Patent Publication Number: US-10317631-B2

Title: Optical communication connector to restrain direct emission of collimated light

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a U.S. National Phase of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2016/076296 filed on Sep. 7, 2016, which claims priority benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. JP 2015-194753 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Sep. 30, 2015. Each of the above-referenced applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to an optical communication connector, an optical communication cable, and an electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Recently, there is a demand for a larger transmission capacity along with the increase in the amount of communication over the Internet and the like. In conventional transmission systems via copper cables, it is becoming difficult to achieve such a large transmission capacity. Therefore, optical communication that can achieve a larger transmission capacity has been proposed. 
     A so-called physical contact (PC) system of abutting optical fibers to each other in a connector is adopted for optical communication cables generally used at present. In the PC system, however, highly-accurate adjustment is required for aligning the both optical fibers. In addition, in the abutment of the optical fibers, the both optical fibers need cleaning every time connection is made in order to prevent waste or the like from adhering to the tips of the optical fibers to damage the optical fibers. Further, in the PC system, in order to suppress a coupling failure in a gap between the leading ends of the optical fibers, injection of a refractive index adjuster into the gap is indispensable. From these results, it is difficult for general users to insert and remove optical fibers by the PC system. 
     As a method for solving these problems, a collimating optical coupling system has been proposed. In the collimating optical coupling system, each lens is mounted with the optical axis aligned at the tip of each optical fiber, and an optical signal is turned into parallel light to transfer the optical signal between opposed lenses. By using such a collimating optical coupling system, the accuracy in aligning connectors of optical fibers to each other is relaxed. Further, in the collimating optical coupling system, since optical fibers are optically coupled to each other in a contactless state, an adverse effect on transmission quality caused by waste or the like intruded between the optical fibers is also suppressed, and the need for frequent and careful cleaning is also eliminated. 
     In the meanwhile, parallel light used in the collimating optical coupling system is theoretically less likely to attenuate even at a distance from an output section, and, depending on the intensity, it is difficult to satisfy standards concerning laser light, such as IEC 60825-1 and IEC 60825-2. Therefore, at present, a shutter for shielding parallel light during disconnection is provided for an optical communication connector. 
     In addition, Patent Literature 1 proposes an optical connector having an object to prevent laser hazard due to collimated light (parallel light). Specifically, an optical connector for performing collimating optical coupling is disclosed in which opposed two projection-recess structures are provided for an optical fiber fixing section and a collimating lens. In this optical connector, during disconnection of the optical connector, the collimating lens separates from the optical fiber fixing section, and the projection-recess structures scatter light from optical fibers. On the other hand, in this optical connector, during connection of the optical connector, the collimating lens is pressed, so that the collimating lens comes into contact with the optical fiber fixing section with the two projection-recess structures interposed therebetween to eject parallel light. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     Patent Literature 1: JP 2013-64803A 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     In the optical connector described in Patent Literature 1, however, by pressing the collimating lens even during disconnection, the collimating lens can come into contact with the optical fiber fixing section with the two projection-recess structures interposed therebetween, and collimated light may be emitted from the optical connector. In addition, the optical connector described in Patent Literature 1 has a complicated structure that requires a mechanism for moving the collimating lens away from and close to the optical fiber fixing section, and the like. 
     In addition, in the optical connector described in Patent Literature 1, the collimating lens is exposed to the outside. Therefore, the collimating lens surface can be contaminated by dust, oil, or the like. The collimating coupling system has a resistance to soil as compared with the PC system. However, under use conditions according to a commercial standard with relatively high frequency of insertion and removal, cleaning is not at all unnecessary. In addition, when a scratch or the like is made on the collimating lens, the signal quality is affected. Therefore, the optical connector described in the Literature requires cleaning when soiling occurs on the collimating lens. In such cleaning, in a case where the optical connector is reduced in size or a plurality of lenses are arranged, maintenance of the lens section becomes very difficult. In addition, in a case where a shutter is installed in the optical connector, a jig or the like for releasing the shutter becomes necessary in some cases. 
     Therefore, the present disclosure proposes an optical communication connector, an optical communication cable, and an electronic device being novel and improved that have excellent maintenance properties and can restrain parallel light (collimated light) from being directly emitted to the outside of an optical connector during non-optical coupling. 
     Solution to Problem 
     According to the present disclosure, there is provided an optical communication connector including: a collimating lens configured to collimate light from an optical transmission path; and a diffusion section arranged on a leading end side with respect to the collimating lens, and configured to diffuse the light from the optical transmission path output from the collimating lens. 
     In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided an optical communication cable including: an optical transmission path; an optical communication connector including a collimating lens configured to collimate light from the optical transmission path and a diffusion section arranged on a leading end side with respect to the collimating lens and configured to diffuse and output the light from the optical transmission path output from the collimating lens. 
     In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided an electronic device including: an optical communication connector including a collimating lens configured to collimate light from an optical transmission path and a diffusion section arranged on a leading end side with respect to the collimating lens and configured to diffuse and output the light from the optical transmission path output from the collimating lens. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     According to the present disclosure as described above, an optical communication connector, an optical communication cable, and an electronic device being novel and improved that have excellent maintenance properties and can restrain parallel light (collimated light) from being directly emitted to the outside of an optical connector during non-optical coupling can be provided. 
     Note that the effects described above are not necessarily limitative. With or in the place of the above effects, there may be achieved any one of the effects described in this specification or other effects that may be grasped from this specification. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an appearance example of an electronic device and an optical communication cable according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged sectional view of the optical communication connector illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged sectional view of the optical communication connector illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged sectional view illustrating a connection state of the optical communication connector illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram for describing a hardware configuration of the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a vehicle control system. 
         FIG. 7  is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of installation positions of a vehicle outside information detecting section and an imaging section. 
     
    
    
     MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, (a) preferred embodiment(s) of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that, in this specification and the appended drawings, structural elements that have substantially the same function and structure are denoted with the same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of these structural elements is omitted. 
     Note that description will be provided in the following order. 
