Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes, a sheet transporting unit, a scanner, a print unit, an input device, a counter, and a control unit. The sheet transporting unit transports a predetermined number of sheets among a plurality of the sheets. The scanner reads the sheets which are transported by the sheet transporting unit as image data. The print unit prints the image data which is read by the scanner. The input device receives an input from a user. The counter counts the number of the transported sheets. The control unit controls the sheet transporting unit and the print unit depending on the number of the transported sheets and the number of sheets which are input by the user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for counting plurality of objects placed in a region. An image of the region is captured and partitioned into segments based on depth of the plurality of objects. Further, shape of each of the plurality of objects in each object region of each segment is determined and validated based on comparison of the determined shape with predetermined shapes. Finally, count of the plurality of objects of each shape is aggregated for determining count of the plurality of objects in the region. In an embodiment, the present disclosure helps in automatically recognizing and counting the plurality of objects of multiple dimensions and multiple shapes, even when the image of the region includes a distorted/unfavorable background.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes, a sheet transporting unit, a scanner, a print unit, an input device, a counter, and a control unit. The sheet transporting unit transports a predetermined number of sheets among a plurality of the sheets. The scanner reads the sheets which are transported by the sheet transporting unit as image data. The print unit prints the image data which is read by the scanner. The input device receives an input from a user. The counter counts the number of the transported sheets. The control unit controls the sheet transporting unit and the print unit depending on the number of the transported sheets and the number of sheets which are input by the user.

Abstract: A remote user interface (RUI) for a personalization document printer of an instant issuance system is provided. The RUI includes a printer functionality component and a server functionality component. The server functionality component is configured to allow, for example a user to control user authentication to use the printer, control print queues of the printer, control print workflows of the printer, control RUI configuration, control remote access to printer user functions and a print preview displaying an image of the customized personalization document with image data and personalization account data, control storage and rendering of data to be placed on a customized personalization document, lock and unlock access to supplies and/or personalization documents in the personalization document printer, access administrative functions, and provide quality assurance functions.

Abstract: A sheet eject device is provided for detecting whether a sheet eject tray is filled with ejected sheets. The sheet eject device includes an ejecting unit that ejects sheets onto the sheet eject tray; a counting unit that counts an accumulated eject number every time a sheet is ejected by the ejecting unit; a storing unit that stores a defined eject number threshold and a defined eject interval time; a fullness detecting unit that detects that the sheet eject tray is filled with ejected sheets when the accumulated eject number counted by the counting unit exceeds the defined eject number threshold; and a reset unit that resets the accumulated eject number counted by the counting unit when an eject interval time exceeds the defined eject interval time, the eject interval time extending from when one sheet is ejected until a next sheet is ejected by the ejecting unit.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a document reading and conveying unit, a pressing plate capable of moving to a position to press a document against a reading surface and to a position withdrawn from the reading surface, and a fixed reader configured to read a document fixed on the reading surface by moving a close-coupled image sensor relative to the document. The document reading and conveying unit includes a controller configured to perform pickup initialization of returning a pickup roller to an initial position after the completion of conveying one or more documents and is supported by the pressure plate. The controller includes a first timer configured to measure an elapsed time from the completion of reading performed by the fixed reader. The controller performs the pickup initialization after a measurement value measured by the first timer exceeds a first time.

Abstract: A device for counting printed products of an imbricated stream includes a first measuring unit for detecting a printed product edge directed transversely of the conveying direction of the imbricated stream and with an evaluating unit which receives signals of the first measuring unit for counting the printed products. Therefore, it is the primary object to provide a device of the above-described type which facilitates a higher counting accuracy even in the case of irregular imbricated streams of products.

Abstract: An application for a device for directly measuring the number of homogeneous objects in a linear collection of homogeneous objects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bill discriminating and counting apparatus including a display section which can perform display written in plural languages. The bill discriminating and counting apparatus includes a second storage area in which display data of a mother language can be written in addition to a first storage area in which data for the display written in commonly-used English is stored, and the display written in the mother language can be performed by writing the display data written in the mother language in the second storage area in the country where the bill discriminating and counting apparatus is used.

