DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Information Disclosure Statement
2. The Information Disclosure Statement filed on 12/01/2023 has been considered.
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are:
For claim 1,
a. a wavelength selective unit configured to…on line 6;
b. a wavelength conversion unit configured to… on line 10;
c. an optical compensation unit configured to… on line 12;
d. a control unit configured to acquire… on line 15;
e. an output unit configured to output… on line 22.
For claim 3,
a. the control unit acquires…on lines 3-12.
For claim 4,
a. the control unit controls the…on line 2.
For claim 5,
a. the optical compensation unit compensates the…on line 2.
For claim 6,
a. the optical compensation unit compensates the…on line 2.
For claim 7,
a. a wavelength combining switch unit configured to…on lines 2-11.
For claim 10,
a. an wavelength detection unit configured to… on line 10.
For claim 12,
a. a wavelength selective unit configured to…on line 9;
b. a wavelength conversion unit configured to… on line 13;
c. an optical compensation unit configured to… on line 15;
d. a control unit configured to acquire… on line 18;
e. an output unit configured to output… on line 25;
f. the storage device stores…on line 29.
For claim 13,
a. the storage device further stores…on line 2;
b. the control unit acquires transmission line…on line 5-13.
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
a. Wavelength selective switching may also be referred to as WSS (wavelength selective switch), see paragraph 48 and figure 1.
b. The optical compensation unit 114 includes compensators 114a and 114b, see paragraph 84 and figure 6.
c. The output unit 116 includes a third terminal for outputting the third optical signal and a fourth terminal for outputting the fourth optical signal, see paragraph 83 and figure 1.
d. The wavelength combining switch unit 117 (Wavelength selective switch) combines wavelengths of a part of the first optical signal and a part of the second optical signal to generate a third optical signal and combines another part of the first optical signal and another part of the second optical signal to generate a fourth optical signal, see paragraph 82 and figure 6.
c. The storage device 12 stores in the database in advance a relationship between the wavelength conversion, the distortion being generated at the time of the wavelength conversion, and the transmission rate of the optical signal, see paragraph 65 and figure 6.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 1,3, 4,10,12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Examiner’s Note: Claims 2,5-9,11 and 13 are rejected under 35 USC 112b for being dependent upon the rejected independent claims 1 and 12.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claims 1,2,5,10 and 11 are rejected under 35 USC as being unpatentable over Yamauchi et al; (US 2022/0271587) in view Tanaka et al; (JP 2000124857A) and further in view of JP (JP 3822548B2).
Regarding claim 1, Yamauchi discloses an optical signal relay apparatus;(transmission and reception devices 2A and 2B, see figures 1A and 1B) comprising: an input unit including a first input terminal to which a first optical signal including at least one wavelength is input via a first transmission line, (a first transmission group with plurality of wavelengths input to the optical multiplexer 12, see figure 1A) and a second input terminal to which a second optical signal including at least one wavelength is input via a second transmission line;( a second transmission group with plurality of wavelengths input to the optical multiplexer 12, see figure 1A) a wavelength selective switch unit configured to, when a same-wavelength optical signal having the same wavelength as a wavelength included in the second optical signal is present in a wavelength included in the first optical signal, separate the same-wavelength optical signal ;(the wavelength demultiplexer 40 demultiplexes the WDM light received from the transmission line 3 into the first WDM light in the C band, the second WDM light in the L band, and the third WDM light in the S band, see paragraph 52 and figure 1B) a wavelength conversion unit configured to convert the wavelength of the same-wavelength optical signal into a different wavelength ;(the wavelength demultiplexer 40 outputs the first WDM light to the second reception group 50B, outputs the second WDM light to the second wavelength conversion device 20B, and outputs the third WDM light to the fourth wavelength conversion device 20D, see paragraph 52 and figure 1B) an optical compensation unit configured to compensate for a predetermined distortion being generated when converting the wavelength of the same-wavelength optical signal into the different wavelength; (the separation unit 4B separates the signal wavelength for each CH number in the separated first control signal, refers to the CH number table 4C, and transmits the first control signal including the