JP7829430B2 - Optical communication device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to an optical communication device, a control method, and a program.

For example, in underwater communication, optical communication systems that use light (particularly visible light) as a transmission medium are known. Because light has high directivity, conventional optical communication systems generally assume that the transmitting and receiving optical communication devices are fixed, and that communication is conducted with the transmitting and receiving sides facing each other.

On the other hand, Patent Document 1 describes a cleaning (washing) mechanism used in a housing that houses a camera by engaging the upper and lower parts of the dome. Specifically, in this cleaning mechanism, the lower part of the dome is rotated while a wiper part fixed outside the camera's shooting range slides across the spherical surface of the lower part of the dome to clean it.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-191162

In future optical communication systems, if we assume that the optical communication device is mobile, for example, it is conceivable to arrange multiple optical communication units on the curved communication surface of the optical communication device, enabling optical communication in various directions. However, if dirt adheres to the communication surface, the optical signal will be blocked or attenuated, thus requiring a mechanism for cleaning the communication surface of the optical communication device.

The cleaning mechanism described in Patent Document 1 assumes that the camera's shooting range (shooting direction) is fixed, and therefore the cleaning member (wiper part) is fixed outside the camera's shooting range. However, in an optical communication device where multiple optical communication units are arranged on a curved communication surface, it may be necessary to switch the optical communication unit used for optical communication depending on the position of the communication partner, or to perform omnidirectional optical communication using all optical communication units. Therefore, applying a cleaning mechanism like the one described in Patent Document 1 to an optical communication device raises concerns that the optical communication unit and the cleaning member may interfere with each other, adversely affecting optical communication.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an optical communication device, control method, and program capable of cleaning the communication surface while suppressing adverse effects on optical communication in various directions.

The optical communication device according to the first embodiment comprises a plurality of optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface, a moving mechanism for moving a cleaning member along the communication surface for cleaning the communication surface, and a control unit for controlling the moving mechanism according to the optical communication status of the plurality of optical communication units.

The control method according to the second embodiment is a control method for controlling an optical communication device, comprising the steps of: performing optical communication using a plurality of optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface; and controlling a moving mechanism that moves a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface according to the optical communication status of the plurality of optical communication units.

The program according to the third embodiment causes the optical communication device to perform optical communication using a plurality of optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface, and to control a moving mechanism that moves a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface according to the optical communication status of the plurality of optical communication units.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical communication device, a control method, and a program capable of cleaning the communication surface while suppressing adverse effects on optical communication in various directions.

This is a diagram showing an example configuration of an optical communication system according to the embodiment. This figure shows an example of the block configuration of an optical communication device according to an embodiment. This figure shows an example of the external configuration of an optical communication device according to an embodiment. This figure shows the external appearance of the optical communication device according to the embodiment, viewed from above (direction "A" in Figure 2). This figure shows the external appearance of the optical communication device according to the embodiment, viewed from the side (direction "B" in Figure 2). This figure shows DL transmission as an example of optical communication according to the embodiment. This figure shows an example of the configuration of a communication frame used in the optical communication system according to the embodiment. This figure shows an example of a first cleaning operation flow in directional communication according to the embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the first cleaning operation in directional communication according to the embodiment. This figure shows an example of a second cleaning operation flow in directional communication according to the embodiment. This figure shows an example of a first cleaning operation flow in omnidirectional communication according to the embodiment. This figure shows an example of a second cleaning operation flow in omnidirectional communication according to the embodiment. This diagram illustrates the second cleaning operation in omnidirectional communication according to the embodiment. This figure shows a first modified example of the optical communication device according to the embodiment. This figure shows a second modified example of the optical communication device according to the embodiment. This figure shows a second modified example of the optical communication device according to the embodiment. This figure shows a second modified example of the optical communication device according to the embodiment. This figure shows a third modified example of the optical communication device according to the embodiment. This figure shows a third modified example of the optical communication device according to the embodiment. This figure shows a third modified example of the optical communication device according to the embodiment. This diagram shows an optical communication device according to another embodiment. This diagram shows an optical communication device according to another embodiment.

The optical communication system and optical communication device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

(1) Example of Optical Communication System Configuration First, an example of the configuration of an optical communication system according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an optical communication system according to the embodiment.

The optical communication system according to this embodiment is a system that performs underwater optical communication between optical communication devices 1. That is, each optical communication device 1 is an underwater optical communication device. In this embodiment, underwater optical communication is primarily assumed to be underwater optical communication in the ocean, but underwater optical communication may also be optical communication in lakes or rivers. The optical communication system according to this embodiment is not limited to underwater optical communication; it may also be applied to optical communication on land (or in space). Furthermore, the optical communication system according to this embodiment uses visible light as an example of light for optical communication. However, the optical communication system may also use light other than visible light, such as infrared light, for optical communication.

The example in Figure 1 illustrates the operation of transmitting an optical signal from one optical communication device 1(1a) to the other optical communication device 1(1b). The first optical communication device 1(1a) transmits and receives optical communication with its optical axis directed toward the other optical communication device 1(1b). Similarly, the other optical communication device 1(1b) transmits and receives optical signals with its optical axis directed toward the first optical communication device 1(1a). Here, the first optical communication device 1(1a) is assumed to be a terminal device, and the other optical communication device 1(1b) is assumed to be a base station device.

In the example shown in Figure 1, the base station device 1b is located near the water surface. For example, the base station device 1b may be fixed to a buoy via a frame. The base station device 1b may be connected to the network via a backhaul line. The backhaul line may be a wireless line or a wired line. To efficiently secure a communication area underwater, the base station device 1b may be installed at a predetermined distance from other adjacent base station devices. The base station device 1b may be installed temporarily, for example, for the period during which underwater surveys are conducted using the terminal device 1a.

The terminal device 1a may be configured to be mobile underwater. The terminal device 1a communicates with the base station device 1b using optical communication (specifically, underwater optical communication). That is, the base station device 1b is a serving base station for each terminal device 1a. The terminal device 1a may be equipped with sensors such as image sensors (including cameras) and generate sensor data. For example, the terminal device 1a may transmit uplink data, including sensor data, to the base station device 1b via optical communication. The terminal device 1a may receive downlink (DL) data, including instruction data, from the base station device 1b via optical communication. The terminal device 1a may perform movement and sensing operations (such as photography) based on the instruction data.

