GB2148030A - Counting instruments - Google Patents

Abstract

A hand-held counting instrument, for example designed to resemble a pen or pencil, is provided with an internal counter and a count state display (18). A sensor tip (14) is arranged to provide signals to change the count state of the counter in response solely to movement of the instrument by an operator to identify individual elements to be counted. Counting of the elements is effected simply by touching those elements with the instrument tip or by the tip being moved into close proximity to the elements. The instrument tip (14) may include a piezo electric transducer. Buttons (24) are provided to switch between different instrument functions. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Counting instruments This invention relates to counting instruments, and is particularly concerned with counting instruments which are designed to be partially or entirely handheld.

There is a need in a numberofareasfora counting instrument which will enable the user more easily to count inventory items, lines of script, words, rows and/or columns of print characters, etc. It is possible forexampleto carryouta counting operation on rows of typescript or printing just by scanning the sheet and performing mental addition. Alternatively, one can use a marked scale with appropriately graduated divisions, butthese have to be offixed length and do not allowforvariations in the spacing between lines, such as can occurwhen a sheet of printing is photocopied. Counters are also known which are designed to be manually operated and which incorporate a button which can be depressed by finger or thumb to increase the displayed count state.This class ofcounterwhich requires an action by the operator separate from and in addition to that involved in the identification of the elements to be counted is specifically excluded from the scope ofthe present invention.

Calendar/clock/alarm instruments designed to look like pens of pencils are known, butthese are not designed to count individual elements presented to the user ofthe device.

Digitalvolt meter pens are also known which display a voltage reading when the pen tip is placed in contact with a voltage source. Here again, there is no provision in this known device for incremental counting in accordance with elements identified bythe user; such devices simply provide a single value display of a parameter ofthe system which is being monitored.

It is an object ofthe present invention to provide a counting instrument which overcomes the aforesaid problems and disadvantages of conventional counting devices as outlined above.

It is another object ofthe present invention to provide a counting instrumentwhich can monitor and/or record a count of individual items or elements presented to an operator in a mannerthat requires human intervention. It is an object ofthe invention to provide a counting instrument in which each count which is registered is as a direct consequence ofthe physical action performed by the operator in identifying the particular elementto be counted.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a counting instrument comprising counting means, display means to indicate the count state, and sensor means arranged to provide signals to change the count state of said counting means in response solely to movement of the instrument by an operator to identify individual elements to be counted.

The movement by the operatorofthe instrument on or over each element to be counted is converted directly or indirectly to produce an electrical signal internally ofthe instrumentforthe purpose of incrementing or decrementing the count state. No separate action is required to press a button or move a lever to alter the count state. Accuracy is therefore improved.

Preferably, the counting means, the display means and the sensor means are mounted within or are assembled as part of an elongate housing having the sensor means at one end thereof. The housing can be designed to resemble a pen or pencil. Provision can also be madeforthe instrument simultaneously to mark each counted element as it is identified bythe operatorasan elementto be counted.

The sensor means preferably comprises an input transducer arranged eitherto generate electrical pulses orto modify electrical signals in response to each identification by the operator of an element to be counted. The sensor means can provide signals to the counting means either directly or indirectly. The use of piezoelectric transducers is particularly advantageous.

The counting instrument may also be provided with an outputtransducerto provide an acoustic signal in addition to the display, and may also be provided with means to connect the instrumentto an external tote display and/or an information processing system for the transfer of information to and/or from the counting instrument.

In orderthatthe invention may be fully understood, one presently preferred embodiment of counting instrument in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. lisa schematic illustration of the counting instrument produced in the form of a pen; Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a slightly modified embodiment of instrument, again designed as a pen; Fig. 3 is a block schematic circuit diagram illustrating the method of operation ofthe counting instru mentand; Fig. 4shows a typical display provided bythe counting instrument.

Figs. 1 and 2 show two ways in which the counting instrument of the present invention can be designed to resemble a pen. In each case the instrument comprises a head assembly 10 and a barrel assembly 12. Atthe end of the barrel assembly there is a tip 14.

The head assembly 10 comprises a clip 16, a display window 18 and a grille 20 behind which is a sound-generating device.

In the case ofthe instrument shown in Fig. 1, the free end ofthe head assembly is provided with a reset button 22 by means of which the count displayed can be returned to an original figure, for example to zero.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the head assembly is provided with a plurality of buttons 24 which are connected to internal switches and which enable full implementation of a plurality offunctions and modes of operation ofthe counting instrument as will be described later. It will also be appreciated that in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 the head assembly is not circular but has a flat, generally rectangular configuration. This shape allows a more ergonomic arrange mentofthefunction buttons 24, and also ensures that the display window 18 remains facing upwards when the pen is placed upon a flat surface.The head assembly ofthe instrument shown in Fig. 2 is also provided with a connecting socket 26 which can be used to connectthe instrumentto an external device forthetransferof datato and/orfrom the counting instrument, as will be described hereinafter.

