FORM 2
THE PATENT ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION
FIELD PROGRAMMABLE CONTROLLERS AND SENSORS
2. APPLICANT (S)
a. NAME: Katlax Enterprises Pvt. Ltd.
b. NATIONALITY: an Indian Company
c. ADDRESS: A-l, Vihardham Society, Drive-in Road, Thaltej, Ahmedabad - 380 054. Gujarat, India.
PREMABLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
PROVISIONAL ü COMPLETE
The following specification describes the The following specification particularly
invention. describes the invention and the manner
in which it is to be performed.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION: -
This present invention relates to Field Programmable Controller and Sensor, which is controlled by the microcontroller/microprocessor in the electronic circuit. The present invention field programmable controller and sensor gives the flexibility to user for having other features like time delay, counting, industrial bus support and Wi-Fi, WeP enabled programming.
Background of the Invention: -
There are lot of different kind of sensors around, which detects the presence of people or objects. Most of the sensors only detects that something has chagened near the sensor, while some of them (i.e. inductive, capacitive, photoelectric and ultrasonic) just sense that something has moved to a position near the sensor. By the study of these conventional technologies, it is not found any field programmable control device like microcontroller/microprocessor in the electronic circuit. To overcome this limitation the present invention for Programmable Sensor and Controller is introduced.
Capacitive proximity sensors are non-contact sensing solution to metallic as well as non-metallic objects. A capacitor can be best described as two conductors at different potentials, separated by an insulating material. In the capacitive sensor, these two plates, housed in the sensing head are placed in a position such that they operate like an open capacitor. Capacitive sensor uses the air as an insulator and at rest there is little capacitance between these two plates. Any medium can be detected with desired reliability with adjustable sensitivity. Capacitive sensors require a dynamic excitation and all capacitive designs contain an internal oscillator and signal demodulator to provide static capable outputs. A capacitive proximity sensor uses a radio-frequency (RF)
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oscillator, a frequency detector, and a metal plate connected into the oscillator circuit. The oscillator is designed so that a change in the capacitance of the plate with respect to the environment causes the frequency to change. This change is sensed by the frequency detector. The primary functional element of capacitive proximity switch is high frequency oscillator with floating electrode in the transistor base circuit. In non-activated state, noise field exists in region of base electrode, which represents active area of proximity switch. When medium appears in active area, oscillations begin. The switching stage rectifies and switches high frequency oscillations, resulting DC signal triggers output stage. Switching stage includes signal feedback system, level of which can be adjusted by potentiometer, thus providing pre-settable response sensitivity of switch. Limitations and Disadvantages of Capacitive Sensors are as under:
1. Capacitive Sensors will have a very short range, because the dielectric influence of objects nearby drops off sharply with distance.
2. Very sensitive capacitive sensors can sometimes be triggered by a large increase in relative humidity.
3. Capacitive sensors will have trouble detecting any material, which has a dielectric constant similar to air, as these substances will be nearly invisible to it.
Inductive sensors are non-contact type electronic sensors comprising of three components like oscillator, comparator and out put stage. The oscillator creates high frequency electromagnetic field, which radiates from sensing face of the sensor. When damped with metallic object, eddy currents are induced in
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metal causing change in amplitude of oscillations. This signal is conditioned to change Schmitt trigger output and state of output amplifier. Limitations and Disadvantages of Inductive Sensors are as under:
1. Inductive sensors are omni directional.
2. Inductive sensors will not know or care if a piece of metal is in front of it, or to the side, or above or below, it will trigger all the same.
3. Due to the limitations of magnetic fields, inductive sensors have a comparatively short sensing range, usually less than an inch.
The inductive sensor oscillates until the target is present while the capacitive sensor does not start oscillating until the target is present. This operating principle does make the capacitive sensor a bit slower than an inductive sensor, ranging from 10 to 100 Hz.
