Overhead Optical Fiber Cable State Estimation Using DAS Vibration Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying utility pole positions and assessing the state of overhead optical fiber cables require human intervention, such as visual inspection and optical pulse tests, which are inefficient and lack precision in determining failure positions.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) method to measure strain amounts along optical fiber cables, identifying utility pole positions from vibration distribution patterns and estimating cable states by analyzing strain amplitude uniformity and propagation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If workers are dispatched to the site for visual inspection and vibration application, then the state of overhead optical fiber cable can be ascertained, but human operation cannot be avoided and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber cable itself serves as the sensing element. By utilizing the cable's inherent properties to detect vibrations and strains caused by external factors (wind, ice, bird perching), the system enables self-diagnosis without requiring external inspection personnel, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual inspection and vibration application with an optical sensing system. The DAS technology converts mechanical vibrations and strains into optical signal changes, eliminating the need for workers to physically visit the site while maintaining accurate state detection
2Measurement precision
If optical pulse test method is used to search for cable failures, then the distance at which loss has occurred is determinable, but the failure position cannot be identified without comparing with facility position
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber serves multiple functions simultaneously: as the transmission medium for communication signals and as the sensing element for vibration and strain detection. This multi-functionality allows the system to both transmit data and detect failures along the same physical path, eliminating the need for separate positioning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vibration distribution patterns as an intermediary that links the optical fiber to the surrounding environment. By detecting how vibrations propagate along the fiber and are affected by external objects (trees, buildings, poles), the system indirectly identifies the physical location and state of the cable without requiring direct physical measurement at each point
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 remote identification of utility pole positions and assessment of optical fiber cable states, reducing human intervention and improving failure detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a utility pole position is identified from a vibration distribution pattern with respect to an optical fiber distance and a state of an overhead optical fiber cable is estimated using an optical fiber vibration distribution measuring method (distributed acoustic sensing (DAS))
Implementation Method 2
determining that the optical fiber cable is normal on condition of vibration propagating along an optical fiber and a uniform amplitude of vibration
Data Source
AI summary
A method is presented for remotely identifying a utility pole position and estimating a state of an overhead optical fiber cable. The method includes identifying a boundary region of a vibration distribution as a utility pole position, from a vibration distribution pattern obtained by measuring strain amounts with respect to distances of an optical fiber by an optical fiber vibration distribution measuring method at each time and sequentially stacking the strain amounts.