signal wavelength corresponding to the corresponding CH number with respect to the transmitter 11 corresponding to the CH number and the wavelength conversion device 20 executes an operation of calculating the signal wavelength for each CH number assigned for each zero dispersion wavelength when installed in the WDM system 1, see paragraphs 68 and 69 and figure 7) a control unit configured to acquire the predetermined distortion, based on a database that stores in advance a relationship among the wavelength conversion ;( the wavelength conversion device 20 executes an operation of calculating the signal wavelength for each CH number assigned for each zero dispersion wavelength when installed in the WDM system 1, see paragraph 69 and figure 7) and control the optical compensation unit in such a way as to compensate for the predetermined distortion ;(control unit 24 for sending the control signal to the wavelength conversion unit 21 based on the first correspondence table 23 is a storage area for storing the signal wavelength of each CH number for each zero dispersion wavelength of the highly non-linear fiber in the wavelength conversion unit 21, see paragraph 61 and figure 3) and an output unit configured to output a different-wavelength optical signal including the different wavelength after the predetermined distortion is compensated;(WDM light after conversion is provided at the output of the wavelength conversion unit 21, see figure 3).
However, Yamauchi does not explicitly disclose a distortion being generated at a time of the wavelength conversion, and a transmission rate of an optical signal, the wavelength of the same-wavelength optical signal, the different wavelength, and the transmission rate of the same-wavelength optical signal,
In a related field of endeavor, Tanaka discloses a distortion being generated at a time of the wavelength conversion, the wavelength of the same-wavelength optical signal, the different wavelength; (the accumulated chromatic dispersion of the signal S1 changes in the positive direction after the wavelength converter 20 (to zero). Approaching). The wavelength conversion device 20 is placed on the optical fiber transmission line 14 at a position where the absolute value of the cumulative chromatic dispersion value of the wavelength λ1 is equal to the absolute value of the cumulative chromatic dispersion value of the wavelength λ8. The accumulated chromatic dispersion of the signal S1 becomes zero, see page 4, lines 1-9 and figure 1).
Thus, it would be obvious for one of the ordinary skilled in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to combine the wavelength converting device of Tanaka with Yamauchi to convert the wavelengths of inputted signals into wavelengths in which the wavelength dispersion value on the optical transmission line can become opposite in polarity and its absolute value is practically equal and the motivation is to provide dispersion compensation in the optical transmission system.
However, the combination of Yamauchi and Tanaka does not explicitly disclose a transmission rate of an optical signal, and the transmission rate of the same-wavelength optical signal.
In a related field of endeavor, JP discloses a transmission rate of an optical signal, and the transmission rate of the same-wavelength optical signal;( the dispersion tolerance is inversely proportional to the square of the data transmission rate (bit rate). For example, the dispersion tolerance is about 800 ps/nm in a 10 Gb/s system, the dispersion tolerance is in a 40 Gb/s system decreases to about 50 ps/ nm and becomes severe, see page 1 and paragraph 2).
Thus, it would be obvious for one of the ordinary skilled in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to combine the transmission rate and or modulation method of JP with Yamauchi and Tanaka to provide balance between the dispersion tolerance and data rate and the motivation is to increased transmission distance for optical data transmission and/or reception.
Regarding claim 2, Yamauchi discloses the optical signal relay apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the database further stores in advance a relationship between a ;(first correspondence table 23 storing zero dispersion wavelength for plurality of channel numbers and corresponding wavelengths, see figures 3, 4a and 4b.
However, the combination of Yamauchi and Tanaka does not explicitly disclose modulation method to be used in modulating an optical signal and the generated distortion.
In a related field of endeavor, JP discloses modulation method to be used in modulating an optical signal and the generated distortion;( the dispersion tolerance is inversely proportional to the square of the data transmission rate (bit rate). For example, the dispersion tolerance is about 800 ps/nm in a 10 Gb/s system, the dispersion tolerance is in a 40 Gb/s system decreases to about 50 ps/ nm and becomes severe, see page 1 and paragraph 2). Motivation same as claim 1.