Referring to Fig. 3, this shows the circuitry of the instrumentwithin the housing. The instrument tip 14, indicated by a broken line, comprises a sensor 30. The sensor 30 comprises an input transducer which either generates an electrical signal in response to the operator's action in isolating or otherwise identifying a particular element to be counted, or modifies an electrical signal in response to such action. The input transducer may operate by direct energytransfer, whether mechanical, electrical, pneumatic or chemical in origin.Alternatively, the inputtransducermay operate indirectly, for example by causing an interruption in the path of some form of conducted or radiated energy, a field phenomenon, or some other detectable change in any physical property introduced by pro ximityofthesensortothe objectwhich is to be counted. One simple form of sensor30 can be a stylus coupled to a switch which is operated by pressure exerted on the stylus.

The instrumenttip 14 may also include an output transducer 32. This output transducer 32 is arranged to produce an output which is additional to the display in the window 18, and typically is designed to produce a physical sensation forthe operator which does not require his direct attention. Typically, an acounstic output device is used as a telltale orwarning indicator.

Each count is confirmed by one particularsound and a different sound is used forwarning the operator of impending overfioworunderflow in the counter. Itwill be appreciated that it is possible to combine the input transducer 30 and the outputtransducer32 into one component.

Advantageously, one can use piezo-electric transducers both as input transducers and outputtransducers. The physical requirements for good coupling of the sensorto acceleration and stress deformation of the instrument body differfrom the optimum coupling conditions in the case ofthe outputtransducer 32. This outputtransducer32 mustcoupleto the surrounding air in a manner conducive to the efficient production of acoustic pressure waves. At the expense of greater complexity in the input processing, a miniature ceramic piezo-electric buzzer may be used as a combined transducer. The counter can then be entirely self-contained within the head assembly, requiring no passive mechanical moving parts or modification ofthe barrel assembly.If a compromise over coupling is difficultto achieve, then a better signal and count sensitivity can be obtained by using a separate sensor of polyvinyliden fluoride film with a mechanicallytight coupling to the instrument body.

The electrical signals from the input transducer 30 are fed to an input processing unit 34. Linear and/or digital circuitry is used to match and process the signals from the input transducer into a signal pulse of suitable characterto be passed to an internal counter 36.

A suitable number of switches 38 are provided, linked to the actuating buttons 24 (Fig. 2) to activate or access a particular operating mode of the instrument.

lftheavailablespaceorergonomics preclude a dedicated switch for each function, then time and/or sequence coded combinations of switches can be used.

The switches 38 are connected to a switch debounce and control logic circuit 40. This additional logic circuitry is required in orderto condition switch input signals, decode those inputs, and obtain the neces sarycontrol over and coordination between the various components of the counting instrument.

In the counter 36 the current countwill be incremented ordecremented in response to each electrical pulse received from the input processing unit 34. The counter 36 may use any or all ofthe functions normally attributed to the operation of counting. This includes the ability to count up, to count down, and to be preset directly orfrom storage.

The counter may operate with any desired counting base, for example decimal, hexadecimal, or octal. The counter36 may also be provided with means to perform arithmetical computations with operators and operands derived from the switch input or from store. Any number of significant digits may be used, although normally the display will be limited to four or five digits, supported by an overflowlunderflow indication.

The counter 36 provides an outputto a display unit 42. This provides a visible indication ofthe current count state, and of any particular operating mode of the instrument. The display may be produced either directly by light emitting devices, or indirectly by light modifying devices. The latter method offers lower power consumption, and can conveniently be accomplished by the use of a liquid crystal display modifying eithertransmitted or reflected light Fig.4 shows a typical form of display. The display comprises a numberofdigits, herefourdigits, each in a seven segmentformat,togetherwith a "half digit".

Flags indicating particularfunctions are also present; a legend around the periphery of the display will guide a cursor obtained by a particular switch code. Further single operations of a switch move the cirsor around successive positions until the desired function is reached, another switch or switch code then being used to selectthatfunction. Following selection, the appropriate flag will appear on the display. Other methods may alternatively be used to access functions, depending upon the number of available switches and the functions in any particular implementation.

The flags may be divided into two categories, internal and external.The operation of the flags of the external class offunctions has been described above.

Thefunctionsthemselves may consist of data in, data out, reset, preset, count up, count down, add, subtract, multiply, divide. The internal flags are "overflow/ underflow" and "battery low". The battery low flag is driven by a precision micro-powervoltagecompara- tor, and is activated whenever the voltage ofthe battery drops below a preset level.

