Abstract:
A system for enabling secure remote switching and robotic operation and monitoring of multi-vendor systems such as those in laboratories, factories, classes and networks. Equipment server nodes support Clients, TCL, and equipment server sub-systems. Clients use graphical user interfaces to log-in and access functions on server nodes. A client/server application-level protocol provides programmable levels of security and reliability. Server functions include user management, resource management, reservation, statisitical data, usage case storage and retrieval, and documentation of configurations. Electro-mechanical equipment server sub-systems interconnect a plurality of switch, action control, and command and display modules. Switch modules interconnect a plurality of multi-wire or fiber optical communication interfaces. Action control sub-system modules control power, servo, light, and other action pod modules. Power action modules control and measure equipment power. Servo action modules manipulate hand controls. Light action modules sense color states of lights. Mechanical attachment devices rigidly and precisely attach action modules to equipment that is robotically controlled.