The proximity sensing circuit measures and analyzes the AC resistance (or impedance) and DC resistance of the sensors and precision resistors and from these measured values, determines a compensated resistance. The compensated resistance is used to determine the distance between the proximity sensor and a target (i.e. "gap"). Additionally, the measured AC and DC resistances of the proximity sensors are used to perform the self diagnostic on the sensing system and aid in determining a system fault. Another proximity sensing circuit discloses a sensor with a reduced temperature sensitivity that directly measures the parameters of a proximity sensor coil to determine both the AC and DC resistances of the coil. Alternatively, the real and/or imaginary AC components of the impedance may be measured. These parameters are then used to determine a discriminator value magnitude according to a mathematical relationship that has been predetermined through previous analysis of
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empirical data for the particular coil and application intended for the sensor. The proximity sensing circuit is improved upon sensing circuit, for example, by reducing the number of system components, by decreasing the effects from electromagnetic interference and by performing a self-diagnostic test to determine if the system components were working together properly. Notwithstanding these advantages, drawbacks of these proximity sensors and similar proximity sensing circuits remain. One such problem is the use of a microprocessor for the digital signal processing. Microprocessors may provide a low cost solution in high volume production, but for many applications mass production of a software-based processing system is not the objective. Rather, individual programming or on-site programming and the ability to modify the programming may be desirable. In addition, the performance of the microprocessor can fall short of expectations due to slow processing times. Accordingly, there was a need for an improved proximity sensing circuit and method for the same that overcomes the problems of currently available proximity sensing systems. In particular, a proximity sensing circuit that maintains the advantages addressed by circuit and that provides improved performance.
Existing proximity circuit comprises with sensing circuit, schmitt trigger circuit, protection circuit and output circuit. First the sensing circuit is to sense the object coming in vicinity of the sensor. When the object comes adequately near, the output of the circuit changes its present level. This signal is then passed to schmitt trigger circuit. Then the schmitt trigger circuit compares the signal coming from oscillator circuit to the predefined level and gives high or low output accordingly. The output circuit provides gain for required driving
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current. The protection circuit continuously observes the fault occurrence at input and output. In case of any fault, it protects the proximity against damage. Mostly electronic sensor comprises of three components i.e. oscillator, comparator and output stage. The oscillator creates high frequency electromagnetic field, which radiates from sensing face of the sensor. When damped with metallic object, eddy currents are induced in metal causing change in amplitude of oscillations. This signal is conditioned to change Schmitt Trigger output and state of output amplifier.
A photoelectric proximity sensor uses a light-beam generator, a photo detector, a special amplifier, and a microprocessor: they are used for describing the photoelectric operating principal, which in some fashion is directed to and detected by the receiver. The light beam reflects from an object and is picked up by the photo detector. The light beam is modulated at a specific frequency and the detector has a frequency-sensitive amplifier that responds only to light modulated at that frequency, which prevents false imaging that might otherwise be caused by lamps or sunlight. Although many housings and designs are available they all seem to default to the basic operating principal. Just as the basic operating principal is the same for all photoelectric families, so is identifying their output. "Dark-On" and "Light-On" refers to output of the sensor in relation to when the light source is hitting the receiver. If an output is present while no light is received, this would be called a "Dark On" output. In reverse, if the output is ON while the receiver is detecting the light from the emitter, the sensor would have a "Light-On" output. Either way, a Light On or Dark On output needs to be selected prior to purchase the sensor unless it is
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user adjustable. In this case, it can be decided upon during installation by either flipping a switch or wiring the sensor accordingly.
In the past; technology had developed the following types of photoelectric sensors, which are based on the proximity sensors.
b. Through Beam Sensor: This technology separates the emitter and
receiver into separate housings. The emitter provides a constant beam of
light to the receiver and detection occurs when an object is passing
between the two breaks the beam. Even though it is usually the
most reliable, it often is the least popular due to installation difficulties
and cost. This is because two separate pieces (the emitter and
receiver) must be purchased, wired and installed. Difficulties often arise
in the installation and alignment of two pieces in two opposing
locations, which may be quite a distance apart. Through beam
photoelectric sensors typically offer the longest sensing distance of
photoelectric sensors.
c. Reflex Sensors: There are sub types of Reflex Sensors.