     1. Appearance example of electronic device and optical communication cable 
     2. Structures of electronic device and optical communication cable 
     (Optical communication connector) 
     (Electronic device) 
     (Optical communication cable) 
     3. Application examples 
     1. Appearance Example of Electronic Device and Optical Communication Cable 
     First, with reference to  FIG. 1 , an appearance example of an electronic device  100  and an optical communication cable  200  according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  100  includes a light transmitting and receiving section  110 . The light transmitting and receiving section  110  is configured to be capable of performing optical communication. In addition, the light transmitting and receiving section  110  includes an optical communication connector  10 B. The light transmitting and receiving section  110  can issue data that the electronic device  100  needs to transmit as an optical signal via the optical communication connector  10 B, and can receive an optical signal to the electronic device  100 . 
     The optical communication cable  200  includes a cable body  201  and an optical communication connector  10 A. The optical communication cable  200  transmits an optical signal between the electronic device  100  and another electronic device or a communication network such as the Internet via the cable body  201  and the optical communication connector  10 A. 
     Note that the electronic device  100  can be, for example, a mobile electronic device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PHS, a PDA, a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a video camera, an IC recorder, a portable media player, an electronic notebook, an electronic dictionary, a calculator, or a portable game console, or another electronic device such as a desktop computer, a display device, a television receiver, a radio receiver, a video recorder, a printer, a car navigation system, a game console, a router, a hub, or an optical network unit (ONU). Alternatively, the electronic device  100  can constitute a part or the whole of an electrical appliance such as a refrigerator, a washing machine, a clock, an interphone, air-conditioning equipment, a humidifier, an air purifier, lighting equipment, or a cooking appliance, or a vehicle as will be described later. 
     2. Structures of Electronic Device and Optical Communication Cable 
     Next, with reference to  FIG. 2  to  FIG. 4  in addition to  FIG. 1 , structures of the electronic device  100  and the optical communication cable  200  will be described.  FIG. 2  is an enlarged sectional view of the optical communication connector  10 A illustrated in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3  is an enlarged sectional view of the optical communication connector  10 B illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 4  is an enlarged sectional view illustrating a connection state of the optical communication connectors  10 A and  10 B illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Hereinafter, the optical communication connectors  10 A,  10 B will be described first in detail, and then the electronic device  100  and the optical communication cable  200  including them will be described in detail. 
     (Optical Communication Connector) 
     Hereinafter, the optical communication connectors  10 A,  10 B will be described in detail. In addition, since the optical communication connectors  10 A,  10 B have a common structure, the structure of the optical communication connector  10 A will be mainly described. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the optical communication connector  10 A is a plug provided on the leading end side of the cable body  201 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the optical communication connector  10 A has a lens section  110 A and a diffusion section (cylindrical lens)  120 A. Note that the optical communication connector  10 A may include as necessary a positioning member for positioning each member, a protection member for protecting each member, a casing for carrying each member, and the like, in addition to the above-described components. 
     The lens section  110 A is arranged so as to come into contact with the leading end side of an optical transmission path  202 A existing in the cable body  201 . In a collimating lens  111 A on the leading end side, the lens section  110 A converts light of an optical signal ejected from the optical transmission path  202 A into a parallel light (collimated light) L A1  and outputs the parallel light. On the other hand, when parallel light is input to the collimating lens  111 A on the leading end side, the lens section  110 A collects the parallel light for ejection toward the optical transmission path  202 A. 
     Note that two collimating lenses  111 A are illustrated in the drawing, whilst the illustrated mode is not a limitation, but the lens section  110 A can have one or more collimating lenses of any number in accordance with the number of the optical transmission paths  202 A. For example, the lens section  110 A may be a micro lens array in which collimating lenses are arrayed in the thickness direction and in the width direction of the optical communication connector  10 A. For example, the lens section  110 A may be a micro lens array in which two columns of collimating lenses are arrayed in the thickness direction (the vertical direction in the drawing) and a plurality of rows of collimating lenses are arrayed in the width direction (the depth direction in the drawing). 
     The diffusion section  120 A is a cylindrical lens structured and arranged so as to refract and output the parallel light L A1  ejected from the lens section  110 A. The diffusion section  120 A is arranged on the leading end side of the optical communication connector  10 A with respect to the lens section  110 A. In addition, the diffusion section  120 A is extended in the width direction (the depth direction in the drawing) as necessary so as to be capable of receiving the parallel light L A1  from each of the collimating lenses  111 A arranged in the lens section  110 A. Note that the illustrated mode is not a limitation, but in a case where three or more collimating lenses  111 A, for example, are arranged in the thickness direction, or in a case where only one collimating lens  111 A is arranged, the diffusion section  120 A can be extended or shortened in the thickness direction accordingly. In addition, regarding the diffusion section  120 A, in a case where a plurality of collimating lenses are provided in correspondence to a plurality of optical transmission paths  202 A, a plurality of diffusion sections  120 A can also be provided in correspondence to the respective collimating lenses. The diffusion section  120 A may include a spherical lens other than a cylindrical lens. In this case, a diffusion section  120 B also includes a spherical lens. 
     A surface of the diffusion section  120 A on the leading end side, that is, on the output side of a refracted light L A2  which will be described later, forms a cylindrical convex surface  121 A. 
     In addition, in the diffusion section  120 A, an anti-reflection section may be formed in the convex surface  121 A on the leading end side. Accordingly, when receiving an optical signal from the optical communication connector  10 B, the optical signal can be input to the diffusion section  120 A efficiently. In addition, such an anti-reflection section can be achieved by an anti-reflection film or a minute concavo-convex structure of a cycle of less than 1 μm, for example, a moth-eye structure or the like. Similarly, an anti-reflection section may be formed in a concave surface  122 A which will be described later. Accordingly, when receiving an optical signal from the lens section  110 A, the optical signal can be input to the diffusion section  120 A efficiently. Note that, also in a flat surface  121 A and a convex surface  121 B of the optical communication connector  10 B which will be described later, an anti-reflection section may be formed similarly. 
