Cross-Reference to Related Application(s)

This application is being filed on August 28, 2014, as a PCT International Patent applicaiion and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 61/871 ,549 filed on August 29, 2013, and to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 61 /919,435 filed on December 20, 2013, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Fiber optic telecommunications technology is becoming more prevalent as sendee providers strive to deliver higher bandwidth communication capabilities to customers/subscribers. The phrase "fiber to the x" (FTTX) genetically refers to any network architecture that uses optical fiber in place of copper within a local distribution area. Example FTTX networks include fiber-to-the-node (FTTN) networks, fiber-to-the- curb (FTTC) networks and fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) networks.

FTTN and FTTC networks use fiber optic cables that are run from a service provider's central office to a cabinet serving a neighborhood. Subscribers connect to the cabinet using traditional copper cable technology such as coaxial cable or twisted pair wiring. The difference between an FTTN network and an FTTC network relates to the area served by the cabinet. Typically, FTTC networks typically have cabinets closer to the subscribers that serve a smaller subscriber area than the cabinets of FTTN networks.

In an FTTP network, fiber optic cables are ran from a service provider's central office all the way to the subscriber's premises. Example FTTP networks include fiber -to -the -home (FTTH) networks and fiber-to-the -building (FTTB) networks. In an FTTB network, optical fiber is routed from the central office over an optical distribution network to an optical network terminal (ONT) located in a building. The ONT typically includes active components that convert the optical signals into electrical signals. The electrical signals are typically routed from the ONT to the subscriber's residence or office space using traditional copper cable technology. In an FTTH network, fiber optic cable is run from the service provider's central office to an ONT located at the subscriber's residence or office space. Once again, at the ONT, optical signals are typically converted into an electrical signal for use with the subscriber's devices. However, to the extent that an end user may have devices that are compatible with optical signals, conversion of the optical signal to an electrical signal may not be necessary.

FTTP networks include active optical networks and passive optical networks. Active optical networks use electrically powered equipment (e.g., a switch, router, multiplexer or other equipment) to distribute signals and to provide signal buffering. Passive optical networks use passive beam splitters instead of electrically powered equipment to split optical signals. In a passive optical network, ONT's are typically equipped with equipment (e.g., wave-division multiplexing and time-division multiplexing equipment) that prevents incoming and outgoing signals from colliding and that filters out signals intended for other subscribers.

A typical passive FTTP network includes fiber optic cables routed from a central location (e.g., a service provider's central office) to a fiber distribution hub ( FDH) located in a local area such as a neighborhood. The fiber distribution hub typically includes a cabinet in which one or more passive optical splitters are mounted. The splitters each are capable of splitting a signal carried by a single fiber to a plurality of fibers. The fibers split out at the splitter are routed from the fiber distribution hub into the local area using a fiber optic distribution cable. Fibers are routed from the fiber distribution cable to subscriber locations (e.g., homes, businesses or buildings) using various techniques. For example, fiber optic drop cables can be routed directly from a breakout location on the distribution cable to an ONT at a subscriber location.

Alternatively, a stub cable can be routed from a breakout location of the distribution cable to a drop terminal. Drop cables can be run from the drop terminal to ONT's located at a plurality of premises located near the drop terminal.

Once a fiber optic network has initially been installed, it is often desirable to test the performance of various fiber optic lines/circuits in the network to make sure the lines/circuits satisfy certain minimum performance requirements. Testing systems and methods that reduce labor and equipment cost are needed.

The disclosure is directed to example inspection attachment members for smart phones, digital cameras, or other such portable devices. The inspection attachment members include a base configured to mount over an end of a portable device; and a receiving arrangement extending outwardly from the base, A fiber alignment member and a securement arrangement are disposed in the receiving arrangement. The fiber alignment member is a ligned with an aperture defined in the base of the inspection attachment member.

Certain types of inspection attachment members also include a focusing lens disposed in the receiving arrangement and aligned with a second aperture defined in the base. The focusing lens aids a camera lens of the porta ble device in focusing on a distal tip of the optical fiber retained at the receiving arrangement.