Abstract: A currency evaluation device for receiving a stack of currency bills and rapidly evaluating all the bills in the stack. The device comprises an input receptacle for receiving a stack of bills to be evaluated and a plurality of output receptacles for receiving the bills alter they have been evaluated. A transport mechanism transports the bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle to one of the output receptacles along a transport path. A discriminating unit including a detector positioned along the transport path between the input receptacle and the output receptacle evaluates the bills. The discriminating unit counts and determines the denomination of the bills. A means for flagging bills meeting or failing to meet a certain criteria causes the transport mechanism to halt in response to a determination that a bill meets or fails to meet the criteria.

Abstract: A lite-counting apparatus counts lites in a longitudinal array. During a traversal by the apparatus of a peripheral portion of the array, a beam of radiation is passed from at least one source to at least one detector. Based upon changes in the relative path taken by the beam, the articles may be counted.

Abstract: Apparatus for remotely counting the number of individual objects of the same general shape and disposed in a collection having a front end in a common vertical plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for counting thin products (1) that can be stacked side-by-side in a tray (2), characterized in that it comprises at least one counting station comprised of at least one CIS module (31, 32, 33), whose overall length is at least equal to the length of the tray (2) and means for performing multiple scans in a direction transverse to the tray (2), each CIS module (31, 32, 33) comprising at least means for longitudinally illuminating the products (1) and at least one CIS circuit comprised of a plurality of photosensitive elements connected to at least one printed circuit, the counting device also comprises means for detecting the positioning of the tray (2), means for moving the tray in a direction perpendicular to the light beam, means for storing the signals representative of the data of the light beam reflected by the products (1), and means for processing said data for determining the number of products.

Abstract: A currency evaluation device for receiving a stack of currency bills and rapidly evaluating all the bills in the stack. The device comprises an input receptacle for receiving a stack of bills to be evaluated and a plurality of output receptacles for receiving the bills after they have been evaluated. A transport mechanism transports the bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle to one of the output receptacles along a transport path. A discriminating unit including a detector positioned along the transport path between the input receptacle and the output receptacle evaluates the bills. The discriminating unit counts and determines the denomination of the bills. A means for flagging bills meeting or failing to meet a certain criteria causes the transport mechanism to halt in response to a determination that a bill meets or fails to meet the criteria.

Abstract: A currency evaluation device for receiving a stack of currency bills and rapidly evaluating all the bills in the stack. The device comprises an input receptacle for receiving a stack of bills to be evaluated and a plurality of output receptacles for receiving the bills after they have been evaluated. A transport mechanism transports the bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle to one of the output receptacles along a transport path. A discriminating unit including a detector positioned along the transport path between the input receptacle and the output receptacle evaluates the bills. The discriminating unit counts and determines the denomination of the bills. A means for flagging bills meeting or failing to meet a certain criteria causes the transport mechanism to halt in response to a determination that a bill meets or fails to meet the criteria.

Abstract: Printed products, such as newspapers are fed past a counting station arranged in imbricated fashion, preferably folded edges passing downstream first. A high intensity light source is arranged so that its light beams are oriented at an angle which, while illuminating upper surfaces of the newspapers, causes the forward folded edges to cast a shadow upon the upper surface of a downstream newspaper that the forward edge of the newspaper creating the shadow rests upon. An image sensing device creates an image of a given region which includes the leading edge of the newspaper creating the shadow. This image is compared with stored criteria to determine if the “shadow” is due to a leading edge of a newspaper and to thereby discriminate a newspaper leading edge from other spurious conditions which, although they may create a “shadow”, fail to meet the criteria of a leading edge of a newspaper.