     In addition, in the diffusion section  120 A, a surface protection section may be formed in the convex surface  121 A on the leading end side. Accordingly, the diffusion section  120 A is prevented from being damaged unintentionally, and the refracted light L A1  is output more uniformly, as a result of which the optical signal is improved in quality. Such a surface protection section can be achieved by a transparent resin film of an acrylic resin or the like or a transparent coating of an inorganic material, for example. Note that, also in the convex surface  121 B of the optical communication connector  10 B which will be described later, a surface protection section may be formed similarly. 
     On the other hand, a surface of the diffusion section  120 A on the base end side, that is, on the input side of the parallel light L A1 , forms the concave surface  122 A. With such a concave surface  122 A, the parallel light L A1  is refracted, and is further refracted on the convex surface  121 A to turn into the refracted light L A2 , and is output from the convex surface  121 A. 
     In addition, the diffusion section  120 A can include a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate, a glass material such as BK7, synthetic quartz, anhydrous synthetic quartz, or alkali aluminosilicate, or another transparent inorganic material. In particular, polycarbonate is excellent in mechanical strength, processability, and transparency, and is suitable as a constituent material of the diffusion section  120 A. 
     As described above, the optical signal passing through the optical transmission path  202 A in the cable body  201  turns into the parallel light L A1  by the lens section  110 A, and is output to the diffusion section  120 A arranged on the front surface of the collimating lens  111 A. The lens section  110 A side of the diffusion section  120 A is the concave surface  122 A curved concavely, and the parallel light L A1  input from the collimating lens  111 A is diffused by the curvature of the concave surface  122 A, further passes through the convexly curved cylindrical convex surface  121 A on the front surface of the diffusion section  120 A, is collected by the curvature of the convex surface  121 A as the light ray L A1  having a focal point C near the front of the convex surface  121 A, and is diffused significantly from the focal point. The curvatures of the concave surface  122 A and the convex surface  121 A are adjusted such that safety standards are met by this diffusion. 
     The optical communication connector  10 B illustrated in  FIG. 3  is a receptacle arranged on a side surface of the electronic device  100 . The optical communication connector  10 B has a structure substantially similar to that of the above-described optical communication connector  10 A. For example, the structure of a lens section  110 B is substantially similar to that of the lens section  110 A. On the other hand, a surface of the diffusion section  120 B on the leading end side, that is, on the input side of a parallel light L B1  output by a collimating lens  111 B of the lens section  110 B, forms such a flat surface  121 A that is substantially perpendicular to the parallel light L B1 . 
     In addition, a surface of the diffusion section  120 B on the leading end side, that is, on the output side of a refracted light L B2  which will be described later, forms a concave surface  121 B corresponding to the cylindrical convex surface  121 A of the diffusion section  120 A of the optical communication connector  10 A. 
     The optical signal passing through an optical transmission path  202 B turns into the parallel light L B1  by the lens section  110 B, and is output to the diffusion section  120 B arranged on the front surface of the collimating lens  111 B. Since the lens section  110 B of the diffusion section  120 B is the flat surface  121 A substantially perpendicular to the parallel light L B1 , the parallel light L B1  passes through the flat surface  121 A as parallel light, and further passes through the concavely curved concave surface  121 B of the front surface of the diffusion section  120 B, turns into the light ray L B2  by the curvature of the concave surface  121 B, and is diffused. The curvature of the concave surface  121 B is adjusted such that safety standards are satisfied by the diffusion. 
     Each structure of the optical communication connectors  10 A and  10 B has been described above. Since parallel lights are diffused by the diffusion sections  120 A,  120 B, in a case where the optical communication connectors  10 A,  10 B are not connected to each other, that is, during non-optical coupling, parallel lights are prevented from being directly emitted to the outside of the optical communication connectors  10 A,  10 B as described above. Accordingly, even in a case where the strength of the parallel lights L A1 , L B1  generated by the collimating lenses  111 A,  111 B is relatively great, the parallel lights L A1 , L B1  are prevented from being directly input to eyeballs or the like, for example, of a user, and thus, an unintentional health damage can be prevented. 
     In the meanwhile, in general, the output light intensity of parallel light (laser light) does not degrade theoretically. Therefore, there is a risk that a health damage occurs when laser light is input to eyeballs, for example, of a user. For this reason, there exist standards that define safety of laser products as international standards (IEC 60825-1, 2). The optical communication connectors  10 A and  10 B easily satisfy such international standards by means of the above-described diffusion sections  120 A,  120 B. 
     On the other hand, as illustrated in  FIG. 4  and as will be described later, when the optical communication connectors  10 A,  10 B are connected, an optical signal passing through the two diffusion sections  120 A,  120 B turns into parallel light again, and optical coupling becomes possible. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the optical communication connectors  10 A,  10 B are arranged such that, when they are connected, the diffusion sections  120 A,  120 B are symmetric, and the convex surface  121 A and the concave surface  121 B are opposed. In this case, first, light discharged from the optical transmission path  202 A is collimated in the lens section  110 A to turn into the parallel light L A1 . Then, the parallel light L A1  is input to the diffusion section  120 A, is refracted by the concave surface  122 A, is further diffused by the convex surface  121 A in the vertical direction of the sheet of drawing to turn into the light ray L A2 , and is input to the diffusion section  120 B by the concave surface  121 B. The path of the input light ray L A1  is collected by the curvature of the concave surface  121 B, and is reconstructed into a parallel light L A3  parallel to L A1 . The parallel light L A1  is collected in the lens section  110 B, and is transported to the optical transmission path  202 B. 
     Similarly, light discharged from the optical transmission path  202 B is collimated in the lens section  110 B to turn into the parallel light L B1 . Then, the parallel light L B1  is input to the diffusion section  120 B, and is refracted by the concave surface  121 B to turn into the light ray L B2  which is diffused light. Then, the light ray L B2  is input to the diffusion section  120 A. The light ray L B2  input to the diffusion section  120 A is refracted again in the convex surface  121 A and the concave surface  122 A to turn into a parallel light L B3  parallel to L B1 . The parallel light L B3  is collected in the lens section  110 A, and is transmitted to the optical transmission path  202 A. From the foregoing, bidirectional transmission of an optical signal between the electronic device  100  and the optical communication cable  200  via the optical communication connectors  10 A,  10 B becomes possible. 
