Uncertainty Propagation in Optical Fiber Shape Sensing: The Effect of Noise Location

Uncertainty propagation plays a critical role in the accuracy of fiber optic shape sensing, where measurement noise can significantly impact the reconstructed shape. This study employs Monte Carlo simulations to investigate how the spatial distribution of noise influences shape reconstruction accuracy. The findings reveal that noise introduced at the initial segments of the curve decreases the reconstructed shape accuracy more than an equivalent amount of noise applied towards the curve end. These insights underscore the importance of noise management, particularly in the early sections of the sensing cable.