BACKGROUND Technical Field

The embodiments herein generally relate to a gauge meter and more particularly to, a digital gauge meter which provides variety of digital display capabilities and can be controlled or managed by an external handheld electronic device (for e.g. cellular or mobile handset) in variety of industrial applications.

Description of the Related Art

Presently, gauge meters available in the market use mechanical push buttons to change any mode of operation of the gauges. The customer also needs to refer a manual and a programming tree to do the intended changes in various operation modes. The process parameter values are transmitted via a current loop or a voltage loop. The bar graph for the process value being measured, if provided, is also not visible from far of distance from where the meter is placed. Now transmitting these values wirelessly through a fixed antenna also is a challenge. Especially when such antennas protrudes out of the gauge meter frame, while this can create a maintenance issue and may involve breakages of the antenna.

Another aspect is setting the calibration schedule for the instruments. Presently we have to maintain a separate reminder list or calibration schedule in a log which can be in the form of a paper or computer. Also the calibration schedule cannot be easily set and no reminders are offered.

Accordingly, there remains a need for a device or technique which can communicate with the gauge meter through a portable electronic device like mobile handset and an application. The device should also be capable of processing all values of relays, delay on each relay, selection of current outputs, and voltage outputs which can be easily programmed via a mobile application. Further the calibration schedule can be easily set by the device through the mobile application of the device. SUMMARY

The embodiment herein provides a digital gauge meter wherein the gauge meter includes a sturdy casing enclosure accommodating an electronic circuitry which consist of an analog input units provided with sensor inputs, wherein the sensor inputs have two parameters related to a medium (such as steam, water, gas, chemical, mixture of chemicals, slurry, etc.). Of the two parameters a primary parameter can be pressure, differential pressure, flow rate, temperature, pH, etc. and temperature as a secondary parameter together forming a measured parameters (MP). a temperature measurement unit, which includes at least two temperature sensors, wherein one of the temperature sensors is mounted on the enclosure to measure ambient temperature and other is mounted on the electronic circuitry to measure internal temperature of the electronic circuitry; a processor configured to operate at various configuration modes, upon execution of instructions related to specific modes, processes signals from the analog input units and the temperature measurement unit to provide proportional output signals to peripheral units which are connected to the processor; an analog output unit, consisting of at least two analog output channels of current and voltage output, wherein the output of these channels is proportional to the measured parameters (MP) and as per various configuration modes of the meter; a relay output unit, consisting of at least four relay outputs, wherein each relay operates according to the MP value depending on configured upper, lower limits and respective delays; a touch based display unit having multiple screens, colorful scales, navigation keys, menu, etc., wherein the screens displays MP value, relay outputs and configuration menu for setting various modes of the digital meter while also providing visual interpretation of the measured parameters and outputs; a wireless unit, transmitting the measured parameter values to an IoT cloud unit and/or a portable electronic device having an application which is capable of interpreting these parameter values and also able to configure various modes of the digital meter, and a socket, embedded with the sensors, wherein the socket is coupled to the casing at one end and making direct contact with the liquids or gases under pressure at other end. In an embodiment, the meter consist of a controller reset switch, which when pressed resets the digital gauge meter while the mode configuration of the meter remains unchanged. Here, the meter may consist of a configuration reset switch, which when pressed resets the mode configuration of the meter to factory default.

In an embodiment, the meter may also include a real time clock RTC to set and keep date time updated. In one embodiment, the display unit screen consist of a dial display, whereby MP value is whereby MP value as a percentage of Full Scale Reading is displayed as a bar graph in terms of 50 LEDs.

In an example embodiment, the display unit screen consist of the navigation keys such as up, down, left, right and enter key with which a user can select and navigate through the menu and various mode configurations of the digital meter. The scales of the display changes color as per the values of the measured parameter.

In an embodiment, when the two units of analog input units are connected, a differential input is provided to the digital meter. The storage unit stores log data related to MP value, analog outputs, relay outputs and instructions related to execution of different modes.