1. Diffused Beam REFLEX Sensor:- Diffused photoelectric sensors actually use the target as the "reflector", such that detection occurs upon reflection of the light off the object back onto the receiver as opposed to an interruption of the beam. The emitter sends out a beam of light. Most often it is a pulsed infrared, visible red or laser beam, which is reflected by the target when it enters the detectable area. The beam is diffused off of the target in all directions. Part of the beam will actually return back to the receiver inside of the same housing in which the sensor originally emitted it from. Detection
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occurs and the output will either turn on or off (depending upon if it is Light On or Dark On) when sufficient light is reflected to the receiver. 2. Retro Reflective REFLEX Sensor:- Retro-reflective sensors operate similarly to through-beams without being able to reach the same sensing distances. Certain units may still be used in applications needing ranges of up to 10 m. The similarity between retro-reflective and though beam photoelectric is that there is a constant beam that needs to be broken in order for an output to occur. But, instead of having a separate housing for the emitter and receiver, retro-reflective photoelectric sensor and though beam photoelectric sensor are both located in the same housing, facing the same general direction. The emitter produces a laser, infrared or visible light and projects the beam towards a specially designed reflector, which returns the beam, back to the receiver. Detection occurs when the light path is broken or otherwise interfered with. If the output occurs when the beam is broken, the sensor would be considered a dark-on photo. Limitations and Disadvantages of Photoelectric Sensors are as under: 1. Care must be taken to ensure that the zero point remains at the same distance from the sensor at all times.
The technology had also developed the programmable, digitally controlled photoelectric sensor. The optimization task is compounded by the fact that known photoelectric sensors did not provide much guidance to the operator with regard to the actual operation of the photoelectric sensor while performing
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a given sensing task. Early photoelectric sensors contained an LED, which would be illuminated upon occurrence of an output event (e.g., the received signal level passing a dark-to-light trip point). However, no other information was provided to the operator. After all as a result; the technology had developed the sensors, which work as only either proximity sensor (capacitive, inductive, and photoelectric) or programmable sensors individually but this present invention work as a dual performance by sensor controller/proximity sensors (Inductive, capacitive and photo electric) with field programmable circuit of programmer/ PC software for programming.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION: -
The present invented device has been developed to provide for making the existing proximity sensors intelligent, so that it can serve more than just sensing the object with the use of field programmable sensor. Field programmable sensor has microcontroller-based design and so it can be field programmable as per the user's requirement. The functions that can be configured (programmed) are as follows:
1. PNP/NPN-NO/NC
2. On Delay
3. Off Delay
4. Counting / Frequency Division
The present invention will be described with a preferred embodiment and to see how it may be carried out in practice, with reference to the following drawings of which:
Fig. 1 represents a block diagram for concept of field programmable sensor. Fig. 2 represents a block diagram of field programmable sensor controller.
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Fig. 3 represents a block diagram of field programmable proximity sensor. Fig. 4 represents a block diagram of field programmable sensor controller/ proximity sensor Programmer.
Field Programmable Controller and Sensor Device comprises the basic sensing circuit of Inductive proximity sensor or Capacitive proximity sensor or Photo electric proximity sensor circuit, which is used to generate the sensing signal for the controller sensor or proximity sensor. Field Programmable Controller and Sensor contains the field programmable sensor controller, the field programmable proximity sensor and the programmer/PC software for field programmable sensor controller or proximity sensor. The field programmable sensor controller comprises the voltage regulator circuit, the trigger circuit, the micro controller circuit, the opto- isolator circuit and the output driver circuit. The field programmable proximity sensor comprises the sensing circuit, the Schmitt trigger circuit, the protection circuit, the voltage regulator circuit, the microcontroller circuit, the opto- isolation circuit and the output circuit. The Programmer for field programmable sensor controller/ proximity sensor included LCD display, keypad and micro controller circuit. The voltage regulator circuit of field programmable sensor controller and field programmable proximity sensor is used to provide the regulated DC power supply to the micro controller and other circuitry which accepts 10-30 VDC supply as input and generates +5 VDC supply as output in the field programmable sensor controller and also the Voltage regulator (L7805) is used to provide regulated power supply for the micro controller and other circuits. The filter and coupling capacitors are used to remove the ripple from external supply as well as internal regulator switching ripple. The trigger circuit of field
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programmable sensor controller and field programmable proximity sensor provides trigger input pulse to the micro controller circuit and this circuit consists of NE555 in a stable mode along with passive components like resistors, diodes and capacitors in the field programmable sensor controller. The microcontroller circuit of field programmable sensor controller and field programmable proximity sensor has 8-bit programmable micro controller using the PC programming software, which can provide support upto 22 Input/Output. Number of Input/Output can be provided as per user's requirement in the field programmable sensor controller while field programmable proximity sensor has only one output. Crystal and capacitors are used to provide required precise clock for micro controller. The trigger circuit provides input (s) to the micro controller for processing internally as per user programmed parameters. Micro controller Circuit gives support up to 22 Inputs wherein no of input is provided as per the user requirements. Input to the micro controller is from trigger circuit wherein this input(s) is then processed internally as per user programmed parameters then the proceed input is diverted to the output pin(s) of the micro controller which can also generated by micro controller in form of bus protocol. Opto- Isolator circuit is for isolation of high voltage from low voltage micro controller circuit. Opto-Isolator circuit consists of opto isolator IC, resistors and LED indication. The field programmable sensor controller and Proximity output circuit comprises driver circuit wherein output is coupled with pair of transistors. Field programmable proximity Sensor comprises the sensing circuit, the schmitt trigger circuit, protection circuit, the voltage regulator circuit, the microcontroller circuit, the opto-isolator circuit and output driver circuit. The schmitt trigger circuit compares the signal coming form the sensing circuit.