     As described above, a signal for optical communication by the optical communication connectors  10 A,  10 B in the present embodiment can meet the safety standards since light output from the receptacle and the plug becomes a diffused optical signal. In addition, in a state where the optical communication connector  10 A and the optical communication connector  10 B are connected, it is possible to couple parallel light in a reconstructed form because of diffusion and collection effects, and bidirectional communication can be made. 
     In addition, because the diffusion sections  120 A,  120 B are arranged on the leading end side, the front surfaces of the optical communication connectors  10 A,  10 B have a gently curved cylindrical shape, and the collimating lenses  111 A,  111 B and the optical transmission paths  202 A,  202 B are not exposed to an external environment. Therefore, intrusion of dirt or dust into the optical transmission paths  202 A,  202 B and the collimating lenses  111 A,  111 B can be suppressed reliably, and adhesion of oil or the like is suppressed, as a result of which the need for cleaning them is eliminated, and even in a case of being structured as compact connectors, maintenance properties are excellent. Further, since the leading end sides of the diffusion sections  120 A,  120 B form the convex surface  121 A and the concave surface  121 B, soil such as dirt or dust is less likely to accumulate. 
     Further, in the optical communication connectors  10 A,  10 B, the lens sections  110 A,  110 B in charge of light transmission between the optical transmission paths  202 A and  202 B have an identical shape to each other. Therefore, when manufacturing an optical communication connector set including the optical communication connector  10 A and the optical communication connector  10 B, components required to have high dimensional accuracy can be manufactured in common. Therefore, optical coupling quality of such an optical communication connector set can be increased. 
     The optical communication connectors  10 A,  10 B as described above have excellent maintenance properties, and are capable of performing collimating optical coupling. In addition, because of not having a movable member such as a shutter for shielding parallel light or for preventing intrusion of dust or the like on the front surfaces of the connectors, the optical communication connectors  10 A,  10 B have a simple mechanism, and reliability when insertion and removal are repeated can be improved significantly, and are less likely to break down. Therefore, the optical communication connectors  10 A,  10 B are suitable for commercial optical communication application in which insertion and removal of the optical communication cable  200  are performed relatively frequently. Further, because of the simple structures, both of the optical communication connectors  10 A,  10 B can also be easily designed. 
     (Electronic Device) 
     Next, a configuration of the electronic device  100  according to the present embodiment will be described. As illustrated in  FIG. 1  and as described above, the electronic device  100  includes the light transmitting and receiving section  110 . The light transmitting and receiving section  110  includes an optical signal light emitting section  120 , an optical signal light receiving section  130 , and the optical communication connector  10 B as a receptacle. 
     The light emitting section  120  outputs data to be transmitted in the electronic device  100  as an optical signal, and inputs the optical signal to the optical communication connector  10 B via the optical transmission path  202 B arranged on the leading end side of the light emitting section  120 . 
     In addition, the light receiving section  130  receives the optical signal from the optical communication connector  10 B via the optical transmission path  202 B, and outputs the optical signal to an interface in the electronic device  100 . 
     In addition, a detailed hardware configuration of the electronic device  100  is not particularly limited, but can be one as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , for example.  FIG. 5  is a block diagram for describing a hardware configuration of the electronic device  100  according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     The electronic device  100  mainly includes a CPU  901 , a ROM  902 , and a RAM  903 . Furthermore, the electronic device  100  also includes a host bus  907 , a bridge  909 , an external bus  911 , an interface  913 , an input device  915 , an output device  917 , a storage device  919 , a drive  921 , a connection port  923 , and a communication device  925 . 
     The CPU  901  serves as an arithmetic processing apparatus and a control apparatus, and controls the overall operation or a part of the operation of the electronic device  100  according to various programs recorded in the ROM  903 , the RAM  905 , the storage device  919 , or a removable recording medium  927 . The ROM  903  stores programs, operation parameters, and the like used by the CPU  901 . The RAM  905  primarily stores programs used the CPU  901  and parameters and the like varying as appropriate during the execution of the programs. These are connected with each other via the host bus  907  including an internal bus such as a CPU bus. 
     The host bus  907  is connected to the external bus  911  such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect/Interface) bus via the bridge  909 . 
     The input device  915  is an operation means operated by a user, such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, buttons, a switch and a lever, for example. Also, the input device  915  may be a remote control means (a so-called remote controller) using, for example, infrared light or other radio waves, or may be an external connection apparatus  929  such as a mobile phone or a PDA conforming to the operation of the electronic device  100 . Furthermore, the input device  915  generates an input signal on the basis of, for example, information which is input by a user with the above operation means, and includes an input control circuit or the like for outputting the input signal to the CPU  901 . The user of the electronic device  100  can input various data to the electronic device  100  and can instruct the electronic device  100  to perform various types of processing by operating this input device  915 . 
     The output device  917  includes a device capable of visually or audibly notifying a user of acquired information. Such a device includes a display device such as a CRT display device, a liquid crystal display device, a plasma display device, an EL display device and a lamp, an audio output device such as a speaker and a headphone, a printer, a mobile phone, a facsimile machine, and the like. For example, the output device  917  outputs a result obtained by various types of processing performed by the electronic device  100 . Specifically, the display device displays, in the form of text or images, a result obtained by various types of processing performed by the electronic device  100 . On the other hand, the audio output device converts an audio signal including reproduced audio data, sound data, and the like into an analog signal, and outputs the analog signal. 
     The storage device  919  is a device for storing data configured as an example of a storage unit of the electronic device  100 . The storage device  919  includes, for example, a magnetic storage device such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, a magneto-optical storage device, or the like. This storage device  919  stores programs to be executed by the CPU  901  and various types of data, externally obtained various types of data, and the like. 
     The drive  921  is a reader/writer for a recording medium, and is built in the electronic device  100  or attached externally thereto. The drive  921  reads information recorded in the attached removable recording medium  927  such as a magnetic disk, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and outputs the read information to the RAM  905 . Furthermore, the drive  921  can write records in the attached removable recording medium  927  such as a magnetic disk, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. The removable recording medium  927  is, for example, a DVD medium, an HD-DVD medium, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) medium, or the like. In addition, the removable recording medium  927  may be a CompactFlash (CF; registered trademark), a flash memory, an SD memory card (Secure Digital Memory Card), or the like. Further, the removable recording medium  927  may be, for example, an IC card (Integrated Circuit Card) equipped with a non-contact IC chip, an electronic appliance, or the like. 
