Proximity sensor with integrated control features and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a proximity sensor with integrated control features, the proximity sensor comprising: a sensing circuit that detects the presence of a target feature in its vicinity and generates a sensor signal in response to detection of the target feature; an interface circuit that receives input from an external device and conditions the input to provide a digital logic output; output electronics that selectively provide an actuation signal to drive a load operably connected to the proximity sensor; and a microcontroller unit in communication with the sensing circuit, the interface circuit, and the output electronics. The microcontroller unit receives sensor signals and digital logic outputs from the sensing circuit and the interface circuit, samples the sensor signals and the digital logic outputs, and selectively provides an activation signal to the output electronics based on the state of the digital logic outputs and / or the sensor signals, wherein the activation signal causes the output electronics to output the actuation signal to drive the load.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate generally to proximity sensors, and more specifically to proximity sensors having timing and control logic features integrated therein.

[0002] Proximity sensors are used to detect the position of one part relative to another without physical contact. For example, they can be made from electromagnetic sensors, and can take the form of inductive or capacitive proximity sensors that respond to a metal component near the sensor's detection element.

[0003] A common application of proximity sensors is in high-speed sorting and conveyor applications. One or more proximity sensors can be positioned along the conveyor line to detect the presence of nearby passing items or line features. Detection of items or line features by the proximity sensors activates associated equipment to perform the sorting operation.

[0004] Typically, in high-speed sorting and conveying applications as described above, or in other applications where proximity sensors can be used, it is necessary to combine external devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or timing modules with proximity sensors to provide processing and control functions, and to provide activation of associated equipment such as external actuators (e.g., rotary solenoids, DC motors, etc.). However, it should be recognized that external devices such as PLCs and timing modules can significantly increase the cost of systems using proximity sensors.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an integrated proximity sensor that includes timing and control logic components to support desired applications such as high-speed sorting applications. The integrated sensing device will include all necessary electronics for detecting the presence of line features or targets, processing input signals, and generating desired outputs, such as control signals for operating the H-bridge to drive associated external actuators. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a proximity sensor having an integrated control feature is provided. The proximity sensor includes a sensing circuit configured to detect the presence of a target feature in the vicinity of the sensing circuit, the sensing circuit generating a sensor signal in response to the detection of the target feature. The proximity sensor further includes: an interface circuit operable to receive input from an external device and adjust the input to provide a digital logic output; output electronics configured to selectively provide an actuation signal to drive a load operably connected to the proximity sensor; and a microcontroller unit communicating with each of the sensing circuit, the interface circuit, and the output electronics. The microcontroller unit is programmed to: receive the sensor signal and the digital logic output from the sensing circuit and the interface circuit, respectively; sample the sensor signal and the digital logic output; and selectively provide an activation signal to the output electronics based on the state of the digital logic output and / or based on the sensor signal; wherein the activation signal causes the output electronics to output an actuation signal to the load in response to the activation signal to drive the load.

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for driving a load via a proximity sensor having an integrated control feature is provided, the method comprising: receiving an input from an external logic device at the integrated proximity sensor, the input having a state associated with the external logic device as identified by the integrated proximity sensor; detecting, via the integrated proximity sensor, the presence of a target feature in the vicinity of the integrated proximity sensor; and, after recognizing a state change of the input from the external logic device and subsequently detecting the target feature, outputting an actuation signal from the integrated proximity sensor to the load to control the operation of the load; wherein the actuation signal is generated by output electronics included in the integrated proximity sensor.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, a system is disclosed comprising: an electrically actuated load; a proximity sensor having an integrated control feature operatively connected to the load to selectively provide an actuation signal to the load, thereby driving the electrically actuated load; and a logic device operatively communicating with the proximity sensor to provide an input signal to the proximity sensor. The proximity sensor further comprises: a sensing circuit configured to detect the presence of a target feature in the vicinity of the sensing circuit and to generate a sensor signal in response to the detection of the target feature; an interface circuit operable to receive input from the logic device and adjust the input to provide a digital logic output; output electronics configured to selectively provide the actuation signal to the load; and a microcontroller unit communicating with each of the sensing circuit, the interface circuit, and the output electronics. The microcontroller unit is programmed to: receive sensor signals and digital logic outputs from the sensing circuit and the interface circuit; sample the sensor signals and the digital logic outputs; and selectively provide an activation signal to the output electronics based on the state of the sensor signals and / or the digital logic outputs, the activation signal causing the output electronics to output an actuation signal to the electrically actuated load in response to the activation signal, so as to drive the electrically actuated load.

