公开(公告)号：US06478482B1

公开(公告)日：2002-11-12

申请号：US09593354

申请日：2000-06-14

Applicant: Erin Sahinci ,  Waqar Mahmood ,  Andrei Csipkes

Inventor： Erin Sahinci ,  Waqar Mahmood ,  Andrei Csipkes

IPC: G02B6255

CPC classification number: G02B6/2551 ,  G02B6/266

Abstract: A method of controlling an optical fiber splicing machine utilizes a power control mode to control the amount of power delivered to fuse the fibers. In the power control mode, the attenuation is measured while the fusing process is occurring. The power control mode shuts down the splicer when the measured insertion loss is less than or equal to the target insertion loss value plus a margin value. The margin value accounts for the transient attenuation difference value indicative of the changing attenuation as the splice cools. If the desired attenuation is not achieved, an energy control mode is utilized which controls the amount of energy delivered to fuse the fibers. After delivering this energy, the method measures the attenuation. If not within desired values, the energy mode is repeated. At each iteration the splicing control function utilized by the energy control mode may be reprogrammed. With these techniques, optical fibers may be spliced having a controlled attenuation to within +/−0.1 dB or better. A system for performing the attenuating splice uses, in addition to a optical fiber splicing machine, a laser and power meter to measure insertion loss as well as a controller to implement the splicing methods.

Abstract translation: 控制光纤拼接机的方法利用功率控制模式来控制输送的功率量以熔化纤维。 在功率控制模式下，在发生定影过程时测量衰减。 当测量的插入损耗小于或等于目标插入损耗值加上余量值时，功率控制模式关闭拼接器。 裕度值表示当接头冷却时表示变化衰减的瞬态衰减差值。 如果没有达到期望的衰减，则利用能量控制模式来控制传输的能量来熔化纤维。 传递此能量后，该方法测量衰减。 如果不在期望的值内，则重复能量模式。 在每次迭代中，由能量控制模式使用的拼接控制功能可以被重新编程。 利用这些技术，光纤可以被接合，其受控衰减到+/- 0.1dB或更好。 用于执行衰减接头的系统除了光纤拼接机之外还使用激光和功率计来测量插入损耗以及控制器来实现拼接方法。

公开(公告)号：US6122936A

公开(公告)日：2000-09-26

申请号：US48331

申请日：1998-03-26

Applicant: Andrei Csipkes ,  William Keith Chandler ,  Waqar Mahmood

Inventor： Andrei Csipkes ,  William Keith Chandler ,  Waqar Mahmood

IPC: G02B6/255 ,  G01J1/42 ,  C03C25/00

CPC classification number: G02B6/2551

Abstract: An apparatus for integrating steps of a process for interconnecting optical fibers. The apparatus contains a planar surface having a plurality of openings. A plurality of optical fiber processing modules are suspended within the plurality of openings, with each of the modules configured to execute a different step of the optical fiber interconnection process. A material transfer mechanism, such as a robot arm, is arranged above the planar surface and is connected to a controller. The apparatus can incorporate an optical fiber precision handling tool, which holds, transports and aligns the fibers to be processed. The robot arm is operative to pick-up and move the optical fiber precision handling tool between the plurality of modules. This allows the optical fibers to be transferred through a series of process steps without having to re-secure or re-orient the fibers between the steps.

Abstract translation: 一种用于集成用于互连光纤的处理步骤的装置。 该装置包括具有多个开口的平面。 多个光纤处理模块悬挂在多个开口内，每个模块被配置为执行光纤互连处理的不同步骤。 诸如机器人臂的材料传送机构布置在平面的上方并连接到控制器。 该装置可以包括光纤精密处理工具，其保持，输送和对准要处理的纤维。 机器人臂可操作以在多个模块之间拾取和移动光纤精密处理工具。 这允许光纤通过一系列工艺步骤传送，而不必在步骤之间重新固定或重新定向纤维。

公开(公告)号：US06039630A

公开(公告)日：2000-03-21

申请号：US31816

申请日：1998-02-27

Applicant: William Keith Chandler ,  Nadir Shah ,  Waqar Mahmood ,  Andrei Csipkes

Inventor： William Keith Chandler ,  Nadir Shah ,  Waqar Mahmood ,  Andrei Csipkes

IPC: B24B19/22 ,  B24B21/00 ,  B24B41/06 ,  G02B6/25 ,  G02B6/38 ,  B24B49/00

CPC classification number: B24B41/06 ,  B24B19/226 ,  B24B21/004 ,  G02B6/25 ,  G02B6/3863

Abstract: A calibration apparatus and method for a polishing machine includes a ferrule surrounding a polishing pad and a plurality of sensors attached to the ferrule. Each of the sensors is directed at a location where optical fibers extending downwardly from a leveling device contact the polishing pad. The sensors are infrared sensors that detect a heat signature generated by friction at the contact point between the optical fibers and the polishing pad as the polishing pad spins and revolves relative to the leveling device. The heat signature that is generated corresponds to the pressure existing between the optical fibers and the polishing pad.

