U.S. patent number 3,683,159 [Application Number 04/792,392] was granted by the patent office on 1972-08-08 for electronic counter and storage apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Diversified Electronics Co.. Invention is credited to Kenneth D. Boyce, Robert H. Welch.
United States Patent |
3,683,159 |
|
August 8, 1972 |
ELECTRONIC COUNTER AND STORAGE APPARATUS
Abstract
Apparatus for counting, displaying and storing numerical data
such as numbers of discrete items and linear distances. The data
relating in various items and distances can be stored in respective
memory locations for subsequent readout. The apparatus can be
preset to count forwardly from a predetermined number and can
provide the data input for other data handling equipment, such as a
computer.
Inventors: |
Robert H. Welch (Mountain View,
CA), Kenneth D. Boyce (Mountain View, CA) |
Assignee: |
Diversified Electronics Co.
(Inc., Sunnyvale)
|
Family
ID: |
25156752 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/792,392 |
Filed: |
January 21, 1969 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
377/26; 324/171;
377/47; 324/166; 377/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H03K
23/665 (20130101); H03K 21/08 (20130101); H03K
21/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H03K
21/08 (20060101); H03K 23/00 (20060101); H03K
21/02 (20060101); H03K 23/66 (20060101); H03K
21/00 (20060101); H03k 021/18 () |
Field of
Search: |
;235/92,92AC,92DN
;340/172.5 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Maynard R. Wilbur
Assistant Examiner: Joseph M. Thesz, Jr.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Townsend and Townsend
Claims
1. Apparatus for counting, displaying and storing numerical data
comprising: a counter having an input means and an output means and
being capable of counting when signal pulses representing a number
are received at the input means thereof, said counter having an
output signal at said output means thereof when the counter has
counted to a number; means coupled with said input means for
directing electronic signal pulses thereto; a display unit coupled
with said output means and being operable in response to an output
signal thereon for displaying the number to which the counter has
counted; a memory unit for receiving an electronic signal and for
storing the numerical data represented thereby; means connecting
the memory unit with said output means of the counter, said
connecting means including control structure selectively operable
to permit the memory unit to receive and store a signal from said
output means and to permit the readout of data stored in said
memory unit to said output
2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said memory unit has
a plurality of memory devices defining respective storage locations
therefor, said control structure including means for selectively
placing a particular memory device in condition for receiving a
signal from said
3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said counter has
means placing said output signal thereof in binary form, and
wherein is included a decoder inter-connecting said display unit
and said output means and being operable for changing the binary
form of said output signal to a
4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said display unit
includes a number of display tubes, said counter including an
electronically actuated
5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the means for
providing a signal input comprises an actuable probe and a scaler
system for generating an input signal each time the probe is
actuated, said scaler system having means for multiplying said
input signal by a multiplying
6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein is included manually
actuated means coupled with said output means for applying an
output signal thereto
7. Apparatus for handling numerical data comprising: a memory
having a number of memory devices, each memory device having means
for receiving an electronic signal when the memory device is in an
operative condition, each memory device providing a storage
location for data represented by a signal received thereby and
permitting read-in and readout of data when the memory device is in
said operative condition; means coupled with said memory for
selectively placing a memory device in said operative condition,
said placing means including control structure for controlling the
read-in and readout of data with respect thereto; a counter having
input means for receiving a plurality of signal pulses representing
a number to be counted and output means providing an output signal
corresponding to the number counted thereby, said control structure
coupling the output means of said counter to a memory device in
said operative condition and being selectively operable to permit
data represented by a signal at said output means to be read into
and be stored by a memory device in said operative condition and to
permit the readout of data stored in a memory device to said output
means when the last-mentioned memory device is in said operative
condition; means coupled with said input means of said counter for
directing signal pulses thereto; and means coupled with said output
means for applying an output signal
8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein said signal applying
means includes a selector switch for manually selecting a number to
be preset at
9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein is included means
coupled with said output means and being operable in response to an
output signal thereon for providing a removable, visually
observable display of the number represented by the signal at said
output means, and means coupled to said counter to provide a
visually observable indicator therefor with the indicator being
operable to indicate when the counter has counted
10. Apparatus for handling numerical data comprising: a memory
having a number of memory devices, each memory device having means
for receiving an electronic signal when the memory device is in a
predetermined operative condition, each memory device providing a
storage location for data represented by a signal received thereby
and permitting read-in and readout of data when the memory device