[0009] Various other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments currently intended for carrying out the present invention.

[0011] In the attached diagram:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a conveyor sorting system that can implement an integrated proximity sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An end view of the conveyor sorting system.

[0014] Figure 3 Is included Figure 1 A detailed view of the sorting device in the conveyor sorting system.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram of an integrated proximity sensor for operating loads according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a load via an integrated proximity sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a proximity sensor including timing and control logic features integrated therein. The integrated proximity sensor includes all necessary electronics for detecting the presence of line features or targets, processing input signals, and generating desired outputs, such as control signals for operating associated external devices or loads.

[0018] The operating environment of the present invention is described below with respect to a high-speed sorting system using a proximity sensor with integrated timing and control logic features. However, while the invention will be described with respect to such a high-speed sorting system, embodiments of the invention are equally applicable to other suitable applications in which proximity sensors with integrated timing and control logic features can be utilized. Therefore, it should be understood that embodiments of the invention should not be limited to the specific applications / uses described below.

[0019] Now for reference Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a conveyor sorting system 10, which can be used to implement embodiments of the present invention. The conveyor sorting system 10 enables the rapid and efficient sorting of items from a conveyor to a desired location, such as a storage bin, storage box, or downstream conveyor. System 10 includes a conveyor 12, such as a continuous conveyor belt defining a pair of opposite sides supported by guide rails 14, such that the conveyor travels along a predetermined path. The conveyor 12 is operable to convey or guide items of various shapes and sizes along the path defined by the conveyor 12. The conveyor 12 may be a plastic, rubber-treated, or coated belt that provides sufficient friction with the items placed thereon, and may include a plurality of protrusions or wedges 16 defined by an outer surface 18 of the conveyor 12 and used to support large or thin items, making it easier to remove the items. According to an exemplary embodiment, the conveyor 12 also includes target features 20, such as metal pins, located at intermittent positions along the longitudinal direction 21 of the conveyor 12, wherein the target features 20 are positioned along one or more of the opposite sides of the conveyor 12 and serve as “sorting” indicators, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0020] System 10 also includes a sorting area 22 positioned along conveyor 12 such that the sorting area 22 at least partially surrounds conveyor 12. The sorting area 22 may be defined by an outer housing 24 within which a plurality of separators 26 are positioned at spaced intervals along a predetermined path of conveyor 12 and define a plurality of storage bins or chutes 28 adjacent to conveyor 12. According to one embodiment, the chutes 28 are divided into opposing pairs of chutes including a first chute 30 and a second chute 32, the pairs defining inlets defined by the separators 26 such that items guided from conveyor 12 fall into the first chute 30 or the second chute 32.

[0021] The sorting area 22 also includes one or more sorting devices 34, which are preferably attached to the housing 24 and positioned above the conveyor 12 such that the number of sorting devices 34 corresponds to the number of pairs of opposing chutes 28 spaced apart along a predetermined path. Specifically, each sorting device 34 includes a drive source 36 operatively connected to a deflector 38 to move or rotate the deflector 38 relative to the conveyor 12 to turn items away from either side of the conveyor 12 for sorting. Depending on the embodiment, the drive source 36 may be a pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, or other type of drive source known in the art; however, in an exemplary embodiment, the drive source 36 is a rotating solenoid or a brushed DC motor. Regarding the deflector 38, the deflector 38 may be configured as a single paddle or fin 40 operatively connected to the drive source 36 to enable selective positioning relative to the conveyor 12. In such embodiments, the steering fin 38 is preferably formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as plastic or metal, so that the steering 38 can guide articles from the conveyor 12 into the chute 28. The steering 38 is used to engage articles and sweep or guide articles into the first chute 30 and the second chute 32 respectively to sort articles from either side of the conveyor 12.

