Patent ID: 9126692
Filing Date: 2015-09-08
Classification: B64D,G05D,G05G,H01H

Abstract:
1. A remote actuation system for de-manning a human/machine interface, said interface having an instrument panel with at least one gauge that displays a measured value and with at least one mechanical switch that switches an electrical or mechanical state, said interface having a defined protocol for gauge reading and switch actuation, said remote actuation system comprising: an imaging module comprising a can that mounts over at least one of said gauges and a digital camera in the can that captures a sequence of digital images of the gauge; a switch module comprising a remote switch actuator that physically interfaces with the mechanical switch, said remote switch actuator responsive to a switch command to actuate the mechanical switch; a processing module comprising at least one computer processor configured to execute an image-processing sub-module and a switch sub-module to emulate the protocol to interact with the interface at a mechanical level, said image-processing sub-module processing the digital images to provide an estimate of the measured value, said switch sub-module responsive to an input command to generate the switch command to control the remote switch actuator; and a communication module comprising a RF transceiver configured to transmit data responsive to the estimate of the measured value to a location remote from the human/machine interface and to receive the input command from the location remote from the human/machine interface; wherein said at least one gauge and said at least one mechanical switch are arranged with a known topography including relative positions and relief of the gauges and switches, further comprising a removable panel on which are mounted said at least one image module and said at least one switch module with the same relative positions as and a complementary relief to the at least one gauge and at least one switch; and wherein the removable panel is configured to de-man and re-man the human/machine interface without modification to the human/machine interface.