Regarding claim 5, Yamauchi discloses the optical signal relay apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical compensation unit ;( the wavelength conversion device 20, see figure 3) compensates for the predetermined distortion, before the wavelength of the same-wavelength optical signal is converted into the different wavelength, ;(control unit 24 for sending the control signal to the wavelength conversion unit 21 based on the first correspondence table 23 is a storage area for storing the signal wavelength of each CH number for each zero dispersion wavelength of the highly non-linear fiber in the wavelength conversion unit 21 before outputting the WDM light after conversion; see paragraph 61 and figure 3) or compensates for the predetermined distortion, after the wavelength of the same-wavelength optical signal is converted into the different wavelength. (Only one of the claim limitation is required to be conserved by the Examiner).
Regarding claim 10, Yamauchi discloses the optical signal relay apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an optical wavelength detection unit configured to detect whether the same-wavelength optical signal is present in a wavelength included in the first optical signal ;(the wavelength demultiplexer 40 demultiplexes the WDM light received from the transmission line 3 into the first WDM light in the C band, the second WDM light in the L band, and the third WDM light in the S band, see paragraph 52 and figure 1B).
Regarding claim 11, Yamauchi discloses the optical signal relay apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the different wavelength is a wavelength other than a wavelength of the first optical signal and a wavelength of the second optical signal ;(the wavelength demultiplexer 40 demultiplexes (separating plurality of wavelengths) the WDM light received from the transmission line 3 into the first WDM light in the C band, the second WDM light in the L band, and the third WDM light in the S band, see paragraph 52 and figure 1B).
Claim 6 is rejected under 35 USC as being unpatentable over Yamauchi et al; (US 2022/0271587) in view Tanaka et al; (JP 2000124857A) further in view of JP (JP 3822548B2) and further in view of Kasezawa (US 2008/0232798).
Regarding claim 6, Yamauchi discloses the optical signal relay apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical compensation unit ;(the wavelength conversion device 20, see figure 3) compensates for the predetermined distortion, before the wavelength of the same-wavelength optical signal is converted into the different wavelength, ;(control unit 24 for sending the control signal to the wavelength conversion unit 21 based on the first correspondence table 23 is a storage area for storing the signal wavelength of each CH number for each zero dispersion wavelength of the highly non-linear fiber in the wavelength conversion unit 21 before outputting the WDM light after conversion; see paragraph 61 and figure 3) and
However, the combination of Yamauchi, Tanaka and JP discloses does not explicitly disclose compensates for the predetermined distortion, after the wavelength of the same-wavelength optical signal is converted into the different wavelength.
In a related field of endeavor, Kasezawa discloses disclose compensates for the predetermined distortion, after the wavelength of the same-wavelength optical signal is converted into the different wavelength;(the dispersion compensator in each of the transponders 54-1 to 54-n compensates for wavelength dispersion caused on the optical fiber transmission path F. The wavelength conversion is performed after the dispersion compensation, see paragraph 9 and figure 16).
Thus, it would be obvious for one of the ordinary skilled in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to combine the dispersion compensation of Kasezawa with Yamauchi, Tanaka and JP to provide compensation for wavelength dispersion caused on the optical fiber transmission path and the motivation is increased efficiency in optical dispersion compensation.
Claim 9 is rejected under 35 USC as being unpatentable over Yamauchi et al; (US 2022/0271587) in view Tanaka et al; (JP 2000124857A) further in view of JP (JP 3822548B2) and further in view of Toshio et al; (EP 0729057A2).
Regarding claim 9, the combination of Yamauchi, Tanaka and JP discloses does not explicitly disclose the optical signal relay apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first optical signal and the second optical signal are coherent light.
In a related field of endeavor, Toshio discloses the optical signal relay apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first optical signal and the second optical signal are coherent light;(the coherent white light source of this embodiment features a dispersion compensation medium 15 coupled to the output end of the white light waveguide 11, see page 9, lines 5-7 and figure 11).
