Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
An optical communications system having a distribution frame (10), said distribution frame comprising: at least one shelf (12, 14); and at least one interconnection module (16, 18) operably connected within said at least one shelf and adapted for optically connecting a first optical channel (32, 34, 36) to a second optical channel (42, 44, 46), wherein said interconnection module is adapted to include a microcontroller capable of ascertaining at least one identifiable operating characteristic of said optical communications system.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
51 words
The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said communications system is for use with a system controller of said distribution frame, and wherein said system further comprises an electrical interconnection fabric (72) for electrically connecting said interconnection modules including a microcontroller with said system controller and with other interconnection modules.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said communications system is for use with a system controller of said distribution frame, and wherein said system further comprises an optical interconnection fabric (74) for optically connecting each of said interconnection modules including a microcontroller with said system controller.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
110 words
The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said communications system is for use with a system controller of said distribution frame and wherein said system further comprises: an electrical interconnection fabric (72) for controlling electrical information transmitted between said interconnection module microcontrollers within said system and between said microcontrollers and said system controller, said electrical information including information relating to the optical information transmitted between said first and second optical channels; and an optical interconnection fabric (74) for controlling optical information transmitted between said system controller and said interconnection module microcontrollers, said optical information including information relating to the optical information transmitted between said first and second optical channels.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said interconnection module is adapted for monitoring the transmission of the optical information between said first and second optical channels and for operably connecting to said microcontroller.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said interconnection module includes circuitry for monitoring the signal strength of the optical information transmitted between said first and second optical channels and for transmitting information based on said monitored signal strength.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
67 words
The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said communications system is for use with and in electrical and optical connection with a system controller in such a way that said microcontroller can transmit an electrical signal to said system controller that causes an optical signal to be transmitted in response thereto from said system controller to the interconnection module from which said electrical signal was transmitted.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
59 words
The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one interconnection module further comprises a first interconnection module optically connected to said first optical channel and a second interconnection module optically connected to said second optical channel, and wherein said communications system further comprises an optical jumper cable optically connected between said first and second interconnection modules.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said interconnection module has an address associated therewith and capable of being read by other interconnection modules and controllers operably connected thereto.