Optical Instrument Panel Recognition System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional instrumentation systems for sensing the physical state of electromechanical systems are costly, complex, and weight-sensitive, and they require multiple sensors for each instrument, increasing system weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system for optical recognition, interpretation, and digitization of human-readable instruments, annunciators, and controls using a single image acquisition sensor, which captures and processes images of the instrument panel to extract data, reducing the need for multiple sensors and simplifying the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional instrumentation systems are used to sense the physical state of electromechanical systems, then accurate measurement is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture optical images of instrument panels, creating a visual copy of the physical state. Image processing algorithms then extract measurement data from these copies, eliminating the need for physical sensors while maintaining measurement accuracy. The system captures images of analog gauges, digital displays, and indicator lights, processes them through computer vision algorithms, and extracts the same information that traditional sensors would provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical and electrical sensing systems with an optical-based system. Instead of using physical sensors, wires, and electronic components to detect physical states, the system uses cameras and image processing to capture and interpret visual information from instrument panels, thereby substituting mechanical/electrical systems with optical and computational approaches.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are deployed for each instrument to ensure accurate sensing, then measurement reliability is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single camera system that serves multiple sensing functions simultaneously. The same camera can capture and interpret various types of instruments including analog gauges, digital displays, bar graphs, and indicator lights, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors for each instrument type. This multi-functional approach maintains sensing reliability while dramatically reducing system weight.
3Extent of automation
If traditional analog-to-digital instrumentation systems are implemented, then digital data output is achieved, but manufacturing and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional analog-to-digital conversion hardware with optical capture and computational processing. Instead of using electronic sensors and analog-to-digital converters, the system uses cameras to capture optical images and computer algorithms to extract digital data, thereby achieving digitization through optical and computational means rather than electronic hardware.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces the cost, weight, and complexity of the system while providing accurate digital time histories of instrument states, enabling efficient monitoring of aircraft and other equipment systems.
Implementation Method 1
an image acquisition sensor operable to capture a digital image of the instrument panel
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for optically recognizing, interpreting, and digitizing human readable instruments, annunciators, and controls includes an image acquisition sensor operable to capture images of at least one of the instruments, annunciators, and controls; and a logic processing unit operable to decode the images captured by the image acquisition sensor and interpret the decoded images to determine a state of the at least one of the instruments, annunciators, and controls.