to b ′ and measuring the value of the flowing current. It can be set as the structure which can be performed. Then, the reading unit outputs the read resistance value as light intensity information to the communication light intensity control unit (0224). The communication light intensity control unit acquires control information from a table that associates the held light intensity information with the control information, and based on the acquired control information, the communication light intensity generated from the communication light generation unit To control.
<Effect of Embodiment 2>

The optical communication cable of the present embodiment can present its own light intensity information to the connected device using a resistance element, and the connected device generates the communication light intensity to be generated according to the presented light intensity information. Can be controlled. As a result, communication light is not generated at a light intensity higher than necessary while ensuring good optical communication, so that wasteful power consumption can be saved.
<< Embodiment 3 >>
<Outline of Embodiment 3>

The light intensity information reading means of the optical communication cable according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the light intensity information is presented to the connected device by an inductor element.
<Configuration of Embodiment 3>

  The functional block of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. The “optical communication cable” (0210) of the present embodiment includes a “connector portion” (0211) and a “cable body” (0212), and the connector portion includes “light intensity information reading means” (0213). In addition, the “connected device” (0220) of the present embodiment includes an “insertion port” (0221), a “reading unit” (0222), a “communication light generation unit” (0223), and a “communication light”. Strength control unit "(0224). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the present embodiment is characterized in that the light intensity information reading means includes an “inductor element” (0701) and a “reading terminal” (0702).

  The “inductor element” (0701) is configured to have an inductance value determined according to the light intensity information. For example, when the transmission loss of the optical communication cable is 1 dB, 1 mH can be set to 2 mH when the transmission loss is 2 dB.

  The “reading terminal” (0702) is configured to cause the connected device (0220) to read the inductance value of the inductor element (0701). The shape of the reading terminal is not particularly limited as long as the connected device can read the inductance value, and it may be provided on the surface in contact with the connected device. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, it may be arranged in the recess (b) used for fitting the insertion port of the connected device.

The “reading unit” (0703, 0222) of the connected device (0222) of the present embodiment has a shape that fits the reading terminal (0702) and can detect the inductance value. That's fine. For example, when a reading terminal is arranged at b, b ′ becomes a part of the reading unit, and an inductance value is read by applying a constant alternating voltage to b ′ and measuring the value of the flowing current. It can be set as the structure which can do. Then, the reading unit outputs the read inductance value to the communication light intensity control unit (0224). The communication light intensity control unit acquires control information from a table that associates the held light intensity information with the control information, and based on the acquired control information, the communication light intensity generated from the communication light generation unit To control. The light intensity information reading means is not limited to one. For example, the light intensity information may be read by the connected device by two or more means so that both the resistance element and the inductor element are used (the embodiment). The same applies to 4 or less).
<Effect of Embodiment 3>

The optical communication cable of the present embodiment can present its own light intensity information to the connected device with an inductor element, and the connected device generates the communication light intensity to be generated according to the presented light intensity information. Can be controlled. As a result, communication light is not generated at a light intensity higher than necessary while ensuring good optical communication, so that wasteful power consumption can be saved.
<< Embodiment 4 >>
<Outline of Embodiment 4>

The light intensity information reading means of the optical communication cable according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the light intensity information is presented to the connected device by a capacitor element.
<Configuration of Embodiment 4>

  The functional block of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. The “optical communication cable” (0210) of the present embodiment includes a “connector portion” (0211) and a “cable body” (0212), and the connector portion includes “light intensity information reading means” (0213). In addition, the “connected device” (0220) of the present embodiment includes an “insertion port” (0221), a “reading unit” (0222), a “communication light generation unit” (0223), and a “communication light”. Strength control unit "(0224). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the present embodiment is characterized in that the light intensity information reading means includes a “capacitor element” (0801) and a “reading terminal” (0802).

  The “capacitor element” (0801) is configured to have a capacitance value determined according to the light intensity information. For example, when the transmission loss of the optical communication cable is 1 dB, 1 μF can be set to 2 μF when the transmission loss is 2 dB.

  The “reading terminal” (0802) is configured to cause the connected device (0220) to read the capacitance value of the capacitor element (0514). The shape of the reading terminal is not particularly limited as long as the connected device can read the capacitance value, and it may be provided on the surface in contact with the connected device. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, it may be shared with the recess (b) used for fitting the insertion port of the connected device.

