GB2442756A - Utilising a spreadsheet to control a machine. - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic interface allows two-way traffic for information directly between designated cells of a spreadsheet file in a computer and a range of various external electronic sensing devices and executing devices of a machine. The sensing devices send an electronic signal, representing the parameters they are designed to sense or measure, to the interface which will convert the received electronic signal into numbers and will place these resulting numbers automatically into the designated cells in a spreadsheet file for further processing. The executing devices execute their own physical / mechanical work as per received instructions and parameters from the interface. The instructions and parameters may be created from numbers extracted from the spreadsheet file cells.

Description

* 2442756 1. Title The Integrated Cybernetic Interface -The Kingpin of

Poor Man's Industrial Robots - 2. Back2round In usual cases when an industrial machine is in operation it has to be set and constantly readjusted according to various parameters depending on the working environment and the technology involved.

Some required parameters have to be calculated from different physical values from primary sources.

These physical values usually obtained from various gauges, sonds, probes, etc. If the above machine is fully automatic then all the mentioned setting and readjusting do happen full automatically.

If the above machine is less high-tech those settings and adjusting have to be done manually by the operator. This means manual gathering of the primary physical values and other equally important information and manual processing to gain the parameters required by the named machine.

All Trademarks mentioned in this document are acknowledged to their respective owners.

3. The Problem In the case of a non-automatic machine the controlling process can be described as follows: I. Manual gathering of the primary physical values and other necessary information from the environment.

2. Human decision on next action needed for the actual job the machine is engaged.

3. Manual recalculation of certain parameters.

4. Manually set the named machine to those calculated parameters.

Let's assume that a MS Excel program is used for calculations of the above mentioned machine's settings regardless to their complexity. The principal of the logical layout in the MS Excel can always be the same: some cells are designated for the Input values and some cells are designated for the results. Between those are the necessary functions and formulas for the calculations written by the user for the actual task. The operator person just have to enter the input values to the so nominated cells and the end results are promptly available from the so nominated cells. In order to make new calculation with different input values these new input values just have to be re-written and the new results are immediately ready again.

In this latter case of a non-automatic machine the controlling process can be described as follows: I. Manual gathermg of the primary physical values and other necessary information from the environment.

2. Human decision on next action needed for the actual job the machine is engaged.

3. Manually writing the applicable information into the designated cells in a spreadsheet (e.g. Microsoft's Excel).

4. Let the spreadsheet do the calculation -it usually takes virtually no time.

5. Manually reading the calculated parameters -the results -out from the designated cells of the spreadsheet.

6. Manually set the named machine to those calculated parameters.

This procedure is quite common, however has the following drawbacks, just to name a few: 1. Slow, therefore expensive.

2. Constant personal attendance needed -it is not an automatic machine.

3. Constant personal attendance needed -possibility of human error cannot be eliminated.

4. These errors during "data transfer" can lead to reject products, breakdown or even accident and injuries.

The more ideal solution would be a partly or fully automated machine but: * not every business enterprise can afford the budget for it.

* sometimes it is just not reasonable when the machine is engaged in an otherwise low-tech "cheap" procedure.

* sometimes it is just not reasonable to over-complicate the procedure * sometimes it is just not sensible to replace an otherwise perfectly working machine with a new automatic one.

* There is no "plug & play" method to get "mechanical information" and other physical parameters into the computer.

* There is no "plug & play" method to let the computer control various selection of machines.

4. This invention is the solution: The object of this invention is to provide a simple plug & play eciuipment with the necessary data transfer protocol between the sensors and gauges which gather the primary physical values and the setting switches, valves, servos of any machine using an MS Excel worksheet (or similar) in the PC for arithmetical and logical calculations, The MS Excel program will be retained as a central calculating & processing unit for the following reasons.

I. It is very conmion, therefore available and nowadays nearly everybody can use it at a certain level.

2. It will provide a place in the control processing where the data is the easiest to see, to monitor, to re-program, to alter, to calibrate or to interfere by any other way.