Abstract: A friction roller paper currency counter. Specifically, the paper currency counter of the present invention incorporates electronic circuitry which automatically stops the mechanical motors in the event a foreign object is accidentally ingested by the counter.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a stack of currency bills using a currency evaluation device comprising receiving a stack of bills in an input receptacle of the evaluation device. The bills are transported, one at a time, from the input receptacle to one of two or more output receptacles of the currency evaluation device. The denomination of the bill is counted and determined utilizing a detector positioned along a transport path between the input receptacle and the output receptacles. A bill is flagged when the denomination of the bills is not determined and the flagging comprises halting the transporting when a bill is flagged. The bills that have been denominated including bills of a plurality of denominations are delivered to a first set of one or more of the output receptacles.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a stack of currency bills using a currency evaluation device comprises receiving a stack of bills in an input receptacle of the evaluation device. The bills are transported, one at a time, from the input receptacle to one of two or more output receptacles of the currency evaluation device. The denomination of the bills is counted and determined utilizing a detector positioned along a transport path between the input receptacle and the output receptacles. The bills are determined on whether they meet or fail to meet a non-piece count related criterion. The transportation is halted when a bill meets or fails to meet the criterion. A bill meeting or failing to meet the criterion is termed a flagged bill. The halting is performed such that the flagged bill is positioned as the last bill in one of the output receptacles.

Abstract: A friction roller paper currency counter. Specifically, the paper currency counter of the present invention incorporates electronic circuitry which automatically stops the mechanical motors in the event a foreign object is accidentally ingested by the counter.

Abstract: Apparatus for counting sheets in stack (17) thereof and inserting tabs (27) between the sheets at predetermined counts, as well as a tabbing method, uses a rotatable counting disc (10) engageable with an edge region of the stack and including a sheet transfer slot (12) to transfer the next sheet to be counted from one face of the disc to the opposed face, upon rotation of the disc. There are means (30) to count the number of sheets transferred and also to advance the disc relative to the stack, as the counting progresses. A tabber (31) is arranged to insert a tab (27) between two sheets of the stack (17) when a predetermined sheet count has been achieved, which tabber (31) projects a tab in a generally radially outward direction with respect to the disc (10), immediately adjacent one face (13) of the disc and in a timed relationship to the rotation thereof.

Abstract: Counter for stacked articles, e.g., folding chairs. A wheel having a notched peripheral surface is connected to a count indicator. The wheel and counter interact so that when a user places the wheel with a notch at the lowermost of the stacked articles and the wheel is rotated by moving the counter vertically against the stack, each time a successive notch is moved the count indicator registers the next highest number.

Abstract: A clock divider circuit having a fifty per cent duty cycle and multiple integer ratios for dividing an input clock signal. In one embodiment, a clock divider circuit may include a chain of serially-coupled flip-flops. The chain may include at least a first and a second flip-flop, both of which may be triggered by a first edge of an input clock signal. A third flip-flop, coupled to (but not part of) the chain may be configured to be triggered by a second edge of the input clock signal. The third flip-flop may be coupled to an output circuit. In addition to receiving the output signal from the third flip-flop, the output circuit may also receive signals from the chain of serially-coupled flip-flops. The output circuit may drive a second clock signal, which may be produced by dividing the first clock signal based upon the signals it receives. The first clock signal may be divided by an even or an odd integer ratio, or may be divided by an integer ratio (e.g. 2.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for verifying, in particular for counting, preferably sheet-like articles (10), in particular printing products, having at least one feeler (20) which can be acted on by articles (10) moving in relation to the feeler (20) in a verification region and can be moved from a stable feeling position into a stable evaluating position, a sensor (30) for generating a verification signal when the feeler (20) is in the evaluating position and a returning member (60, 95) for returning the feeler (20) into the feeling position.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a presence of more than one item at a point along a conveyance path, comprising steps of (A) generating a light beam and directing the beam through the path such that a presence of the item will cause the beam to be attenuated; (B) detecting the beam after it is attenuated by the presence of the item; and (C) determining from the amount of attenuation how many items are simultaneously present. In the preferred embodiment the item is an item of currency, and the step of generating a light beam includes a step of operating an optical source, such as an LED or a laser, to generate a beam having a wavelength in the range of about 400 nm to about 1 micrometer or longer.