The disclosure also is directed to processes for checking the performance (e.g., continuity) of optical fibers. Some example inspection processes include mounting an inspection attachment member to a smart phone; inserting a first end of the optical fiber into a receiving arrangement of the mspection attachment member to align the first end with a light source of the smart phone; activating the light source of the smart phone to shine a light along the optical fiber; and determining whether the light is visible at an opposite end of the optical fiber.

Certain example inspection processes include inserting an end of an optical fiber into a receiving arrangement of a smart phone attachment member to align the end with a camera lens of the smart phone; and activating the camera on the smart phone to view the opposite end of the optical fiber on a display screen of the smart phone. Certain example inspection processes include aligning the opposite end of the optical fiber with the light source of the smart phone.

Additional embodiments include an inspection attachment member which allows the connector to be moved relative to the camera of the portable device.

Additional embodiments can include providing a rotatable inspection attachment member for the connector to present the connector end face at an angle relative to the camera.

Additional embodiments may include capturing a photograph of the connector with the portable device.

Additional embodiments may include connector identification devices which can be read by the portable device. For example, RFID tags, QR codes, barcodes, electrical contact arrangements, visual tags with numbers or letters, and other indicia can be read by the portable de vice. For example, text or numbers or other indicia on an end face of the ferrule can be read by the camera as part of the inspection process.

Additionally, or instead of, identification codes can be located on the cable including RFID tags, QR codes, barcodes, other visual indicia, or electronic codes. In addition, the portable device can include a self-detection application which detects ferrule size and/or an angled ferrule face to automatically identify to the portable device the ferrule type. In some applications, ferrule polishing by different manufacturers results in a different ferrule end face profile which can be used to identify ferrule polishers and processors.

A multi-fiber connector can also be used with the portable device. The inspection attachment member can be provided with a lateral movement mechanism to enable inspection of each individual fiber positioned in the ferrule.

The portable device can complete the inspection as desired by the user, and then communicate the results via email as desired, or to the cloud. Also, the portable device can provide email support for the technician in the field who may have questions about the process and inspection.

In other applications, the portable device can include a dongie attached to the portable device which allows for other types of inspections or testing of the fiber optic cable and/or connector(s). For example, an OTDR, a power meter, a visual inspection camera, a bit error rate measurement device can be connected via a dongie to the portable device. The portable device can include a dongie with a remote test device. With the dongie, the portable device can be used to run a variety of testing and/or inspection applications. Portable device allows increased testing of telecommunications connectors, cables and equipment, such as with an OTDR, a power meter, a visual inspection camera, a bit error rate measurement device which are not internal to the portable device, but all of which can be managed by portable device.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inveniive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an example portable device including a display screen and light source; FIG. 2 is a rear view of the portable device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a first example inspection attachment member configured in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the inspection attachment member of FIG. 3;

FIG, 5 is a perspective view of an example seeurement arrangement and alignment member suitable for use with any of the inspection attachment members disclosed herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates two users utilizing the inspection attachment member of FIG. 3 with the portable device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a second example inspection attachment member configured in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG, 8 is a bottom perspective view of the inspection attachment member of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the inspection attachment member of

FIG. 7 mount ed to the portable device of FIG, 1 where components disposed within an interior of a receiving arrangement of the inspection attachment member are shown;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of FIG, 9 with a fiber optic cable mounted at the inspection attachment member;