[0022] System 10 also includes proximity sensor 42 ( Figure 2The proximity sensor is operatively connected to the sorting device 34 and is used to detect the presence of an item or the target feature 20, and to generate an appropriate signal to control the drive source 36, thereby controlling the steering mechanism 38. For example, in an embodiment where the drive source 36 is a rotating solenoid, the signal generated by the proximity sensor 42 can energize the solenoid and de-energize it by removing the power. The solenoid 36 then moves / rotates the steering mechanism 38 relative to the conveyor 12, wherein actuation of the steering mechanism 38 sorts / orients the object, thereby translating it along the conveyor 12 to the desired chute 28 or position. In an exemplary embodiment, the rotating solenoid 36 is a bistable device that can be moved (rotated) to one position by being energized with a positive polarity and then de-energized, and can be moved (rotated) to another position by being energized with a negative polarity and then de-energized. In another embodiment where the rotating solenoid is not a bistable device but has a device with, for example, a spring return mechanism, power needs to be applied whenever it is desired to be in an active (energized) state.

[0023] Now for reference Figure 4 This shows a more detailed view of proximity sensor 42 to provide a further description of its construction and function. Proximity sensor 42 is provided as an integral part of a high-speed sorting system (such as...) Figures 1 to 3 The conveyor sorting system 10 shown includes proximity sensors (hereinafter referred to as "integrated proximity sensors") for timing and control logic components. The integrated proximity sensor 42 contains all the necessary electronics for detecting the presence of a metallic target, processing input signals, and generating an output suitable for an actuation drive source 36, which may include a rotating solenoid or a brushed DC motor. Figure 4 As shown, the integrated proximity sensor 42 can typically be composed of a sensing circuit 44, a microcontroller unit (MCU) 46, an interface circuit 48, output electronics 50, indicator electronics 52, and a power supply circuit 54.

[0024] The MCU 46 of the proximity sensor 42 can be of known architecture and type, such as a single metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) integrated circuit chip. The MCU 46 provides a self-contained system within the integrated proximity sensor 42, including a processor, memory, and peripherals (not shown), which can be used to provide communication with and control over multiple input and output devices, including sensing circuitry 44, interface circuitry 48, output electronics 50, and indicator electronics 52. According to one embodiment, the MCU 46 may also contain appropriate configuration information specific to a particular load 56 driven by it. For example, the MCU 46 may contain configuration information regarding the duration for which an actuation current will be provided to the load 56. The MCU 46 is powered by a power supply circuitry 54 included in the integrated proximity sensor 42, which, according to one embodiment, operates to convert input power received from an external source (not shown) to the voltage level required by the MCU 46 (and to provide power to the output electronics 50).

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensing circuit 44 of the integrated proximity sensor 42 takes the form of an electromagnetic detection element, such as an inductive or capacitive detection element, that responds to a metal component (e.g., target feature 20) near its sensing surface. Therefore, the sensing circuit 44 is used to detect the presence of the target feature 20 and, in response to such sensing, generates a sensor signal indicating the target state, which is provided as an input to the MCU 46.