Abstract: A counting device associated with a conveying device for conveying flexible flat objects, such as printed products, in an overlapping stream. The counting device includes a slide mounted for forward and return movement along a guide which extends in the conveying direction, and a drive is provided for moving the slide along the guide at a higher speed than the conveying speed. The slide mounts a flexible contact element which engages the objects, and a sensor element which is engaged by the contact element when the contact element is deflected by engagement with a rear edge of each object, as the slide is forwardly advanced. A catch element, which is also mounted to the slide, then comes into contact with the rear edge of the object to displace the object in the conveying direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting flexible flat objects, such as printed products, which are conveyed in an overlapping formation. A detection device counts the objects as they are being conveyed, and comprises an insertion element which is moved in the direction of conveyance at a speed greater than the conveying speed of the objects so as to catch up with an object and interact with an end section of the object, and a detection element which emits a signal to a counter when the insertion element interacts with an end section of an object.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting flat objects, such as printed products, which are conveyed in an overlapping formation, and which comprises a guide means extending in the conveying direction and mounting a contact element for reciprocatory movement therealong. A drive serves to move the contact element cyclically in the conveying direction at a speed greater than the conveying speed of the overlapping objects, so that it can be brought into contact with the rear edge of each object. A detector element emits a signal to a counter upon contact between the contact element and the rear edge of an object, and a reference element is provided which rests upon the overlapping formation from above to ensure that the contact element mounted on the guide means and the formation assume a precisely defined mutual position.

Abstract: Sheet counting apparatus comprises a sheet support (2-4) for holding a stack of sheets (13) to be counted. A sheet feed device (14) moves the sheets individually from a first position to a second position while they remain held together in the stack (13). A counter (23) monitors movement of the sheet as it is moved from the first position to the second position, and increments a count when such movement is detected.

Abstract: An automated transaction machine includes apparatus for distinguishing between single sheets and multiple sheets in a sheet path. The apparatus includes radiation emitters (14, 34) and radiation detectors (20, 40, 42). The radiation emitters are operated to emit radiation at periodic intervals. Signal conditioners (50) receive signals from the radiation detectors and generate outputs responsive to the intensities sensed by the detectors substantially only during the periodic intervals. The outputs are combined, weighed and/or compared to thresholds to distinguish single and multiple sheets. The apparatus enables reliable operation in noisy electrical environments and with a wide variety of sheet properties.

Abstract: A catch tray attachment for a sheet feeding machine allows rapid accumulation and manual removal of a predetermined count of sheet articles from the catch tray. The catch tray itself is adapted for mounting to the frame of the sheet feeding machine so as to position it in the discharge path of sheet articles exiting the sheet feeder. Upon removal of an accumulation of sheet articles from the catch tray, a signal is sent back to the sheet feeder to initiate further machine cycles whereby a predetermined count of sheet articles are again deposited in the catch tray.

Abstract: A five sided chamber is placed in a laundry chute such that any laundry article passing through the chute must also pass through the chamber. The five sided chamber is mirrored on the inside surfaces of four of the five sides while the fifth side is transparent. A light beam emitter and a light beam receiver are positioned along the transparent fifth side of the chamber. The light beam emitter is directed at the center of one of the four mirrored sides and the light beam receiver is directed at the center of an adjacent one of the four mirrored sides. Reflection of the light beam internally within the five sided chamber is such that the light beam forms a star pattern before returning to the light beam receiver via the transparent fifth side.

Abstract: A counting device that detects intensity differences in reflections coming from stacked thin objects. The device comprises a radiation source generating a radiation beam and a photoelectric detector detecting the intensity differences in the radiation reflected by the objects, and is provided with an optical pathway placed between the objects and the photoelectric detector. The optical pathway comprises a diaphragm having a diaphragm opening which, in relation to the dimension of the beam of reflected radiation reaching the diaphragm, is smaller.

Abstract: A device for counting the number of corrugated articles in a stack of corrugated articles includes a light source for illuminating a multi-article containing surface of the stack of corrugated articles. An electro-optical image capturing camera captures a first visual image frame of a first segment of the multi-article containing surface, and a signal converting means converts the first visual image frame into a first electronic frame signal representative of the first visual image frame. A central processing unit, a frame grabber circuit and software process the first electronic frame signal into a first series of article signals representative of the series of individual articles of the first segment of the multi-article containing surface. The processor also counts the number of individual articles in the first series of article signals.