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The voltage regulator circuit consists with filter and coupling capacitors. The processed input is diverted to the output pin of the microcontroller wherein the output then goes to the Opto- Isolation Circuit. Field Programmable Controller /Proximity Sensor Programmer contain LCD display and Keyboard. LCD display contains built-in Controller and driver. There are three task switches (i.e. INC, DEC, ENT) are provided on keypad for parameter changes and scrolling.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:-
Fig. 1 represents a concept of field programmable sensor, wherein the basic sensing circuit of Inductive proximity sensor or Capacitive proximity sensor or Photo electric proximity sensor circuit is used to generate the sensing signal for the sensor controller or proximity sensor. Sensor Controller or proximity sensors are worked as field programmable sensors. The Programmer / PC software provides facility to program the basic circuit (Inductive or Capacitive or Photoelectric sensor circuit) for required parameters. The field Programmable Sensor family contains field programmable sensor controller, field programmable proximity sensor, programmer for field programmable sensor controller/ proximity.
Field Programmable Sensor Controller is an additional attachment to the existing proximity sensor, which takes input(s) from existing proximity sensor(s) then processes the input(s) and according to the program loaded in the microcontroller, the output(s) are generated to drive the load. The module can be programmed using Sensor Programmer module or via RS - 232 port using PC based software. Input(s) and Output(s) are customized as per the
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user's requirement. All the different combinations are programmed using the single programmer / PC based software. This gives price/inventory advantage to user. The functions that are programmed by the user are as follows:
a. PNP/NPN-NO/NC
b. On Delay
c. Off Delay
d. Counting / Frequency Division
The functions which can be used by user for data transfer are as follows:
a. Data transfer using wired bus protocols like CAN, PROFI, INTRA,
Serial Interface (RS - 232 / 485), Industrial TCP/IP.
b. Data transfer using un-wired protocols like Wi-Fi, WeP.
Fig. 2 represents a block diagram of programmable sensor controller, which provides the voltage regulator, the trigger circuit, the microcontroller circuit, the opto-isolator circuit and the output driver circuit; wherein the voltage regulator circuit is for giving regulated DC power supply to the microcontroller and other circuitry. It accepts 10 - 30 VDC supply as input and generates +5 VDC supply as output. Filter and coupling capacitors are used to remove the ripple from external supply as well as internal regulator switching ripple. Voltage regulator (L7805) is used to provide regulated power supply for the microcontroller and other circuits; wherein the trigger circuit is used to provide trigger input pulse to the microcontroller circuit. The trigger circuit consists of NE555 in Astable Mode along with passive components like resistors, diodes and capacitors required to generate the trigger pulse output; wherein the microcontroller circuit is the main circuit, which makes field programmable sensor controller intelligent. It has an 8-bit microcontroller. The
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microcontroller circuit is programmable with using the hand held programmer or PC programming software. The microcontroller used in this circuit can give support up to 22 Input/Output. Number of Input/Output can be provided as per user requirement. Input/Output combination can again as required by the user. Crystal and capacitors are used to provide required precise clock for microcontroller. Input to the microcontroller is from trigger circuit. This input(s) is then processed internally as per user-programmed parameters like on/off delay, real time, counting etc. Processed input is then diverted to the output pin(s) of the microcontroller. This output then goes to the Opto-isolator circuit. The opto-isolator circuit is for isolation of high voltage from low voltage microcontroller circuit. It also gives protection to internal circuit against any fault happens in the external circuit. This circuit consists of opto isolator IC as per no. of outputs. Passive components like resistors are used for biasing purpose. LED indication is provided for output status (ON/OFF); wherein the output driver circuit comprises driver circuit. The output current of opto isolator IC is not sufficient to drive the load current required by relay, solenoid type loads. So, using transistor, current is amplified. Here output is coupled with pair of transistors so as to give both high/low logic levels as per customer's requirement. Resistors and diodes are used to provide biasing to transistors. Another output, which is generated by microcontroller, is in form of bus protocol. This can be any one of the CAN, PROFI, INTRA, RS - 232 / 485, Industrial TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, and WeP. This directly goes to the customer bus network for data transfer.
