Abstract:
A fiber optic connection inspection apparatus and method includes an adapter housing fitted to a video microscope camera configured to observe and records images of a Direct Contact and Expanded Beam fiber optic connector assemblies. The adapter housing is configured to rotatably connect the camera for 360 degree rotation about a longitudinal axis of the adapter housing, assuring inspection of a larger field of view. The field of view represents the three-dimensional nature of the various sectors of a fiber optic connector. The rotation of the camera permits the instrument to visualize the complete connector, enabling the technician to make an informed decision which surfaces to clean to improve signal transmission. The adapter housing may be constructed of soft material that enables camera manipulation to provide a comprehensive view of the optical connector surfaces. The rotating adapter housing may be 3D printed which enables flexibility of design and production.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 62/341,472, filed May 25, 2016, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to fiber optic connectors and, more particularly, inspection apparatus and methods for fiber optic connectors. 
         [0003]    Existing standards call for 100% video inspection of all fiber optic connections. This is problematic in that existing instruments only “see” a limited surface area of a fiber optic connector, which means that cleaning is often ineffective. 
         [0004]    Existing devices range between 100× and 400× magnification and have a field of view limited to a small two-dimensional area of the fiber optic connector. These surfaces are typically considered in designated Zones 1-2-3 or A-B-C-D. As example, such are limited to a small two-dimensional portion of a horizontal surface that can be 250-300 microns of a 2500 micron area and are noted by international standards such as IEC 61300-3-35. 
         [0005]    Existing inspection devices for fiber optic connectors are limited to visual inspection of only a small area of a two-dimensional surface of the connector. They are therefore ineffective at being unable to visualize locate, and thereby remove contamination of the connector. The new invention expands existing standard surface viewing to include the complete horizontal surface, greater than the 250-300 micron ‘field of view’ noted as Zone-4. Zone-5 as considered by this invention adds the third dimension of a ‘vertical ferrule’ as well as other connector surfaces such as an ‘adapter’ that connects two fiber connections and an ‘alignment sleeve’ that assures critical match for error free transmissions. 
         [0006]    As can be seen, there is a need for improved fiber optic inspection devices and methods that permit visualization of the complete connector and increase the technician&#39;s ability to locate and clean “contamination points” in the connector. These include a total ‘horizontal end face ferrule surface’, a ‘vertical ferrule surface’, and other sectors that include ‘adapters’, ‘alignment sleeves’, and inter-surfaces heretofore not previously seen in common installation applications. 
         [0007]    Heretofore, the only means to observe the three-dimensional nature of contamination was use of an interferometer. The rotating adapter enable digital images of the fiber optic surfaces and combine common video inspection with an interferometer with the result of a ‘virtual 3D image of both contamination and connector surfaces and enables accurate photography. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In one aspect of the present invention, an inspection apparatus for visual inspection of a fiber optic coupling, includes an elongate rotating adapter housing having a camera receiving end and a fiber optic coupling end. A camera is operatively coupled by the rotating adapter to the camera receiving end and rotatable within the camera receiving end about a longitudinal axis of the adapter housing. The camera may have at least one of an optical magnification and a digital magnification. The fiber optic coupling end has an aperture that is configured to receive one or more fiber optic connector types defining the fiber optic coupling. 
         [0009]    The rotating adapter housing may have a generally frusto-conical shape. The rotating adapter housing may also include a ball carried in the fiber optic coupling end having an aperture configured to receive the one or more fiber optic connector types, wherein a focal axis of the camera is adjustable relative a longitudinal axis of the fiber optic connector received in the aperture. In some embodiments, the rotating adapter housing may have a fixed focal length. In other embodiments, the rotating adapter housing may have an adjustable bellows formed by a plurality of compressible and extensible annular rings defined along a length of the fiber optic coupling end, wherein a focal length of the camera is adjustable by selective compression and extension of the adjustable bellows. Adjustment may also be created by a screw mechanism which varies the focal length. 
         [0010]    In other aspects of the invention, the inspection apparatus may also include a communications interface configured to operatively connect the camera to a computing device. The communications interface may include a wired connection or a wireless connection. In other aspects of the invention, a computing device is operatively connected to the camera and configured to display a field of view captured by the camera. The camera employs an array of LEDs that provide illumination for the capture of still and video images. The LEDs are filtered to reduce LED glare on the fiber optic ferrule. These filters are comprised of laminated theatrical gels and filters. The computing device may be configured to store an image captured in the field of view. The image may be a still digital or motion video image. 
