Camera-Decoded Light Mapping for Multi-Strand Fiber Optic Cables
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mapping and troubleshooting multi-strand fiber-optic cables are inefficient and pose safety risks due to the use of visual fault locators that often exceed safety standards and require time-consuming manual inspection, leading to potential eye damage and connector contamination.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a first end transmit device with optical light sources emitting coded light patterns and a second end receive device with a camera to identify unique port signatures non-contactually, enabling safer and faster qualification, testing, and mapping of multi-strand fiber-optic cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual fault locators are used to inspect fiber-optic cables, then fiber identification and mapping can be performed, but eye safety is compromised and connector contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (camera or sensor) that captures light from the fiber optic cable and converts it into a visible image or signal that can be safely viewed by technicians. This intermediary allows the identification function to be performed without direct visual inspection of the infrared light, thereby protecting eye safety while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method with an electronic detection system. Instead of technicians directly viewing light from fiber optics, electronic sensors and cameras detect the light and present it in a safe format, substituting the direct visual-mechanical inspection process with an electronic detection and display system.
2Measurement precision
If visual inspection methods are used to map fiber-optic cables, then fiber identification can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the fiber optic cable's light output through camera imaging or sensor detection. This copy allows technicians to identify and map fibers without repeatedly performing manual visual inspections, as the captured images or signals can be analyzed efficiently, reducing the time required while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous detection and mapping of fiber-optic cables through automated sensor systems that can continuously monitor light signals. This continuous action replaces discrete, time-consuming manual inspection steps, allowing for uninterrupted identification and mapping processes that significantly reduce overall task completion time while maintaining precision.
3Reliability
If direct visual inspection of fiber-optic cables is performed, then fiber continuity can be checked, but connector contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system (camera or sensor) that verifies fiber continuity without requiring direct human visual inspection. This intermediary captures the light signal and presents it in a format that can be analyzed without technicians needing to look directly at the fiber ends, thereby preventing contamination from handling and inspection while maintaining reliable continuity verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical handling and visual inspection process with an electronic detection system. Sensors and cameras detect light transmission through the fiber without requiring physical manipulation or direct viewing by technicians, substituting the contamination-prone mechanical inspection process with a clean, electronic verification method that maintains reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system allows for safer, more efficient identification and mapping of fiber-optic cables by eliminating the need for direct visual inspection, reducing downtime, and minimizing connector contamination, while supporting bidirectional testing and certification.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the optical light sources may be configured to emit an optical light in one of the fiber ports
Implementation Method 2
The camera of the second end receive device may be configured to view and decode the coded light patterns from each of the individual optical fibers
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for qualification, testing or mapping multi-strand fiber optic cables is for identification, mapping and troubleshooting of multi-fiber cables. The system and method may include a first end transmit device and a second end receive device. The first end transmit device includes at least one fiber port configured to engage a connector for an individual optical fiber, and optical light sources configured to emit an optical light in each of the fiber ports. A controller is configured to control the optical light sources to emit coded light patterns through each of the fiber ports. The first end transmit device emits coded light patterns into each of the fiber ports corresponding to a unique port signature of each fiber port. The second end receive device includes a camera configured to view and decode the coded light patterns to identify the unique port signature from each of the fiber ports.