[0026] The interface circuit 48 of the integrated proximity sensor 42 can be any type of circuit suitable for receiving and reading the status of signals provided to them by external devices 58, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) or logic device that communicates with the integrated proximity sensor 42. According to one embodiment, the external PLC / logic device 58 can be operated to provide access to systems using the integrated proximity sensor 42 (e.g., high-speed sorting system 10). Figure 1 Control of the system. According to one embodiment, the PLC / logic device 58 can provide automated control (electrical and / or communication) of devices / components in such a system, and also provides input signals to the integrated proximity sensor 42, wherein the input signals provided to the integrated proximity sensor 42 are analog voltage or timing signals. Interface circuitry 48 may include analog comparator circuitry 60, which receives an output from the PLC 58 and compares it to discrete thresholds to determine whether the voltage of the input signal is less than or greater than a given threshold, wherein comparator circuitry 60 has some hysteresis to reduce the effect of noise on the input signal. Comparator circuitry 60 generates a digital logic level output for transmission to the MCU 46, wherein the digital logic level output is compatible with the MCU input.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment, the output electronics 50 of the integrated proximity sensor 42 is configured to selectively actuate and operate the connected load 56. That is, the output electronics 50 includes an actuating load 56 (e.g., such as...). Figure 4 The necessary components required for the rotating solenoid 62 or brushed DC motor 64 shown are included. Therefore, the output electronics 50 may include, for example, an H-bridge (generally indicated at 66) for switching the polarity of the voltage applied to the rotating solenoid 62 or brushed DC motor 64 to allow the solenoid / motor to move forward or backward. The H-bridge 66 may include switches (not shown) of a type suitable for low-power actuator control, including, for example, electromechanical switches (e.g., relays) or solid-state switches such as bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), field-effect transistors (FETs), or integrated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). In addition to the output electronics 50 including the electronics required to actuate the load 56 (rotating solenoid 62 or brushed DC motor 64), the output electronics 50 may include additional circuitry configured to monitor the current delivered to the load 56 and / or prevent load failure conditions such as overload conditions and short-circuit conditions (short-circuit load). Furthermore, the output electronics 50 can be configured to receive feedback from the load 56 (rotating solenoid 62 or brushed DC motor 64) regarding its position and / or speed, and process the feedback to provide more controllable operation of the load 56.

[0028] In the operation of the integrated proximity sensor 42, input signals are provided from sensing circuit 44 and / or interface circuit 48 to MCU 46. These input signals include an input signal from sensing circuit 44 indicating the state of target feature 20, and a digital logic level output from interface circuit 48 originating from an external signal from external device 58 (such as a PLC). MCU 46 continuously monitors (at predetermined intervals) the digital logic level output from interface circuit 48 and performs a digital low-pass filtering algorithm that requires multiple consecutive samples of the digital logic level output to determine if it is in a given state (high or low). MCU 46 also monitors the output of sensing circuit 44 at predetermined intervals and performs a digital low-pass filtering algorithm that requires multiple consecutive logic level input samples from sensing circuit 44 (not necessarily the same number as the digital logic level output). When MCU 46 determines that the sensor state has changed from one state to another, the value of the last recorded input state (from external device 58 via interface circuit 48) is latched into the memory of MCU 46. If it is determined that this input state has changed, a change event is identified, and when the change event is identified, the MCU 46 activates its digital output signal, which is interfaced to the output electronics 50, for a predetermined time. That is, the MCU 46 contains appropriate configuration information specific to a particular load 56, such as the duration for which an actuation current is supplied to the load. The digital output signal from the MCU 46 is provided to the output electronics 50, which adjusts the output signal to selectively control / actuate the load 56 (rotary solenoid 62 or DC motor 64) operably connected to the integrated proximity sensor 42, such as by controlling the polarity of the voltage applied to the load 56.

[0029] In addition to generating digital output signals to output electronics 50, MCU 46 can also output indicator signals to indicator electronics 52, which cause indicator electronics 52 to indicate the status of integrated proximity sensor 42. For example, the indicator signals can control the illumination of LED indicator 68 included in indicator electronics 52 to indicate the status of integrated proximity sensor 42 and / or the operating status of load 56.

