Method and apparatus for detecting and counting articles
US6836527B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 6, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 6, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06M11/04
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved method for counting irregular or unsymmetrical shaped articles that allows greater precision and provides enhanced features over current counting devices and methods. The method improves upon current devices and methods by providing a more precise volume for each article by using actual cross sectional areas of articles. The improved method also allows the user to count broken or incomplete articles as “partial” volumes. These partial volumes may be added to one another to give a precise total batch volume. The actual cross sectional areas may also be used to allow the user to display three dimensional adaptations of each article counted. Because this information is stored, the articles may be displayed at any time after the articles are scanned. The improved method also allows a user to determine the distance between articles, by using the counting device, and, using this information, adjust the feed rate of the device to an optimum feed rate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.