Abstract: A device for counting the number of corrugated articles in a stack of corrugated articles includes a light source for illuminating a multi-article containing surface of the stack of corrugated articles. An electro-optical image capturing camera captures a first visual image frame of a first segment of the multi-article containing surface, and a signal converting means converts the first visual image frame into a first electronic frame signal representative of the first visual image frame. A central processing unit, a frame grabber circuit and software process the first electronic frame signal into a first series of article signals representative of the series of individual articles of the first segment of the multi-article containing surface. The processor also counts the number of individual articles in the first series of article signals.

Abstract: The invention accurately meters usage of an electrophotographic printer/copier (EPC) by counting the number of pages that are ejected to an output bin of the EPC and incrementing a user charge value accordingly. Further, the invention determines a toner parameter value that is related to an amount of toner used on each page and bases the user charge value, at least in part, on such toner parameter value. The toner parameter value is preferably determined by counting a number of pixels that are imaged on a page. The invention further utilizes a non-volatile memory to maintain copies of usage total values, while concurrently storing such usage total values on a disk memory. If an attempt is made to substitute a different disk memory in the EPC, usage parameter values are updated thereon through use of values stored in the nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: A currency handling system adapted to accommodate currencies of any denomination or type without having been pre-programmed with data representative of the denominations or types. The currency handling system is capable of generating such data internally, by scanning a set of master currency bills to obtain master information representative of the master bills which may be used to authenticate subsequent test bills according to selected or default sensitivity levels. The master information may comprise numerical and/or non-numerical data. The determination of authenticity of the test bills is based on a comparison of either pre-stored or self-generated master information with scanned data values associated with the test bills. In one embodiment, a note counter is provided which authenticates and counts a stack of same denomination bills after independently determining the denomination of the bills and selecting appropriate threshold levels corresponding to the denomination of the bills.

Abstract: The invention provides an image forming apparatus such as a coin-operated copy machine, which has an upper limit value to the number of copies which are authorized to be made and which also copies both sides of originals fed to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is configured so that its intermediate tray, which temporarily stores sheets copied on their first side, is empty at the end of a copy cycle and despite the image forming apparatus being fed more double-sided originals to copy than are authorized to be copied. The image forming apparatus compares the upper limit value of the number of copies authorized to be made to the number of single-sided copies already made in the current copying cycle and begins copying the second side of the originals onto sheets from the intermediate tray when the upper limit value equals a constant K plus twice the number of images formed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for counting parts. The apparatus includes a tray having at least one location for containing a part; a plate having at least one hole positioned above the at least one location; a pneumatic device coupled to the at least one hole; and a sensing element for determining the presence of a tray part in the at least one location when the pneumatic device is active.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is an automated method for counting parts. The method includes positioning a tray having an array of part locations; aligning a complementary array of holes in a plate with the part locations; activating air flow through the holes such that the parts will move to alter the air flow; and determining from the altered air flow the number of parts.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for counting a plurality of objects, wherein the objects are aligned such that the objects form a linear array oriented in an X-Y plane, comprising a sensor for detecting a discriminating characteristic of an object, and for locating the orientation of the linear array formed by the objects, a sensor moving means for moving the sensor in an X-Y plane, and a processor for determining the orientation of the linear array formed by the objects, wherein the sensor scans the orientation of the linear array formed by the objects when counting the objects.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for counting a plurality of objects, wherein the objects have a discriminating aspect and are aligned such that the objects form a linear array, comprising determining the orientation of the linear array, scanning the linear array and detecting individual objects within the linear array as the linear array is scanned.

Abstract: A method is provided for counting cut sheets such as bank notes. A loose bundle of cut sheets is supported in a predetermined posture, and the cut sheets of the supported bundle are successively fed obliquely relative to an edge of each remaining cut sheet of the supported bundle. Passage of a corner of each successively fed cut sheet across a predetermined position is detected, and the resulting detection signal is processed to provide a count of each successively fed cut sheet.