[0030] Now for reference Figure 5 And continue to refer to Figures 1 to 4The document provides a flowchart illustrating a method 70 for operating a load via an integrated proximity sensor, such as integrated proximity sensor 42. While method 70 is described below in the context of controlling the operation of a rotary solenoid or DC motor provided as part of a sorting control system, it should be recognized that similar methods can be used in other applications, including, for example, driving different loads and controlling the loads to cause changes in output based on different numbers of desired input state changes.

[0031] like Figure 5 As shown, method 70 begins at step 72, where MCU 46 (via signal interface circuit 48) receives an input signal from external source 58 and a sensor signal from sensing circuit 44. In this embodiment, the input signal to MCU 46 comes from a PLC or similar logic device, where a signal from PLC 58 (e.g., an analog voltage or timing signal) is read / processed by comparator circuit 60 of interface circuit 48 and compared with a discrete threshold to determine the state of the input signal relative to that threshold. Comparator circuit 60 then generates a compatible digital logic level output indicating the signal state to be transmitted to MCU 46. The sensor signal is provided from sensing circuit 44 to MCU 46 based on the response of sensing circuit 44 to a metal target feature 20, which is a position indicator on conveyor sorting system 10. As previously mentioned, metal target feature 20 may be in the form of a “pin” on conveyor 12 of conveyor sorting system 10. The MCU 46 continuously monitors (at predetermined intervals) the digital logic level output from the interface circuit 48 and the output from the sensing circuit 44 in order to acquire multiple such signals over time.

[0032] Upon receiving the input signal from PLC 58 (i.e., the digital logic level output signal from comparator circuit 60 in interface circuit 48) and the sensor signal from sensing circuit 44, at step 74, MCU 46 continues to process and analyze these signals. In processing / analyzing the signals, MCU 46 performs a digital low-pass filtering algorithm on each signal. When performing the digital low-pass filtering algorithm, it should be recognized that at least a minimum consecutive number of digital logic level output signals should be received from interface circuit 48, and at least a minimum consecutive number of sensor signals (which may differ from the number of digital logic level output signals) should be received from sensing circuit 44. While performing the digital low-pass filtering algorithm, MCU 46 monitors the digital logic level output signal provided by comparator circuit 60 to determine one or more of its states, i.e., a high-level state or a low-level state, as indicated at step 76, where it should be recognized that the state of the digital logic level output signal reflects / indicates the corresponding state of the input signal from external source 58. When executing the digital low-pass filtering algorithm, the MCU 46 also monitors the sensor signals received from the sensing circuit 44 to identify the state of the sensor target (i.e., to identify the detection of the target feature 20), as indicated at step 78.

[0033] Then, at step 80, based on the sensor signal received from the sensing circuit 44 at the MCU 46, it is determined whether a next / new target feature 20 has been sensed. If it is determined at step 80 that no new target feature 20 has been sensed, as indicated at 82, the method returns to steps 72-76 by looping, where the digital logic level output signal and the sensor signal continue to be received and monitored. Alternatively, if it is determined at step 80 that a new target feature 20 has been sensed, as indicated at 84, the method proceeds to steps 86 and 88, where the value of the last recorded input state of the digital logic level output signal is latched into the memory of the MCU 46 (step 86), and the MCU 46 activates its digital output signal, which is interfaced with the output electronics 50, within a predetermined time (step 88).

[0034] like Figure 5As shown, method 70 then continues at step 90, where an actuation signal is provided from output electronics 50 to load 56, i.e., rotating solenoid 62 or DC motor 64, to cause the solenoid or motor to change state or position in a desired manner, such as rotating in a first or second direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the polarity of the voltage applied to rotating solenoid 62 or DC motor 64 in the actuation signal can be changed (positive or negative) to cause it to rotate in the desired direction. Rotation of rotating solenoid 62 or DC motor 64 causes a corresponding rotation of deflector 38, thereby guiding articles from conveyor 12 into designated chute 28. Deflector 38 is used to engage articles and, based on their orientation, sweep or guide articles into, for example, first chute 30 or second chute 32, to sort articles from either side of conveyor 12.