     The connection port  923  is a port for allowing devices to directly connect to the electronic device  100 . Examples of the connection port  923  include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, an IEEE1394 port, a SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) port, and the like. Other examples of the connection port  923  include an RS-232C port, an optical digital terminal, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI, registered trademark) port, and the like. By connecting the external connection apparatus  929  to this connection port  923 , the electronic device  100  directly acquires various types of data from the external connection apparatus  929  and provides various types of data to the external connection apparatus  929 . Note that the above-described optical digital terminal can be configured as the light transmitting and receiving section  110  including the above-described optical communication connector  10 B. 
     The communication device  925  is a communication interface including, for example, a communication device or the like for connecting to a communication network  931 . In the present embodiment, the communication device  925  includes the light transmitting and receiving section  110  including the above-described optical communication connector  10 B. The communication device  925  may be a router for optical communication. In addition, the communication device  925  further includes, for example, a communication card or the like for a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or WUSB (Wireless USB). Further, the communication device  925  may include a router for DSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), a modem for various types of communication, or the like. This communication device  925  can transmit and receive signals and the like in accordance with a predetermined protocol, for example, FTTx such as FTTR, FTTB, FTTH or FTTD, TCP/IP, or the like, on the Internet and with other communication devices, for example. In addition, the communication network  931  connected to the communication device  925  includes a network and the like which is connected in a wire or wireless manner, and may be, for example, the Internet, a home LAN, infrared communication, radio wave communication, satellite communication, or the like. 
     (Optical Communication Cable) 
     The optical communication cable  200  includes the cable body  201  and the optical communication connector  10 A. The cable body  201  internally has the optical transmission path  202 A. The optical transmission path  202 A is an optical fiber, for example. Note that the optical transmission path  202 A is not particularly limited as long as light can be transmitted, and may be other than an optical fiber. The optical transmission path  202 A has a coating on the outer peripheral surface as necessary. In addition, the optical communication connector  10 A is connected to the leading end side of the optical transmission path  202 A. 
     Such an optical communication cable  200  can be used for a connection for optical communication between an electronic device such as the electronic device  100  as described above and another device. 
     3. Application Examples 
     The technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applicable to a variety of products. For example, the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented as devices mounted on any type of vehicles such as automobiles, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and motorcycles. 
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a vehicle control system  2000  to which the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied. The vehicle control system  2000  includes electronic control units connected via a communication network  2010 . In the example illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the vehicle control system  2000  includes a drive line control unit  2100 , a body system control unit  2200 , a battery control unit  2300 , a vehicle outside information detecting unit  2400 , a vehicle inside information detecting unit  2500 , and an integrated control unit  2600 . The communication network  2010 , which connects these control units, may be an in-vehicle communication network such as a controller area network (CAN), a local interconnect network (LIN), a local area network (LAN), or FlexRay (registered trademark) that is compliant with any standard. 
     Each control unit includes a microcomputer that performs operation processing in accordance with a variety of programs, a storage section that stores the programs, parameters used for the variety of operations, or the like executed by the microcomputer, and a driving circuit that drives devices subjected to various types of control. Each control unit includes a network I/F used to communicate with the other control units via the communication network  2010 , and a communication I/F used to communicate with devices, sensors, or the like outside and inside the vehicle through wired communication or wireless communication.  FIG. 6  illustrates a microcomputer  2610 , a general-purpose communication I/F  2620 , a dedicated communication I/F  2630 , a positioning section  2640 , a beacon receiving section  2650 , an onboard device I/F  2660 , an audio and image output section  2670 , an in-vehicle network I/F  2680 , and a storage section  2690  as the functional configuration of the integrated control unit  2600 . Each of the other control units similarly includes a microcomputer, a communication I/F, a storage section, and the like. 
     The drive line control unit  2100  controls the operation of devices related to the drive line of the vehicle in accordance with a variety of programs. For example, the drive line control unit  2100  functions as a control device for a driving force generating device such as an internal combustion engine or a driving motor that generates the driving force of the vehicle, a driving force transferring mechanism that transfers the driving force to wheels, a steering mechanism that adjusts the steering angle of the vehicle, a braking device that generates the braking force of the vehicle, and the like. The drive line control unit  2100  may have the function of a control device for an antilock brake system (ABS) or an electronic stability control (ESC). 
     The drive line control unit  2100  is connected to a vehicle state detecting section  2110 . The vehicle state detecting section  2110  includes, for example, at least one of sensors such as a gyro sensor that detects the angular velocity of the axial rotating motion of the vehicle body, an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle, or a sensor that detects the operation amount of the accelerator pedal, the operation amount of the brake pedal, the steering wheel angle of the steering wheel, the engine speed, the wheel rotation speed, or the like. The drive line control unit  2100  uses a signal input from the vehicle state detecting section  2110  to perform operation processing, and controls the internal combustion engine, the driving motors, the electric power steering device, the braking device, or the like. 
     The body system control unit  2200  controls the operations of a variety of devices attached to the vehicle body in accordance with a variety of programs. For example, the body system control unit  2200  functions as a control device for a keyless entry system, a smart key system, a power window device, or a variety of lights such as a headlight, a backup light, a brake light, a blinker, or a fog lamp. In this case, the body system control unit  2200  can receive radio waves transmitted from a portable device that serves instead of the key or signals of a variety of switches. The body system control unit  2200  receives these radio waves or signals, and controls the vehicle door lock device, the power window device, the lights, or the like. 
     The battery control unit  2300  controls a secondary battery  2310  in accordance with a variety of programs. The secondary battery  2310  serves as a power supply source of a driving motor. For example, the battery control unit  2300  receives information such as the battery temperature, the battery output voltage, or the remaining battery capacity from a battery device including the secondary battery  2310 . The battery control unit  2300  uses these signals to perform operation processing, and performs temperature adjusting control on the secondary battery  2310  or controls a cooling device or the like included in the battery device. 