is in said operative condition; means coupled with said memory for
selectively placing a memory device in said condition, said placing
means including control structure for controlling the read-in and
readout of data with respect to a memory device in said condition;
a counter having input means for receiving a plurality of signal
pulses representing a number to be counted and output means
providing an output signal corresponding to the number counted
thereby; means coupling the output means of said counter to said
control structure, the latter being selectively operable to permit
a signal at said output means to be directed to a memory device in
said operative condition for read-in of data thereto and to permit
a signal to be directed to said output means when data is read out
from a memory device in means coupled with the input means of said
counter for directing signal pulses thereto; and means coupled with
said output means and operable in response to an output signal
thereon for providing a removable display of
11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein said memory is
capable of being clocked to place a memory device in said operative
condition, said control structure including actuatable means for
selectively clocking said memory, and a manually actuated switch
for electrically connecting said output means to a memory device
when the latter is in said operative
12. Apparatus for handling numerical data comprising: a memory
having a plurality of memory banks capable of storing data
representing a number, each memory bank having a number of memory
devices, there being a memory bank for each digit of a number
represented by data stored in the memory, there being a memory
device in each memory bank corresponding to a memory device in each
of the other memory banks, whereby the memory banks present a
number of sets of corresponding memory devices, said memory being
capable of receiving signals and storing the data represented
thereby when a set of corresponding memory devices is in an
operative, signal-receiving condition; means coupled with said
memory for selectively placing one of said sets in said condition,
said placing means including control structure for controlling the
read-in and readout of data with respect to a set of corresponding
memory devices in said condition; a counter having a number of
counter units, there being a counter unit for each memory bank,
respectively, each counter unit having an input means for receiving
input signal pulses representing a digit of a number to be counted
by the counter unit and an output means for providing a signal
representing the digit to which the counter unit has counted; means
connecting each counter unit to said control structure, the latter
being selective operable to permit a signal at the output means of
each counter unit to be directed to and stored by a respective
memory device of a set of memory devices in said operative
condition and to permit a signal to be directed to the output means
of each counter unit when data is read out the respective memory
device of a set of memory devices in said operative condition;
means coupled with said output means for each counter unit and
operable in response to an output signal thereon for displaying the
digit of the number to which the counter unit has counted; and
means coupled with said
13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein the output means of
each counter unit provides a signal in binary form, each memory
device including structure for receiving and storing the signal in
binary form, said display including structure for displaying a
digit in decimal form, and wherein is included a decoder unit
between the output means of each counter unit, respectively, and
the corresponding display means for changing the signal at the
output means from binary form to decimal form.
14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein said means coupled
with said input means includes a pair of count input probes, and
switch means for selectively placing a probe in electrical contact
with said input
15. Apparatus for handling numerical data comprising: a memory
having a number of memory devices, each memory device having means
for receiving an electronic signal when the memory device is in a
predetermined operative condition, each memory device providing a
storage location for data represented by a signal received thereby
and permitting read-in and readout of data when the memory device
is in said operative condition; means coupled with said memory for
selectively placing a memory device in said condition, said placing
means including control structure for controlling the read-in and
readout of data with respect thereto; a counter having input means
for receiving a plurality of signal pulses representing a number to
be counted and output means providing an output signal
corresponding to the number counted thereby, said control structure
coupling the output means of said counter to a memory device in
said operative condition and being selectively operable to permit a
signal at said output means to be directed to a memory device in
said operative condition for read-in of data thereto and to permit
a signal to be directed to said output means when data is read out
from a memory device in said operative condition; means coupled
with the input means of said counter for directing signal pulses
thereto; and means coupled with said output means for connecting
the same to data handling equipment.
Description
This invention relates to electronic counters and, more
particularly, to apparatus for counting, displaying and storing
numbers representing quantities of discrete items or linear
distances.
While the present invention is suitable for a number of different
uses, it is especially suitable for use in the construction
industry where cost estimates are to be made before actual purchase
of construction materials where such estimates are to be based upon
the construction requirements set forth in construction drawings.
The apparatus of the invention is usable for counting numbers of
articles such as doors, electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures and
the like, as well as for measuring distances, such as the number of
board feet of lumber required to construct walls, floors and the
like.