The “reading unit” (0803, 0222) of the connected device (0222) of the present embodiment is shaped to be fitted to the reading terminal (0802) and can be configured to detect the capacitance value. That's fine. For example, when a reading terminal is arranged at b, b ′ becomes a part of the reading unit, and a capacitance value is read by applying a constant alternating voltage to b ′ and measuring the value of the flowing current. It can be set as the structure which can do. Then, the reading unit outputs the read capacitance value to the communication light intensity control unit (0224). The communication light intensity control unit acquires control information from a table that associates the held light intensity information with the control information, and based on the acquired control information, the communication light intensity generated from the communication light generation unit To control.
<Effect of Embodiment 4>

The optical communication cable of the present embodiment can present its own light intensity information to the connected device using the capacitor element, and the connected device generates the communication light intensity to be generated according to the presented light intensity information. Can be controlled. As a result, communication light is not generated at a light intensity higher than necessary while ensuring good optical communication, so that wasteful power consumption can be saved.
<< Embodiment 5 >>
<Outline of Embodiment 5>

The light intensity information reading means of the optical communication cable according to this embodiment is characterized in that the light intensity information is presented to the connected device by a concavo-convex structure.
<Configuration of Embodiment 5>

  The functional block of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. The “optical communication cable” (0210) of the present embodiment includes a “connector portion” (0211) and a “cable body” (0212), and the connector portion includes “light intensity information reading means” (0213). In addition, the “connected device” (0220) of the present embodiment includes an “insertion port” (0221), a “reading unit” (0222), a “communication light generation unit” (0223), and a “communication light”. Strength control unit "(0224). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the present embodiment is characterized in that the light intensity information reading means includes a plurality of “concave / convex structures” (0901).

  A combination of the plurality of “concave / convex structures” (0901) is determined according to the light intensity information that can be detected by the connected device (0220). The “concavo-convex structure” may have only a concave structure, only a convex structure, or both a concave structure and a convex structure. 9 (2) shows the optical communication cable (0210) of FIG. 9 (1) viewed from the direction A, and FIG. 9 (3) shows the connected device (0220) of FIG. Seen from the direction. FIGS. 9 (2) and 9 (3) show, as an example, a case where light intensity information is defined by a 3 × 3 convex structure at a portion where the connector portion and the connected device face each other. The light intensity information is determined depending on the position of the convex structure. For example, when the convex structure is provided only at the upper left position, the transmission loss of communication light is 1 dB, and when the convex structure is provided at the right middle and lower two places, the transmission loss of communication light is obtained. Can be defined as 3 dB. The number, position, size, and the like of the concavo-convex structure in FIG. 12 are examples, and the present invention is not limited to this example, and may be provided on the contact surface with the connected device.

The “reading unit” (0902, 0222) of the connected device (0220) of the present embodiment has a shape that fits into a plurality of concavo-convex structures (0901) arranged in the connector part of the optical communication cable, The reading unit reads the position of the concavo-convex structure. The presence / absence and position of the concavo-convex structure may be detected by the convex portion physically turning on the switch, or may be detected by a tactile pressure sensor or the like. Other detection methods may be used as long as the position of the concavo-convex structure can be detected. The reading unit reads the read position of the concavo-convex structure as light intensity information and outputs it to the communication light intensity control unit. The communication light intensity control unit acquires control information from a table that associates the held light intensity information with the control information, and based on the acquired control information, the communication light intensity generated from the communication light generation unit To control.
<Effect of Embodiment 5>

The optical communication cable of the present embodiment can present its own light intensity information to the connected device in a concavo-convex structure, and the connected device generates the communication light intensity to be generated according to the presented light intensity information. Can be controlled. As a result, communication light is not generated at a light intensity higher than necessary while ensuring good optical communication, so that wasteful power consumption can be saved.
Embodiment 6
<Overview of Embodiment 6>

The light intensity information reading means of the optical communication cable according to this embodiment is characterized in that the light intensity information is presented to the connected device by a color mark.
<Configuration of Embodiment 6>

  The functional block of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. The “optical communication cable” (0210) of the present embodiment includes a “connector portion” (0211) and a “cable body” (0212), and the connector portion includes “light intensity information reading means” (0213). In addition, the “connected device” (0220) of the present embodiment includes an “insertion port” (0221), a “reading unit” (0222), a “communication light generation unit” (0223), and a “communication light”. Strength control unit "(0224). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, the present embodiment is characterized in that the light intensity information reading means is composed of a “color mark” (1001).

  The “color mark” (1001) is arranged in the connector portion (0211), and the color is determined according to the light intensity information that can be specified by the connected device (0220). For example, when the color is red, the transmission loss is an optical communication cable with 1 dB, and when the color is yellow, the optical communication cable has a transmission loss of 5 dB. FIG. 10B is a view of the optical communication cable (0210) of FIG. The position and size of the color mark (1001) in FIG. 10 (2) are merely examples, and the color mark (1001) is not limited to this example, and may be provided on the contact surface with the connected device.