Abstract translation: 抛光机的校准装置和方法包括围绕抛光垫的套圈和附接到套圈的多个传感器。 每个传感器被引导到从平整装置向下延伸的光纤接触抛光垫的位置。 传感器是红外传感器，当抛光垫相对于调平装置旋转并旋转时，该传感器检测在光纤和抛光垫之间的接触点产生的热痕迹。 所产生的热标记对应于存在于光纤和抛光垫之间的压力。

公开(公告)号：US5923781A

公开(公告)日：1999-07-13

申请号：US577637

申请日：1995-12-22

Applicant: Andrei Csipkes ,  Muid Ur-Rehman Mufti ,  John Mark Palmquist

Inventor： Andrei Csipkes ,  Muid Ur-Rehman Mufti ,  John Mark Palmquist

IPC: G06T5/00 ,  G06K9/80

CPC classification number: G06T7/0083 ,  G06T7/0046 ,  G06T7/0089 ,  G06T2207/10056 ,  G06T2207/20168 ,  G06T2207/30164

Abstract: A segment detection system automatically, contactlessly, rapidly, and precisely detects a segment along an edge, such as a boundary, of an object in a digitized image. The segment detection system includes an imager for capturing an image of an object and converting the image into an electrical signal. A computer is connected to the camera for receiving the electrical signal. A machine vision system is associated with the computer and is adapted to analyze the image. A segment detection program is disposed in the computer for driving the computer and the machine vision system in accordance with the present invention. The segment detection program includes an initialization subroutine and a matching subroutine. The initialization subroutine configures the program to search for a particular target polynomial equation. The matching subroutine derives a test polynomial equation that represents a test segment from a test edge of the object based upon an analysis of the image. Further, the matching subroutine determines whether the test segment matches the target segment by comparing corresponding coefficients of the test polynomial equation and the target polynomial equation.

Abstract translation: 片段检测系统自动地，非接触地，快速地并且精确地检测沿着数字化图像中的物体的边缘（例如边界）的片段。 片段检测系统包括用于捕获对象的图像并将图像转换为电信号的成像器。 计算机连接到相机以接收电信号。 机器视觉系统与计算机相关联并且适于分析图像。 根据本发明，在计算机中设置段检测程序，用于驱动计算机和机器视觉系统。 段检测程序包括初始化子程序和匹配子例程。 初始化子程序配置程序以搜索特定的目标多项式方程。 匹配子程序基于对图像的分析，导出表示来自对象的测试边缘的测试段的测试多项式方程。 此外，匹配子程序通过比较测试多项式方程和目标多项式方程的对应系数来确定测试段是否与目标段匹配。

公开(公告)号：US06464410B1

公开(公告)日：2002-10-15

申请号：US09651368

申请日：2000-08-30

Applicant: Erin Sahinci ,  Waqar Mahmood ,  Andrei Csipkes

Inventor： Erin Sahinci ,  Waqar Mahmood ,  Andrei Csipkes

IPC: G02B6255

CPC classification number: G02B6/2551 ,  G02B6/266

Abstract: A method of controlling an optical fiber splicing machine utilizes an optimized power control mode to control the amount of power delivered to fuse the fibers. The attenuation is measured while the fusing process is occurring and a final jump value is calculated. The final jump value is indicative of the transient attenuation difference that occurs as the splice cools. The optimized power control mode shuts down the splicer when the measured insertion loss is less than or equal to the difference between the estimated final jump value and the desired attenuation. The final jump value may also be recalculated as further data are gathered during the splicing process. If the desired attenuation is not achieved, an optimized energy control mode is utilized which determines optimal energy settings and controls the amount of energy delivered to fuse the fibers. After delivering this energy, the method measures the attenuation. If not within desired values, the optimized energy mode is repeated. At each iteration the energy settings are re-determined and the splicing control function utilized by the splicer may be reprogrammed. Furthermore, the estimation parameters used to estimate the final jump may be adjusted between each iteration of the optimized power control mode. These adjustments as well as the determination of the energy settings may be aided by a knowledge base and intelligent control techniques that learn as a greater number of splicing operations are performed.