Thus, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the optical communication device 1 is movable. To enable optical communication in various directions, multiple optical communication units are arranged on the curved communication surface of each optical communication device 1, allowing the optical axis to be directed in various directions. However, if dirt adheres to the communication surface of the optical communication device 1, the optical signal will be blocked or attenuated due to the dirt. Therefore, a mechanism for cleaning the communication surface is provided in each optical communication device 1.

As shown in the example in Figure 1, a scenario in which the optical communication device 1 performs optical communication with a specific communication partner is called "directional communication." On the other hand, a scenario in which the optical communication device 1 performs optical communication with an unspecified number of communication partners is called "omnidirectional communication." For example, the base station device 1b may transmit broadcast information to an unspecified number of terminal devices 1a using omnidirectional communication.

(2) Example of the configuration of the optical communication device Next, an example of the configuration of the optical communication device 1 according to the embodiment will be described.

(2.2) Example of Block Configuration of Optical Communication Device Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the block configuration of the optical communication device 1 according to the embodiment.

The optical communication device 1 comprises a housing 2, a plurality of optical communication units 10 (10a, 10b, 10c, ...), a transmitting/receiving unit 15, a control unit 20, a cleaning member 30, and a moving mechanism 40. The optical communication device 1 may have a battery to supply the power necessary for its operation. The optical communication device 1 may also have communication means for performing communications other than optical communication (e.g., wired communication or acoustic communication). If the optical communication device 1 is a base station device, the communication means may be backhaul communication means that perform backhaul communication via a backhaul line.

The housing 2 is a light-transmitting housing 2 formed from a light-transmitting material, such as glass or acrylic resin. The housing 2 houses a plurality of optical communication units 10 (10a, 10b, 10c, ...), a transmitting/receiving unit 15, a control unit 20, a cleaning member 30, and a part of the moving mechanism 40. In this embodiment, the housing 2 has a spherical shape. The curved outer surface of the housing 2 constitutes the communication surface of the optical communication device 1. By having the outer surface of the spherical housing 2 constitute the communication surface in this way, the optical communication device 1 becomes capable of performing optical communication in all directions.

Multiple optical communication units 10 are arranged in an array along the curved communication surface of the optical communication device 1. Each optical communication unit 10 includes a light-emitting element 11 used for transmitting optical signals and a light-receiving element 12 used for receiving optical signals. In the example in Figure 2, optical communication unit 10a includes a light-emitting element 11a and a light-receiving element 12a, optical communication unit 10b includes a light-emitting element 11b and a light-receiving element 12b, and optical communication unit 10c includes a light-emitting element 11c and a light-receiving element 12c.

Each light-emitting element 11 may be a laser diode or a light-emitting diode. Each light-emitting element 11 converts the electrical signal (transmission signal) output by the transmitting/receiving unit 15 for optical communication into an optical signal and transmits the optical signal. Each of the multiple light-emitting elements 11 has a different optical axis orientation. That is, each of the multiple light-emitting elements 11 has a different direction of directivity (transmission directivity).

Each light-receiving element 12 may be a photodiode. Each light-receiving element 12 receives an optical signal, converts the received optical signal into an electrical signal (received signal), and outputs the received signal to the transmitting/receiving unit 15. In this embodiment, each light-receiving element 12 is provided in a one-to-one pair with a light-emitting element 11. Specifically, each light-receiving element 12 has the same directionality (receiving directionality) as its corresponding light-emitting element 11. That is, multiple pairs of light-emitting elements 11 and light-receiving elements 12 (i.e., multiple optical communication units 10) each transmit optical signals in different directions and each receive optical signals from different directions.

The transmitting/receiving unit 15 may be composed of an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or a SoC (System-on-a-chip). The transmitting/receiving unit 15 performs signal processing on the transmission signal output by the control unit 20, converts the processed signal, and outputs it to the light-emitting element 11 used for optical communication. The transmitting/receiving unit 15 also converts the received signal output by the photodetector 12, performs signal processing on the converted received signal, and outputs it to the control unit 20. The transmitting/receiving unit 15 may be distributed among multiple optical communication units 10.

The control unit 20 controls the overall operation of the optical communication device 1. For example, the control unit 20 controls multiple optical communication units 10 via the transmitting/receiving unit 15 and also controls the mobile mechanism 40. The control unit 20 includes at least one processor 21 and at least one memory 22. The memory 22 stores programs executed by the processor 21 and information used for processing by the processor 21. The processor 21 may include a digital signal processor and a CPU. The digital signal processor performs modulation, demodulation, encoding, and decoding of digital signals. The CPU executes programs stored in the memory 22 and performs various processes.

The cleaning member 30 is a component for cleaning the communication surface of the optical communication device 1. The cleaning member 30 may include at least one of a cleaning brush, sponge, and wiper. The cleaning member 30 is provided on the outside of the housing 2.

The moving mechanism 40 moves the cleaning member 30 along the communication surface of the optical communication device 1 under the control of the control unit 20. The moving mechanism 40 is mostly located on the outside of the housing 2. The moving mechanism 40 includes a moving mechanism 40a that moves the cleaning member 30 laterally along the communication surface of the optical communication device 1, and a moving mechanism 40b that moves the cleaning member 30 vertically along the communication surface of the optical communication device 1.

In the optical communication device 1 configured in this way, the outer surface of the spherical housing 2 constitutes the communication surface, and by arranging multiple optical communication units 10 in an array on the curved communication surface, the optical communication device 1 can perform optical communication in all directions. The control unit 20 switches the optical communication units 10 used for optical communication according to the location of the communication partner, or performs omnidirectional optical communication using all optical communication units 10.

Here, since the cleaning member 30 is provided on the outside of the housing 2, there is a concern that the optical communication unit 10 and the cleaning member 30 may interfere with each other and adversely affect optical communication. Specifically, if the cleaning member 30 is located in the communication area corresponding to the optical communication unit 10 used for optical communication, the cleaning member 30 will block the optical signals transmitted and received by the optical communication unit 10, making it impossible to perform the desired optical communication.

Therefore, the control unit 20 controls the moving mechanism 40 according to the status of optical communication in the multiple optical communication units 10. For example, when the optical communication device 1 is not performing optical communication, the control unit 20 may control the moving mechanism 40 to clean the entire communication surface using the cleaning member 30. This makes it possible to clean the communication surface while suppressing adverse effects on optical communication.

The control unit 20 controls the moving mechanism 40 to suppress interference between the cleaning member 30 and the optical communication device 1 when the device is performing optical communication and the cleaning member 30 is used to clean the communication surface. This allows the communication surface to be cleaned while suppressing adverse effects on the optical communication, even when the optical communication device 1 is performing optical communication.