     The vehicle outside information detecting unit  2400  detects information on the outside of the vehicle including the vehicle control system  2000 . For example, the vehicle outside information detecting unit  2400  is connected to at least one of an imaging section  2410  and a vehicle outside information detecting section  2420 . The imaging section  2410  includes at least one of a time of flight (ToF) camera, a stereo camera, a monocular camera, an infrared camera, and other cameras. The vehicle outside information detecting section  2420  includes, for example, an environment sensor that detects the current weather, and a surrounding information detecting sensor that detects another vehicle, an obstacle, a pedestrian, or the like around the vehicle including the vehicle control system  2000 . 
     The environment sensor may be, for example, at least one of a raindrop sensor that detects rainy weather, a fog sensor that detects a fog, a sunshine sensor that detects the degree of sunshine, a snow sensor that detects a snowfall. The surrounding information detecting sensor may be at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, a radar device, and a light detection and ranging/laser imaging detection and ranging (LIDAR) device. These imaging section  2410  and vehicle outside information detecting section  2420  may be installed as independent sensors or devices, or as a device into which sensors and devices are integrated. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example of installation positions of the imaging section  2410  and the vehicle outside information detecting section  2420 . Imaging sections  2910 ,  2912 ,  2914 ,  2916 , and  2918  are positioned, for example, at least one of the front nose, a side mirror, the rear bumper, the back door, and the upper part of the windshield in the vehicle compartment of a vehicle  2900 . The imaging section  2910  attached to the front nose and the imaging section  2918  attached to the upper part of the windshield in the vehicle compartment chiefly acquire images of the area ahead of the vehicle  2900 . The imaging sections  2912  and  2914  attached to the side mirrors chiefly acquire images of the areas on the sides of the vehicle  2900 . The imaging section  2916  attached to the rear bumper or the back door chiefly acquires images of the area behind the vehicle  2900 . The imaging section  2918  attached to the upper part of the windshield in the vehicle compartment is used chiefly to detect a preceding vehicle, a pedestrian, an obstacle, a traffic light, a traffic sign, a lane, or the like. 
     Additionally,  FIG. 7  illustrates an example of the respective imaging ranges of the imaging sections  2910 ,  2912 ,  2914 , and  2916 . An imaging range a represents the imaging range of the imaging section  2910  attached to the front nose. Imaging ranges b and c respectively represent the imaging ranges of the imaging sections  2914  and  2912  attached to the side mirrors. An imaging range d represents the imaging range of the imaging section  2916  attached to the rear bumper or the back door. For example, overlaying image data captured by the imaging sections  2910 ,  2912 ,  2914 , and  2916  offers an overhead image that looks down on the vehicle  2900 . 
     Vehicle outside information detecting sections  2920 ,  2922 ,  2924 ,  2926 ,  2928 , and  2930  attached to the front, the rear, the sides, the corners, and the upper part of the windshield in the vehicle compartment of the vehicle  2900  may be, for example, ultrasonic sensors or radar devices. The vehicle outside information detecting sections  2920 ,  2926 , and  2930  attached to the front nose, the rear bumper, the back door, and the upper part of the windshield in the vehicle compartment of the vehicle  2900  may be, for example, LIDAR devices. These vehicle outside information detecting sections  2920  to  2930  are used chiefly to detect a preceding vehicle, a pedestrian, an obstacle, or the like. 
     The description will continue with reference to  FIG. 6  again. The vehicle outside information detecting unit  2400  causes the imaging section  2410  to capture images of the outside of the vehicle, and receives the captured image data. Further, the vehicle outside information detecting unit  2400  receives detection information from the connected vehicle outside information detecting section  2420 . In a case where the vehicle outside information detecting section  2420  is an ultrasonic sensor, a radar device, or a LIDAR device, the vehicle outside information detecting unit  2400  causes ultrasound, radio waves, or the like to be transmitted, and receives the information of the received reflected waves. The vehicle outside information detecting unit  2400  may perform a process of detecting an object such as a person, a car, an obstacle, a traffic sign, or a letter on a road, or a process of detecting the distance on the basis of the received information. The vehicle outside information detecting unit  2400  may perform an environment recognition process of recognizing a rainfall, a fog, a road condition, or the like on the basis of the received information. The vehicle outside information detecting unit  2400  may compute the distance to an object outside the vehicle on the basis of the received information. 
     Further, the vehicle outside information detecting unit  2400  may perform an image recognition process of recognizing a person, a car, an obstacle, a traffic sign, a letter on a road, or the like, or a process of detecting the distance on the basis of the received image data. The vehicle outside information detecting unit  2400  may perform a distortion correcting process, a positioning process, or the like on the received image data, and combine image data captured by a different imaging section  2410  to generate an overhead view or a panoramic image. The vehicle outside information detecting unit  2400  may use the image data captured by the other imaging section  2410  to perform a viewpoint converting process. 
     The vehicle inside information detecting unit  2500  detects information on the inside of the vehicle. The vehicle inside information detecting unit  2500  is connected, for example, to a driver state detecting section  2510  that detects the state of the driver. The driver state detecting section  2510  may include a camera that images the driver, a biological sensor that detects biological information of the driver, a microphone that picks up a sound in the vehicle compartment, or the like. The biological sensor is attached, for example, to a seating face, the steering wheel, or the like, and detects biological information of the passenger sitting on the seat or the driver gripping the steering wheel. The vehicle inside information detecting unit  2500  may compute the degree of the driver&#39;s tiredness or the degree of the driver&#39;s concentration or determine whether the driver have a doze, on the basis of detection information input from the driver state detecting section  2510 . The vehicle inside information detecting unit  2500  may perform a process such as a noise cancelling process on the picked-up audio signal. 
     The integrated control unit  2600  controls the overall operation inside the vehicle control system  2000  in accordance with a variety of programs. The integrated control unit  2600  is connected to an input section  2800 . The input section  2800  is implemented as a device such as a touch panel, a button, a microphone, a switch, or a lever on which a passenger can perform an input operation. The input section  2800  may be, for example, a remote control device that uses infrared light or other radio waves, or an external connection device such as a mobile telephone or a personal digital assistant (PDA) corresponding to the operation of the vehicle control system  2000 . The input section  2800  may be, for example, a camera. In that case, a passenger can input information through gesture. Moreover, the input section  2800  may include an input control circuit or the like that generates an input signal, for example, on the basis of information input by a passenger or the like using the above-described input section  2800 , and outputs the generated input signal to the integrated control unit  2600 . The passenger or the like operates this input section  2800 , thereby inputting various types of data to the vehicle control system  2000  or instructing the vehicle control system  2000  about a processing operation. 