FIG, 1 1 is a front view of FIG. 10 so that the display screen is visible; and

FIG, 12 is a front view of an example portable device including a dongle.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIGS. I and 2 illustrate one example portable device 100 including a body 1 10 having a front 101, a rear 102, a top 103, and a bottom 104. The front 101 of the portable device 100 includes a display screen 1 15. The rear 102 of the portable device 100 includes a light source 1 18 and a camera lens 116. The portable device 100 includes circuitry and/or software that cause images of objects viewed through the camera lens 1 16 to appear on the display screen 1 15. The circuitry and/or software also cause the light source to emit light to illuminate the objects viewed through the camera lens 1 16 to improve the quality of images appearing on the display screen 1 15. In various implementations, the portable device 100 includes a keypad, a mouse, a controller, buttons, a microphone, and/or any other type of input interface. In certain implementations, the display screen 1 15 is a touch screen through which input can be provided to the circuitry and/or software of the portable device 100. In certain implementations, the portable device 100 can include speakers and/or any other type of output interface. In some implementations, the portable device 100 includes a digital camera. In other implementations, the portable device 100 includes a smart phone. For example, the portable device 100 can include an iPhone® sold by Apple Inc. In other implementations, the portable device 100 includes a tablet computer.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate one example inspection attachment member 120 that is configured to mount to the portable device 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The inspection attachment member 120 includes a base 121 defining an interior 122. The base 121 is sized and shaped to fit over an end (e.g., the top 103, the bottom 104, etc.) of the portable device 100 so that the end of the portable device 100 is disposed within the interior 122 of the base 121. The base 121 also defines ports 124 that provide access to ports on the portable device 100. The base 121 may also define a cutout to inhibit blocking the display screen 1 15.

The base 121 defines a first aperture 123 that is configured to align with the light source 1 18 of the portable device 100 when the inspection attachment member 120 is mounted to the portable device 100. The inspection attachment member also includes a receiving arrangement 125 extending outwardly from the base 121. The receiving arrangement 125 defines a first passage 126 that extends from the first aperture 123 to a distal end of the receiving arrangement 125. The distal end of the receiving arrangement defines a connection port 127. A securement arrangement 128 is disposed within the passage 126 to retain an optical connector inserted into the connection port 127. In certain implementations, a fiber alignment member 129 also is disposed within the first passage 126 to align an optical fiber terminated by the optical connector with the first aperture 123.

In certain implementations, the fiber alignment member 129 includes a sleeve (e.g., a split sleeve) aligned with the first aperture 123 and configured to receive a ferrule of an optical connector. In certain implementations, the securement arrangement 128 includes latching arms configured to snap over sides of the optical connector. In certain examples, the securement arrangement 128 and fiber alignment member 129 form half of an optical adapter (e.g., see FIG. 5). In an example, the securement arrangement 128 and fiber alignment member 129 form half of an SC adapter. FIG. 6 shows one example use for the inspection attachment member 120. A first person P1 is situated at a first location L1 and a second person P2 is situated at a second location L2 that is spaced from the first location L1. The first person P1 is holding a portable device 100 (e.g., a smart phone) on which the inspection attachment member 120 is mounted. A first connectorized end 132 of an optical fiber cable 130 is plugged into the port 127 of the inspection attachment member 120. The second person P2 is holding a second end 134 of the optical fiber cable 130. In an example, the second end 134 is a connectorized end.

In some implementations, the first location L1 may be at a first port at which the first connectorized end 132. of the optical fiber 130 is to be plugged and the second location L2 may be at a second port (e.g., at a rack 200) at which the second end 134 is to be plugged, spliced, terminated, optically coupled to equipment, or optically coupled to another fiber. In certain implementations, the first and second locations L1, L2 may be located at different sides of a room. In certain implementations, the first and second locations L1, L2 may be located at different sides of a building. In certain implementations, the first and second locations L1, L2 may be located at different sides of an equipment rack.

In use, the first person P1 manipulates the portable device 100 to activate the light source 118. Light emitted by the light source 1 18 shines through the first aperture 123 and along the receiving arrangement passage 126 towards the first connectorized end 132 of the optical fiber cable 130. The light is carried by the optical fiber cable 130 from the first connectorized end 132 to the second end 134. The person P2 holding the second end 134 of the optical fiber cable 130 can view the second end 134 to determine whether or not the light is visible. Such a determination checks for continuity of the optical cable. If the light is not visible or is dimmer than normal, then the optical fiber cable 130 may be damaged at one or more points along its length or may be subject to excessive bending.