[0035] After the rotating solenoid 62 or DC motor 64 changes state or position in the desired manner, method 70 continues to loop back to step 72 to further monitor the input signals from PLC 58 and the sensor signals from sensing circuit 44, and to continue processing and analyzing those signals as previously described. When the next detection of the new target feature 20 is carried out at step 80, and it is determined that the PLC signal will be returned to the opposite state again, the digital output signals from MCU 46 to output electronics 50 will be activated / energized again within a predetermined time to restore the rotating solenoid 62 or DC motor 64 to its previous position.

[0036] Therefore, as described above, method 70 is able to identify change events and, in response to such change events, activate digital output signals that are connected to output electronics 50 via an interface within a predetermined time, so as to induce the desired actuation of the load connected thereto.

[0037] Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention provide a proximity sensor including integrated timing and control logic components required for desired applications such as high-speed sorting applications. The integrated proximity sensor contains all the necessary electronics for detecting the presence of a target feature, processing input signals, and generating desired outputs, such as control signals for operating associated external actuators. The integrated proximity sensor continuously samples input signals received from external logic devices and is capable of eliminating erroneous responses due to short-duration noise events that might be mistakenly detected as changes in the input state.

[0038] Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a proximity sensor having an integrated control feature is provided. The proximity sensor includes a sensing circuit configured to detect the presence of a target feature in the vicinity of the sensing circuit, the sensing circuit generating a sensor signal in response to the detection of the target feature. The proximity sensor further includes: an interface circuit operable to receive input from an external device and adjust the input to provide a digital logic output; output electronics configured to selectively provide an actuation signal to drive a load operably connected to the proximity sensor; and a microcontroller unit communicating with each of the sensing circuit, the interface circuit, and the output electronics. The microcontroller unit is programmed to: receive the sensor signal and the digital logic output from the sensing circuit and the interface circuit, respectively; sample the sensor signal and the digital logic output; and selectively provide an activation signal to the output electronics based on the state of the digital logic output and / or based on the sensor signal; wherein the activation signal causes the output electronics to output an actuation signal to the load in response to the activation signal to drive the load.

[0039] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for driving a load by means of a proximity sensor having an integrated control feature is provided, the method comprising: receiving an input from an external logic device at the integrated proximity sensor, the input having a state associated with the external logic device as identified by the integrated proximity sensor; detecting, via the integrated proximity sensor, the presence of a target feature in the vicinity of the integrated proximity sensor; and, after recognizing a state change of the input from the external logic device and subsequently detecting the target feature, outputting an actuation signal from the integrated proximity sensor to the load to control the operation of the load; wherein the actuation signal is generated by output electronics included in the integrated proximity sensor.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a system is disclosed, comprising: an electrically actuated load; a proximity sensor having an integrated control feature operatively connected to the load to selectively provide an actuation signal to the load, thereby driving the electrically actuated load; and a logic device operatively communicating with the proximity sensor to provide an input signal to the proximity sensor. The proximity sensor further comprises: a sensing circuit configured to detect the presence of a target feature in the vicinity of the sensing circuit and to generate a sensor signal in response to the detection of the target feature; an interface circuit operable to receive input from the logic device and adjust the input to provide a digital logic output; output electronics configured to selectively provide the actuation signal to the load; and a microcontroller unit communicating with each of the sensing circuit, the interface circuit, and the output electronics. The microcontroller unit is programmed to: receive sensor signals and digital logic outputs from the sensing circuit and the interface circuit; sample the sensor signals and the digital logic outputs; and selectively provide an activation signal to the output electronics based on the state of the sensor signals and / or the digital logic outputs, the activation signal causing the output electronics to output an actuation signal to the electrically actuated load in response to the activation signal, so as to drive the electrically actuated load.