These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments:

The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front schematic view of a digital gauge meter according to an embodiment mentioned herein; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a high level block diagram of a digital gauge meter describing various elements according to an embodiment mentioned herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed block diagram of a digital gauge meter describing various elements according to an embodiment mentioned herein; and

FIG. 4 illustrates various information displayed on the screen of an OLED display of the digital gauge meter according to an embodiment mentioned herein.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the invention selected for illustration in the drawings, and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the invention.

References in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” member that a particular feature, structure, characteristics, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth such as particular architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. That is, those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. In some instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail. All statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

The present embodiments herein provide a digital gauge meter which is capable of being controlled or managed by an external handheld electronic device (for e.g. cellular or mobile handset) in variety of industrial applications. Further the device is also capable of setting the calibration schedule easily through the mobile application of the device. Referring now to the figures, more particularly to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, preferred embodiments are shown. FIG. 1 illustrates a front schematic view of a digital gauge meter according to an embodiment mentioned herein. The digital gauge meter includes a display whereby a bar graph displayed on the display may be visible from a long distance, and programming (in the event app is not available) can be through capacitive touch buttons provided on the front PCB board. The display is a colour OLED display which may be visible from various angles even in broad daylight. The relay values and status may be known from the colour of the displayed relay number on the screen.

In an embodiment, all values of relays, the delay on each relay, selection of current outputs, and voltage outputs, can be easily programmed through an application in an portable electronic device like cellular or mobile handset.

In an embodiment, data transmission may be through a wireless antenna. The wireless antenna may be masked on stem portion of the gauge. The connection to the gauge is through a single 19 pin connector on the back of the gauge, which provides pins for power supply, current output, voltage output, the four relays and additionally a ground connection.

All gauge components including electronic circuits are housed in a stainless steel casing with a transparent polycarbonate sheet or glass on the front.

FIG. 2 illustrates a high level block diagram of a digital gauge meter describing various elements according to an embodiment mentioned herein. All the status of the device and parameters controlled are visible on the mobile device through an app and remotely to a server if connected through Wi-Fi. In an example embodiment, the device addresses all the communications to and from the gauge through a mobile handset and application.

In one embodiment, datalogging facility may be provided in the gauge meter itself. This will help in storing all event data, process data for retrieval at a later date. With the onboard electronics capable of transmitting the data over the internet, the functionality helps users/customers to monitor process values remotely.

In an embodiment, all of this data may be stored in a cloud enterprise arrangement. The cloud storage can also facilitate data analysis of various parameters and triggering alarms and notifications like emails, text messages etc. at preset values becomes easy. The data analysis further helps in predicting impending failures, preventing leakage of gases (to conform to environmental norms), managing inventory, etc.

The gauge meter may be used for pressure control in process plants, monitoring filters, regulating pump pressures, detecting leakage of gases and maintenance of such facilities periodically, measuring, regulating and controlling cylinder force in power presses, monitoring levels of liquids and gases in cryogenic and non-cryogenic tanks to name just a few applications.

Thus, the present embodiments provides a digital gauge meter which can be controlled through a portable electronic device like mobile handset and application. Further, this device is also capable of being remotely monitored for the status of various parameters or can be directly visible through the display.

FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed block diagram of the digital gauge meter 100 describing various elements according to an embodiment mentioned herein. The meter includes an electronic circuitry which consist of an analog input units (1, 2) provided with sensor inputs, a temperature measurement unit 208, which includes at least two temperature sensors, a processor 210 configured to operate at various configuration modes, upon execution of instructions related to specific modes, processes signals from the analog input units and the temperature measurement unit to provide proportional output signals to peripheral units 209 which are connected to the processor.

In an embodiment, the meter further includes an analog output unit 212 which consist of at least two analog output channels of current and voltage output, a relay output unit 214, consisting of at least four relay outputs, a touch based display unit 216 having multiple screens 108, colorful scales 104, navigation keys 106, menu, etc., a wireless unit 218, transmitting the measured parameter values to an IoT cloud unit 204 and/or a portable electronic device 206 having an application which is capable of interpreting these parameter values and also able to configure various modes of the digital meter, and a socket 110, embedded with the sensors.