In some implementations, the inspection of the optical fiber cable 130 is made when the optical fiber cable 130 is being installed in the field. In other

implementations, the inspection of the optical fiber cable 130 can be implemented during the lifetime of the optical fiber cable 130. For example, the ends 132, 134 of the optical fiber cable 130 can be unplugged from their respective ports and tested. If the inspection indicates a problem with the optical fiber cable 130, then the cable 130 can be replaced. FIGS. 7-1 1 illustrate another example inspection attachment member 150 configured to mount to the portable device 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The inspect ion attachment member 150 includes a base 151 defining an interior 152. The base 151 is sized and shaped to fit over an end (e.g., the top 103, the bottom 104, etc.) of the portable device 100 so that the end of the portable device 100 is disposed within the interior 152 of the base 151, The base 151 also defines ports 154 that provide access to ports on the portable device 100. The base 151 may also define a cutout to inhibit blocking the display screen 1 15 (e.g., see FIG. 1 1).

The base 151 defines a first aperture 153a that is configured to align with the light source 1 18 of the portable device 100 when the inspection attachment member 150 is mounted to the portable device 100. The base 151 also defines a second aperture 153b that is configured to align with the camera lens 1 16 of the portable device 100 when the inspection attachment member 150 is mounted to the portable de vice 100. In the example shown, the second aperture 153b is larger than the first aperture 153a. In other implementations, however, the apertures 153a, 153b can be of different sizes.

The inspection attachment member 150 also includes a receiving arrangement 155 extending outwardly from the base 151. The receiving arrangement 155 includes a first portion 155a that defines a first passage 156a that extends from the first aperture 153a to a distal end of the first portion 155a. The distal end of the first portion 155a defines a first connection port 157a providing access to the passage 156a. The receiving arrangement 155 also includes a second portion 155b that defines a second passage 156b that extends from the second aperture 153b to a distal end of the second portion 155b. The distal end of the second portion 155b defines a second connection port 157b providing access to the passage 156a.

The receiving arrangement 155 is configured to receive a first optical connector 132 at the first portion 155a and a second optical connector 134 at the second portion 155b. A securement arrangement 158a, 158b is disposed within each passage 156a, 156b to retain an optical connector inserted into the connection port 157a, 157b. In certain implementations, a fiber alignment member 159a, 159b also is disposed within the passages 156a, 156b to align optical fibers terminated by the optical connectors 132, 134 with the respective apertures 153a, 153b.

In certain implementations, each fiber alignment member 159a, 159b includes a sleeve (e.g., a split sleeve) aligned with the respective aperture 153a, 153b and configured to receive a ferrule of an optical connector. In certain implementations, each securement arrangement 158a, 158b includes latching arms configured to snap over sides of the optical connector. In certain examples, each securement arrangement 158a, 158b and fiber alignment member 159a, 159b form half of an optical adapter (e.g., see FIG. 7), In an example, the securement arrangement 158a, 158b and fiber alignment member 159a, 159b form half of an SC adapter.

In some implementations, the second portion 155b of the receiving arrangement 155 also includes a focusing lens 165 disposed in the passage 156b (see FIG, 9). The focusing lens 165 is configured to aid the camera lens 1 16 to focus on the optical connector received at the second port 157b. For example, the focusing lens 165 may aid the camera lens 1 16 from focusing on a distal tip of an optical fiber of the optical fiber cable 130 received at the port 157b. In certain implementations, the second portion 155b of the receiving arrangement 155 is longer than the first portion 155a to accommodate the focusing lens 165.

FIGS. 10 and 1 1 show one example use for the inspection attachment member 150. A first optical connector 132 is disposed at the first port 157a and a second optical connector 134 is disposed at the second port 157b, The optical fiber cable 130 carries light emitted by the light source 1 18 to the second port 157b at which the light enters the focusing lens 165 and the camera lens 1 16. FIG, 1 1 illustrates the display screen 1 15 of the portable device 100 displaying an image 160 based on the light reaching the camera lens 1 16, In some implementations, the image 160 is a circle (i.e., or other shape) of light from which the continuity of the optical cable 130 can be determined.