Thus, it would be obvious for one of the ordinary skilled in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to combine the coherent light source of Toshio with Yamauchi, Tanaka and JP to provide highly directional beams and the motivation increased efficiency in managing chromatic dispersion in a fiber transmission.
Claim 12 is rejected under 35 USC as being unpatentable over Yamauchi et al; (US 2022/0271587) in view Tanaka et al; (JP 2000124857A) and further in view of JP (JP 3822548B2).
Regarding claim 12, Yamauchi discloses an optical transmission system comprising an optical signal relay apparatus ;(transmission and reception devices 2A and 2B, see figures 1A and 1B) and a storage device configured to store information relating to a distortion being generated at a time of wavelength conversion,(first correspondence table 23 storing zero dispersion wavelength for plurality of channel numbers and corresponding wavelengths, see figures 3, 4a and 4b) wherein the optical signal relay apparatus includes an input unit including a first input terminal to which a first optical signal including at least one wavelength is input via a first transmission line,(a first transmission group with plurality of wavelengths input to the optical multiplexer 12, see figure 1A) and a second input terminal to which a second optical signal including at least one wavelength is input via a second transmission line;( a second transmission group with plurality of wavelengths input to the optical multiplexer 12, see figure 1A) a wavelength selective switch unit configured to, when a same-wavelength optical signal having the same wavelength as a wavelength included in the second optical signal is present in a wavelength included in the first optical signal, separate the same-wavelength optical signal ;(the wavelength demultiplexer 40 demultiplexes the WDM light received from the transmission line 3 into the first WDM light in the C band, the second WDM light in the L band, and the third WDM light in the S band, see paragraph 52 and figure 1B) a wavelength conversion unit configured to convert the wavelength of the same-wavelength optical signal into a different wavelength ;(the wavelength demultiplexer 40 outputs the first WDM light to the second reception group 50B, outputs the second WDM light to the second wavelength conversion device 20B, and outputs the third WDM light to the fourth wavelength conversion device 20D, see paragraph 52 and figure 1B) an optical compensation unit configured to compensate for a predetermined distortion being generated when converting the wavelength of the same-wavelength optical signal into the different wavelength,(the separation unit 4B separates the signal wavelength for each CH number in the separated first control signal, refers to the CH number table 4C, and transmits the first control signal including the signal wavelength corresponding to the corresponding CH number with respect to the transmitter 11 corresponding to the CH number and the wavelength conversion device 20 executes an operation of calculating the signal wavelength for each CH number assigned for each zero dispersion wavelength when installed in the WDM system 1, see paragraphs 68 and 69 and figure 7) a control unit configured to acquire the predetermined distortion, based on a database that stores in advance a relationship among the wavelength conversion ;( the wavelength conversion device 20 executes an operation of calculating the signal wavelength for each CH number assigned for each zero dispersion wavelength when installed in the WDM system 1, see paragraph 69 and figure 7) and control the optical compensation unit in such a way as to compensate for the predetermined distortion, ;(control unit 24 for sending the control signal to the wavelength conversion unit 21 based on the first correspondence table 23 is a storage area for storing the signal wavelength of each CH number for each zero dispersion wavelength of the highly non-linear fiber in the wavelength conversion unit 21, see paragraph 61 and figure 3) and an output unit configured to output a different-wavelength optical signal including the different wavelength after the predetermined distortion is compensated ;(WDM light after conversion is provided at the output of the wavelength conversion unit 21, see figure 3) and the storage device stores, in the database in advance, a relationship among the wavelength conversion,(first correspondence table 23 storing zero dispersion wavelength for plurality of channel numbers and corresponding wavelengths and sending the control signal to the wavelength conversion unit 21, see figures 3, 4a and 4b).
However, Yamauchi does not explicitly disclose a distortion being generated at a time of the wavelength conversion, a distortion being generated at a time of the wavelength conversion and a transmission rate of an optical signal, the wavelength of the same-wavelength optical signal, the different wavelength, and the transmission rate of the same-wavelength optical signal, and the transmission rate of an optical signal.