Specifically, when the optical communication device 1 performs directional communication, the control unit 20 may identify an optical communication unit 10 corresponding to the direction of a specific communication partner from among a plurality of optical communication units 10, and control the movement mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to a second region different from the first region corresponding to the identified optical communication unit 10. This makes it possible to suppress the adverse effects of the cleaning member 30 on directional communication even when the optical communication device 1 performs directional communication with a specific communication partner. Alternatively, the control unit 20 may perform optical communication with the specific communication partner using the identified optical communication unit 10, while simultaneously controlling the movement mechanism 40 to clean the second region using the cleaning member 30. This allows the optical communication device 1 to clean the communication region not used for directional communication (i.e., the second region) when performing directional communication.

On the other hand, when the optical communication device 1 performs omnidirectional communication, the control unit 20 may identify the optical communication unit 10 with the highest received signal strength based on the received signal strength of each of the multiple optical communication units 10, and control the movement mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to a second region different from the first region corresponding to the identified optical communication unit 10. This makes it possible to suppress the adverse effects of the cleaning member 30 on omnidirectional communication, even when the optical communication device 1 performs omnidirectional communication with an unspecified number of communication partners. Here, the control unit 20 may also perform optical communication using optical communication units 10 other than the one corresponding to the second region, and control the movement mechanism 40 to clean the second region using the cleaning member 30. This makes it possible to clean the communication region corresponding to the direction in which there are no communication partners (i.e., the second region) when the optical communication device 1 performs omnidirectional communication.

When the optical communication device 1 is performing optical communication (directional or omnidirectional communication), the control unit 20 may control the moving mechanism 40 to perform the cleaning operation using the cleaning member 30 during the interruption period when optical communication is temporarily suspended. This allows the communication surface to be cleaned while suppressing adverse effects on optical communication. During the interruption period, the control unit 20 may control the moving mechanism 40 to clean only the first area, or to clean the entire communication surface. For example, if the interruption period is within a predetermined period, the control unit 20 may control the moving mechanism 40 to clean only the first area. Conversely, if the interruption period exceeds the predetermined period, the control unit 20 may control the moving mechanism 40 to clean the entire communication surface.

Here, the control unit 20 may determine whether it is possible to temporarily interrupt optical communication when the optical communication device 1 is performing optical communication and it becomes necessary to perform a cleaning operation on the communication surface using the cleaning member 30. For example, the control unit 20 may identify the priority of the optical communication currently in progress and make the determination according to that priority. In this case, the control unit 20 may determine that it is possible to temporarily interrupt optical communication if the priority of the optical communication currently in progress is low. Alternatively, the control unit 20 may make the determination according to whether there is data to be transmitted and data to be received via optical communication. In this case, the control unit 20 may determine that it is possible to temporarily interrupt optical communication if there is no data to be transmitted and data to be received via optical communication. If it is determined that it is possible to temporarily interrupt optical communication, the control unit 20 may temporarily interrupt the optical communication and control the moving mechanism 40 to perform the cleaning operation during the interruption period. This makes it possible to temporarily interrupt optical communication and perform the cleaning operation when performing low-priority optical communication or when there is no data to be transmitted or received.

The optical communication device 1 may further include a sensor 50 for detecting dirt on the communication surface. At least one of the multiple optical communication units 10 may be used as the sensor 50. For example, the sensor 50 has a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and detects dirt by measuring the amount of reflected light from the communication surface, which changes depending on the degree of dirt. The sensor 50 may perform dirt detection only on a first region of the communication surface, or it may perform dirt detection on the entire communication surface. The control unit 20 may determine that a cleaning operation is necessary when dirt is detected on the communication surface.

Alternatively, the control unit 20 may determine that a cleaning operation is necessary when the reception intensity of the optical communication unit 10 used for optical communication falls below a threshold. In this case, the control unit 20 may control the moving mechanism 40 to clean the area of the communication surface corresponding to the optical communication unit 10 whose reception intensity has fallen below the threshold during the interruption period when optical communication is temporarily suspended. Furthermore, if the reception intensity of the optical communication unit 10 does not improve even after the cleaning operation, the control unit 20 may determine that turbidity in the optical propagation path is the cause of the deterioration in reception intensity.

The control unit 20 may control the movement mechanism 40 to sequentially move the cleaning member 30 to each of a plurality of candidate positions on the communication surface when the optical communication device 1 is performing omnidirectional communication. The control unit 20 may then identify the candidate position from among the plurality of candidate positions that minimizes interference from the cleaning member 30 to the optical communication by measuring the reception intensity of each of the plurality of optical communication units 10 when the cleaning member 30 is at each candidate position. The control unit 20 may then control the movement mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to the identified candidate position. This makes it possible to move the cleaning member 30 to the position that minimizes interference from the cleaning member 30 to the optical communication when the optical communication device 1 is performing omnidirectional communication. Here, the control unit 20 may also control the movement mechanism 40 to clean the position of the cleaning member 30 and its surroundings.

(2.1) Example of the external configuration of the optical communication device Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the optical communication device 1 according to the embodiment.

The optical communication device 1 comprises a spherical housing 2 and a main body 60 housed within the housing 2, which includes a plurality of optical communication units 10. The curved outer circumferential surface 2a of the housing 2 constitutes the communication surface of the optical communication device 1. The plurality of optical communication units 10 are arranged in an array along the curved inner circumferential surface 2b of the housing 2. Specifically, the optical axis of each optical communication unit 10 is oriented in the direction normal to the curved communication surface (i.e., the outer circumferential surface 2a). This configuration enables the optical communication device 1 to perform optical communication in all directions.

The optical communication device 1 has a moving mechanism 40 that supports the cleaning member 30 so as to be movable above the outer circumferential surface 2a of the housing 2. The moving mechanism 40 includes a first rotation shaft 41 and a first arm 42 as a moving mechanism 40a that moves the cleaning member 30 in a first direction (lateral direction) along the communication surface (outer circumferential surface 2a) of the optical communication device 1. The first rotation shaft 41 is provided on the main body 60, with both ends located outside the housing 2. The first arm 42 is rotatably supported by the first rotation shaft 41 and rotates the cleaning member 30 in the first direction (lateral direction).

Furthermore, the moving mechanism 40 includes a second rotation axis 43 and a second arm 44 as a moving mechanism 40b for moving the cleaning member 30 vertically along the communication surface (outer peripheral surface 2a) of the optical communication device 1. The second rotation axis 43 is provided on the first arm 42. The second arm 44 is rotatably supported by the second rotation axis 43 and rotates the cleaning member 30 in a second direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to the first direction.

