From foundational concept to production hardware — 15+ years of continuous research and development in parallel fiber identification.
Shared priority date for the foundational patents (US 8,467,041 B2 and US 8,823,925 B2). Original concept: parallel multi-fiber identification using unique port signatures defined by color (wavelength) and rhythmic pattern (temporal encoding). A single device generates up to 28 unique signatures via a 4-color by 7-pattern matrix.
The foundational Fiber Optic Port Signature Applicator patent issued June 18, 2013 (filed December 1, 2010). Inventors: Mark A. Dinjian and William S. Heinstrom. Implementations include LEDs, semiconductor diode lasers, and programmable timer circuits using 555 Timer ICs. A continuation application was filed June 14, 2013 and would issue the following year.
The continuation of the '041 patent issued September 2, 2014. 16 claims covering apparatus for testing optical fiber continuity with distinct port signatures, color-based and pattern-based differentiation, and method claims for testing procedures.
Decade of R&D advancing from visual-only identification to non-contact, encoded, bidirectional mapping. Development of DMX512 protocol integration, Morse code encoding with encrypted symbol substitution, camera-based detection, and modular test instrumentation. Brian A. LeBlanc joins as co-inventor.
US Patent Application 18/917,784 filed October 16, 2024. Covers the complete VisiMap system: multi-port FCMs with visible + infrared wavelengths, camera-based non-contact decoders, encrypted Morse code encoding, bidirectional IR communication, and integrated OTDR module. Inventors: Dinjian, Heinstrom, LeBlanc.
System and Method for Mapping Multi-Strand Fiber Optic Cables published April 17, 2025. Assigned to Multi-Fiber Solutions, LLC. Covers key innovations: non-contact identification, encoded light patterns, bidirectional communication, dust cap transparency, audible output, DMX512 protocol, and OTDR integration.
A continuation-in-part of application 18/917,784 (app 19/094,062) published July 17, 2025, extending protection to optical-switch architectures that reduce the number of light sources required — e.g., a single laser feeding a DMX-controlled 1×N optical switch. A divisional application covering two-way communications and optical switching for OTDR use is also on file.
90+ combined years of telecommunications experience. 15+ years of focused R&D. Two granted patents plus a family of pending applications spanning foundational concepts through current state-of-art.