While some attempts have been made to provide apparatus for use in
the foregoing manner, such attempts generally have not been
satisfactory for a number of reasons. One of the most objectionable
features of conventional devices used for this purpose is the
doubtful reliability of their individual components, which
components are electromechanical in nature so as to present
problems due to inertia effects and wear of their moving parts.
Inertia effects relating to electromechanical counters used in
these devices also gives rise to inaccuracies in the counting of
discrete items and in the measuring of linear distances. Such
inaccuracies can oftentimes result in relatively large errors in
cost estimates, especially where the inaccuracies are multiplied
when the counting results are used for cost estimating of
multiple-building construction projects.
Another disadvantage of conventional devices of this type is the
limited capacity for the storing of numbers counted thereby. Also,
the relatively large sizes and weights of their individual
components require a relatively large and bulky housing to contain
all of the parts. The overall weight of a device of this type
limits the way it can be moved from one work area to another or at
least is a source of inconvenience to the user of the device whose
work requires that the device be frequently used at different
places.
The present invention provides an improved apparatus for counting
and storage of numerical data wherein the components of the
apparatus are completely electronic in nature so as to eliminate
all moving parts and thereby avoid the problems of inaccuracy
encountered by conventional devices which utilize electromechanical
components. Moreover, the apparatus can be formed from solid state
electronic components of extremely high reliability to provide a
product which is virtually trouble-free, whereby maintenance
problems are substantially eliminated yet the apparatus can be
constructed by using numerous cost-saving features, such as printed
circuit boards and quick disconnect modular units providing the
various systems therefor. Also, the relatively small sizes of the
electronic components of the apparatus permits the latter to be of
a relatively small size and lightweight in construction for desk
top operation yet the apparatus is sufficiently rugged so that it
can withstand rough handling when it is moved from one work area to
another.
The apparatus, in utilizing an electronic memory, has a relatively
large storage capacity so as to render it especially suitable for
large building projects having many different types of discrete
items or linear distances to be counted and stored. An important
feature of the apparatus is its capability of presetting to a
desired number in its counter system. Thus, counting of numbers
forwardly of the preset number can be made to avoid having to
mentally or otherwise add the preset number and the counted number
at the end of a counting operation.
The primary object of this invention is, therefore, to provide an
improved counting, display and storage apparatus for handling
numerical data wherein the apparatus is formed from electronic
components of extremely high reliability so as to provide a product
which substantially eliminates problems of inaccuracy and
maintenance which are inherent in the construction and operation of
conventional devices used for this purpose.
Another object of this invention is to provide apparatus of the
type described wherein the counting, display and storage of
numerical data is accomplished with components which are completely
electronic in nature so that the response times of the components
will be extremely small and no reliance need be made on components
having moving parts to thereby provide for greater accuracy in
performing the functions of counting, displaying and storing of
data.
A further object of this invention is to provide apparatus of the
aforesaid character which, in terms of component response times, is
compatible with other data handling equipment, such as high-speed
computers or the like, to thus render the apparatus suitable for
use as an input means for such equipment.
Another object of this invention is to provide apparatus of the
type described wherein a predetermined number can be preset into
the apparatus to serve as the starting point for a counting
operation to thereby avoid having to count up to the number in the
normal fashion before the desired counting operation commences.
Still another object of this invention is to provide apparatus for
electronically counting, displaying and storing numerical data
wherein the electronic components of the apparatus are relatively
small in size and weight to permit the apparatus itself to be
suitable for portable, table top operation and to allow for
cost-saving modular construction techniques to be used in producing
the apparatus.
Other objects of this invention will become apparent as the
following specification progresses, reference being had to the
accompanying drawing for an illustration of an embodiment of the
invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front of a housing containing
the apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the invention in a generalized form;
and
FIG. 3 is another block diagram of the invention showing the
various systems thereof in greater detail.
The apparatus of the present invention is broadly denoted by the
numeral 10 and includes a number of basic systems shown in block
from in FIG. 2. Such systems include a scaler system 12, a counter
14, a memory control system 16, a memory 18 and an electrical power
source 20. The various systems cooperate with each other in the
counting, displaying and storing of numerical data in a manner to
be described. All of the systems are electrically actuated and
power source 20 is common to all of the other systems.