Thus, in this embodiment, the moving mechanism 40 is configured as a two-axis gimbal mechanism, and the moving mechanism 40 makes it possible to move the cleaning member 30 across the entire area of the communication surface (outer peripheral surface 2a).

Figure 4 shows the external appearance of the optical communication device 1 viewed from above (direction "A" in Figure 2), and Figure 5 shows the external appearance of the optical communication device 1 viewed from the side (direction "B" in Figure 2).

The first rotation shaft 41 is mounted vertically on the main body 60. The first rotation shaft 41 is rotationally driven by an actuator, for example, mounted on the main body 60. The first arm 42 is formed in an arc shape, and both ends of the first arm 42 are supported by the first rotation shaft 41. The first arm 42 is formed in an arc shape (semi-arc shape) with a central angle of 180°. The rotation of the first rotation shaft 41 causes the first arm 42 to rotate laterally, thereby allowing the cleaning member 30 to rotate 360° laterally.

The second rotation axis 43 is mounted laterally on the first arm 42 at its longitudinal midpoint. The second rotation axis 43 is rotationally driven, for example, by an actuator mounted on the first arm 42. The second arm 44 is formed in an arc shape. One end of the second arm 44 is supported by the second rotation axis 43. A cleaning member 30 is provided at the other end of the second arm 44. The second arm 44 is formed in an arc shape with a central angle of 90°. The cleaning member 30 is fixed to the other end of the second arm 44. The rotation of the second rotation axis 43 causes the second arm 44 to rotate vertically, thereby allowing the cleaning member 30 to rotate 180° vertically.

(3) An example of optical communication Next, an example of optical communication according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a diagram showing DL transmission as an example of optical communication according to the embodiment. In the example of Figure 6, a cross-section of a base station device 1b, which is an example of optical communication device 1, is shown in a simplified manner.

In base station device 1b, multiple optical communication units 10 are arranged such that the angle between the optical axis of one optical communication unit 10 and the optical axis of the other optical communication unit 10 increases as the distance between them increases. Base station device 1b associates an optical communication unit 10 (i.e., a pair of light-emitting element 11 and light-receiving element 12) corresponding to the direction in which a specific communication partner is located with that communication partner. In the example in Figure 6, base station device 1b associates a specific communication partner with optical communication unit 10d and uses optical communication unit 10d to perform visible light communication with that communication partner. Specifically, base station device 1b uses the light-emitting element 11 included in optical communication unit 10d for DL communication with the communication partner, and uses the light-receiving element 12 included in optical communication unit 10d for UL communication with the communication partner.

Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of a communication frame used in an optical communication system according to the embodiment. In the example in Figure 7, one communication frame is composed of 10 time slots, but the number of time slots constituting one communication frame is not limited to 10. Each time slot is composed of a predetermined number of symbol intervals.

In the frame configuration example shown in Figure 7, the communication frame consists of one synchronization slot (Sync.), one control slot (Ctrl.), four DL slots (DL slot) #0 to #3, and four UL slots (UL slot) #0 to #3.

The synchronization slot (Sync.) is a time slot in which the base station device 1b transmits a synchronization optical signal (and a base station-specific reference signal). The terminal device 1a identifies the base station device 1b by the synchronization optical signal received from the base station device 1b and establishes or maintains synchronization with the base station device 1b using this signal. The control slot (Ctrl.) is a time slot in which the base station device 1b transmits a control optical signal (for example, scheduling information indicating the slot assignments for DL and UL). Note that the base station-specific reference signal may be transmitted in all slots except the UL slot.

DL slots #0 to #3 constitute the DL communication period. The base station device 1b assigns each of DL slots #0 to #3 to one or more terminal devices 1a. The base station device 1b transmits DL data optical signals in each DL slot. Each DL slot may have a light-emitting element-specific reference signal (Ref. TxElement) and a data optical signal arranged in a time-division multiplexer.

UL slots #0 to #3 constitute the UL communication period. The base station device 1b assigns each of UL slots #0 to #3 to one or more terminal devices 1a. The terminal devices 1a transmit UL data optical signals in the assigned UL slots.

The base station device 1b can communicate simultaneously with multiple terminal devices 1a located in different directions. Specifically, the base station device 1b can spatially multiplex multiple terminal devices 1a located in different directions. Therefore, the base station device 1b may allocate one DL slot to multiple terminal devices 1a. Alternatively, the base station device 1b may allocate one DL slot to multiple terminal devices 1a.

(4) Example of cleaning operation flow in optical communication device Next, an example of the cleaning operation flow in the optical communication device 1 according to the embodiment will be described.

(4.1) Example of the first cleaning operation flow in directional communication Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the first cleaning operation flow in directional communication according to the embodiment.

In step S100, the control unit 20 determines whether or not to clean the communication surface (outer surface 2a) of the optical communication device 1. For example, the control unit 20 determines whether the current timing is a periodically set cleaning timing. The control unit 20 may also determine whether or not to clean the communication surface (outer surface 2a) depending on whether or not dirt on the communication surface (outer surface 2a) is detected by the sensor 50. If the control unit 20 determines to clean the communication surface (outer surface 2a) (step S100: Yes), the process proceeds to step S101.

In step S101, the control unit 20 determines whether or not optical communication (directional communication in this example) is in progress. If it determines that optical communication is not in progress (step S101: No), in step S102, the control unit 20 controls the moving mechanism 40 to clean the entire communication surface (outer peripheral surface 2a) with the cleaning member 30.

On the other hand, if it is determined that optical communication is in progress (step S101: Yes), in step S103, the control unit 20 identifies the optical communication unit 10 being used for optical communication (in this example, directional communication). The control unit 20 may also identify two or more adjacent optical communication units 10 as the optical communication units 10 being used for optical communication. For example, if two or more adjacent optical communication units 10 are being used to synthesize and transmit the same optical signal, the control unit 20 identifies these two or more optical communication units 10 in step S103.

In step S104, the control unit 20 identifies a second region on the opposite side of the first region of the communication surface (outer surface 2a) corresponding to the optical communication unit 10 identified in step S103. For example, as shown in Figure 9, if the control unit 20 identifies optical communication units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d as the optical communication units 10 used for optical communication, it identifies the regions of the communication surface (outer surface 2a) corresponding to these optical communication units 10 as the first region. Then, the control unit 20 identifies the region on the opposite side of the first region, specifically the region corresponding to optical communication unit 10e, as the second region.

