Optical Fiber Data Interpolation Between Discrete Measurement Spots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in measuring a measurement target, such as travel speed of an automobile, between two adjacent spots where measuring apparatuses are installed.

Innovation Solution

A data processing device that includes a measurement data acquisition unit, a sensing data acquisition unit, and a data interpolation unit, utilizing an optical fiber cable to acquire and interpolate measurement data using sensing data for geographical interpolation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple measuring apparatuses are installed at discrete spots to measure the measurement target, then measurement coverage at installed spots is achieved, but measurement capability between adjacent spots is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capability between spotsVSAvoidnumber of measuring apparatuses
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces sensing data from optical fiber cables as an intermediary element. These optical fibers are laid along the measurement target path and provide continuous sensing information between discrete measuring apparatus spots. The sensing data acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between spot-based measurements, enabling interpolation of measurement targets between installed apparatus locations without requiring additional measuring devices at every point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a continuous measurement field by using optical fiber sensing data that copies or replicates measurement information along the entire path where fibers are laid. This copied sensing data allows the system to reconstruct measurement target values at locations between physical measuring apparatuses, effectively creating virtual measurement points without physical devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If measuring apparatuses are densely distributed to measure between spots, then measurement coverage is improved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical fiber cable serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a communication medium and as a sensing element for measuring the measurement target. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve continuous measurement coverage without installing dedicated measuring apparatuses at every location, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical fiber sensing data serves as an intermediary that connects and complements the discrete spot measurements. By using this intermediary data for interpolation, the system achieves dense measurement coverage equivalent to having many measuring apparatuses, but with the actual infrastructure of only a few installed devices plus the optical fiber network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 measurement of a measurement target between adjacent spots where measuring apparatuses are installed, allowing for the detection of travel speed or temperature variations through indirect measurement.

Implementation Method 1

sensing data acquisition means for acquiring sensing data acquired by using an optical fiber cable laid in such a way as to pass through each of the different measurement spots

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical fiber sensing: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentUS12571664B2Data processing device, measurement system, and data processing method
Publication Date: 2026.03.10 NEC CORP
  • US12571664B2 patent drawing
  • US12571664B2 patent drawing
  • US12571664B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are a data processing device, etc. that makes it possible to measure an object between adjacent positions where measurement instruments are installed. A data processing device comprises: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to acquire, from each measurement instrument installed at different measurement positions, measurement data indicating results of measuring an object, to acquire sensing data from an optical fiber cable laid so as to pass through each of the different measurement positions, and to use the sensing data to interpolate measurement data.