Synchronizing Strain Data via Optical Fiber Interpolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed optical fiber sensors, such as those using the Brillouin scattering phenomenon, can measure strain at multiple positions but only one point at a time, resulting in strain distribution data that is not synchronized in time, making it difficult to observe strain distribution and vibration modes of measurement targets simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A data processor and method that utilize an interpolator to calculate strain at multiple positions simultaneously by interpolating the strain distribution data acquired by a distributed optical fiber sensor, allowing for synchronized strain measurement across positions and times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a distributed optical fiber sensor uses random access to measure strain at multiple positions, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the time synchronization of strain distribution data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the relationship between measurement positions and time offsets during a calibration phase. This pre-established time-position mapping allows the system to later synchronize strain data from different positions without real-time computational delays, thus maintaining both multi-position coverage and time synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data structure that acts as a buffer between the random access measurement process and the final synchronized output. This intermediary layer stores raw measurements with their associated position and time metadata, then applies synchronization algorithms to reconstruct time-aligned strain distributions, effectively mediating between asynchronous measurements and synchronous results.
2Device complexity
If strain is measured at one point at a time using random access, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity of acquiring strain distribution data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by organizing the random access measurement sequence to continuously acquire strain data across all positions without idle gaps. The system systematically cycles through measurement positions in an optimized sequence, ensuring that each measurement contributes to the final synchronized distribution, thereby maximizing productivity while maintaining simple sensor hardware.
3Loss of time
If distributed optical fiber sensor measures strain at multiple positions simultaneously, then the time synchronization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating virtual simultaneous measurements through computational reconstruction. Instead of requiring physically simultaneous measurements from complex multi-channel sensors, the system captures sequential measurements and uses computational algorithms to reconstruct what the strain distribution would have been at a synchronized time point, effectively copying the appearance of simultaneous measurement data.
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 the acquisition of synchronized strain distribution data at the same time, facilitating the observation of strain distribution and vibration modes of measurement targets, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of strain measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a distributed optical fiber sensor using such as the Brillouin scattering phenomenon
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a data processor and a data processing method which is capable of acquiring strain distribution data at the same time. The data processor having an acquirer for acquiring strain distribution data in which a distributed optical fiber sensor measures a strain at a set of positions of an optical fiber at different times; and an interpolator for calculating the strains at the set of positions of the optical fiber at the same time by interpolating positions and times of the strain distribution data acquired by the acquirer.