The purpose of apparatus 10 is to count, store and display linear
and discrete-item information, such as length and numbers of
articles when such information is sensed by a suitable pick up and
directed into the apparatus. The linear information can, for
instance, be the lengths of various lines on a construction drawing
and the discrete-item information can be the number of articles on
the drawing which are of a given type, such as electrical outlets,
doors and the like. In a broad sense, the apparatus operates when
information is directed by a suitable input means 24 to the scaler
system 12 from whence it is counted by counter 14 and directed
through a decoder 26 to display 22 whereby the information is
visually observed. From the display, the information can be stored
in the memory and later read out therefrom and onto the display
once again.
The apparatus is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3, wherein the
input means 24 is shown as including a count probe 28 for use in
counting the number of discrete items and a length probe 30 for use
in measuring distance. Only one probe is used at any given time and
each probe can be used to provide a signal input to scaler system
12. The two probes can be of any suitable construction but, for
purposes of illustration, probe 28 is a ball point pen having an
electrical switch coupled to it so that the switch is actuated each
time the point of the pen is depressed. The switch, when actuated,
closes an electrical circuit causing a signal to be generated which
represents a single count or bit to be fed into the scaler system
for subsequent display or storage.
The length probe 30 is, for example, a device having a wheel which
rolls over a surface, the wheel having means for passing a light
beam through the sides of the wheel a number of times for each
revolution of the wheel. Each time the light beam passes through
the wheel, a switch is actuated to complete a circuit and thereby
to generate a signal which represents a predetermined count. The
counts generated by probe 30 are proportional to the distance on
the surface over which the wheel travels and the apparatus can be
calibrated so that the display which represents such distance will
be in terms of the usual dimensional parameters.
Each of the two probes provides a pulse input to the scaler system
and these pulses are counted by counter 14 and then displayed in
display 22 following which they can be stored in memory 18 for
subsequent readout when needed. As will hereinafter be described,
memory 18 has a number of memory banks, each bank being independent
of the other banks and capable of storing a respective number.
Thus, each probe can be used to count discrete items or linear
distances of a first type and the information from this step can be
stored in one memory bank of memory 18. Then, the probe can be used
to count items or distances of another type and the information
obtained from this step can be stored in another memory bank. These
steps can be performed in a minimum of time and are limited
essentially only by the time required to physically move the probe
over the surface from which the information is to be taken.
The scaler system includes a scale and probe selector unit 32
which, for purposes of illustration, comprises a rotary switch
permitting selective use of either of the probes and provides
selection of the scale factor to be used with a particular probe.
If the count probe is to be used, each pulse input generated by the
actuation of the probe switch can be used to count a single bit or
a single pulse can be multiplied to provide, for instance, 2, 3, 4
or 5 pulses to the input of counter 14. It may be desirable to
multiply the incoming signal by a given factor such as when
counting the number of electrical outlets for each of several
buildings. The resulting number will indicate the total number of
outlets of all of the buildings to avoid having to mentally or
otherwise compute such total number after the number for each
building has been determined.
The signal from selector input 32 is fed to a one-shot
multivibrator 33 which enables a gate 35, the latter serving to
start a clock 34 to which is coupled a comparator 36. The clock
provides pulses to counter 14 and the comparator 36. When the
number of signal pulses total the desired count, as selected by
unit 32, comparator 36 stops the clock and no further pulses are
directed to the counter until the next signal pulse is generated by
the actuation of a probe switch.
As an example of the operation of the clock, assume that unit 32 is
set to multiply each input pulse by 4. Thus, clock 34 will count
four pulses. The comparator operates to note the number of output
pulses from the clock and will stop the operation of the clock
after the four pulses have been generated. In this example, for a
single input pulse from count probe 28, there will be four signal
pulses directed to counter 14.
Unit 32 can also be set to a desired scale factor to actuate clock
34 for input pulses generated by the actuation of the switch
associated with probe 30. For instance, it may be desirable to have
scale factors of 1/32, 1/16, 1/8 and 1/4. These factors represent
the length in inches on a drawing sensed by probe 30 and which are
equated to 1 foot on a full model of the building or article
depicted on the drawing.
Clock 34 and comparator 36 can be of any suitable construction.
Preferably, they are formed of integrated circuit components of
relatively small size and high reliability to minimize space
requirements and maintenance problems.