         [0011]    Yet other aspects of the invention include a rotating adapter housing for an inspection instrument for visual inspection of a fiber optic coupling with a camera. An elongate rotating adapter housing has a camera end and a fiber optic coupling end, wherein the camera end is configured to receive the camera for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the adapter housing. The fiber optic coupling end has an aperture configured to receive one or more fiber optic connector types defining the fiber optic coupling. The rotating adapter housing may have a frusto-conical shape. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the rotating adapter housing includes a ball carried in the fiber optic coupling end. The ball having an aperture configured to receive the one or more fiber optic connector types, wherein a focal axis of the camera is adjustable relative a longitudinal axis of the fiber optic connector received in the aperture. The rotating adapter housing may have a fixed focal length. In other embodiments, the rotating adapter housing may have an adjustable bellows formed by a plurality of compressible and extensible annular rings defined along a length of the fiber optic coupling end, wherein a focal length of the camera is adjustable by selective compression and extension of the adjustable bellows. In some embodiments, the extension may be enabled by a screw design that varies the length. 
         [0013]    These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fiber optic inspection device shown in use. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a rotating adapter housing for the fiber optic inspection device. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a section view of the fiber optic inspection device taken from  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a rotating adapter housing. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a section view of the invention taken from  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternate fixed focal length rotating adapter housing. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a section view of the fixed focal length rotating adapter housing taken from  7 - 7  in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an adjustable focal length rotating adapter housing (illustrating bellows  50  compressed). 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a section view of the adjustable focal length rotating adapter housing taken from  9 - 9  in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a section view illustrating bellows  50  in an expanded condition. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
         [0025]    Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provides an improved fiber optic connector inspection apparatus, system and method for visualizing a three dimensional surface of a fiber optic connector surfaces. The ability to see a greater dimension of the fiber optic connection enables the technician to decide to what extent the connector must be cleaned. Heretofore, only a limited area of the connector was considered. With this instrument, understanding the location of contamination allows the technician to discern the cleaning procedure to utilize and helps assure that the connector is properly cleaned. The permits post cleaning and post inspection where contamination can migrate to active “Zone-1” surface if not considered at the time of service, or, in a future time when contamination may migrate and contaminate the active Zone-1 transmission fiber. 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a fiber optic connector inspection device according to aspects of the present invention. The device includes an elongate, generally frusto-conical rotating adapter housing  10  having a camera receiving end  12  and a fiber optic coupling end  14 . A camera  22 , which is preferably a modified USB digital camera, is carried in or is attachable to the camera receiving end  12 . 
         [0027]    The camera  22  may be operatively coupled to a computing device via a communications interface cable  58 , such as a universal serial bus (USB) connector, fire wire, or lightning connector. Alternatively, the camera  22  may be connected to the computing device via a wireless connection. Preferably, the camera  22  is connected to a computing device that, with associated software, is operable for the display, capture, and storage of the optical signals received on the camera  22 . By way of non-limiting example the camera  22  may be connected to a PC, a tablet, or a smart phone so that the technician may view the connector  20  on site while servicing or inspecting the connector  20 . 
         [0028]    The camera  22  is received in the camera end  12  of the rotating adapter housing  10  so that the camera  22  may be rotated a full  360  degrees within the camera end  12  and thereby permit viewing and record images around the entire connector  20 . The camera  22  may include an illumination lamp proximal to a lens of the camera to illuminate the fiber optic connection  20 . The illumination lamp may include an array of LEDs that provide illumination for the capture of still and video images. The LEDs may be filtered to reduce LED glare on the fiber optic ferrule. The inspection device is operable via manipulation of the camera end  12  of the device to obtain a  360  degree view of the fiber optic connection interface. By rotating the camera  22  around an longitudinal axis of the adapter  10 ,  24 ,  36 ,  46  the images may be taken through various planes and parallax to observe the complete surface of the connector  20 . 
         [0029]    Preferably, the camera  22  is configured for magnification to permit close inspection of the fiber optic connector  20 . The magnification may include one or more of an optical or digital magnification of the optical signals received by the camera  22 . Preferably, the magnification is configured to provide up to 1000× magnification to allow the technician to clearly identify and determine the presence of contamination in all types of the fiber optic connections  20 . The camera  22  may also include a non-transient storage media to store one or more digital images and video images that may be captured by the camera  22 . 
         [0030]    One or more optical filters  16 ,  18  may be interposed between the camera receiving end  12  and the camera  22 . The optical filters  16 ,  18  are formed of a selected material to eliminate glare on the ‘horizontal zone’ as received by the LEDS on the camera  22 . The glare blocking filters are nominal - 10 mil translucent plastic. The glare reflective materials are metallic coated plastic, with perforations that are formed in the surface of the filter  16 , 18 . The filters may be formed as a laminated assembly of glare-blocking translucent material  16  and coated-metallic and perforated glare reflecting materials  18 . By way of non-limiting example, the filter  16  may be formed of a theatrical gel, material, such as model number Solaris DS  416 , manufactured by PSC of Bronderslev, Denmark. The filter  18  may be formed of a metallic diffusion material, such as model number e-Colour 186, by ROSCO Laboratories of Stamford, Conn., USA. 
