Patent ID: 8482725
Filing Date: 2013-07-09
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
1. A method of using an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) and signature-applying means (EB) to identify each of a plurality of fibers each having first and second ends, the signature-applying means comprising a plurality of input ports (IP 1 , . . . , IP 4 ) for connection to the plurality of fibers (DF 1 , . . . , DF 4 ), respectively, and a plurality of event feature means (E 1 ′, . . . E 4 ′; E 1 ″, . . . , E 4 ″) connected to said plurality of input ports for producing, in OTDR traces for fibers connected to said input ports, respectively, a corresponding plurality of unique signatures, each unique signature comprising at least two events ( 4 , 5 ), said at least two events being distinguishable from any event ( 3 ) in that OTDR trace attributable to the corresponding input port, one of said at least two events comprising a reference event ( said reference effective optical distance being substantially the same for all of the plurality of signatures, the method comprising the steps of: connecting the second end of each of the plurality of fibers (DF using the OTDR, launching light into the first end of each of the fibers and obtaining at least one OTDR trace for each fiber comprising a respective unique signature including said reference event, and identifying each of the fibers by detecting the said at least two events of the respective unique signature.