Optical-Fiber Connector Endface Signature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to detect inadvertent or fraudulent duplicate optical-fiber connector endface inspections, as cheating can occur by repeating inspections on the same connector, which is difficult to detect especially on clean connectors with few anomalies.
Innovation Solution
A method that extracts a unique signature from the optical-fiber connector endface inspection images, specifically the rim profile and image features, to identify and flag duplicate inspections, using correlation and image feature comparison algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inspection images are analyzed using traditional methods, then the inspection process is simple and fast, but duplicate inspections cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the endface image into multiple zones (central inspection zone and rim zone) and extracts features from each zone independently. The signature is constructed by combining features from both zones, allowing the system to detect duplicates while maintaining a manageable analysis complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signature construction process that transforms raw image data into a standardized feature representation. This signature serves as a mediator between the image acquisition system and the duplicate detection algorithm, simplifying the overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If the rim zone is disregarded for quality assessment, then the inspection process is faster and simpler, but unique identification features are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts specific features from the rim zone (adhesive distribution pattern, gap locations) that are unnecessary for quality assessment but valuable for identification. By selectively extracting only the identification-relevant features rather than analyzing the entire zone, the system achieves accurate connector identification without significant time penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different analysis criteria to different zones: the central inspection zone is analyzed for quality defects while the rim zone is analyzed for identification features. This local differentiation allows the system to optimize for both quality assessment and duplicate detection without compromising either function.
3Reliability
If duplicate detection is implemented, then fraudulent inspections are prevented, but the analysis complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary feature extraction and signature construction during the initial image acquisition phase. By preparing the signature data in advance rather than computing it during duplicate comparison, the system minimizes the processing time required for actual duplicate detection and maintains high inspection throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified signature copy of the original image that captures essential identification features. This signature serves as a lightweight representation that can be rapidly compared against other signatures without requiring full image processing, thereby maintaining productivity while enabling duplicate detection.
Data Source
AI summary
There is therefore provided a method, system and computer program for detecting duplicate optical-fiber connector endface inspections performed on a same optical-fiber connector. Duplicate optical-fiber connector endface inspections can be detected by extracting a signature of the optical-fiber connector endface from the acquired optical-fiber connector endface inspection image to uniquely identify the optical-fiber connector and detect duplicate optical-fiber connector endface inspections. The signature can be stored to help detection of inadvertent or fraudulent duplicate or repetitive measurements made on a same optical-fiber connector.