Multi-Strand Fiber Mapping Using Coded Light Port Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and mapping multi-strand fiber-optic cables are inefficient, time-consuming, and pose safety risks due to the use of visual fault locators that exceed laser safety standards, making it difficult to accurately trace and document fiber optic infrastructure.
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 decode these patterns, allowing for non-contact identification, mapping, and troubleshooting of multi-strand fiber-optic cables, while ensuring safety by using visible and infrared light spectra.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If visual fault locators are used to identify and map fiber-optic cables, then fiber identification capability is improved, but laser safety standards are exceeded creating harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the light source by using visible light wavelengths (400-700nm) instead of infrared wavelengths, and controls the power levels to remain below laser safety thresholds while maintaining sufficient brightness for fiber identification and mapping
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive LED light sources instead of expensive laser sources, allowing for safe, repeated use without the safety concerns of high-power lasers while achieving the same fiber identification function
2Measurement precision
If infrared light is used to inspect fiber-optic cables, then fiber damage detection capability is improved, but eye safety is compromised due to lack of blink reflex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter from infrared to visible light range, enabling the human eye's natural blink reflex to provide protection while maintaining the ability to detect fiber damage through visible light transmission and reflection patterns
3Measurement precision
If individual fiber inspection is performed one at a time, then inspection accuracy is maintained, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fiber inspections into a single operation by using a bundle of flexible borescopes that can simultaneously inspect multiple fibers or entire cable bundles, maintaining individual fiber inspection accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal inspection system that can handle individual fibers, multiple fibers, and entire cable bundles with a single device configuration, eliminating the need for separate inspection procedures for different fiber quantities
4Ease of operation
If color-coded jackets are used to distinguish individual fibers, then fiber identification is improved, but mapping efficiency decreases due to manual tracing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracing methods with automated optical imaging and image processing systems that automatically capture, analyze, and map fiber paths based on visible light patterns, eliminating time-consuming manual tracing while maintaining color-code identification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies (images) of fiber paths and connections that can be automatically analyzed and stored digitally, replacing manual documentation and significantly improving mapping efficiency while preserving the color-coded identification system
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
Enables efficient and safe qualification, testing, and mapping of multi-strand fiber-optic cables, reducing personnel time and potential damage, while providing accurate certification and troubleshooting capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first end transmit device... At least one optical light source... Each of the optical light sources may be configured to emit an optical light
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.