Abstract: A monitor for collecting data on consumer consumption of disposable sheet products is disclosed. The monitor comprises a working surface capable of supporting a stack of sheets thereon, a weight sensor, and a recorder. The stack of sheets comprises a plurality of sheets individually removable from the stack. The stack has a stack weight, and each sheet has a sheet weight. The weight sensor is in operative communication with the working surface for measuring the stack weight as the sheets are removed from the stack. The recorder is in communication with the weight sensor for receiving and recording the stack weight. Optionally, the monitor further comprises a consumer input device for receiving data generated by a consumer regarding usage and acceptability of the product being tested. The results of the stack weight measurements and the data generated by a user may be uploaded to a computer to create a data file.

Abstract: A sheet counter has an elongate element (18) in which is formed a suction port (19), connected to a vacuum source by a duct (26). A pressure sensor is arranged to sense the pressure in the duct, in the vicinity of the port (19), and produces an electrical signal indicative thereof. The counter is set up by sensing the pressure in the duct with the port (19) open, either with the vacuum source operating or before operation thereof, and then by sensing the pressure in the duct with the port closed and the vacuum source operating. A pressure count-value part-way between the two sensed pressures is computed and during subsequent operation of the counter, a valid count signal is generated only if the instantaneous sensed pressure in the duct falls below the computed count-value.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for counting sheets in a stack has a support on which is rotatably mounted a rotor such that the rotor engages an edge region of the stack. The rotor has a plurality of helical transfer grooves through which sheets are transferred one at a time from one side of the rotor to the other. A foot bears on the rotor and has a port which, as the rotor rotates, comes into and out of communication with further ports on the rotor each leading to a respective groove, whereby air is drawn in a timed relationship through the rotor to assist the transfer of sheets through the helical grooves. The rotor is movable axially with respect to its support and there is a detector arranged to detect the position of the foot with respect to the support thereby to give an output indicative of the position of the rotor with respect to the support.

Abstract: A bill counter comprises a case body formed to be a size which can be carried; a display section provided on the surface of the case body; an insertion port provided on one side of the case body which is capable of being expanded/contracted; a taking-out port provided on the other side of the case body; a first feeding-out device which is provided on the insertion port side within the case body and feeds out bills in a bundle inserted to the insertion port by a few sheets; a second feeding-out device which is provided on the taking-out port side within the case body and feeds out bills one by one fed out by the first feeding-out device; a driving section which drives simultaneously the first and the second feeding-out devices; an identifying sensor which identifies bills going toward the taking-out port; and a control section which outputs a signal displaying the number of sheets by unit of each bill and the total amount at least to said display section based on the signal from the identifying sensor and a si

Abstract: A counter for counting the number of sheets in a stack has a rotor (12) which engages in an edge region of the stack and transfers sheets one at a time from one side of the rotor to the other upon rotor rotation. The rotor (12) is mounted on a shaft (13) carried by a carriage (36) arranged for sliding movement on guides (41). A motor (44) drives a lead screw (43), whereby the carriage is driven along the guides. The rotor (12) may float on its shaft (13) and its position is sensed by detector (39, 40); the output of the detector is used to control motor (44) whereby the carriage is driven substantially continuously and smoothly at a rate appropriate for a counting operation being performed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for counting products (1) that are thin, stacked side by side and arranged edgewise in trays (2) packaged under a translucent shrink-on film, characterized in that it comprises:means (7) for illuminating the tray;means (91) for detecting the positioning of a tray on a mobile shuttle (81, 21) driven with a displacement movement;means (4, 5, 6) for performing multiple scannings of the tray by a linear reading beam of a linear camera during the displacement in a direction that is perpendicular to the linear beam;means for storing the light data contained in the linear beam, andcounting means for each scanning of the number of products.

Abstract: An image reader capable of determining whether or not a book document to be copied needs royalty by the recognition of a book document and counting operation of a copying system. When a book document to be copied needs royalty, the number of times that images of the document are scanned or the number of times that the resulting image data are outputted is counted. While the count is stored, the royalty of the book document copied is managed on the basis of the count. The image reader can also read a ID code formed on the book, and can control the counting operation based on the detected book ID.