Abstract: Using a suitably constructed fiber optic cable and interrogation circuitry, the fiber optic cable can be positioned along an object to monitor its shape and the position of various points along the object thereon. Embodiments disclosed herein apply fiber optic position and shape sensing in various ways. In one embodiment, as subject's gait is monitored for analysis. In another embodiment, a tool is displayed moving within a patient's body. In an additional embodiment, the movement of a subject's head is tracked.

Abstract: A system (20) for fiber-optic reflectometry includes an optical source (28, 40), a beat detection module (44, 48, 52, 56A, 56B) and a processor (36). The optical source is configured to generate a non-linearly-scanning optical interrogation signal having an instantaneous optical frequency that is a non-linear function of time. The beat detection module is configured to transmit the optical interrogation signal into an optical fiber (24), to receive from the optical fiber an optical backscattering signal in response to the optical interrogation signal, and to mix the optical backscattering signal with a reference replica of the optical interrogation signal, so as to produce a beat signal.

Abstract: A system (20) for fiber-optic reflectometry includes an optical source (28, 40), a beat detection module (52, 56) and a processor (36). The optical source is configured to generate an optical interrogation signal that is transmitted into an optical fiber (24). The beat detection module is configured to receive from the optical fiber an optical backscattering signal in response to the optical interrogation signal, and to mix the optical backscattering signal with a reference replica of the optical interrogation signal using In-phase/Quadrature (I/Q) mixing, so as to produce a complex beat signal having In-phase (I) and Quadrature (Q) components. The processor is configured to sense one or more events affecting the optical fiber by analyzing the I and Q components of the complex beat signal.

Abstract: Using a suitably constructed fiber optic cable and interrogation circuitry, the fiber optic cable can be positioned along an object to monitor its shape and the position of various points along the object thereon. Embodiments disclosed herein apply fiber optic position and shape sensing in various ways. In one embodiment, as subject's gait is monitored for analysis. In another embodiment, a tool is displayed moving within a patient's body. In an additional embodiment, the movement of a subject's head is tracked.