3. In other words we can say, that the MS Excel spreadsheet is the point where the operator can interfere with the programmed process between input values and final result values.

In this way virtually any machine can be converted to a computer controlled fully automatic system simply, quickly and very cost-effective. Obviously, the sensors and gauges which gather the primary physical values and the settmg switches, valves, servos of any machine must be designed & manufactured to be able to provide the necessary communication ports for the chosen data transfer protocol Expressions used in this document: I The devices for measuring or sensing some physical parameters (gauges which gather the primary physical values) are called Sensing Devices.

2. The devices for controlling sub-part of the machinery (the setting switches, valves, servos of any machme) are called Executing Devices.

3. The central connection box where the Sensing Devices & the Executing Devices are connected is called Interface.

4. A dedicated pie-written but otherwise standard MS Excel file is called the Platform Program (e.g. platform.xls).

5. The Essential features of the invention: 1. A purpose built electronic Interface provides standardised two-way traffic for information directly between designated places of the Platform Program in a computer and a range of various external Sensing Devices and Executing Devices.

2 A range of various Sensing Devices will send their standardised signal representing the parameter they are designed to sense or measure to the Interface.

3. The Interface will understand the received signals from the connected Sensing Devices and will convert them into numbers and will place these resulting numbers automatically into designated cells in the Platform Program for further processing.

4. The resulting number(s) from a Sensing Device via the Interface(s) placed into designated cell(s) in the Platform Program will not necessarily show the same figure as if the measured parameter was expressed in an applicable SI measuring unit. (e.g. a pressure gauge type Sensing Device capable to measure -let's say oil pressure -from 0 Bar to 10 Bar which will result a number in the designated cell in the spreadsheet file between 0 and -let's say -20. The number of 0 represents 0 Bar, the number of 20 represents 10 Bar respectively. The brief documentation supplied with this Sensing Device will tell the user f this gauge has a linear characteristic, i e a number of 10 will mean 5 Bar pressure. Other technical spec/ication regarding this pressure gauge will also be included in the brief data sheet supplied) 5. These numbers placed into the Platform Program are available for any computing work up to the limit of MS Excel capacity.

6. The Interface will automatically extract numbers from designated cells of a designated spreadsheet file and to convert them into signals of instructions and parameters for connected Executing Devices.

7. A range of various Executing Devices will be designed to execute their own physical / mechanical work as per received instructions and parameters from the Interface.

8. All information exchange between designated cells of a designated spreadsheet file in a computer and a range of various external Sensing Devices and Executing Devices via the Interface will take place automatically and in real time. (fraction of a second for computing time allowed) 9. The Interface will have physical connection points for a certain number of Sensing Devices and Executing Devices.

10. The Interface will have at least one physical connection point for further Interfaces.

II. The Interface will be able to be connected to each other up to a designed maximum number in a daisy-chain-like form.

12. Only one Interface from the "daisy-chain" formation will be connected to the computer directly.

13. The Interface, Sensing Devices and Executing Devices will have provision for their own power connection if extra power required.

14. The Interface, Sensing Devices and Executing Devices will have their own built-in System Health Status Indicator. (hardware & software) 15. The Interface, Sensing Devices and Executing Devices will be designed to have connected to each other and to the computer via suitable networking protocol whether it is hard-wired or wireless method.

6. Some important but not essential features of invention: * The Interface has socket labelled "To Master" for connecting to the host PC.

* It also has a socket labelled "To Slave" where additional Interfaces can be connected in a "daisy-chain" like form.

* One socket of the Interface can be used either for Sensing Devices or Executing Devices.

* Several Interfaces can be connected together if more sensing / executing units are needed.

* This set of units will provide a standardised tool for a common computer to sense from the real world virtually anything physically possible.

* This set of units will provide a standardised tool for a common computer to drive & control virtually any machine.

* No special engineering and scientific knowledge is needed to create customised computer controlled machines & equipment.

