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scale of high resolution CMOS image sensors , ARM Cortex embedded processors , low-power semiconductor flash memory , and WiFi / Bluetooth transceiver chipsets driven by the smartphone industry . Furthermore , optical microscopes are only useful to inspect exposed ferrule connectors on patch cords , test jumpers and cables , they cannot easily be used to inspect connectors in bulkheads and distribution frames , due to their size / shape / form factor , weight and fragility .
About 15 years ago , the first indirect view “ digital ” fibre scopes appeared , using solid state CDD image sensors . This was before the emergence of standardised , high volume consumer-oriented data interface standards such as USB and FireWire , so the first digital fibre scopes used proprietary data formats on a variety of connectors , such as RJ-11 modular telephone jacks and plugs . None of these early inspection instruments had on-board image storage or image processing , since the embedded microcontrollers of the day were too large physically and power hungry .
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As one would expect , these probes had manual focus wheels , and were remotely powered . There were no software deliverables associated with these early inspection systems . Over time , suppliers developed large portfolios of modular adapter tips for their probes , allowing users to inspect LC , SC , FC , ST , MU , E2000 , Biconic , ELIO , SMA 905 , LEMO , LX . 5 , TFOCA II , OptiTip and eventually multifibre MPO / MTP connectors , using both flat and angled ferrules .
About five years ago , the first wireless fibre inspection probes became available . WiFi and Bluetooth transceiver modules became small enough , cheap enough , and low power enough to embed into hand-held fibre inspection units . Of course , CMOS image sensor resolution has increased dramatically over time , and flash memory has become affordable in high density Gbit configurations . Cell phones drove the development of very low power ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers capable of real-time digital processing of fibre end face images , enabling auto-focus and auto pass / fail algorithmic inspection .
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‘ Today , the innovation in this growing specialised market space continues .’ |
Today , the innovation in this growing specialised market space continues . There are now inspection probes with integrated LCD screens with QVGA resolution and aspect ratio ( 320 by 240 pixels , 4:3 ), driven by simple Graphical User Interfaces that focus on ease-of-use and speed-of-use . Captured image resolution of 640 by 480 VGA in JPEG format is common . Batteries are rechargeable of course , often using ubiquitous USB chargers . Internal storage of thousands of images is typical , as is auto-focus and IEC 61300-3-35 , IPC-8497-1 , AT & T defined and user-defined auto pass / fail analysis .
Headless probes with no screen and a minimum of buttons and indicators , but with WiFi wireless interfaces ( for still and motion image data transfer plus command and control ) are helping to make today ’ s inspection probes more cost-effective than ever . But the biggest recent enhancement to fibre optic inspection systems is the addition of richly featured software ingredients .
It can be safely assumed that nearly all fibre installation and maintenance technicians have access to a smart device ( smartphone or tablet ), either through their employer or their own personal device . Given the ubiquity of smart devices , and their incredible performance ( screen resolution , graphics
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