Fig. 3 represents a block diagram of programmable proximity sensor. This proximity sensor contains the circuits of existing proximity as well as the microcontroller circuit, which is used in Field Programmable Smart Sensor
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Controller; wherein all the circuits are encapsulated in single housing. This sensor will have single output which can be programmed for different functionality viz. PNP/NPN, NO/NC, On/Off Delay and Counting. These functionalities are field programmable using Field Programmable Smart Sensor Programmer by the user and so it eliminates the inventory problem of user as one can program the sensor as per required application. The functions that can be programmed by the user are as follows:
a. PNP/NPN -NO/NC
b. On Delay
c. Off Delay
d. Counting / Frequency Division
In which the sensing circuit is to sense the object coming in sensing range of the sensor. When the object is sensed, the output of the circuit changes its present level. This signal is then passed to Schmitt trigger circuit. Work of this circuit is to compare the signal coming from sensing circuit to the predefined level and gives high or low output accordingly. In which the protection circuit continuously observes the fault occurrence at input and output. In case of any faults like reverse polarity, overload or short circuit, it protects the proximity against damage. The above circuits include any one of Inductive, Capacitive or Photoelectric type conventional proximity sensor. In which the Voltage Regulator circuit is for giving regulated DC power supply to the microcontroller and other circuitry. It accepts 10-30 VDC supply as input and generates +5 VDC supply as output. Filter and coupling capacitors are used to remove the ripple from external supply as well as internal regulator switching ripple. Voltage regulator (L7805) is used to provide regulated power supply for
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the microcontroller and other circuits. The Microcontroller circuit is the main circuit of field programmable proximity sensor. This is main circuit, which makes conventional proximity intelligent. It has an 8-bit microcontroller which is programmable using the hand held programmer or PC programming software. Here on-chip crystal oscillator is used which gives precise clock of ±1% of rated frequency. Input to the microcontroller is from trigger circuit. This input is then processed internally as per user-programmed parameters like on/off delay, real time, counting etc. Processed input is then diverted to the output pin of the microcontroller. This output then goes to the Opto-isolator circuit. In which the opto isolator circuit for isolation of high voltage from low voltage microcontroller circuit. It also gives protection to internal circuit against any fault happens in the external circuit. Passive components like resistors are used for biasing purpose. LED indication is provided for output status (ON/OFF). In which the out put circuit comprises driver circuit. The output current of opto-isolator IC is not sufficient to drive the load current required by relay, solenoid type loads. So, using transistor, current is amplified; wherein output is coupled with pair of transistors so as to give both high/low logic levels as per requirements. Resistors and diodes are used to provide biasing to transistors.