* Modular design provides the possibility of re-arrange the physical layout any time by simply re-plugging a few wires.

* No change in wiring is necessary for changing any logical conditioning as this will be done in the Platform Program.

* Calibration of measures values can be done within Platform Program.

* All Interfaces, Sensing Devices and Executing Devices will bear their own unique serial number.

* This serial number will be written on them externally and will be displayed in the Platform Program for identification.

* If identical serial numbers will occur then the involved units will be disabled and a warning message in the Platform Program will show.

* The actual winng diagrams of the electronic circuits within the Interfaces, Sensing Devices and Executing Devices are not a finalised part of this patent application because more than one design could be done for the same function and they always will be modified and updated.

* Any drivers or other necessary programs for the Interfaces, Sensing Devices and Executing Devices will be copyrighted as usual, therefore they are not part of this patent application.

7. The detailed descriDtion: 7.1 A few samples of different Sensin2 Devices: Switch type sensor Linear position sensor Rotary position sensor Pressure sensor GPS signal sensor Accelerometers RPM gauges Revolution counters Voltmeters Ammeters Light sensitive sensors Load cells Temperature gauges Flow meters Numeric keypad Barcode reader Etc...

Because of the nearly endless variety of the switches in the world the Switch type Sensing Device actually will not contain the switch. Only a pair of electric external connection terminals. These two terminals have to be connected to the terminals of any switch available on the market.

The Switch type Sensing Device is the most important in this range because virtually endless type of single YesINo information can be given to the Platform Program via a single switch. E.g.: position sensing, limit switches, whether a door or valve is open or closed, etc. (E.g.. The red Oil Pressure Warning Light in the dashboard of a car is controlled by a pressure switch fitted to the engine While the information gained by it is not enough to know exactly how much the oil pressure in the engine is -it still provide the most vital information it tells us whether it is enough or not.) 7.2. A few samples of Executing Devices and their intended duties: Electromagnetic relay switch -to switch on/off equipment Solid State relay switch -to switch on/off equipment Solenoid valve -to switch on/off liquids or gases Variable Voltage DC Supply -to control speed & direction of DC motors Small numeric displays -to give minute "in-situ" info to operator AC converter to drive AC motors at variable RPM -to control speed & direction of AC motors Inkjet printer heads -to write some info onto different materials Etc...

The Relay Switch type Executing Device is the most important in this range because virtually endless type of machines or equipment can be switched On/Off via a relay switch.

7.3. The drawings: Please see Drawing Number 1.

The drawing shows one possible example of a wired connection using two Interface, six Sensing Devices and three Executing Devices.

In the followmg text the following abbreviations will be used: SD = Sensing Device ED Executing Device There is a symbolic drawing of a Personal computer (Item I) An Interface (Item 3) is connected to the PC (Item 1) via a cable (Item 2) using the socket on the Interface (Item 3) marked as "To Master". The exact networking protocol to be used will depend on the final design and variations.

There is a second Interface (Item 9) connected to the first Interface (Item 3) via a dedicated cable (Item 4).

A third -and any further Interfaces-(not shown) could be connected in a "daisy chain" form by using a cable similar to Item 4 from the socket marked as "To Slave" on the last connected Interface and connect it to the additional new Interface's socket marked as "To Master".

Each Interfaces in this drawing show eight connectors for SD's and ED's. Each of this eight connectors are capable to be connected either to one SD or to one ED. In the text further referred as SD/ED Socket(s).

The total number of SD/ED Socket(s) depends on the size of Interface. It is not necessary to use all as SD/ED Socket(s) before additional Interface can be connected.

We can see 1 off ED and 3 off SD's (Item 7) connected to the Interface (Item 3) via dedicated cables (Item 6) and 2 off ED's and 3 off SD's (Item 8) connected to the Interface (Item 9) All Interfaces bear their written Type / Version Number and their unique Serial Number. The serial number is also displayed in the Platform Program, which is an Excel spreadsheet file in the PC. This is used to identify the different Interfaces and their connected SD's and ED's.