In other implementations, the image 160 is a visual representation of the distal tip of the optical fiber carry ing the emitted light. In certain implementations, the image 160 includes the distal tip of a ferrule holding the optical fiber. In an example, a user can view the image 160 on the display screen 115 and determine whether the ferrule and/or fiber are damaged (e.g., notched, splintered, fractured, etc.). In another example, a user can view the image 160 on the display screen 1 15 and determine whether any debris (e.g., dust) or other contaminants (e.g., water) are present on the fiber. In another example the inspection attachment member 150 can be utilized as discussed with reference to FIG. 6.

Additional embodiments include an inspection attachment member 120, 150 which allows the connector 132, 134 to be moved relative to the camera of the portable device 100. For example, moving the connector in a plane parallel to the camera will allow for more precise positioning of the connector for inspection or other operations. Alternatively, or in addition to, the connector may be moved axialiy relative to the camera toward and away from the camera for more precise positioning of the connector for inspection.

Additional embodiments can include providing a rotatabie inspection attachment member 120, 150 for the connector to present the connector end face at an angle relative to the camera.

A dditional embodiments may include capturing a photograph of the connector with the portable device 100. The photograph can include additional text added by the user. An application within the portable device may grade the connector based on the visual image as read by the camera. Alternatively, or in addition to, the user may apply a grade to the photograph of the connector. The data associated with the photograph including date, time, location, grade, and other information can be stored with the photograph on the portable device, or sent away to a cloud-based application.

Additional embodiments may include connector identification devices which can be read by the portable device 100. For example, RFID tags, QR codes, barcodes, electrical contact arrangements, visual tags with numbers or letters, and other indicia can be read by the portable device. For example, text or numbers or other indicia on an end face of the ferrule can be read by the camera as part of the inspection process. Additionally, or instead of, identification codes can be located on the cable including RFID tags, QR codes, barcodes, other visual indicia, or electronic codes.

In addition, the portable device can include a self-detection application which detects ferrule size and/or an angled ferrule face to automatically identify to the portable device the ferrule type. In some applications, ferrule polishing by different manufacturers results in a different ferrule end face profile which can be used to identify ferrule polishers and processors.

A multi-fiber connector can also be used with the portable device 100. The inspection attachment member 120, 150 can be provided with a lateral movement mechanism to enable inspection of each individual fiber positioned in the ferrule. Such indexing can be manual, or it can be automated with a mechanical device which provides precise indexing for each fiber.

The portable device 100 can complete the inspection as desired by the user, and then communicate the results via email as desired, or to the cloud. Also, the portable device can provide email support for the technician in the field who may have questions about the process and inspection. In other applications, the portable device 100 can include a dongie attached to the portable device which allows for other types of inspections or testing of the fiber optic cable and/ or connector(s). For example, an OTDR, a power meter, a visual inspection camera, a bit error rate measurement device can be connected via a dongie to the portable device. In FIG. 12, portable device 100 includes a dongie 208 with a remote test de v ice 210. Dongie 208 connects with connection 212 at port 214 of portable device 100. A cable 2.16 connects test device 210 to connection 212. Test device 2.10 is ilktstrated as connecting to first connector 232. First connector 232 can be tested or inspected as needed by device 2.10, First connector 232 can be connected with a cable 230 to a second connector 234. Cable 230 and connector 2.34 can be tested as desired with device 210. Second connector 234 can be connected to telecommunications equipment 240 for testing of equipment 240.

With the dongie 208, portable de vice 100 can be used to run a variety of testing and/or inspection applications. The results can be recorded in device 100 and/or sent from device 100 to another device or the cloud. Portable device 100 allows increased testing of telecommunications connectors, cables and equipment, such as wiih an OTDR, a power meter, a visual inspection camera, a bit error rate measurement device which are not internal to portable device 100, but all of which can be managed by portable device 100.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.