Referring backto Fig. 3, this shows two optional units which may be associated with the counting instrument. Thefirst of these is a memory unit 44 which is connected both to the switch debounce and control logic circuit 40 and to the counter 36. The memory unit 44 consists of a numberof individually accessible memories which can be used to store and recover numbers separately and independently of the current displayed count, and with the means to store or modify the current displayed count if required.

The other optional unit is an external tote display 46 which is connected to the counter 36 by an appropriate connecting means 48. A counting instrument in accordance with the invention which is convenientto be held in the hand will necessarily have a display of limited size and resolution. The external tote display 46 provides a facility whereby a dedicated or computer-driven device external to the counter instrument can communicate with the counting instrument using a temporary connection to effect data transfer by direct or indirect means. Electrical or electro-magnetic signals guided by wire orfibre-optic cable are examples of direct connection. Indirect connection by some form of radiated energy has the advantages of not requiring a physical link between the devices.The use of the external tote display means that a larger display ofthe currentcountand of anystored counts may be obtained. Where the external tote device is computer driven and forms a part of an information retrieval or processing sustem to which the count is ultimatelyto be directed, data transfer can be direct and human errorfurther reduced.

Referring again to Figs. 1 and 2, it will be appreciated that the barrel assembly 10 can be a modification of the type of barrel currently used in retractable ballpoint or cartridge ink pens. The cartridge is moved to and from a position where the nib is retracted by a twisting or reciprocating action ofthe head assembly against a connecting sleeve on the barrel. If the cartridge and tip 14are arranged to float against a return spring connected to the barrel, then the top of the cartridge can be used to actuate switch contacts. In order to convey electrical signals between the barrel and the head assembly, a metal pen shell could be used, together with a pressure contact set into and electrically insulated from a cartridge retaining plug screwed into thetop ofthe barrel. The use ofa simple switch for the sensor has two advantages.A positive "click" action would replace the outputtransducer exceptforwarning indications, and input processing would be simplified to switch debounce only, this being entirely digital and having a low power requirement. In practice, one could provide a range of different sensor tips connectable to and detachable from a common counter module located within the head assembly, in order to suit particular applications.

Where the instrumenttip 14 is a stylus, it may have the ability also to leave a mark on any element to be counted simultaneouslywith and as an integral partof the action by the operator to effect the counting ofthat element.

The integrated circuits and components within the head assembly are mounted on a circuit board. CMOS integrated circuits are preferred.

Although the counting instrument described herein has been referred to and illustrated as embodied withinwhatwould be thought of as a pen or pencil, it should be clearly understood that the counting instrument can be made in any desired form or configuration within the scope of the present invention. The configuration of functions, the means to access those functions, and the configuration of the instrument itself may take any desired form, as determined by any particular application.

Claims (15)

1. A counting instrument comprising counting means, display means to indicate the count state, and sensor means arranged to provide signals to change the count state of said counting means in response solely two movement of the instrument by an operator to identify individual elements to be counted.

2. A counting instrument according to claim 1, in which the counting means, the display means and the sensor means are mounted within or are assembled as part of an elongate housing having the sensor means at one end thereof.

3. A counting instrument according to claim 2, in which the housing comprises a two-part assembly, one part carrying said counting means and said display means andthe other partcarrying the sensor means and being detachable from said one part.

4. A counting instrument according to any preced- ing claim, in which the sensor means comprises an inputtransducerarrangedto generate an electrical pulse in response to each identification by the operator of an elementto be counted.

5. A counting instrument according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which the sensor means comprises an inputtransducer arranged to modify an electrical signal in response to each identification by the operatorofan element to be counted.

6. A counting instrument according to any preceding claim, in which the sensor means provides signals to the counting means by direct mechanical, electrical, pneumatic or chemical energy transfer.

7. A counting instrument according to any of claims 1 to 5, in which the sensor means provides signalstothecounting means indirectly by inducing a change in a parameter of the instrument each time an element to be counted is identified by the operator.

8. Acounting instrument according to any of claims 1 to 5, in which the sensor means comprises a stylus and switch means actuated by pressure on the stylus.

9. A counting instrument according to any of claims 1 to 5, in which the sensor means comprises a piezo electric transducer.

10. A counting instrument according to any preceding claim, which includes an output transducer arranged to provide an output indication, additional to the display, in response to the identification bythe operator of each element and/or of a predetermined number of such elements.

11. A counting instrument according to claim 10, in which the output transducer provides an acoustic output signal.

12. A counting instrument according to any preceding claim, which includes means simultaneously to mark each counted element as it is identified by the operator as an elementto be counted.

13. Acounting instrument according to any preceding claim, which includes means to connect the instrumentto an external tote display and/or information processing system forthe transfer of information to and/orfrom the counting instrument.

14. Acounting instrument according to any preceding claim, in which the display means comprises a liquid crystal display indicating both the count state and any particular operating mode ofthe instrument.

15. Acounting instrument substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.