         [0031]    The fiber optic coupling end  14  is configured for attachment to a fiber optic coupling  20  that is attached to an end of a fiber optic cable that requires inspection or servicing. As seen in reference to  FIGS. 2 -10 , the fiber optic coupling end  14 ,  28 ,  40 ,  52  of the rotating adapter  10 ,  24 ,  36 ,  46  may be configured in a variety of arrangements corresponding to one or more of a plurality of fiber optic coupling types. 
         [0032]    In the embodiment of the adapter housing  10  shown in  FIG. 2 , the fiber optic coupling end  14  may be configured to receive direct fit plug in of the fiber optic coupling  20 . As will be appreciated, the fiber optic coupling  20  may be formed in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, depending upon the application and manufacture. In the embodiment of the adapter housing  24  shown in reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the adapter housing  24  includes a camera end  26  and fiber optic coupling end  28  having a rotating ball  33  carried in the end  28 . One or more filters  32 ,  34  may be received in the camera end  26  of the adapter  24  to be interposed between the camera  22  and the connection  20 . The ball  30  allows the technician to tilt the focal axis of the camera  22  relative an axis of the to the fiber optic connector  20 , while the camera  22  may be rotated in the camera end  26 . 
         [0033]    In the embodiment shown in reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the adapter housing  36  includes a camera end  38  and may receive one or more optical filters  42 ,  38 . The fiber optic coupling end  40  is formed as a substantially cylindrical portion that may surround a fiber optic connector  20  and positions the camera  22  at a fixed focal length relative the connector  20 . 
         [0034]    A variable focal length adapter housing  46  is shown in reference to  FIGS. 8-10 . The variable focal length adapter housing  46  has a camera end  48 , which may receive one or more optical filters  54 ,  56  interposed between the camera  22  and the connector  20 . The fiber optic coupling end  52  includes an adjustable bellows  50 , formed by a plurality of compressible and extensible annular rings  50  along a length of the fiber optic coupling end  52 . The adjustable bellows  50  permit the technician to vary the focal length between the camera  22  and the fiber optic coupling  20  undergoing inspection. 
         [0035]    As shown and described, the inspection instrument expands the surface area and views that may be obtained with the camera  22  in three dimensions. The camera  22  of the instrument permits the technician to record in both still and motion video. The instrument provides the ability to see a connector and all the surfaces and provide a direct digital image in virtual 3D. Heretofore, the only way to see even a small portion of surface contamination was to use an interferometer. 
         [0036]    The inspection device may be used in a wide range of environments, including FTTh (Fiber to the Home), FTTb (Fiber to the business), Data Centers, various military aviation and DOD applications as well as commercial aviation, security, entertainment, and traffic control operations. 
         [0037]    The system of the present invention may include at least one computer with a user interface. The computer may include any computer including, but not limited to, a desktop, laptop, and smart device, such as, a tablet and smart phone. The computer includes a program product including a machine-readable program code for causing, when executed, the computer to perform steps. The program product may include software which may either be loaded onto the computer or accessed by the computer. The loaded software may include an application on a smart device. The software may be accessed by the computer using a web browser. The computer may access the software via the web browser using the internet, extranet, intranet, host server, internet cloud and the like. 
         [0038]    The computer-based data processing system and method described above is for purposes of example only, and may be implemented in any type of computer system or programming or processing environment, or in a computer program, alone or in conjunction with hardware. The present invention may also be implemented in software stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium and executed as a computer program on a general purpose or special purpose computer. For clarity, only those aspects of the system germane to the invention are described, and product details well known in the art are omitted. For the same reason, the computer hardware is not described in further detail. It should thus be understood that the invention is not limited to any specific computer language, program, or computer. It is further contemplated that the present invention may be run on a stand-alone computer system, or may be run from a server computer system that can be accessed by a plurality of client computer systems interconnected over an intranet network, or that is accessible to clients over the Internet. In addition, many embodiments of the present invention have application to a wide range of industries. To the extent the present application discloses a system, the method implemented by that system, as well as software stored on a computer-readable medium and executed as a computer program to perform the method on a general purpose or special purpose computer, are within the scope of the present invention. Further, to the extent the present application discloses a method, a system of apparatuses configured to implement the method are within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0039]    It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.