Patent ID: 8116601
Filing Date: 2012-02-14
Classification: A61B,G01L,G02B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A shape sensing method, comprising: defining a lengthwise first segment in an optical fiber; defining a first three-dimensional reference frame at a start location of the first segment; interrogating the optical fiber for data associated with strain in the optical fiber; outputting first bend information associated with the first segment, wherein the first bend information comprises a Cartesian position at an end location of the first segment with respect to the first reference frame and a Cartesian orientation of the end location with respect to the first reference frame; defining a lengthwise second segment in the optical fiber; defining a second three-dimensional reference frame at a start location of the second segment; and outputting second bend information associated with the second segment, wherein the second bend information comprises a Cartesian position of an end location of the second segment with respect to the second reference frame and a Cartesian orientation of the end location with respect to the second reference frame.