Creating an Optic Cable for Display Devices: Feasibility and Process

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility and process of creating an optic cable for display devices, particularly focusing on the use of optical fibers and alternative methods for visual display. Participants explore various approaches, including the potential use of cameras and electrical cabling, while addressing the challenges of constructing such a cable.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in creating an optic cable but lacks knowledge about the construction process, questioning its feasibility.
  • Another participant suggests that making an optic fiber cable is unlikely and proposes purchasing one instead, indicating that an LCD may not be necessary if using fiber optics.
  • A participant clarifies that optical signals require direct viewing through an optical eyepiece rather than a digital display, emphasizing the incompatibility of LCDs with optical systems.
  • Concerns are raised about the practicality of using individual optical fibers arranged coherently to create a usable image, with suggestions that CCD or CMOS sensors might be more feasible for the intended application.
  • Some participants mention that inspection cameras typically use image sensors connected via electrical cabling rather than optic fibers, proposing this as a simpler alternative.
  • There is discussion about the cost of materials, with some participants noting that even inexpensive optical fibers can be pricey and that small CCD cameras may offer a more economical solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to creating an optic cable, with multiple competing views on the feasibility of constructing one versus using alternative methods like cameras and electrical connections. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the practicality of the proposed solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the construction of coherent optical fibers and the compatibility of various display technologies. There are also concerns about the cost and availability of small components suitable for the intended use.

Alex_Sanders
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"Optic Cable"?

http://splintercell.wikia.com/wiki/Optic_Cable

I'm thinking about making one just for fun, I know how to make that display device (ARM+LCD screen), but I'm really clueless on how to make the cable. How should that be done? I know it's going to cost a lot and I know the finished work, if can be finished at all might not look very neat, but I'd like to know the feasibility.
 
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Seems to me like you are mixing up two completely different concepts.

You aren't likely to "make" an optic fiber cable yourself, but you could very well buy one. But you will not need an LCD or any kind of processing if you are using fiber optics.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiberscope

Or you could go with a miniature camera and a display, but then you would not need an optic fiber cable, just a regular usb cable or similar.
 


Oh not again, something wrong with my English?

the LCD is for display purpose and for that intention only, but your post did give me a direction to look at, thanks.

I'm not going to make an optic cable myself, heck, I can't even join two threads without a fully automated machine.
 


I'll try one more time.
If you are using optic fibres, then the signal is... well, optical. You do not need, and in fact can not use, an LCD or any other digital device to view it, you need an optical eyepiece to look at it directly. It is just like if you use a system of mirrors, such as in a periscope, you would not be able to use an LCD for display. Not without a camera too anyway. And if you had a camera, then the optic cable (or mirrors) are not needed.
 


It might be called an "optic cable" but I believe that most inspection cameras just have an image sensor at the end of the 'snake' connected via electrical cabling (my own SeeSnake has extension pieces that just pass through signal and power from / to the image sensor at the end):
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...-keywords=inspection+camera&tag=pfamazon01-20

You might be able to do something similar with a CCD or CMOS sensor connected to the ARM.
 


They also use a bunch of many individual optic fibres, arranged 'coherently' so that an object presented at one end will appear as a coherent image (pixellated) at the other. Was that the sort of 'cable' you had in mind?

You can buy plastic optical fibre and make something of the sort yourself (if you are neat enough) but even the cheapest fibres are quite pricey for modest lengths. Tiny CCD cameras are available now that will do the same job much cheaper, I think.
 


sophiecentaur said:
They also use a bunch of many individual optic fibres, arranged 'coherently' so that an object presented at one end will appear as a coherent image (pixellated) at the other. Was that the sort of 'cable' you had in mind?

You can buy plastic optical fibre and make something of the sort yourself (if you are neat enough) but even the cheapest fibres are quite pricey for modest lengths. Tiny CCD cameras are available now that will do the same job much cheaper, I think.

Nah, I'm not going to be able to joint all those fibers 'coherently', but will there be CCD cams small enough to stick under through the rift between the door and the floor?
 


MATLABdude said:
It might be called an "optic cable" but I believe that most inspection cameras just have an image sensor at the end of the 'snake' connected via electrical cabling (my own SeeSnake has extension pieces that just pass through signal and power from / to the image sensor at the end):
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...-keywords=inspection+camera&tag=pfamazon01-20

You might be able to do something similar with a CCD or CMOS sensor connected to the ARM.

Yea I think the 2nd plan (ccd sensor+electrical cable) is more viable.
 


I expect the smallest kit may be very expensive.
If you are after only a few mm of size then it will cost. Smallest webcam, cheap as chips.
 

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