Abstract translation: 控制光纤拼接机的方法利用优化的功率控制模式来控制输送的功率量以熔化纤维。 在定影过程发生时测量衰减，并计算最终跳跃值。 最终跳转值表示随着接头冷却而发生的瞬态衰减差异。 当测量的插入损耗小于或等于估计的最终跳跃值和所需衰减之间的差值时，优化的功率控制模式关闭接合器。 当拼接过程中收集进一步的数据时，也可以重新计算最终的跳跃值。 如果没有实现所需的衰减，则利用优化的能量控制模式，其确定最佳能量设置并且控制传送以熔化光纤的能量的量。 传递此能量后，该方法测量衰减。 如果不在期望的值内，则重复优化的能量模式。 在每次迭代时，重新确定能量设置，并且可以对拼接器使用的拼接控制功能进行重新编程。 此外，可以在优化的功率控制模式的每次迭代之间调整用于估计最终跳跃的估计参数。 这些调整以及能量设置的确定可以通过知识库和智能控制技术来辅助，知识库和智能控制技术被学习为更多数量的拼接操作。

公开(公告)号：US06188402B1

公开(公告)日：2001-02-13

申请号：US09006443

申请日：1998-01-13

Applicant: Andrei Csipkes ,  Mike J. Ransford ,  Dave A. Schwarten

Inventor： Andrei Csipkes ,  Mike J. Ransford ,  Dave A. Schwarten

IPC: G06F314

CPC classification number: G05B19/4068 ,  G05B23/0256 ,  G05B23/0272 ,  G05B2219/31027 ,  G05B2219/35492 ,  G05B2219/36246 ,  Y02P90/04 ,  Y10S715/965 ,  Y10S715/97

Abstract: A workstation for use in the assembly of component parts includes a computer terminal having a display and at least one input device, a test apparatus operatively coupled to the computer terminal, and an application program which generates a first display screen for display of an assembly procedure to be followed by an assembler on the display of the computer terminal and a second display screen for display of test results obtained by the test apparatus on said display of said computer terminal. In the case where at least one of multiple assembly steps includes a test function, the application program automatically performs the test function using the test equipment and inhibits display of a next assembly step in the event that results of the test function are outside predetermined parameters.

Abstract translation: 用于组件的组装的工作站包括具有显示器和至少一个输入设备的计算机终端，可操作地耦合到计算机终端的测试设备以及生成用于显示组装过程的第一显示屏幕的应用程序 在计算机终端的显示器上跟随有汇编器，以及第二显示屏幕，用于显示由所述计算机终端的显示器上的测试设备获得的测试结果。 在多个组装步骤中的至少一个包括测试功能的情况下，应用程序使用测试设备自动执行测试功能，并且在测试功能的结果超出预定参数的情况下禁止显示下一个组装步骤。

公开(公告)号：US06167401A

公开(公告)日：2000-12-26

申请号：US20512

申请日：1998-02-09

Applicant: Andrei Csipkes ,  Mike J. Ransford ,  Dave A. Schwarten

Inventor： Andrei Csipkes ,  Mike J. Ransford ,  Dave A. Schwarten

IPC: G05B19/418 ,  G06F17/30

CPC classification number: G05B19/41805 ,  G05B2219/31046 ,  G05B2219/31331 ,  Y02P90/04 ,  Y02P90/18 ,  Y10S707/99942 ,  Y10S707/99945

Abstract: A communications system includes a plurality of work stations and a relational database operatively linked therewith. Each of the workstations includes a computer terminal having a display and at least one input device, test apparatus operatively coupled to said computer terminal, and an assembly application program which generates a first display of an assembly procedure to be followed by an assembler on said display of said computer terminal and a second display screen for display of test results obtained by said test apparatus on said display of said computer terminal. The relational database stores data which is independent of the assembly program and which indicative of the assembly procedure used by the assembly application program. A data structure of the relational database includes an tracking table and an action table, in which the tracking table being used to link to data contained in the action table. The tracking table identifies a type of product, a serial number of the product, and process steps associated with the product, and the action table identifies work instructions, test files and automated manufacturing files.

Abstract translation: 通信系统包括多个工作站和与其可操作地连接的关系数据库。 每个工作站包括具有显示器和至少一个输入设备的计算机终端，可操作地耦合到所述计算机终端的测试设备以及组装应用程序，该组件应用程序在所述显示器上生成汇编程序遵循的组装过程的第一显示 以及第二显示屏，用于在所述计算机终端的所述显示器上显示由所述测试装置获得的测试结果。 关系数据库存储独立于组装程序的数据，并且指示组装应用程序使用的组装过程。 关系数据库的数据结构包括跟踪表和动作表，其中跟踪表用于链接到动作表中包含的数据。 跟踪表识别产品的类型，产品的序列号和与产品相关联的处理步骤，操作表标识工作指令，测试文件和自动化制造文件。

公开(公告)号：US6122561A

公开(公告)日：2000-09-19

申请号：US144434

申请日：1998-09-01

Applicant: William Keith Chandler ,  Andrei Csipkes ,  Thomas Robert Boyer ,  Charles Austin Benner