[0041] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention (including the best mode) and also enables those skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A proximity sensor, the proximity sensor comprising: A sensing circuit configured to detect the presence of a target feature in the vicinity of the sensing circuit, the sensing circuit generating a sensor signal in response to the detection of the target feature; An interface circuit, operable to receive input from an external device and adjust the input to provide a digital logic output; Output electronics configured to selectively provide actuation signals to drive a load operatively connected to the proximity sensor; and A microcontroller unit, which communicates with each of the sensing circuit, the interface circuit, and the output electronics, is programmed to: The sensor signal and digital logic output are received from the sensing circuit and the interface circuit, respectively. The state of the input from the external device is identified based on the digital logic output, wherein the identified state is any one of a plurality of possible states of the input; The sensor signal is monitored to determine whether the target feature has been detected; as well as If the target feature is detected, the identified state of the input is stored and an activation signal is provided to the output electronics. The activation signal causes the output electronics to output the actuation signal to the load in response to the activation signal, thereby driving the load. The load includes either a rotary solenoid or a brushed DC motor, and the microcontroller unit is further configured to: Receive feedback from the rotating solenoid or brushed DC motor; and Based on the feedback, one or more of the position and speed of the rotary solenoid or brushed DC motor are determined.

2. The proximity sensor of claim 1, wherein the interface circuitry includes a comparator circuitry configured to read the input from the external device and provide the digital logic output.

3. The proximity sensor of claim 2, wherein the external device includes an external logic device for providing an analog voltage signal to the proximity sensor, and wherein the comparator circuit is configured to: The voltage input from the external device is compared with a voltage threshold. Based on the comparison with the voltage threshold, the state of the input is characterized as a high-voltage signal or a low-voltage signal; as well as The digital logic output indicates the state of the input.

4. The proximity sensor according to claim 3, wherein the microcontroller unit is configured to: Identify the state changes of the input; as well as If the state change is identified and the target feature is detected, the activation signal is provided to the output electronics.

5. The proximity sensor of claim 1, wherein the output electronics includes an H-bridge circuit configured to control the polarity of the voltage applied to the load in the actuation signal provided to the load, the output electronics controlling the polarity based on the activation signal provided from the microcontroller unit.

6. The proximity sensor of claim 1 further includes indicator electronics that communicate with the microcontroller unit and are configured to indicate the state of the proximity sensor and / or the operating state of the load in response to an indicator signal received from the microcontroller unit.

7. The proximity sensor of claim 1 further includes a power supply circuit configured to convert input power received from an external source and provide appropriate output power to the microcontroller unit to enable operation of the microcontroller unit.

8. The proximity sensor of claim 1, wherein if the target feature is detected, the identified state of the input is stored and the activation signal is provided to the output electronics within a predetermined time.

9. The proximity sensor of claim 1, wherein the output electronics are configured to monitor the current supplied to the load and / or prevent load failure conditions.

10. A method for driving a load via a proximity sensor having integrated control features, the method comprising: The proximity sensor receives input from an external logic device, the input having a state associated with the external logic device as identified by the proximity sensor. The proximity sensor is used to detect whether a target feature exists in the vicinity of the proximity sensor; as well as After recognizing a state change from one state to any other state of the input from the external logic device and subsequently detecting the target feature, an actuation signal is output from the proximity sensor to a load to control the operation of the load, wherein the load includes one of a rotary solenoid or a brushed DC motor; wherein outputting the actuation signal from the proximity sensor includes controlling the polarity of the voltage applied to the load in the actuation signal so as to apply a voltage having a positive or negative polarity; and wherein the rotational direction or actuation of the load is controlled by the polarity of the voltage applied to the load; Receive feedback from the rotating solenoid or brushed DC motor; as well as Based on the feedback, one or more of the position and speed of the rotating solenoid or brushed DC motor are determined. The actuation signal is generated by output electronics included in the proximity sensor.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising identifying the state of the input via a comparator circuit of the proximity sensor and a microcontroller unit, wherein identifying the state of the input includes: The comparator circuit compares the input voltage from the external device with a voltage threshold. The comparator circuit characterizes the state of the input as a high-voltage signal or a low-voltage signal based on the comparison with the voltage threshold. as well as This causes the comparator circuit to output a digital logic output to the microcontroller unit that indicates the state of the input; as well as The digital logic output is sampled at the microcontroller unit to identify the state of the input from the external logic device.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising controlling a switching in the H-bridge circuit of the output electronics to control the polarity of the voltage applied to the load in the actuation signal provided to the load.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising indicating the state of the proximity sensor and / or the operating state of the load by means of indicator electronics incorporated into the proximity sensor.