In a related field of endeavor, Tanaka discloses a distortion being generated at a time of the wavelength conversion, a distortion being generated at a time of the wavelength conversion, the wavelength of the same-wavelength optical signal, the different wavelength; (the accumulated chromatic dispersion of the signal S1 changes in the positive direction after the wavelength converter 20 (to zero). Approaching). The wavelength conversion device 20 is placed on the optical fiber transmission line 14 at a position where the absolute value of the cumulative chromatic dispersion value of the wavelength λ1 is equal to the absolute value of the cumulative chromatic dispersion value of the wavelength λ8. The accumulated chromatic dispersion of the signal S1 becomes zero, see page 4, lines 1-9 and figure 1).
Thus, it would be obvious for one of the ordinary skilled in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to combine the wavelength converting device of Tanaka with Yamauchi to convert the wavelengths of inputted signals into wavelengths in which the wavelength dispersion value on the optical transmission line can become opposite in polarity and its absolute value is practically equal and the motivation is to provide dispersion compensation in the optical transmission system.
However, the combination of Yamauchi and Tanaka does not explicitly disclose a transmission rate of an optical signal, and the transmission rate of the same-wavelength optical signal, and the transmission rate of an optical signal.
In a related field of endeavor, JP discloses a transmission rate of an optical signal, and the transmission rate of the same-wavelength optical signal, and the transmission rate of an optical signal ;( the dispersion tolerance is inversely proportional to the square of the data transmission rate (bit rate). For example, the dispersion tolerance is about 800 ps/nm in a 10 Gb/s system, the dispersion tolerance is in a 40 Gb/s system decreases to about 50 ps/ nm and becomes severe, see page 1 and paragraph 2).
Thus, it would be obvious for one of the ordinary skilled in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to combine the transmission rate and or modulation method of JP with Yamauchi and Tanaka to provide balance between the dispersion tolerance and data rate and the motivation is to increased transmission distance for optical data transmission and/or reception.
Claim 14 is rejected under 35 USC as being unpatentable over Yamauchi et al; (US 2022/0271587) in view Tanaka et al; (JP 2000124857A) and further in view of JP (JP 3822548B2).
Regarding claim 14 discloses an optical signal relay method ;(transmission and reception devices 2A and 2B, see figures 1A and 1B) comprising: separating,(wavelength demultiplexer 40, see figure 1B) when a same-wavelength optical signal having the same wavelength as a wavelength included in a second optical signal including at least one wavelength is present in a wavelength included in a first optical signal including at least one wavelength, the same-wavelength optical signal;( the wavelength demultiplexer 40 demultiplexes the WDM light received from the transmission line 3 into the first WDM light in the C band, the second WDM light in the L band, and the third WDM light in the S band, see paragraph 52 and figure 1B) converting a wavelength of the same-wavelength optical signal into a different wavelength;(the wavelength demultiplexer 40 outputs the first WDM light to the second reception group 50B, outputs the second WDM light to the second wavelength conversion device 20B, and outputs the third WDM light to the fourth wavelength conversion device 20D, see paragraph 52 and figure 1B) compensating for a predetermined distortion being generated when converting the wavelength of the same-wavelength optical signal into the different wavelength;(the separation unit 4B separates the signal wavelength for each CH number in the separated first control signal, refers to the CH number table 4C, and transmits the first control signal including the signal wavelength corresponding to the corresponding CH number with respect to the transmitter 11 corresponding to the CH number and the wavelength conversion device 20 executes an operation of calculating the signal wavelength for each CH number assigned for each zero dispersion wavelength when installed in the WDM system 1, see paragraphs 68 and 69 and figure 7) acquiring the predetermined distortion, based on a database that stores in advance a relationship among the wavelength conversion ;( the wavelength conversion device 20 executes an operation of calculating the signal wavelength for each CH number assigned for each zero dispersion wavelength when installed in the WDM system 1, see paragraph 69 and figure 7) and performing control in such a way as to compensate for the predetermined distortion;(control unit 24 for sending the control signal to the wavelength conversion unit 21 based on the first correspondence table 23 is a storage area for storing the signal wavelength of each CH number for each zero dispersion wavelength of the highly non-linear fiber in the wavelength conversion unit 21, see paragraph 61 and figure 3) and outputting a different-wavelength optical signal including the different wavelength after the predetermined distortion is compensated ;(WDM light after conversion is provided at the output of the wavelength conversion unit 21, see figure 3).
