Single-Fiber Color Identification Using Narrow-Aperture Spectrophotometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying optical fiber colors in high-fiber-count cables are prone to human error, require destructive sample preparation, and are not practical for field operations due to the small surface area of individual fibers and limitations of conventional color spectrophotometers.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive, automated method using a customized color spectrophotometer with a narrow aperture and fiber adaptor, combined with a color-matching algorithm, to identify fiber colors by matching measured values to a database of reference colors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If human visual identification is used to identify fiber colors, then the process is simple and requires no special equipment, but the accuracy decreases and human errors increase especially when fiber count exceeds 12
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical human visual identification system with an automated color spectrophotometer-based measurement system. The spectrophotometer objectively measures fiber colors and compares them against reference colors, eliminating human subjectivity and error while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of reference fiber colors and stores them in a database. The measurement system captures color data from test fibers and compares these digital copies against the stored reference colors, enabling automated identification without requiring physical reference samples during field operations.
2Measurement precision
If color rings are applied to distinguish repeat colors, then color identification is improved, but micro-bend loss increases leading to higher cabling loss and system degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the color identification function from the physical fiber structure itself. Instead of adding color rings or physical markers to the fiber, the system uses a spectrophotometer to measure and identify colors through non-contact optical measurement, eliminating the need for additional physical identifiers that would increase micro-bend loss.
3Measurement precision
If conventional color spectrophotometers with large apertures are used to measure fiber colors, then the measurement capability is sufficient, but the small surface area of individual fibers (250um diameter) makes measurement impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a small aperture specifically at the measurement point where the fiber is positioned. The aperture is sized to match the small surface area of individual fibers, allowing the spectrophotometer to capture sufficient reflected light from the tiny fiber surface while maintaining accurate color measurement capability.
4Area of stationary object
If fibers are stacked to form an array for measurement, then the surface area is sufficient for spectrophotometer measurement, but this requires destructive sample preparation and excess fiber length not available in field operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary portion of the fiber for measurement. Instead of requiring stacked arrays or excess fiber length, the system measures individual fibers directly at their actual location using a small aperture, eliminating the need for destructive sample preparation and fiber array construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the fiber itself to serve as the measurement target without requiring external preparation. The fiber's own color properties are measured in-situ using the spectrophotometer with small aperture, eliminating the need for external reference samples or array construction that would require additional fiber length and preparation steps.
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
Provides accurate, quick, and cost-effective identification of individual fiber colors, reducing human error and time consumption, suitable for field applications.
Implementation Method 1
These devices measure the intensity of the light reflected from the surface of the sample at each wavelength in the visible spectrum
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Disclosed are a system and techniques to determine a color of an optical fiber in a fiber optic cable. A spectrophotometer camera may obtain a color value of the optical fiber. A fiber adaptor is operable to hold a single optical fiber of a fiber optic cable in a field of view of the spectrophotometer camera. A memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, enable identifying a color of the optical fiber. The color value may be compared to a color value of a number of reference colors. A color match score value may be generated for the color value with respect to each reference color. A confidence value may be obtained for a pair of color match scores that are closest in score value. Based on the confidence value, one of the reference colors is identified as a color of the optical fiber.