Inventor： William Keith Chandler ,  Andrei Csipkes ,  Thomas Robert Boyer ,  Charles Austin Benner

IPC: G01M11/04 ,  G06F19/00 ,  B60T7/16 ,  B65G21/00 ,  G01C22/00

CPC classification number: G01M11/04

Abstract: An optical module inspection circuit on an optical platform includes an optical module carrier for precisely aligning optical devices with optical interfaces of inspection equipment located at fixed positions in the optical module inspection circuit. The module includes an apparatus for conveyance along a top surface of the optical platform. The module may be conveyed automatically to predetermined positions on the optical platform to automate alignment and positioning of optical devices with respect to optical inspection stations in the optical test circuit.

Abstract translation: 光学平台上的光学模块检查电路包括光学模块载体，用于将光学装置与位于光学模块检查电路中的固定位置处的检查设备的光学接口精确对准。 该模块包括沿着光学平台的顶表面传送的设备。 模块可以被自动地传送到光学平台上的预定位置，以使光学装置相对于光学测试电路中的光学检测站自动对准和定位。

公开(公告)号：US5729622A

公开(公告)日：1998-03-17

申请号：US510226

申请日：1995-08-02

Applicant: Andrei Csipkes ,  John Mark Palmquist

Inventor： Andrei Csipkes ,  John Mark Palmquist

IPC: G01B11/00 ,  G01B21/00 ,  G02B6/38 ,  G02B6/42 ,  G06K9/00 ,  G01B11/27

CPC classification number: G02B6/3843 ,  G02B6/3807 ,  G02B6/4221 ,  G02B6/4227

Abstract: An automatic inspection system contactlessly measures the offset of a feature of an object from a theoretical ideal center of the object, and is particularly suited for measuring at an endface of an optical fiber termination the eccentricity of an optical fiber core relative to a theoretical ideal center of the termination. The core is extremely smaller (typically between about 50 and 500 times) in size than the termination boundary. An inspection system has a feature imager, one or more boundary segment imagers but preferably four in number, and a machine vision system connected to the foregoing imagers. The feature imager is positioned to capture an image of the feature (e.g., fiber core endface), and the one or more boundary segment imagers are positioned to capture an image of a corresponding boundary segment of the object (e.g., termination endface). The machine vision system determines the offset, or eccentricity, based upon the feature image and the one or more boundary segment images.

Abstract translation: 自动检查系统非接触地测量物体的特征与物体的理论理想中心的偏移，特别适用于在光纤终端的端面处测量光纤芯相对于理论理想中心的偏心度 的终止。 核心尺寸比终端边界小得多（通常在大约50到500倍之间）。 检查系统具有特征成像器，一个或多个边界段成像器，但优选数量为四个，以及连接到前述成像器的机器视觉系统。 定位特征成像器以捕获特征（例如，光纤核心端面）的图像，并且定位一个或多个边界段成像器以捕获对象的对应边界段（例如，终止端面）的图像。 机器视觉系统基于特征图像和一个或多个边界段图像来确定偏移或偏心度。

公开(公告)号：US5724127A

公开(公告)日：1998-03-03

申请号：US808722

申请日：1997-02-27

Applicant: Andrei Csipkes ,  Glen D. Porter

Inventor： Andrei Csipkes ,  Glen D. Porter

IPC: G01M11/00 ,  G02B6/38 ,  G01N21/88

CPC classification number: G01M11/31 ,  G02B6/3833 ,  G02B6/385

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting an end surface of a fiber optic is provided having a scope body with an adapter that mates the scope body with a bulkhead connected to an end surface of a fiber optic, and a system for generating light at a selected angle to the end surface of the fiber optic, located within the scope body, so that the light impinges on the end surface of the fiber optic through the bulkhead at the selected angle. An image of the end surface of the fiber optic is generated wherein an imperfection located on the end surface of the fiber optic casts a shadow on the image of the end surface of the fiber optic. The image is received by an image receiving system wherein the imperfection on the end surface of the fiber optic is detected and enhanced due to the shadow in the image. A method for inspection an end surface of a fiber optic is also disclosed.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于检查光纤端面的装置，具有具有适配器的适配器本体，该适配器将示波器主体与连接到光纤的端面的隔板相配合，以及用于以与所述光纤的端面成一定角度产生光的系统 光纤的端表面位于示波器主体内，使得光以选定的角度通过隔板撞击在光纤的端表面上。 产生光纤端面的图像，其中位于光纤端面的缺陷在光纤端面的图像上投射阴影。 图像由图像接收系统接收，其中由于图像中的阴影检测并增强了光纤端面上的缺陷。 还公开了一种用于检查光纤端面的方法。