However, Yamauchi does not explicitly disclose a distortion being generated at a time of the wavelength conversion, and a transmission rate of an optical signal, the wavelength of the same-wavelength optical signal, the different wavelength, and the transmission rate of the same-wavelength optical signal.
In a related field of endeavor, Tanaka discloses a distortion being generated at a time of the wavelength conversion, the wavelength of the same-wavelength optical signal, the different wavelength; (the accumulated chromatic dispersion of the signal S1 changes in the positive direction after the wavelength converter 20 (to zero). Approaching). The wavelength conversion device 20 is placed on the optical fiber transmission line 14 at a position where the absolute value of the cumulative chromatic dispersion value of the wavelength λ1 is equal to the absolute value of the cumulative chromatic dispersion value of the wavelength λ8. The accumulated chromatic dispersion of the signal S1 becomes zero, see page 4, lines 1-9 and figure 1).
Thus, it would be obvious for one of the ordinary skilled in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to combine the wavelength converting device of Tanaka with Yamauchi to convert the wavelengths of inputted signals into wavelengths in which the wavelength dispersion value on the optical transmission line can become opposite in polarity and its absolute value is practically equal and the motivation is to provide dispersion compensation in the optical transmission system.
However, the combination of Yamauchi and Tanaka does not explicitly disclose a transmission rate of an optical signal, and the transmission rate of the same-wavelength optical signal.
In a related field of endeavor JP discloses a transmission rate of an optical signal, and the transmission rate of the same-wavelength optical signal ;( the dispersion tolerance is inversely proportional to the square of the data transmission rate (bit rate). For example, the dispersion tolerance is about 800 ps/nm in a 10 Gb/s system, the dispersion tolerance is in a 40 Gb/s system decreases to about 50 ps/ nm and becomes severe, see page 1 and paragraph 2).
Thus, it would be obvious for one of the ordinary skilled in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to combine the transmission rate and or modulation method of JP with Yamauchi and Tanaka to provide balance between the dispersion tolerance and data rate and the motivation is to increased transmission distance for optical data transmission and/or reception.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure is reproduced below.
a. Takeyama (US 2020/0371292) discloses a first wavelength conversion circuit configured to convert a wavelength band of a wavelength multiplexed signal light based on a wavelength of a second excitation light by performing four-wave mixing on the second excitation light and the wavelength multiplexed signal light inputted to a second nonlinear medium; and a second wavelength conversion circuit configured to convert the wavelength band of the wavelength multiplexed signal light based on a difference between frequencies of a third excitation light and a fourth excitation light by performing four-wave mixing on the third excitation light and the fourth excitation light and the wavelength multiplexed signal light inputted to a third nonlinear medium, see figure 1.
b. Mori (US 2020/0004107) discloses a wavelength converter that wavelength-converts input signal light using a nonlinear optical medium to output the converted signal light, a memory that holds first information relating to a wavelength conversion characteristic of the wavelength converter, see figure 3.
c. Ohtani (US 2011/0205531) discloses s generating a set of test lights in a terminal. Each test light is multiplexed with signal light, and the multiplexed light is output from a terminal station to a transmission path and electrical signals are reconverted into the test light after receiving the electrical signals in another terminal station, see figure 3.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to AMRITBIR K SANDHU whose telephone number is (571)270-1894. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 9am to 5pm.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Kenneth Vanderpuye can be reached at 571-272-3078. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/AMRITBIR K SANDHU/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2634
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