All SD's and ED's will bear their Type / Version Number and Serial Number in similar manner as the Interfaces.

On the drawing the first Interface (Item 3) bears Senal Number 1001 and the second Interface (Item 9) bears Serial Number 1000.

All Interfaces have the separate power option (Item 5) which can be used when power gained from the PC (Item 1) is not sufficient.

The SD's and ED's also have their own power input sockets for the case they require more power than available via the Interfaces. Information regarding power need available from the Data Sheet supplied with all SD's and ED's. (See pages 14-19 for some Data Sheet samples). Power sockets are not shown on drawing.

7.4. This is the way it works: After deciding what kind of work we want to do with this apparatus we have to connect enough Interfaces in order to have enough SD/ED Sockets available however more Interfaces can be added at any later time. Depending to the final design, the dnver software have to be installed, if any.

We obtain all SD's and ED's of types required for our intended purpose.

We fix all SD's and ED to their respective locations on our industrial machine, line of process or any chosen location where the SD's and ED will have to perform their duty.

We connect each SD and ED to a free SD/ED Sockets on a chosen Interface.

We open the Platform Program. (Platform Program.xls) Path might be set in driver software -depending on final design.

The output values of all SD's are immediately available in the designated cells -subject to PC internal processing speed.

The cells to control the ED's are still have the value of zero as the user person has to wnte the applicable number there.

When an ED needs more than one parameter for its own function a dedicated parameter -let's say the Parameter Number 1 -might act as a "GO!" function in order to avoid the situation when the ED starts its function but not all parameters are set for the correct value.

The Data Sheet supplied with the ED will specify which parameter is used, and how, for this "GO!" function -if applicable.

Each ED's will execute their own task immediately when all applicable numbers appears m their respective cells -subject to PC internal processing speed.

7. How to understand the Platform Program (Platform Program.xls layout: See picture on page: 13 The Interface closest to the computer will have the "INTERFACE 1" location. (The number "1" can be seen in cell D3) The Interface unique serial number will be visible in cell D4 No serial number visible other than the default value of zero means an error in the connection or a faulty Interlace.

Power status will have an information in cell D6.

Value I = Enough power, no external power needed for presently connected devices.

Value 0 = External power is needed for presently connected devices.

The locations of all eight SD/ED Sockets displayed horizontally.

The SD/ED Socket No.1 on Interface No.1 is in cell G3 The SD/ED Socket No.2 on Interface No.1 is in cell J3 The SD/ED Socket No.3 on Interface No.1 is in cell M3 Etc...

The Type of the SD orED connected to Socket No.1 on Interface No.1 is in cell G4.

The technical specification for this type of SD or ED can be found in a supplied Data Sheet andIor in a catalogue using this Type Number.

The Serial Number of the SD or ED connected to Socket No.1 on Interface No.1 is in cell G5.

No serial number visible other than the default value of zero means error in the connection or a faulty SD or ED.

Every SD and ED can communicate with eight parameters / numbers. Not all SD's and ED's use all of them.

The location of the eight parameters of the SD or ED connected to Socket No.1 on Interface No.1 is cells G7-G8-G9-G 1 O-G 11 -G 1 2-G I 3-G 14 The foreseen range of Sensing Devices and Executing Devices will find the available eight parameters (numbers) per device sufficient to handle their duty. When more complex Sensing Devices and Executing Devices will emerge with the need of more than eight parameters (numbers) per device an advanced version of Interface and Platform Program can be created in due course. This statement also valid for the maximum number of Interfaces in the "daisy-chain".

The exact functions and duties of these parameters, e.g. their range expressed in number, whether it is a read-only parameter or a write-in parameter can be found with all necessary other details in the supplied data sheet andlor a published catalogue as mentioned above.

See some samples of Data Sheets on pages The location of the eight parameters of SD's/ED's connected to Socket No.X on Interface No.X can be found in similar matter as the Platform Program.xls is simple and quite self explanatory.

