Visually inspecting optical fibers

1. A method for visually inspecting optical fibers comprising:

positioning an optical fiber so that light shines from a radial light source through a slotted shield towards the optical fiber to produce a pattern visible through the optical fiber when viewed through an annular side of the optical fiber, wherein positioning the optical fiber comprises positioning the optical fiber a sufficient distance from the shield so that the pattern is visible only through the optical fiber in the image;

positioning an imaging sensor so that the optical fiber is disposed between the imaging sensor and the slotted shield;

shining light from the radial light source through the slotted shield, through the annular side of the optical fiber and towards the imaging sensor;

obtaining at least one image of at least a portion of the annular side of the optical fiber using the imaging sensor, the pattern being at least partially visible through the annular side of the optical fiber in the at least one image;

analyzing the pattern in the image to detect distortions in the pattern;

shining an axial illumination source along a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber;

obtaining at least a second image of at least a portion of the optical fiber using the imaging sensor while the axial illumination source is shining towards the optical fiber; and

analyzing the second image to detect contamination on the optical fiber.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein positioning the optical fiber comprises positioning the optical fiber at a distance ranging from about 6 mm to about 20 mm from the shield.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein positioning the imaging sensor so that the optical fiber is disposed between the imaging sensor and the slotted shield comprises positioning the imaging sensor so that the camera lens is between about 10 mm and about 40 mm away from the optical fiber.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the imaging sensor includes a camera having a camera lens, and wherein positioning the imaging sensor so that the optical fiber is disposed between the imaging sensor and the slotted shield comprises positioning the camera so that the camera lens is about 20mm from the optical fiber.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the imaging sensor includes a photographic camera.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the imaging sensor includes a video camera.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising, processing the at least one image using vision analysis and scoring software to produce a quantitative evaluation of an amount of contamination on the optical fiber.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the imaging sensor comprises a camera having a camera lens.

9. A visual inspection system by which optical fibers are inspected for contamination or damage, the visual inspection system comprising:

a securement arrangement configured to retain an optical fiber;

a shield defining a plurality of slots;

a radial illumination source configured to shine light through the slots of the shield towards the securement arrangement, the light shining through the slots producing a pattern at the securement arrangement;

an axial illumination source configured to shine light along a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber;

at least a first imaging sensor positioned at an opposite side of the securement arrangement from the slotted shield, the first imaging sensor being configured to obtain at least a first image of a circumferential side of any optical fiber held at the securement arrangement when the radial illumination source is shining, the pattern produced by the light shining through the slots being visible through the optical fiber in the at least one image, wherein the securement arrangement retains the optical fiber at a sufficient distance from the shield so that the pattern is visible only through the optical fiber in the image, the first imaging sensor also being configured to obtain at least a second image of at least a portion of the optical fiber while the axial illumination source is shining.

10. The visual inspection system of claim 9 , wherein the first imaging sensor includes a video camera.

11. The visual inspection system of claim 9 , wherein the first imaging sensor includes a photographic camera.

12. The visual inspection system of claim 9 , wherein the radial illumination source includes at least one LED.

13. The visual inspection system of claim 9 , further comprising an axial illumination source configured to direct light along a longitudinal axis of any optical fiber held at the securement arrangement.

14. The visual inspection system of claim 12 , wherein the radial illumination source includes a plurality of LEDs.

15. The visual inspection system of claim 14 , wherein each LED aligns with one of the slots defined in the shield.

16. The visual inspection system of claim 15 , wherein the LEDs face in a different direction than the slots.

17. The visual inspection system of claim 9 , further comprising a lens arrangement disposed between the securement arrangement and the first imaging sensor.

18. The visual inspection system of claim 17 , wherein the lens arrangement includes a focusing lens configured to focus light passing through the optical fiber onto the first imaging sensor.