In step S105, the control unit 20 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to the second region identified in step S104. When moving the cleaning member 30 to the second region, the control unit 20 may also control the movement mechanism 40 to prevent the cleaning member 30 from passing through the first region.

In step S106, the control unit 20 controls the moving mechanism 40 to clean the second region. In the example shown in Figure 9, the control unit 20 controls the moving mechanism 40 to clean at least the outer communication surface (outer peripheral surface 2a) of the optical communication unit 10e. For example, the control unit 20 performs the cleaning operation by moving the cleaning member 30 up, down, left, and right a predetermined number of times, centered on the position of the outer communication surface (outer peripheral surface 2a) of the optical communication unit 10e. The control unit 20 may further control the moving mechanism 40 to clean the outer communication surface (outer peripheral surface 2a) of the optical communication unit 10 adjacent to the optical communication unit 10e.

(4.2) Example of a second cleaning operation flow in directional communication Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second cleaning operation flow in directional communication according to the embodiment. Here, the differences from the cleaning operation flow example described above will be explained in detail.

In step S151, the control unit 20 determines whether optical communication (directional communication in this example) is currently being performed. If the control unit 20 determines that optical communication is currently being performed (step S151: Yes), it proceeds to step S152.

In step S152, the control unit 20 determines whether or not to clean the first region of the communication surface (outer surface 2a) corresponding to the optical communication unit 10 used for optical communication. For example, the control unit 20 may determine that it is necessary to perform a cleaning operation on the first region of the communication surface (outer surface 2a) when the reception strength of the optical communication unit 10 used for optical communication falls below a threshold. Alternatively, the control unit 20 may determine that it is necessary to perform a cleaning operation on the first region of the communication surface (outer surface 2a) when the sensor 50 detects contamination in that region. If the control unit 20 determines that it is necessary to clean the first region of the communication surface (outer surface 2a) (step S152: Yes), the process proceeds to step S153.

In step S153, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the optical communication can be temporarily interrupted. For example, the control unit 20 may identify the priority of the optical communication currently in progress and make this determination according to that priority. The control unit 20 may also make this determination depending on whether or not there is data to be transmitted and data to be received via optical communication. If the control unit 20 determines that the optical communication can be temporarily interrupted (step S153: Yes), the process proceeds to step S154.

In step S154, the control unit 20 interrupts the optical communication. Before interrupting the optical communication, the control unit 20 may control the optical communication unit 10 used for optical communication to transmit an optical signal to the communication partner indicating that the optical communication is being interrupted.

In step S155, the control unit 20 controls the moving mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to the first region of the communication surface (outer surface 2a), and also controls the moving mechanism 40 to clean the first region. In the example shown in Figure 9, if the control unit 20 identifies optical communication units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d as the optical communication units 10 used for optical communication, it moves the cleaning member 30 to the first region of the communication surface (outer surface 2a) corresponding to these optical communication units 10 and controls the moving mechanism 40 to clean the first region. Once the cleaning of the first region of the communication surface (outer surface 2a) is complete, the control unit 20 proceeds to step S156.

In step S156, the control unit 20 resumes optical communication. When resuming optical communication, the control unit 20 may control the optical communication unit 10 (in the example in Figure 9, optical communication units 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d) used for optical communication to transmit an optical signal to the communication partner indicating that optical communication is being resumed.

(4.3) Example of the first cleaning operation flow in omnidirectional communication Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the first cleaning operation flow in omnidirectional communication according to the embodiment. Here, the differences from the cleaning operation flow example described above will be explained in detail.

In step S200, the control unit 20 determines whether or not to clean the communication surface (outer surface 2a) of the optical communication device 1. For example, the control unit 20 determines whether the current timing is a periodically set cleaning timing. The control unit 20 may also determine whether or not to clean the communication surface (outer surface 2a) depending on whether or not dirt on the communication surface (outer surface 2a) is detected by the sensor 50. If the control unit 20 determines to clean the communication surface (outer surface 2a) (step S200: Yes), the process proceeds to step S201.

In step S201, the control unit 20 determines whether or not optical communication (in this example, omnidirectional communication) is in progress. If it is determined that optical communication is not in progress (step S201: No), in step S202, the control unit 20 controls the moving mechanism 40 to clean the entire communication surface (outer peripheral surface 2a) with the cleaning member 30.

On the other hand, if it is determined that optical communication is in progress (step S201: Yes), in step S203, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the optical communication can be temporarily interrupted. For example, the control unit 20 may identify the priority of the optical communication currently in progress and make this determination according to that priority. The control unit 20 may also make this determination depending on whether or not there is data to be transmitted and data to be received via optical communication. If the control unit 20 determines that the optical communication cannot be temporarily interrupted (step S203: No), the process proceeds to step S204.

In step S204, the control unit 20 measures the received signal strength in each of the multiple optical communication units 10. In step S205, the control unit 20 identifies the optical communication unit 10 with the highest received signal strength measured in step S204. In step S206, the control unit 20 identifies a second region opposite to the first region corresponding to the optical communication unit 10 identified in step S205. In step S207, the control unit 20 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to the second region identified in step S206. In step S208, the control unit 20 controls the movement mechanism 40 to perform (continue) optical communication using the optical communication units 10 other than the one corresponding to the second region, and to clean the second region using the cleaning member 30.

On the other hand, if it is determined that optical communication can be temporarily interrupted (step S203: Yes), in step S209, the control unit 20 interrupts the optical communication. The control unit 20 may control each optical communication unit 10 to transmit an optical signal indicating that optical communication is being interrupted before interrupting it. Then, in step S210, the control unit 20 controls the moving mechanism 40 to clean the entire communication surface (outer peripheral surface 2a) with the cleaning member 30. Once the cleaning is complete, in step S211, the control unit 20 resumes optical communication. When resuming optical communication, the control unit 20 may control each optical communication unit 10 to transmit an optical signal indicating that optical communication is being resumed.

(4.4) Example of a second cleaning operation flow in omnidirectional communication Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of a second cleaning operation flow in omnidirectional communication according to the embodiment. Here, the differences from the cleaning operation flow example described above will be explained in detail.

In steps S251 to S255, the control unit 20 controls the movement mechanism 40 to sequentially move the cleaning member 30 to each of the multiple candidate positions on the communication surface (outer peripheral surface 2a), and measures the received signal strength of each optical communication unit 10 when the cleaning member 30 is at each candidate position. For example, the multiple candidate positions may be the positions corresponding to optical communication unit 10a, optical communication unit 10e, optical communication unit 10f, optical communication unit 10g, and optical communication unit 10h, as shown in Figure 13.