     The storage section  2690  may include a read only memory (ROM) that stores a variety of programs to be executed by a microcomputer, and a random access memory (RAM) that stores a variety of parameters, operation results, sensor values, or the like. Further, the storage section  2690  may be implemented as a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, a magneto-optical storage device, or the like. 
     The general-purpose communication I/F  2620  is a general-purpose communication I/F that mediates in communication between a variety of devices in an external environment  2750 . The general-purpose communication I/F  2620  may implement a cellular communication protocol such as Global System of Mobile communications (GSM), WiMAX, Long Term Evolution (LTE) or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), or other wireless communication protocols such as a wireless LAN (which is also referred to as Wi-Fi (registered trademark)). The general-purpose communication I/F  2620  may be connected to a device (such as an application server or a control server) on an external network (such as the Internet, a cloud network, or a network specific to a service provider), for example, via a base station or an access point. Further, the general-purpose communication I/F  2620  may be connected to a terminal (such as a terminal of a pedestrian or a store, or a machine type communication (MTC) terminal) in the vicinity of the vehicle, for example, using the peer-to-peer (P2P) technology. 
     The dedicated communication I/F  2630  is a communication I/F that supports a communication protocol defined for the purpose of use for vehicles. The dedicated communication I/F  2630  may implement a standard protocol such as wireless access in vehicle environment (WAVE), which is a combination of IEEE 802.11p for the lower layer and IEEE 1609 for the upper layer, or dedicated short range communications (DSRC). The dedicated communication I/F  2630  typically performs V2X communication. The V2X communication is a concept including one or more of vehicle-to-vehicle communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, and vehicle-to-pedestrian communication. 
     The positioning section  2640  receives, for example, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals (such as global positioning system (GPS) signals from a GPS satellite) from a GNSS satellite for positioning, and generates position information including the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the vehicle. Additionally, the positioning section  2640  may also identify the present position by exchanging signals with a wireless access point, or acquire position information from a terminal such as a mobile phone, a PHS, or a smartphone that has a positioning function. 
     The beacon receiving section  2650  receives radio waves or electromagnetic waves, for example, from a wireless station or the like installed on the road, and acquires information such as the present position, traffic congestion, closed roads, or necessary time. Additionally, the function of the beacon receiving section  2650  may be included in the above-described dedicated communication I/F  2630 . 
     The onboard device I/F  2660  is a communication interface that mediates in connections between the microcomputer  2610  and a variety of devices in the vehicle. The onboard device I/F  2660  may use a wireless communication protocol such as a wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), near field communication (NFC), or a wireless USB (WUSB) to establish a wireless connection. Further, the onboard device I/F  2660  may also establish a wired connection via a connection terminal (not illustrated) (and a cable if necessary). The onboard devices I/ 2660  may include, for example, at least one of a mobile device of a passenger, a wearable device of a passenger, and an information device carried into or attached to the vehicle. The onboard device I/F  2660  exchanges control signals or data signals with, for example, a mobile device or a wearable device that a passenger has, or an information device carried into or attached to the vehicle. 
     The in-vehicle network I/F  2680  is an interface that mediates in communication between the microcomputer  2610  and the communication network  2010 . The in-vehicle network I/F  2680  transmits and receives signals or the like in compliance with a predetermined protocol supported by the communication network  2010 . 
     The microcomputer  2610  of the integrated control unit  2600  controls the vehicle control system  2000  in accordance with a variety of programs on the basis of information acquired via at least one of the general-purpose communication I/F  2620 , the dedicated communication I/F  2630 , the positioning section  2640 , the beacon receiving section  2650 , the onboard device I/F  2660 , and the in-vehicle network I/F  2680 . For example, the microcomputer  2610  may calculate a control target value of the driving force generating device, the steering mechanism, or the braking device on the basis of acquired information on the inside and outside of the vehicle, and output a control instruction to the drive line control unit  2100 . For example, the microcomputer  2610  may perform cooperative control for the purpose of executing the functions of vehicle collision avoidance or impact reduction, follow-up driving based on the inter-vehicle distance, constant vehicle speed driving, automatic driving or the like. 
     The microcomputer  2610  may create local map information including surrounding information on the present position of the vehicle on the basis of information acquired via at least one of the general-purpose communication I/F  2620 , the dedicated communication I/F  2630 , the positioning section  2640 , the beacon receiving section  2650 , the onboard device I/F  2660 , and the in-vehicle network I/F  2680 . Further, the microcomputer  2610  may predict danger such as vehicle collisions, approaching pedestrians or the like, or entry to closed roads on the basis of acquired information, and generate a warning signal. The warning signal may be, for example, a signal used to generate a warning sound or turn on the warning lamp. 
     The audio and image output section  2670  transmits an output signal of at least one of a sound and an image to an output device capable of visually or aurally notifying a passenger of the vehicle or the outside of the vehicle of information. In the example of  FIG. 6 , an audio speaker  2710 , a display section  2720 , and an instrument panel  2730  are exemplified as the output device. For example, the display section  2720  may include at least one of an onboard display and a head-up display. The display section  2720  may have an augmented reality (AR) display function. The output device may also be a device other than these devices like a headphone, a projector, or a lamp. In a case where the output device is a display device, the display device visually displays a result obtained by the microcomputer  2610  performing a variety of processes or information received from another control unit in a variety of forms such as text, images, tables, or graphs. Further, in a case where the output device is an audio output device, the audio output device converts audio signals including reproduced audio data, acoustic data, or the like into analog signals, and aurally outputs the analog signals. 