14. A system using a proximity sensor, comprising: Electrically actuated loads; A proximity sensor with integrated control features is operatively connected to the load to selectively provide an actuation signal to the load, thereby driving the electrically actuated load. and A logic device that is operatively communicative with the proximity sensor to provide input to the proximity sensor; The proximity sensor includes: A sensing circuit configured to detect the presence of a target feature in the vicinity of the sensing circuit, the sensing circuit generating a sensor signal in response to the detection of the target feature; An interface circuit, operable to receive input from the logic device and adjust the input to provide a digital logic output; Output electronics, configured to selectively provide the actuation signal to the load; and A microcontroller unit, which communicates with each of the sensing circuit, the interface circuit, and the output electronics, is programmed to: The sensor signal and digital logic output are received from the sensing circuit and the interface circuit, respectively. Identify the state of the input, wherein the identified state is any one of a plurality of possible states of the input; and If the target feature is detected, the identified state is stored and an activation signal is provided to the output electronics. The activation signal causes the output electronics to output an actuation signal to the electrically actuated load in response to the activation signal, thereby driving the electrically actuated load. The electrically actuated load comprises either a rotary solenoid or a brushed DC motor, and the microcontroller unit is further configured to: Receive feedback from the rotating solenoid or brushed DC motor; and Based on the feedback, one or more of the position and speed of the rotary solenoid or brushed DC motor are determined.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the interface circuitry includes a comparator circuitry configured to read the input from an external device and provide the digital logic output, the comparator circuitry being configured to: The voltage input from the external device is compared with a voltage threshold. Based on the comparison with the voltage threshold, the state of the input is characterized as a high-voltage signal or a low-voltage signal; as well as The digital logic output indicates the state of the input.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the microcontroller unit is configured to: The state of the input from the logic device is identified based on the digital logic output from the interface circuit; Identify the state changes of the input; The sensor signal from the sensing circuit is monitored to determine the detection of the target feature. as well as If the state change is identified and the target feature is detected, the activation signal is provided to the output electronics.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the electrically actuated load comprises a DC motor or a rotary solenoid; and The output electronics are configured to control the polarity of the voltage applied to the DC motor or the rotating solenoid in the actuation signal provided to the DC motor or the rotating solenoid, and the output electronics control the polarity based on the activation signal provided from the microcontroller unit.

18. A proximity sensor, the proximity sensor comprising: An interface circuit configured to output digital logic outputs based on inputs from a programmable logic controller; A sensing circuit configured to detect a target feature and generate a sensor signal in response to detecting the target feature; Output electronics, which are configured to drive a load; and Microcontroller, the microcontroller being configured to: Determine whether the state of the input changes from the first possible state to any other state; Determine whether the target feature has been detected; and If the state of the input has changed and the target feature has been detected, the state of the input is stored and an activation signal is provided to the load within a predetermined time. The load includes either a rotary solenoid or a brushed DC motor, and the microcontroller is further configured to: Receive feedback from the rotating solenoid or brushed DC motor; and Based on the feedback, one or more of the position and speed of the rotary solenoid or brushed DC motor are determined.

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