The apparatus can be contained in a housing 38 of the type shown in
FIG. 1 and the rotary switch of selector unit 32 can be operated by
a knob 40 adjacent to the count probe scale 42 and the length probe
scale 44 on the front panel 46 of housing 38. Knob 40 is below
display 22 which preferably comprises a number of commercially
available display tubes 48, each of which can display by neon light
any number from 0 to 9 . Display 22 is shown with four tubes 48;
thus, the apparatus can count to 9999 . An overrange light 50 is
provided for display 22 and indicates when the count has gone
beyond 9999.
Counter 14 includes a counter unit 52 for each display tube 48,
respectively. Thus, there are four counter units 52 in the
illustrated embodiment of the apparatus. The counters are coupled
to each other and represent, respectively, the units, tenths,
hundredths and thousandths digits to be counted and displayed by
the apparatus. Thus, each tube 48 will represent the digit
corresponding to the counter unit coupled therewith. Counter units
52 are coupled to a reset switch 54 having a push button 55 mounted
on front panel 46, whereby all counter units 52 can simultaneously
be reset to zero when switch 54 is actuated.
Counter 14 may be of any suitable construction. For purposes of
illustration, each counter unit 52 includes decimal counters with
BCD outputs to minimize the logic requirements of memory 18. Thus,
for a 4-digit number, only 16 output leads from the counter to the
memory control are required as contrasted with 40 output leads
required if the decimal system is used.
The output of each counter unit 52 is coupled to a decoder unit 56,
units 56 changing the BCD output of the corresponding counter unit
52 to a decimal output for actuating the corresponding display tube
48. Each display tube is directly connected through a decoder unit
56 to the corresponding counter unit 52 so that a number counted by
the counter can be directly and immediately displayed on its
display tube 48.
The output of each counter unit 52 is coupled through memory
control 16 to memory 18, the latter including a number of memory
banks 58, four of which are shown to provide storage for a 4-digit
number. Each memory bank 58 is used to store one digit of a
particular number to which the counter has previously counted.
Since there are four counter units 52, there are four memory banks
58. Each memory bank includes a plurality of memory devices for
storing binary information, there being the same number of memory
devices in each memory bank. Thus, one set of four memory devices
in the four memory banks can be used to store a particular number
while the other sets of four memory devices are used to store other
numbers. In this way, memory 18 can be used to store numbers of
discrete items and linear distances of different types. Memory
control 16 operates to position a particular set of memory devices
in a condition to receive signal levels from counter 14, which
signal levels represent the number to be stored in the set.
Each memory device can be of any suitable construction but, for
purposes of illustration, it includes a plurality of flip-flops.
Each flip-flop will represent a particular storage location for a
digit of the BCD output of the counter unit 52 corresponding
thereto. For instance, there may be 96 flip-flops in each memory
bank 58 and this means that the corresponding memory bank 58 is
capable of storing 24 different four-digit numbers, each digit
being comprised of four BCD bits. Thus, the number of flip-flops in
each bank 58 determines the storage capacity of memory 18. While
only four flip-flops have been shown in each memory bank 58, it is
clear that additional flip-flops can be utilized if the capacity of
the memory is to be greater.
The purpose of memory control 16 is to actuate the memory in a
manner such that the proper set of memory devices are in condition
for the read-in of information from the counter or for the readout
of information to the counter. Memory control 16 includes a clock,
a comparator and a selector switch coupled in a manner such that,
when the switch is actuated, the clock is operated. The operation
of the clock upsets the balance of the comparator and the clock
continues to run until the comparator inhibits the clock operation
due to a detected balance between the number selected by the switch
and the output of the comparator. The selector switch has a number
of operative locations corresponding to the number of memory
devices in each memory bank 58. The selected switch is operated by
a pair of thumb wheels 60 on the front panel of housing 38 and
associated with the selector switch is an enter switch having a
push button 62 (FIG. 1) which, when actuated, causes the outputs of
the counter units to be read into the set of memory devices in the
four memory banks 58 previously selected by the actuation of the
selector switch. For purposes of illustration, each memory bank
comprises an end-around shift register made up of a plurality of
flip-flops equal in number to the desired number of different types
of items to be stored in the memory.