The “reading unit” (1002, 0222) of the connected device (0220) of the present embodiment has a color sensor arranged to face the color mark (1301), and reads the color of the color mark. An example of a color sensor is shown below. The color sensor includes a diode (1003) that emits red (R), green (G), and blue (B) light, and irradiates the color mark with light obtained by combining light from the diodes. Then, the light reflected from the color mark is sent to the detector (1005) by the half mirror (1004). In the detector, light is received by a photodiode, A / D converted, and compared with color data stored in a ROM or the like, so that the color can be detected and discriminated. The reading unit outputs the read color information as light intensity information to the communication light intensity control unit (0224). The communication light intensity control unit acquires control information from a table that associates the held light intensity information with the control information, and based on the acquired control information, the communication light intensity generated from the communication light generation unit To control.
<Effect of Embodiment 6>

The optical communication cable of the present embodiment can present its own light intensity information to the connected device with color marks, and the connected device can generate the communication light intensity to be generated according to the presented light intensity information. Can be controlled. As a result, communication light is not generated at a light intensity higher than necessary while ensuring good optical communication, so that wasteful power consumption can be saved.
<< Embodiment 7 >>
<Outline of Embodiment 7>

The light intensity information reading means of the optical communication cable according to this embodiment is characterized in that the light intensity information is presented to the connected device by RFID.
<Configuration of Embodiment 7>

  The functional block of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. The “optical communication cable” (0210) of the present embodiment includes a “connector portion” (0211) and a “cable body” (0212), and the connector portion includes “light intensity information reading means” (0213). In addition, the “connected device” (0220) of the present embodiment includes an “insertion port” (0221), a “reading unit” (0222), a “communication light generation unit” (0223), and a “communication light”. Strength control unit "(0224). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, the present embodiment is characterized in that the light intensity information reading means is composed of “RFID” (1101).

  The “RFID” (1101) is arranged in the connector portion (0211) and outputs a signal determined according to the light intensity information in response to an inquiry signal from the interrogator (1103) arranged in the connected device (0220). It is configured to output a reply. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) refers to a tag or card that can exchange information wirelessly. The RFID may be information indicating not only the light intensity information but also the type of the optical communication cable. FIG. 11 (2) is a view of the optical communication cable (0210) of FIG. 11 (1) viewed from the A direction. The position and size of the RFID (1101) in FIG. 11 (2) is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this example. It may not be provided on the contact surface. FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the RFID (1101). The RFID (1101) includes an antenna (1201), a power regeneration circuit (1202), a bandpass filter (1203), a demodulator (1204), a control microprocessor (1205), a ROM / RAM (1206), and a modulator (1207). ) Etc. First, electric power is obtained by electromagnetic induction or the like at the antenna (1201), and this is converted into electromotive force by the power regeneration circuit (1202). Further, the signal component is extracted from the electromagnetic wave by the band pass filter (1203), and the request command for the light intensity information is transmitted to the control microprocessor (1205) by the demodulation by the demodulator (1204). The control microprocessor reads the light intensity information from the ROM or RAM (1206) based on the request command for the light intensity information, modulates the signal carrying the information with the modulator (1207), and transmits the signal to the antenna. To the interrogator (1103).

The “reading unit” (1102) of the connected device (0220) of the present embodiment has an interrogator (1103) arranged so as to face the RFID (1101), and generates electromagnetic waves by the interrogator. Read information in RFID. The reading unit outputs the read light intensity information to the communication light intensity control unit (0224), and the communication light intensity control unit acquires control information from a table that associates the acquired light intensity information with the control information, Based on the acquired control information, the intensity of communication light generated from the communication light generator is controlled. FIG. 12 (2) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the interrogator (1103). The interrogator (1103) includes an antenna (1208), a bandpass filter (1209), a demodulator (1210), an oscillator (1211), a modulator (1212), a control processor (1213), a ROM / RAM (1214), , And an interface circuit (1215). The control processor (1213) of the interrogator (1102) transmits a request command of light intensity information stored and held in the ROM or RAM (1214) from the antenna via the modulator (1512) as a carrier wave. When the response from the RFID (1101) is received by the antenna, the signal component is extracted by the band pass filter (1209), demodulated by the demodulator (1210), and the light intensity information is sent to the control processor. Send. Subsequently, the control processor transmits light intensity information to the communication light intensity controller (0224) through the interface circuit (1215).
<Effect of Embodiment 7>

The optical communication cable of this embodiment can present its own light intensity information to the connected device by RFID, and the connected device controls the generated communication light intensity according to the presented light intensity information. can do. As a result, communication light is not generated at a light intensity higher than necessary while ensuring good optical communication, so that wasteful power consumption can be saved.
<< Embodiment 8 >>
<Outline of Embodiment 8>

The light intensity information reading means of the optical communication cable according to this embodiment is characterized in that the light intensity information is presented to the connected device by a graphic code.
<Configuration of Embodiment 8>

  The functional block of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. The “optical communication cable” (0210) of the present embodiment includes a “connector portion” (0211) and a “cable body” (0212), and the connector portion includes “light intensity information reading means” (0213). In addition, the “connected device” (0220) of the present embodiment includes an “insertion port” (0221), a “reading unit” (0222), a “communication light generation unit” (0223), and a “communication light”. Strength control unit "(0224). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, the present embodiment is characterized in that the light intensity information reading means comprises a “graphic code” (1301).