     Additionally, in the example illustrated in  FIG. 6 , at least two control units connected via the communication network  2010  may be integrated into a single control unit. Alternatively, the individual control units may be configured as control units. Moreover, the vehicle control system  2000  may also include another control unit that is not illustrated. Further, a part or the whole of the functions executed by any of the control units may be executed by another control unit in the above description. That is, as long as information is transmitted and received via the communication network  2010 , predetermined operation processing may be performed by any of the control units. Similarly, a sensor or a device connected to any of the control units may be connected to another control unit, and the control units may transmit and receive detection information to and from each other via the communication network  2010 . 
     In the vehicle control system  2000  described above, the optical communication connectors  10 A to  10 D described using  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 5  can be applied to various interfaces illustrated in  FIG. 6 . For example, the optical communication connectors  10 A to  10 D are applicable as communication connectors in the general-purpose communication I/F  2620 , the dedicated communication I/F  2630 , the onboard device I/F  2660 , the audio and image output section  2670 , the in-vehicle network I/F  2680 , the external environment  2750  corresponding to this, an onboard device  2760 , the audio speaker  2710 , the display section  2720 , the instrument panel  2730 , the communication network  2010 , and the like. In addition, the electronic device according to the present disclosure, for example, the electronic device  100  can be applied to the integrated control unit  2600 , for example. Further, the optical communication cable according to the present disclosure, for example, the optical communication cable  200  is applicable for connection to each interface and device inside/outside the vehicle control system  2000 , besides the communication network  2010 . 
     In addition, at least some structural elements of the electronic device  100  described using  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5  may be achieved in a module (for example, an integrated circuit module including a single die) for the integrated control unit  2600  illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Alternatively, the electronic device  100  described using  FIG. 5  may be achieved by a plurality of control units of the vehicle control system  2000  illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
     According to the present embodiment as described above, in the optical communication connectors  10 A,  10 B in which insertion and removal are frequently performed, it is possible to achieve their safety during non-fitting at the same time while having an advantage because of a collimating signal. In addition, maintenance properties against dust, soil, or the like due to frequently performed insertion and removal are high since the surfaces of the optical communication connectors  10 A,  10 B include gently curved surfaces, and by having no moving part, it is possible to continuously ensure high reliability, and the plug and the receptacle are easily designed. 
     The preferred embodiment(s) of the present disclosure has/have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, whilst the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples. A person skilled in the art may find various alterations and modifications within the scope of the appended claims, and it should be understood that they will naturally come under the technical scope of the present disclosure. 
     For example, it has been described in the above-described embodiment that the optical communication connector  10 A is arranged in the optical communication cable  200  and the optical communication connector  10 B is arranged in the electronic device  100 , whilst the arrangement of the optical communication connectors  10 A,  10 B is not limited to the foregoing. For example, the optical communication connector  10 A may be arranged in the electronic device  100 , and the optical communication connector  10 B may be arranged in the optical communication cable  200 . 
     In addition, the shape of the diffusion sections  120 A,  120 B of the optical communication connectors  10 A,  10 B is not limited to the illustrated mode as long as the parallel lights L A1 , L B1  from the collimating lenses  111 A,  111 B can be refracted and diffused. 
     In addition, it has been described in the illustrated mode that the convex surface  121 A and the concave surface  121 B are separated when the optical communication connector  10 A and the optical communication connector  10 B are connected, whilst the structure according to the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the convex surface  121 A and the concave surface  121 B may be at least partially in contact when the optical communication connector  10 A and the optical communication connector  10 B are connected. 
     Further, the effects described in this specification are merely illustrative or exemplified effects, and are not limitative. That is, with or in the place of the above effects, the technology according to the present disclosure may achieve other effects that are clear to those skilled in the art from the description of this specification. 
     Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below. 
     (1) 
     An optical communication connector including: 
     a collimating lens configured to collimate light from an optical transmission path; and 
     a diffusion section arranged on a leading end side with respect to the collimating lens, and configured to diffuse the light from the optical transmission path output from the collimating lens. 
     (2) 
     The optical communication connector according to (1), in which 
     a surface of the diffusion section on a light output side forms a convex surface or a concave surface. 
     (3) 
     The optical communication connector according to (1) or (2), in which 
     a surface of the diffusion section on a light output side forms a convex surface, and the light output from the collimating lens is diffused after collection. 
     (4) 
     The optical communication connector according to claim  1 , in which 
     a surface of the diffusion section on a light output side forms a concave surface, and the light output from the collimating lens is diffused without collection. 
     (5) 
     The optical communication connector according to (3), in which 
     an input side of light from the collimating lens forms a concave surface. 
     (6) 
     The optical communication connector according to any of (1) to (3), in which 
     a surface of the diffusion section on a light output side forms a convex surface, and 
     when a second optical communication connector including another diffusion section and another collimating lens corresponding to the diffusion section and the collimating lens is connected such that the diffusion section and the other diffusion section are opposed, 
     the optical communication connector is configured such that the light output from the diffusion section passes through the other diffusion section to turn into parallel light. 
     (7) 
     The optical communication connector according to any of (1) to (6), in which 
     the diffusion section includes a cylindrical lens. 
     (8) 
     The optical communication connector according to any of (1) to (7), in which 
     the diffusion section includes an anti-reflection section in a surface on a light input side or a surface on a light output side. 
     (9) 
     The optical communication connector according to any of (1) to (8), in which 
     the diffusion section includes a surface protection section in a surface on a light output side. 
     (10) 
     The optical communication connector according to any of (1) to (9), in which 
     the diffusion section includes polycarbonate. 
     (11) 
     An optical communication cable including: 
     an optical transmission path; 
     an optical communication connector including a collimating lens configured to collimate light from the optical transmission path and a diffusion section arranged on a leading end side with respect to the collimating lens and configured to diffuse and output the light from the optical transmission path output from the collimating lens. 
     (12) 
     An electronic device including: 
     an optical communication connector including a collimating lens configured to collimate light from an optical transmission path and a diffusion section arranged on a leading end side with respect to the collimating lens and configured to diffuse and output the light from the optical transmission path output from the collimating lens. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
           100  electronic device 
           111 A,  111 B collimating lens 
           120 A,  120 B diffusion section 
           121 A convex surface 
           121 B concave surface 
           122 A concave surface 
           200  optical communication cable