In an embodiment, the sensor inputs have at least two parameters under measurement which is related to a medium. Here the medium may be steam, water, gas, chemical, mixture of chemicals, slurry, etc. but not limited to the embodiments mentioned herein. Of the two parameters under measurement, a primary parameter may be a pressure, differential pressure, flow rate, temperature, pH, etc. and temperature as a secondary parameter together forming a measured parameters (MP). In one of the embodiments, the two parameters under measurement may be either similar or different.

In one example embodiment, one of the temperature sensors may be mounted on the enclosure to measure ambient temperature and other may be mounted on the electronic circuitry to measure internal temperature of the electronic circuitry.

In an embodiment, the output of these channels may be proportional to the measured parameters (MP) and as per various configuration modes of the meter. In one example embodiment, each of the relay operates according to the MP value depending on configured upper, lower limits and respective delays.

In an embodiment, the screens displays MP value, relay outputs and configuration menu for setting various modes of the digital meter while also providing visual interpretation of the measured parameters and outputs. The socket may be coupled to the casing at one end and making direct contact with the liquids or gases under pressure at other end.

FIG. 4 illustrates various information displayed on the screen of an OLED display of the digital gauge meter according to an embodiment mentioned herein. Here, the colour rich, informative OLED display may provide basic information of the process parameters. In embodiment, the mobile application may be every effective in monitoring or knowing the process parameters and also all the configuration of the digital gauge 100. The gauges 100 may often be installed at a height or in remote places which may not be so easily accessible. In such cases, the mobile application comes in handy to take the reading from the gauge. With the wireless capability the mobile device may be moved anywhere within a radius of 20 feet (6 meters) and pair the smartphone (with Ogauge app installed on it) with the Ogauge.

In an example embodiment, only one Ogauge can be paired at any given time. All information about this gauge like configuration, modes, etc. will be available on the screen of the portable device or mobile phone. Based on the users role, changing the configuration of the gauge is also possible. The selected mode of operation of the Ogauge will decide the display units on the screen of the gauge.

In one embodiment, the pressure gauge may be used in different modes like pressure, force or level (in open tanks) measurements. A differential pressure gauge can be used in differential pressure mode, level mode (for open tanks and also pressurized tanks).

In an embodiment, Ogauge with device type pressure may also be used in hydraulic presses to display force. The Ram diameter of the press on which it has been installed will have to be keyed in during setting up the mode. Display units will be Force units in this case. It is important to choose an appropriate gauge based on the hydraulic press / cylinder it has to be installed on.

The Ogauge with device type pressure may be used to measure, monitor and control liquid level in tanks open to atmosphere. Level units will be displayed in this case. The inputs needed will be specific gravity of the liquid, tank orientation and related inputs based on tank orientation. Ogauges for differential pressure are available in planar and nonplanar styles. In planar gauges, both the pressures are displayed on the gauge. Based on the type of sensor selected, the media temperature is also displayed on the gauge.

Now the status of the relay may be seen in Screen 2. When the upper limit is crossed by the display parameter and time delay lapsed, the relay changes state. This is indicated by a change in colour of relay number on the screen to red. When the relay resets, relay returns to original colour which is white.

In one example embodiment, screen 3 gives additional information about the upper and lower limits of each of the relays along with the delay that has been set for each relay at respective units. A colored arrow alongside helps in identifying the relay number very easily. The scroll time of the screen helps in seeing settings of each of the four relays. Scrolling setting can be manual or auto. The gauge also has facility to set sectors within a range. Lower limit and upper limit of each of the sectors can be defined within a range. When the display parameter is within these limits, the colour associated with that sector, is displayed on the screen. Overlapping of sectors is not possible.

Thus, the present embodiment provides the digital gauge meter as described above which may be configured through the touch based display system. This meter may also be conveniently configurable through the mobile application and the log generated from the meter may also be stored in the portable electronic device or in a remote server through IOT based cloud environment. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.