Specifically, in step S251, the control unit 20 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to a position corresponding to the optical communication unit 10a, and measures the received signal strength of each optical communication unit 10 when the cleaning member 30 is in that position (test reception).

In step S252, the control unit 20 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to a position corresponding to the optical communication unit 10e, and measures the received signal strength of each optical communication unit 10 when the cleaning member 30 is in that position (test reception).

In step S253, the control unit 20 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to a position corresponding to the optical communication unit 10f, and measures the received signal strength of each optical communication unit 10 when the cleaning member 30 is in that position (test reception).

In step S254, the control unit 20 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to a position corresponding to the optical communication unit 10g, and measures the received signal strength of each optical communication unit 10 when the cleaning member 30 is in that position (test reception).

In step S255, the control unit 20 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to a position corresponding to the optical communication unit 10h, and measures the received signal strength of each optical communication unit 10 when the cleaning member 30 is in that position (test reception).

In step S256, the control unit 20 identifies the region with the highest interference level, i.e., the candidate position where the cleaning member 30 causes the greatest interference to optical communication, based on the measurement results of the received signal strength for each candidate position. Then, the control unit 20 identifies the region opposite to the region with the highest interference level as the region (candidate position) where the cleaning member 30 causes the least interference to optical communication.

In step S257, the control unit 20 controls the movement mechanism 40 to move the cleaning member 30 to the region (candidate position) where the cleaning member 30 causes the least interference to optical communication. Here, the control unit 20 may also control the movement mechanism 40 to clean the area around the destination of the cleaning member 30.

(5) First Modified Example of Optical Communication Device Next, with reference to Figure 14, a first modified example of the optical communication device 1 according to the above embodiment will be described.

In the first modified example, the housing 2 (and main body 60) formed from a light-transmitting member has a hemispherical shape, and a plurality of optical communication units 10 are arranged in an array along the curved surface of the hemisphere. The moving mechanism 40 according to the first modified example includes a rotating shaft 41 provided on the main body 60, and a support member 45 that is rotatably supported by the rotating shaft 41 and rotates the cleaning member 30 vertically along the curved surface of the hemisphere. The support member 45 includes a sliding mechanism that moves the cleaning member 30 vertically along the curved surface of the hemisphere. Instead of the support member 45 including a sliding mechanism, the support member 45 may be configured to be expandable and retractable. The control according to the above embodiment can also be applied to the optical communication device 1 configured in this way.

(6) Second Modification Example of Optical Communication Device Next, a second modification example of the optical communication device 1 according to the above embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 17. In Figures 15 to 17, the light-transmitting housing 2 is shown by a dashed line. Figure 16 is a diagram showing the appearance of the optical communication device 1 shown in Figure 15 viewed from above (direction "A" in Figure 15), and Figure 17 is a diagram showing the appearance of the optical communication device 1 viewed from the side (direction "B" in Figure 15).

In the optical communication device 1 according to the second modification example, the housing 2 (and main body 60) has a rod-like shape, specifically a cylindrical shape. The moving mechanism 40 according to the second modification example includes a rotating shaft 41 provided on the main body 60, a support member 45 rotatably supported by the rotating shaft 41 and rotating the cleaning member 30 along the outer circumference of the rod-like shape, and a sliding mechanism 46 supported by the support member 45 and moving the cleaning member 30 along the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the rod-like shape. A telescopic mechanism may be provided instead of the sliding mechanism 46. The support member 45 has a wheel-like shape and is attached to both ends of the rotating shaft 41. The support member 45 rotates laterally due to the rotation of the rotating shaft 41. The sliding mechanism 46 has both ends connected to the upper and lower support members 45. The sliding mechanism 46 moves the cleaning member 30 up and down along the vertical direction. The control according to the above embodiment can also be applied to the optical communication device 1 configured in this way.

(7) Third Modification Example of Optical Communication Device Next, a third modification example of the optical communication device 1 according to the above embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 18 to 20. Figure 19 is a diagram showing the optical communication device 1 shown in Figure 18 as viewed from above (direction "A" in Figure 20), and Figure 20 is a diagram showing the optical communication device 1 shown in Figure 18 as viewed from the side (direction "B" in Figure 20).

In the optical communication device 1 according to the third modification example, the housing 2 (and main body 60) has a rod-like shape, specifically a cylindrical shape, similar to the second modification example described above. However, in the optical communication device 1 according to the third modification example, the configuration of the mobile mechanism 40 differs from that of the second modification example.

The third modified example of the moving mechanism 40 includes a rotating shaft 41 provided on the main body 60, a support member 45 rotatably supported by the rotating shaft 41 and rotating the cleaning member 30 along the outer circumference of a rod shape, and a sliding mechanism 46 supported by the support member 45 and moving the cleaning member 30 along the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the rod shape. Here, the sliding mechanism 46 has a vertical rail 46a whose both ends are connected to the upper and lower support members 45, a movable part 46b that moves along the rail 46a, and an arm 46c extending laterally from the movable part 46b. The cleaning member 30 is attached to the arm 46c. The control according to the above embodiment can also be applied to the optical communication device 1 configured in this way.

(8) Other Embodiments In the embodiments and the first modification described above, an example was given in which the housing 2 (and main body 60) has a spherical shape. However, the spherical shape is not limited to a perfect sphere, and as shown in Figure 21, the housing 2 (and main body 60) may be a polyhedron. Optical communication units 10 are provided on each face of the polyhedron. Such a polyhedron is also included in the spherical housing 2 (and main body 60). Furthermore, in the second and third modifications described above, an example was given in which the housing 2 (and main body 60) has a cylindrical shape as a rod shape. However, the rod shape is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and as shown in Figure 22, the housing 2 (and main body 60) may be a prismatic shape. Optical communication units 10 are provided on each side of the prismatic prism.

The above-described examples of modifications are not limited to being implemented separately and independently; two or more modifications may be combined and implemented. Furthermore, the operation flow in the above-described embodiments does not necessarily have to be executed chronologically in the order shown in the flowchart. For example, the steps in the operation may be executed in a different order than that shown in the flowchart, or they may be executed in parallel. Also, some steps in the operation may be deleted, or further steps may be added to the process. Moreover, some steps in one flowchart may be replaced with some steps in another flowchart.

