Patent ID: 9383193
Filing Date: 2016-07-05
CPC Classification: G01B,G01D,G02B

Claim Text:
1. An optical bend measurement apparatus comprising: a light source unit configured to supply measurement light; an optical fiber configured to transmit the measurement light; an optical characteristic changer provided at a part of the length of the optical fiber, the optical characteristic changer including optical characteristic change members provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of the optical fiber; and a photodetection unit configured to detect light output from the optical fiber, each optical characteristic change member imposing a change of optical characteristics on light impinging on the optical characteristic change member depending on a bend quantity in a specific direction of a portion of the optical fiber where the optical characteristic change member is provided, and the photodetection unit detecting the light that has undergone the change of the optical characteristics to independently measure bend quantities in specific directions of the different portions of the optical fiber based on intensities of the detected light; wherein at least one of the optical characteristic change members is arranged in a cladding of the optical fiber.