Fig. 4 represents a block diagram of Field programmable sensor controller / Proximity sensor Programmer, which is used to program the sensor controller and proximity sensor. It contains LCD display and keyboard for user interface using, which user can program the controller and proximity sensor. The LCD display gives the user required parameter setting visualization. The menu driven control from microcontroller can be seen on this display and user can program the required parameters, which is controlled by microcontroller
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for display characters as required; wherein readymade 16X2 Alphanumeric LCD Display with Backlight is used, which has built-in controller and driver. This controller is interfaced with microcontroller in 4-bit data mode. LCD display contrast can be adjusted by pot provided. Backlight current is controlled using resistor. The keypad is used for menu scrolling and setting parameters. It gives input to the microcontroller and accordingly the parameters on display are scrolled and/or selected. Three tact switches are provided for parameter change and scrolling. These keys are INC, DEC and ENT. Resistor network is used as pull-up. The microcontroller circuit stores all the programs to control the LCD display controller as well as programming. It communicates with the Smart Sensor Controller / Proximity sensor to program it as per the parameters set by the user; wherein 8 - bit microcontroller is used. Crystal and capacitors are used to provide required precise clock for microcontroller. Keypad and LCD is interfaced to microcontroller. User selects required parameters using keypad. Once parameters are selected and user confirms then same are stored in the on chip EEPROM of microcontroller. After that user select the programming option and confirms then the parameters are transferred to the Smart Sensor Controller/proximity.
Summary of the invention: -
Field Programmable Controller and Sensor comprising the basic sensing circuit; the field programmable sensor controller, the field programmable proximity sensor and the programmer/PC software for field programmable sensor controller or proximity sensor wherein, the field programmable sensor controller including the voltage regulator circuit, the trigger circuit, the microcontroller circuit, the opto- isolator circuit and the output drive circuit;
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the field programmable proximity sensor including the sensing circuit, the Schmitt trigger circuit, the protection circuit, the voltage regulator circuit, microcontroller circuit, opto- isolation circuit and output circuit; the programmer for field programmable sensor controller/ proximity sensor included LCD display, keypad and microcontroller circuit. The field programmable sensor controller is an additional attachment to the proximity sensor, proximity sensors provide the input(s), processes the input(s) then programs are loaded in the microcontroller and generates output(s) to drive the load. The voltage regulator circuit is used to provide the regulated DC power supply to the microcontroller and other circuitry, which accepts 10-30 VDC supply as input and generates +5 VDC supply as output in the field programmable sensor controller. The filter and coupling capacitors are provided into the Voltage regulator (L7805) for regulated power supply to the microcontroller and other circuits. The trigger circuit provides trigger input pulse to the microcontroller circuit and this circuit consists of NE555 in a stable mode along with passive components like resistors, diodes and capacitors in the field programmable sensor controller. The microcontroller circuit has 8-bit programmable microcontroller using the PC programming software, which can provide support up to 22 I/O. Crystal and capacitors are providing to the microcontroller circuit for precise clock. The trigger circuit provides input (s) to the microcontroller, which is then processed internally in microcontroller as per user programmed parameters. Proceeded input is diverted to the output pin(s) of the microcontroller and also generated in form of bus protocol by microcontroller. The opto isolator circuit is for isolation of high voltage from low voltage microcontroller circuit in the field programmable sensor controller and field programmable proximity sensor,
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which provides protection to internal circuit. The output is coupled with pair of transistors of driver circuit in field programmable sensor controller and Field Programmable Proximity Sensor.
The Sensing circuit is to sense the object coming in sensing range of the sensor and then changes its present level in the field programmable proximity sensor. The Schmitt trigger circuit compares the signal coming from the sensing circuit, which is protected by the protection circuit in the field programmable proximity sensor. The voltage regulator is used to provide regulated power supply for the microcontroller and opto-isolator circuit in the field programmable proximity sensor. The processed input is diverted to the output pin of the microcontroller wherein the output then goes to the opto- Isolation Circuit.
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We claim
1. Field Programmable Controller and Sensor comprising the basic sensing
circuit i.e. inductive sensor circuit or capacitive sensor circuit or photo
electric sensor circuit, the field programmable controller sensor or the field
programmable proximity sensor and the programmer/PC software for
programming field programmable sensor controller or proximity sensor
wherein,
the field programmable sensor controller including the voltage regulator
circuit, the trigger circuit, the microcontroller circuit, the opto- isolator
circuit and the output drive circuit;
the field programmable proximity sensor including the sensing circuit, the
schmitt trigger circuit, the protection circuit, the voltage regulator circuit,
microcontroller circuit, opto- isolation circuit and output circuit;
the programmer for field programmable sensor controller/ proximity sensor
included LCD display, keypad and microcontroller circuit.