A program may be provided that causes a computer to execute each process performed by the optical communication device 1. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. Using a computer-readable medium, it is possible to install the program on a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transient recording medium. The non-transient recording medium is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. Furthermore, the circuits that execute each process performed by the optical communication device 1 may be integrated, and at least a part of the optical communication device 1 may be configured as a semiconductor integrated circuit (chipset, SoC).

The phrases “based on” and “depending on/in response to” as used in this disclosure do not mean “based solely on” or “in response solely” unless otherwise specified. “Based on” means both “based solely on” and “at least partially on.” Similarly, “depending” means both “at least partially on” and “at least partially on.” The terms “include,” “comprise,” and variations thereof do not mean that only the listed items are included, but that they may include only the listed items or may include additional items in addition to the listed items. Furthermore, the term “or” as used in this disclosure is not intended to mean exclusive OR. Additionally, any reference to elements using designations such as “first,” “second,” etc., as used in this disclosure does not limit the quantity or order of those elements in general. These designations may be used herein as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Therefore, references to the first and second elements do not imply that only two elements may be adopted there, or that the first element must precede the second element in any way. In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, these articles shall be plural unless it is clearly indicated otherwise from the context.

The embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to those described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the gist of the concept.

(9) Addendum The following addendum is provided regarding the features of the embodiment described above.

(Note 1)
Multiple optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface,
A moving mechanism for moving a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface,
An optical communication device comprising: a control unit that controls the moving mechanism according to the status of optical communication in the plurality of optical communication units.

(Note 2)
The optical communication device as described in Appendix 1, wherein each of the plurality of optical communication units includes a light-emitting element used for transmitting optical signals and a light-receiving element used for receiving optical signals.

(Note 3)
The optical communication device according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls the moving mechanism to clean the entire communication surface using the cleaning member when the optical communication device is not performing optical communication.

(Note 4)
The optical communication device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the control unit controls the moving mechanism to suppress interference of the optical communication by the cleaning member when the cleaning member is used to clean the communication surface while the optical communication device is performing optical communication.

(Note 5)
The control unit, when the optical communication device performs directional communication,
Identify the optical communication unit corresponding to the direction of a specific communication partner from among the plurality of optical communication units,
The optical communication device according to Appendix 4, wherein the movement mechanism is controlled to move the cleaning member to a second region different from the first region corresponding to the identified optical communication unit.

(Note 6)
The optical communication device as described in Appendix 5, wherein the control unit performs optical communication with the specified communication partner using the specified optical communication unit and controls the moving mechanism to clean the second region using the cleaning member.

(Note 7)
The control unit, when the optical communication device performs omnidirectional communication,
Based on the received signal strength in each of the aforementioned plurality of optical communication units, the optical communication unit with the highest received signal strength is identified.
The optical communication device according to any one of the appendices 4 to 6, wherein the movement mechanism is controlled to move the cleaning member to a second region different from the first region corresponding to the identified optical communication unit.

(Note 8)
The optical communication device as described in Appendix 7, wherein the control unit performs optical communication using an optical communication unit other than the optical communication unit corresponding to the second region, and controls the moving mechanism to clean the second region using the cleaning member.

(Note 9)
The optical communication device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 8, wherein when the optical communication device is performing optical communication, and it becomes necessary to perform a cleaning operation on the communication surface using the cleaning member, the control unit controls the moving mechanism to perform the cleaning operation during the interruption period in which the optical communication is temporarily interrupted.

(Note 10)
The control unit,
When the optical communication device is performing optical communication, and it becomes necessary to perform a cleaning operation on the communication surface using the cleaning member, it is determined whether or not the optical communication can be temporarily interrupted.
The optical communication device according to Appendix 9, which, when it is determined that the optical communication can be temporarily interrupted, temporarily interrupts the optical communication and controls the moving mechanism to perform the cleaning operation during the interruption period.

(Note 11)
The system further includes a sensor for detecting dirt on the communication surface,
The optical communication device as described in Appendix 10, wherein the control unit determines that it is necessary to perform the cleaning operation in response to the detection of the dirt.

(Note 12)
The optical communication device as described in Appendix 10, wherein the control unit determines that it is necessary to perform the cleaning operation when the received signal strength of the optical communication unit used for optical communication falls below a threshold.

(Note 13)
The optical communication apparatus as described in Appendix 12, wherein the control unit controls the moving mechanism to clean the communication area corresponding to the optical communication unit where the received signal strength falls below the threshold during an interruption period in which the optical communication is temporarily interrupted.

(Note 14)
The control unit, when the optical communication device performs omnidirectional communication,
The movement mechanism is controlled to sequentially move the cleaning member to each of the multiple candidate positions.
By measuring the received intensity of each of the multiple optical communication units when the cleaning member is in each candidate position, the candidate position in which the cleaning member causes the least interference to the optical communication is identified from among the multiple candidate positions.
An optical communication device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 13, which controls the movement mechanism to move the cleaning member to the identified candidate position.

(Note 15)
The device further comprises a housing formed of a light-transmitting material, which houses the plurality of optical communication units.
The housing has a spherical, hemispherical, or rod-shaped form.
The curved outer surface of the housing constitutes the communication surface. This is an optical communication device as described in any of Appendix 1 to 14.

(Note 16)
The housing has the spherical shape,
The aforementioned moving mechanism is
The first axis of rotation and
A first arm is rotatably supported by the first rotation axis and rotates the cleaning member in a first direction,
The second rotation axis provided on the first arm,
The optical communication device according to Appendix 15, further comprising: a second arm rotatably supported by the second rotation axis, which rotates the cleaning member in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

(Note 17)
The housing has the hemispherical shape,
The aforementioned moving mechanism is
The axis of rotation and
The system includes a support member that is rotatably supported by the aforementioned rotating shaft and rotates the cleaning member in a first direction,
The optical communication device as described in Appendix 15, wherein the support member has a sliding mechanism or an extension/retraction mechanism for moving the cleaning member in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

(Note 18)
The housing has the rod-shaped form,
The aforementioned moving mechanism is
The axis of rotation and
A support member that is rotatably supported by the aforementioned rotating shaft and rotates the cleaning member along the outer circumference of the rod-shaped structure,
The optical communication device according to Appendix 15, comprising a sliding mechanism or telescopic mechanism that is supported by the support member and moves the cleaning member along the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped form.

(Note 19)
A control method for controlling an optical communication device,
The steps include performing optical communication using multiple optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface,
A control method comprising the steps of controlling a moving mechanism that moves a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface according to the optical communication status in the plurality of optical communication units.

