Method of and apparatus for detecting and counting articles
US5313508A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 1991 |
| Grant date | May 17, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06M7/00
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for counting irregularly-shaped articles. A pair of light sources are provided at a sensing plane through which articles to be counted pass. Each of the light sources emits a light beam that is at an angle to the other light beam, such as an angle of about 90.degree.. Corresponding light sensors are positioned opposite the respective light sources to receive the light signals as the articles pass through the sensing plane. A time division multiplex circuit is provided to alternately operate the light sources, and the outputs from the respective light detectors are summed to provide a unitary signal that is provided to a counter to maintain a count of the number of articles passing through the sensing plane. The system provides combined output signals that are substantially independent of the orientation of the article at the sensing plane.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.