9. Particular example: As the variations and complexity of usage ability of this invention is nearly limitless it is difficult to write down a well established sample. Therefore more samples were given starting with a very basic one.

9.1. Sample No.1.

The computer has to know if a door is fully closed or not.

One suitable switch has to be fixed to the named door in the way that it is actuated only when the door is fully closed.

One Switch Type SD has to be fixed to a location conveniently close to the switch. The two terminals of the switch wired to the two terminals of the Switch Type SD -as per User's Manual.

The Switch Type SD is connected to Socket No.1. of a suitably located Interface.

The Interface is connected to the computer.

The Interface driver program is installed.

The Platform Program.xls file is opened.

The value of cell "G7" = 1: The switch is closed -The door is fully closed.

The value of cell "G7" = 0: The switch is open -The door is not fully closed.

And from now the operator can use this information for his program whatever the purpose should be.

9.2. Sample No.2.

The turning motion of a robotic arm needs to be controlled within 180 degree.

A Rotary Positioning Sensor type SD has to be fixed to a convenient location with mechanical connection to the robotic arm in the manner that when the robotic arm turns the shaft of Rotary Positioning Sensor type SD also turns with. In this sample we assume no turning ratio between them.

A DC motor has to be fixed to a convenient location with mechanical connection to the robotic arm in the manner that the DC motor can make the robotic arm to turn. In this sample we assume a good ratio between the robotic arm and the shaft of the DC motor for a smooth operation.

Variable Voltage DC Supply type ED has to be fixed to a convenient location. The two terminals of the DC motor wired to the two terminals of the Variable Voltage DC Supply type ED -as per supplied Data Sheet and User's Manual.

An Interface has to fixed to a convenient location.

The Interface is connected to the computer.

The Interface driver program is installed.

The PlatformProgram.xls file is opened.

The Rota Positioning Sensor type SD is connected to the Socket No.1. of the Interface. Value in cell G7''.

The Variable Voltage DC Supply tyve ED is connected to the Socket No.2. of the Interface. Value taken from cell "J7".

The arm is to be turned clockwise to its intended limit. The arm is now at full end position. Let it be assumed the value of cell "G7" will read 237.

The arm is now to be turned anticlockwise by 180 degree. The arm is now at fi.ill other end position.

The value of cell should be "G7" = 57. (The difference between 237 and 57 = 180) In this case the value 57 and 237 represent position at 0 and 180 degree respectively. The 57 is now a "machine constant", Therefore the position expressed m degree can be calculated by subtracting the 57 from the value of"G7".

In order to control the Variable Voltage DC Supply type ED the required value in cell "J7" have to be written. Let it be assumed that according the supplied data sheet it has to be a number between -12 and 12 in order to provide DC voltage between -12V and 12V for the DC motor. The +1-sign means polarity, therefore direction of rotation in case of DC motor.

A cell "X,Y" can be nominated in a separate spreadsheet and a number between 0 and 180 inclusive can be written into it in order to move the robotic arm into that position. This is the desired position of the arm.

II

By using the spreadsheet's calculating power the following parameters can established: I. The present position of the arm in cell "G7" 2. The desired position in cell "X,Y" 3. The difference in degree between present and desired position.

The value of the difference expressed in degree can be used as a value for voltage with a condition that if the difference is bigger than 12 degree the voltage stays at 12 volt. Therefore the voltage will be 1OV at 10 degree away, 9V at 9 degree away, etc. Using the SNG (signum) and ABS (absolute value) functions we can ensure that the motor rotates into the correct, clockwise / anticlockwise direction.

The calculated value for the needed voltage can be into the cell from where the Variable Voltage DC Supply type ED takes the information for its own work. in this sample it was the cell "J7" By playing with the above numbers in the spreadsheet the voltage -therefore the speed of the arm on closing the target destination -can be altered.

By feeding a sequence of different numbers to the nominated "X,Y" cell the arm can perform a corresponding sequence of movements.

