Oblique Fiber Connector Lighting for Darkfield Dirt Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopic inspection methods for fiber optic cable end connectors struggle to effectively distinguish cleanable particulate matter from defects and imperfections, and determine appropriate actions for cleaning or polishing, due to limited contrast and diagnostic information.
Innovation Solution
An oblique lighting system using a circular array of light sources with a redirection ring, providing darkfield illumination, allows for enhanced identification of particulate matter and defects by capturing scattered light and employing trigonometry for precise measurements, combined with a controller for image analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional microscopic inspection methods are used, then the inspection process is simple, but the contrast and diagnostic information are insufficient to distinguish cleanable particulate matter from defects
Solution Approach 1:
A light ring with multiple independently controllable light sources is introduced as an intermediary illumination device between the microscope and the end connector. This light ring provides oblique lighting that creates shadows and highlights surface features, enabling the microscope to distinguish between cleanable particulate matter and permanent defects based on shadow behavior and light reflection patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the light sources in the light ring by activating them in different sequences and patterns. By changing the illumination angles and directions over time, the system captures multiple images that reveal different aspects of the surface features, allowing differentiation between cleanable and uncleanable particulate matter through their distinct lighting responses.
2Measurement precision
If more light sources are added to improve illumination quality, then the diagnostic capability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent light sources arranged in a circular pattern around the object. Each light source can be controlled independently, allowing selective illumination from different angles. This segmentation enables precise control over the lighting patterns to highlight specific surface features while keeping each individual light source simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The light ring with multiple light sources serves multiple functions: it provides oblique illumination to create shadows, allows dynamic lighting patterns to reveal different surface characteristics, and enables differentiation between cleanable and uncleanable particulate matter. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering superior diagnostic capability across multiple inspection criteria.
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 provides improved contrast and diagnostic capabilities, enabling accurate identification of cleanable particulates and defects, and determining necessary actions for fiber optic cable end connectors, enhancing inspection efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
providing oblique lighting/darkfield illumination... allows for enhanced identification of particulate matter and defects by capturing scattered light
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices for inspection, under a microscope, of end connectors of fiber optic cables are provided. In one aspect, a light ring including a circular array of light sources provides darkfield illumination to an end connector being inspected under a microscope. Each of the light sources may be lit in series and the resulting shadows may be used to identify dirt on the end connector, as well as to determine whether any dirt identified on the end connector can be cleaned off. In another aspect, a light ring combined with a redirection ring (e.g., a reflector and/or refractor ring) may provide darkfield illumination. In yet another aspect, a series of images may be captured and analyzed to automatically identify dirt on the end connector, as well as to determine whether any identified dirt can be cleaned off.