2. Field Programmable Controller and Sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the field programmable sensor controller is an additional attachment to the proximity sensor then the input(s) are provided to field programmable controller by the proximity sensors, then as per loaded program in the microcontroller, it generates output(s) to drive the load.
3. Field Programmable Controller and Sensor as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the voltage regulator circuit is provide to the microcontroller circuit to regulate DC power supply and other circuitry, which accepts 10 -
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30 VDC, supply as input and generates +5 VDC supply as output in the field programmable sensor controller.
4. Field Programmable Controller and Sensor as claimed in claim 3, wherein the filter and coupling capacitors are provided into the Voltage regulator (L7805) for regulated power supply to the microcontroller and other circuits.
5. Field Programmable Controller and Sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trigger circuit provides trigger input pulse to the microcontroller circuit and this circuit consists of NE555 in a stable mode along with passive components like resistors, diodes and capacitors in the field programmable sensor controller.
6. Field Programmable Controller and Sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller circuit has 8-bit programmable microcontroller using the PC programming software, which can provide support up to 22 Input/Output.

7. Field Programmable Controller and Sensor as claimed in claim 6, wherein crystal and capacitors are provided to the microcontroller circuit for precise clock.
8. Field Programmable Controller and Sensor as claimed in claim 1 or 5, wherein the trigger circuit provides input (s) to the microcontroller for processing internally as per user programmed parameters.
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9. Field Programmable Controller and Sensor as claimed in claim 8, wherein processed input is then diverted to the output pin(s) of the microcontroller, as well as which is generated by microcontroller in any one/combination of more than one form of bus protocol from CAN, PROFI, INTRA, Serial Interface (RS - 232 / 485), Industrial TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, WeP.
10. Field Programmable Controller and Sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the opto isolator circuit is for isolation of high voltage from low voltage
microcontroller circuit in the field programmable sensor controller and
field programmable proximity sensor, which provides protection to
internal circuit.
11. Field Programmable Controller and Sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the output is coupled with pair of transistors of driver circuit in field programmable sensor controller and Field Programmable Proximity Sensor.
12. Field Programmable Controller and Sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein sensing circuit is to sense the object coming in sensing range of the sensor and then changes its present level in the field programmable proximity sensor.
13. Field Programmable Controller and Sensor as claimed in claim lor 8, wherein the Schmitt trigger circuit compares the signal coming from the sensing circuit, which is protected by the protection circuit in the field programmable proximity sensor.
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14. Field Programmable Controller and Sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the voltage regulator is used to provide regulated power supply for the microcontroller and opto-isolator circuit in the field programmable proximity sensor.
15. Field Programmable Controller and Sensor as claimed in claim 1 and Claim 9 the processed input is diverted to the output pin of the microcontroller wherein the output then goes to the opto- Isolation Circuit.
16. Field Programmable Controller and Sensor device as Claimed in Claim 1 wherein Field Programmable sensor controller and Proximity Sensor Programmer contain LCD display and Keyboard.
17. Field Programmable Controller and Sensor as claimed in claim 1 to 16 is substantially herein described with foregoing description and accompanying drawings.
Dated this 3rd day of August, 2006

To,
The Controller of Patents,
The Patent Office, at MUMBAI.

For,
Katlax Enterprise Pvt
f

Dr. Rajeshkumar H. Acharya Advocate & Patent Agent For & on behalf of the Applicants.

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Abstract
Field Programmable Controller and Sensor comprises with field programmable sensor controller, field programmable proximity sensor and programmer for field programmable sensor controller/ proximity. Field Programmable Sensor Controller is an additional attachment to the existing proximity sensor. It takes input(s) from existing proximity sensor, processes the input(s) and according to the program loaded in the microcontroller, generates output(s) to drive the load. The module can be programmed using Sensor Programmer module or via RS -232 port using PC based software. Input(s) and Output(s) are customized as per the user's requirement. All the different combinations are programmed using the single programmer / PC based software. This gives price/inventory advantage to user. The following functions are programmed by the user: PNP/NPN - NO/NC, On Delay, Off Delay, Counting / Frequency Division, Analogue Input/Output interface, Data transfer using wired bus protocols like CAN, PROFI, INTRA, Serial Interface (RS - 232 / 485), Industrial TCP/IP and Data transfer using un-wired protocols like Wi-Fi, WeP.