  The “graphic code” (1301) is arranged in the connector portion (0211) and is determined according to the light intensity information that can be read from the connected device (0220). The graphic code is a graphic representation of information such as a two-dimensional code such as a barcode or QR code (registered trademark). The information indicated by the graphic code may be information indicating not only the light intensity information but also the type of the optical communication cable. FIG. 13 (2) is a view of the optical communication cable (0210) of FIG. 13 (1) viewed from the A direction. The position and size of the graphic code (1301) in FIG. 13 (2) are merely examples, and are not limited to this example, and may be provided on the contact surface with the connected device (0220).

The “reading unit” (1302, 0222) of the connected device (0220) of the present embodiment has a camera unit (1303) arranged so as to face the graphic code, and performs image processing on the image of the captured graphic code. The information in the graphic code is read by processing in the section (1304). The reading unit outputs the read light intensity information to the communication light intensity control unit (0224). The communication light intensity control unit controls the intensity of communication light generated from the communication light generation unit based on the acquired light intensity information. In addition, when the information in the graphic code is information indicating the type of the optical communication cable, the reading unit must not hold a table in which the information indicating the read type is associated with the light intensity information. Don't be.
<Effect of Embodiment 8>

  The optical communication cable of the present embodiment can present its own light intensity information to the connected device with a graphic code, and the connected device generates the communication light intensity to be generated according to the presented light intensity information. Can be controlled. As a result, communication light is not generated at a light intensity higher than necessary while ensuring good optical communication, so that wasteful power consumption can be saved.

The figure explaining the concept of the present invention Functional block diagram for explaining the first embodiment Diagram explaining light intensity information The figure explaining an example of a structure of a to-be-connected device Example of table for associating light intensity information with control information FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of Embodiment 2 FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of Embodiment 3 FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of Embodiment 4 FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fifth embodiment FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of Embodiment 6 FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of Embodiment 7 Functional block diagram illustrating an example of Embodiment 7 FIG. 10 illustrates an example of an eighth embodiment

Explanation of symbols

0210 Optical communication cable 0211 Connector part 0212 Cable body 0213 Light intensity information reading means 0220 Connected device 0221 Plug-in part 0222 Reading part 0223 Communication light generating part 0224 Communication light intensity control part

Claims (9)

An optical communication cable comprising a connector part and a cable body,
The connector unit is an optical communication cable having light intensity information reading means for causing a connected device to read light intensity information, which is information for determining the intensity of communication light according to the attribute of the cable body.   The light intensity information reading means includes a resistance element that is disposed in the connector portion and has a resistance value determined according to the light intensity information, and a reading terminal for reading the resistance value of the resistance element. An optical communication cable according to 1.   2. The light intensity information reading means includes an inductor element disposed in the connector portion and having an inductance value determined according to the light intensity information, and a reading terminal for reading the inductance value of the inductor element. Or the optical communication cable of 2.   The light intensity information reading means includes a capacitor element that is disposed in the connector portion and has a capacitance value determined according to the light intensity information, and a reading terminal for reading the capacitance value of the capacitor element. To 4. The optical communication cable according to any one of 3 to 4.   The said light intensity information reading means is comprised in the connector part, and consists of several uneven structure by which a combination is determined according to the light intensity information which can be detected with a to-be-connected apparatus. Optical communication cable.   The optical communication according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light intensity information reading unit includes a color mark that is arranged in a connector portion and whose color is determined according to light intensity information that can be specified by a connected device. cable.   2. The light intensity information reading means is composed of an RFID which is disposed in a connector portion and which returns and outputs a signal determined according to light intensity information in response to an inquiry signal from an interrogator disposed in a connected device. The optical communication cable according to any one of 1 to 6.   The optical communication cable according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the light intensity information reading unit includes a graphic code that is arranged in a connector portion and is determined according to light intensity information that can be read from a connected device. A connected device for connecting the optical communication cable according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
An insertion port portion to be fitted to the connector portion of the optical communication cable;
A reading section for reading light intensity information from the light intensity information reading means of the fitted connector section;
A communication light generator for generating communication light for the optical communication cable connected by the fitting;
A communication light intensity control unit for controlling the intensity of communication light generated in the communication light generation unit according to the read light intensity information;
Connected equipment consisting of

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