9.3. Sample No. 3.

Same as in Sample No 2. but instead writing a number in the nominated cell "X,Y" as a desired position, an extra Rotary Positioning Sensor type SD can be added to the system and its value can be used as desired position.

By turning this newly added Rotary Positioning Sensor type SD the DC motor driven robotic arm will follow its position. This machine will work as a big servo. Bigger the deviation in the follow -e.g. because of delay -stronger and speedier the effort to move the arm will be.

Obviously the calculation must incorporate some control to handle the end positions what is omitted in this sample.

It can be seen from this three small samples that this simple "plug & play" apparatus has nearly limitless potential to take over the control of virtually anything even m cases where with today standards computer control is not required or imagined. #--

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:::::! : Data Sheet (sample) Group: Sensmg Device Type: 117.1

Description: Switch

P1 values: 0 or 1 P2 values: N/A P3 values: N/A P4 values: N/A P5 values: N/A P6 values: N/A P7 values: N/A PS values: N/A P1=0: Open switch P1=1: Closed switch Power requirements: No extra power required Data Sheet (sample) Group: Sensing Device Type: 135.1

Description Rotary Positioning Sensor

Pt values: From 0 to 359 in steps of I P2 values: N/A P3 values: N/A P4 values: N/A PS values: N/A P6 values: N/A P7 values: N/A P8 values: N/A P 1=0: Rotating shaft is at position 0 degree.

P 1=1: Rotating shaft is at position I degree.

P 1=2: Rotating shaft is at position 2 degree.

P 1=358. Rotating shaft is at position 358 degree.

P1-359: Rotating shaft is at position 359 degree.

By turning the Rotating shaft clockwise: P1=P1+1 1fP1359 then P1+1=0 By turning the Rotating shaft anticlockwise: P1=P1-1 IfPlO then P1-1=359 While the rotating of the shaft is mechanically stepless, the change of value is 1 at every 1 arc degree.

Sensitivity: Less than 1.5 deg.

Power requirements: Supplied from ICI Data Sheet (sample) Group: Sensing Device Type: 137.1

Description: Rotary Positioning Sensor

P1 values: From -3600 to 3600 m steps of I P2 values: N/A P3 values. N/A P4 values: N/A P5 values: N/A P6 values: N/A P7 values: N/A P8 values: N/A After powering on P1=0 By turmng the Rotating shaft clockwise: PlP1+1 If the maximum value of 3600 is reached no further counting occur even if shaft kept on turning.

If direction of turning changes the counting will immediately resume from 3600 regardless how much the shaft was turned beyond maximum value.

By turning the Rotating shaft anticlockwise: Pl=Pl-l If the minimum value of -3600 is reached no further counting occur even if shaft kept on turning.

If direction of turmng changes the counting will immediately resume from -3600 regardless how much the shaft was turned beyond mimmum value.

While the rotating of the shaft is mechanically stepless, the change of value is 1 at every 0.1 arc degree.

Sensitivity Less than 0.15 deg.

Power requirements: Supplied from IC! Data Sheet (sample) Group: Sensmg Device Type: 188.1

Description: Accelerometer Sensor

P1 values: From 0.00 to 30.00 in steps of 0.01 P2 values N/A P3 values: N/A P4 values: N/A P5 values N/A P6 values: N/A P7 values: N/A P8 values: N/A The P1 parameter returns the momentary value of the applied acceleration in the direction marked on the device's external surface. Acceleration in direction opposite to the marked direction returns P1=0. P1 minimum value = 0.00 !fPl = 9.81 ms2 = approximately IG By

positioning the device that the marked arrow on its surface points exactly downwards the reading should be close to 9.81 = 1G P1 maximum value = 30.00, (30.00 ms = approximately 3.05G) Measuring Unit used: ms2 Sensitivity: 0.01 m.2 Calibration within 5% Power requirements: Supplied from ICI Data Sheet (sample) Group: Executing Device Type: 219.1

Description: Electromagnetic Relay

P1 values: 0 or 1 -read out from Platform Program P2 values: N/A P3 values: N/A P4 values: N/A P5 values: N/A P6 values: N/A P7 values. N/A P8 values. N/A lfPl=0 the Electromagnetic Relay is OFF If P1=1 the Electromagnetic Relay is ON Maximum Voltage to be switched: 400V at 50/60 Hz AC or 300V DC Maximum Current to be switched: 5 amps.