(Note 20)
In optical communication equipment,
The steps include performing optical communication using multiple optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface,
A program that causes a program to perform the steps of: controlling a moving mechanism that moves a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface, according to the status of optical communication in the plurality of optical communication units.

1: Optical communication device 1a: Terminal device 1b: Base station device 2: Housing 2a: Outer peripheral surface (communication surface)
2b: Inner surface 10: Optical communication unit 11: Light-emitting element 12: Light-receiving element 15: Transmitting/receiving unit 20: Control unit 21: Processor 22: Memory 30: Cleaning member 40: Moving mechanism 41: Rotating shaft 42: First arm 43: Second rotating shaft 44: Second arm 45: Support member 46: Sliding mechanism 46c: Arm 50: Sensor 60: Main body

Claims (19)

Optical communication device,
Multiple optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface,
A moving mechanism for moving a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface,
The system includes a control unit that controls the mobile mechanism according to the status of optical communication in the plurality of optical communication units ,
The control unit controls the moving mechanism to use the cleaning member to clean the entire communication surface when the optical communication device is not performing optical communication.
Optical communication device. The optical communication device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of optical communication units includes a light-emitting element used for transmitting optical signals and a light-receiving element used for receiving optical signals. Optical communication device,
Multiple optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface,
A moving mechanism for moving a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface,
The system includes a control unit that controls the mobile mechanism according to the status of optical communication in the plurality of optical communication units,
When the optical communication device is performing optical communication, the control unit controls the moving mechanism to suppress interference between the cleaning member and the optical communication when the cleaning member is used to clean the communication surface .
Optical communication device. The control unit, when the optical communication device performs directional communication,
Identify the optical communication unit corresponding to the direction of a specific communication partner from among the plurality of optical communication units,
The optical communication device according to claim 3 , wherein the moving mechanism is controlled to move the cleaning member to a second region different from the first region corresponding to the identified optical communication unit. The optical communication device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit performs optical communication with the specified communication partner using the specified optical communication unit and controls the moving mechanism to clean the second region using the cleaning member. The control unit, when the optical communication device performs omnidirectional communication,
Based on the received signal strength in each of the aforementioned plurality of optical communication units, the optical communication unit with the highest received signal strength is identified.
The optical communication device according to claim 3 , wherein the moving mechanism is controlled to move the cleaning member to a second region different from the first region corresponding to the identified optical communication unit. The optical communication device according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit performs optical communication using an optical communication unit other than the optical communication unit corresponding to the second region, and controls the moving mechanism to clean the second region using the cleaning member. Optical communication device,
Multiple optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface,
A moving mechanism for moving a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface,
The system includes a control unit that controls the mobile mechanism according to the status of optical communication in the plurality of optical communication units,
When the optical communication device is performing optical communication and it becomes necessary to perform a cleaning operation on the communication surface using the cleaning member, the control unit controls the moving mechanism to perform the cleaning operation during the interruption period when the optical communication is temporarily interrupted.
Optical communication device. The control unit,
When the optical communication device is performing optical communication, and it becomes necessary to perform a cleaning operation on the communication surface using the cleaning member, it is determined whether or not the optical communication can be temporarily interrupted.
The optical communication device according to claim 8 , wherein, if it is determined that the optical communication can be temporarily interrupted, the optical communication is temporarily interrupted and the moving mechanism is controlled to perform the cleaning operation during the interruption period. The system further includes a sensor for detecting dirt on the communication surface,
The optical communication device according to claim 9 , wherein the control unit determines that it is necessary to perform the cleaning operation in response to the detection of the dirt. The optical communication apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the control unit determines that it is necessary to perform the cleaning operation when the received signal strength of the optical communication unit used for optical communication falls below a threshold. The optical communication apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the control unit controls the moving mechanism to clean the communication surface corresponding to the optical communication unit whose received signal strength falls below the threshold during an interruption period in which the optical communication is temporarily interrupted. Optical communication device,
Multiple optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface,
A moving mechanism for moving a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface,
The system includes a control unit that controls the mobile mechanism according to the status of optical communication in the plurality of optical communication units,
The control unit, when the optical communication device performs omnidirectional communication,
The movement mechanism is controlled to sequentially move the cleaning member to each of the multiple candidate positions.
By measuring the received intensity of each of the multiple optical communication units when the cleaning member is in each candidate position, the candidate position in which the cleaning member causes the least interference to the optical communication is identified from among the multiple candidate positions.
The movement mechanism is controlled to move the cleaning member to the identified candidate position.
Optical communication device. The device further comprises a housing formed of a light-transmitting material, which houses the plurality of optical communication units.
The housing has a spherical, hemispherical, or rod-shaped form.
The curved outer surface of the housing constitutes the communication surface, as described in any one of claims 1 to 13 . The housing has the spherical shape,
The aforementioned moving mechanism is
The first axis of rotation and
A first arm is rotatably supported by the first rotation axis and rotates the cleaning member in a first direction,
The second rotation axis provided on the first arm,
The optical communication device according to claim 14 , further comprising: a second arm rotatably supported by the second rotation axis, which rotates the cleaning member in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The housing has the hemispherical shape,
The aforementioned moving mechanism is
The axis of rotation and
The system includes a support member that is rotatably supported by the aforementioned rotating shaft and rotates the cleaning member in a first direction,
The optical communication device according to claim 14 , wherein the support member has a sliding mechanism or telescopic mechanism for moving the cleaning member in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The housing has the rod-shaped form,
The aforementioned moving mechanism is
The axis of rotation and
A support member that is rotatably supported by the aforementioned rotating shaft and rotates the cleaning member along the outer circumference of the rod-shaped structure,
The optical communication device according to claim 14 , further comprising a sliding mechanism or telescopic mechanism supported by the support member for moving the cleaning member along the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped form. A control method for controlling an optical communication device,
The steps include performing optical communication using multiple optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface,
The steps include controlling a moving mechanism that moves a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface according to the optical communication status in the plurality of optical communication units,
A control method comprising the step of controlling the moving mechanism to clean the entire communication surface using the cleaning member when the optical communication device is not performing optical communication . In optical communication equipment,
The steps include performing optical communication using multiple optical communication units arranged in an array along a curved communication surface,
The steps include controlling a moving mechanism that moves a cleaning member for cleaning the communication surface along the communication surface according to the optical communication status in the plurality of optical communication units,
A program that causes the optical communication device to perform the step of controlling the moving mechanism to clean the entire communication surface using the cleaning member when the optical communication device is not performing optical communication .