Not fused.

Insulation complies to BS-EN xxxxx Protection: IP 55 Power requirements: External supply of IA at 12V is needed.

Data Sheet (sample) Group: Executing Device Type: 225.1

Description: Variable Voltage DC Supply

P1 values: From -12 to 12 -read out from Platform Program P2 values N/A P3 values: N/A P4 values: N/A PS values. N/A P6 values: N/A P7 values: N/A P8 values: N/A IfP1=-l2theOutputis-I2VDC IfPl=-11 theOutputis-11VDC If P1= -10 the Output is -1OV DC if P1= 0 the Output is OV IfPl= 1 the Output is IV DC EfPl= 12 the Output is 12V DC Calibration: within 10% Maximum available current is 3A.

If the set voltage would thaw more than 3 amps the resulting voltage will go out of calibration.

Fused with 5A fuse. Fuse type. xxxxx insulation complies to BS-EN xxxxx Power requirements: External supply of 5A at 12V is needed.

Claims (14)

1. A purpose built electronic Interface provides standardised two-way real-time traffic for information directly between designated cells of a designated spreadsheet file, or similar, in a computer and a compatible range of various external Sensing Devices and Executing Devices.

2. A range of various Sensing Devices as claimed in Claim 1 where they are designed to send their standardised signal representing the parameter they are designed to sense or measure to the Interface.

3. The Interface as claimed in Claim 1 where it is designed to understand the received signals from the connected Sensing Devices as claimed in Claim 2 and to convert them into numbers and to place these resulting numbers automatically in real-time into designated cells in a designated spreadsheet file, or similar, for further processmg.

4. The resulting number(s) from a Sensing Device via Interface(s) placed into designated cell(s) in a designated spreadsheet file, or similar, as claimed in Claims 1, 2 & 3 will not necessarily show the same figure as if the measured parameter was expressed in an applicable SI measuring unit.

5. The Interface as claimed in Claim I where it is also designed to automatically extract numbers from designated cells of a designated spreadsheet file and to convert them into signals of instructions and parameters for connected Executing Devices.

6. A range of various Executing Devices as claimed in any preceeding Claims where they are designed to execute their own physical / mechanical work as per received instructions and parameters from the Interface.

7. All information exchange between designated cells of a designated spreadsheet file in a computer and a range of various external Sensing Devices and Executing Devices via the Interface as claimed in any preceeding Claims where it is designed to take place automatically and in real time.

8. The Interface as claimed in any preceeding Claims where it is designed to have physical connection points for a certain number of Sensing Devices and Executing Devices.

9. The Interface as claimed in any preceeding Claims where it is designed to have at least one physical connection point for further Interface.

10. The Interface as claimed in any preceeding Claims where it is designed to be able to be connected to each other up to a designed maximum number in a daisy-chain-like form.

11. The Interface as claimed in any preceedmg Claims where it is designed to be needed only the first Interface from the "daisy-chain" formation to be connected to the computer directly.

12. The Interface, Sensing Devices and Executing Devices as claimed in any preceeding Claims where they are designed to have provision for their own power connection if extra power required.

13. The Interface, Sensing Devices and Executing Devices as claimed in any preceeding Claims where they are designed to have connected to each other and to the computer via suitable networking protocol whether it is hard-wired or wireless method.

14. The Interface, Sensing Devices and Executing Devices as claimed in any preceeding Claims might evolve by the time into different physical -logical layout while still working on the same basic pnnciple for the same purpose.