Memory control 16 further includes a readout switch having a push
button 64 for actuation thereof. This switch, when actuated,
permits readout of information stored in the set of memory devices
corresponding to the setting of the selector switch of memory
control 16. The information read out from the memory is applied
directly to the inputs of decoder units 56 which immediately direct
such information to the display tubes for display thereby in
decimal form. By manipulating the selector switch of the memory
control, readout of information from various locations in the
memory can be accomplished.
Memory control 16 operates further to provide an automatic reset of
counter units 52 to zero when a number has been entered into the
memory. Such action also provides a zero reading on the display
tubes for psychological reasons to assure the user of the apparatus
that the number has been entered into the memory. Memory control 16
also provides the necessary buffering and control logic for proper
selection and operation of memory 18.
Means is also provided to set up a predetermined count on display
22 so as to by-pass scaler system 12. This is accomplished by a
selector switch unit 66 (FIG. 3) coupled directly to the signal
outputs of counter units 52. A predetermined count is manually set
up in selector switch 66 by the use of four thumb wheels 68 shown
on front panel 46 of FIG. 2. Each thumb wheel 68 can be rotated to
place a predetermined number in registry with an opening in front
panel 46. Any number from 1 to 9999 can be preset into counter
14.
To enter the preset number in the display, i.e., to place the
number in binary form at the outputs of counter units 52, a preset
enter switch is provided. This switch has a push button 70 adjacent
to push button 56 by means of which the enter switch can be
actuated. When the enter switch is actuated, it causes a transfer
of the count set up in selector switch 66 to the outputs of counter
units 52 by the principle known by those skilled in the art as
"collector grabbing" wherein the signal outputs of counter units
52, if they do not agree with the binary form of the preset number
in selector switch 66, are changed by changing the operative states
of the counter units themselves. Thus, such counter units will then
have output signals defining the preset number in binary form and
the preset number will be immediately rendered observable in
decimal form on display tubes 48. The count can also be immediately
transferred to memory 18 by actuating the enter switch for the
memory as described above.
A further feature of the apparatus is the provision of interface
structure 72 coupled to the outputs of counter units 52 whereby
such outputs can be coupled to a computer or the like to render
apparatus 10 usable as an input for other data handling equipment.
Structure 72 may include one or more output terminals for the
output of each counter unit 52.
In operation, apparatus 10 will be used either for counting numbers
of discrete items with probe 28 or for measuring distances with
probe 30. The apparatus will first be described with respect to
probe 28. To use this probe, the selector switch of selector unit
32 will first be set to the proper scale factor on scale 42 before
the count is commenced.
After the proper probe and scale factor selection have been made,
the apparatus is ready to be used to count numbers of specific
items. The count probe is then depressed a number of times and each
time it is depressed, the switch carried thereby is actuated. This
switch actuation generates a signal pulse for each count made by
probe 28 and this pulse is multiplied by the present scale factor.
This multiplication is effected by the operation of clock 34 and
comparator 36 and the clock output is then directed to the input of
counter 14 immediately. The various counter units 52 will count the
number of signal pulses from clock 34 and each counter unit will
have a signal output in binary form representing a number from 0 to
9 . The outputs of counter units 52 will immediately be decoded by
decoder units 56 and displayed in decimal form on display tubes
48.
When it is desired to transfer the outputs of the counters to
memory 18, the proper memory location is first set up by
manipulating thumb wheel 60 to preset the selector switch of memory
control 16 to, in turn, advance the memory devices of memory banks
58 to place the memory devices corresponding to the preset location
in condition to receive signals from respective counter units 52.
Then, the enter switch for the memory is actuated by depressing
push button 62, whereupon the outputs of the counter units are
transferred to the memory devices corresponding to the preset
memory location. This action returns display tubes 48 to zero so
that they can receive another count from counter 14. The count
stored in memory 18 can be read out therefrom and returned to the
display at any time by depressing push button 64 which will actuate
a readout switch. The proper memory location will first have to be
set up by memory control 16 so as to be able to read out the
information at that particular location.
After the count has been transferred to the memory, the count probe
can be used to count other items and the new count will appear on
display 22. This new count can be transferred to another location
of the memory by first changing the setting of the selector switch
of memory control 16 to a new number, whereupon the enter switch of
memory control 16 is actuated to transfer the counts to the new
preset memory location.
The foregoing operation can continue until several or all of the
memory banks 58 have been filled. At any time, each memory bank can
be emptied and the information put back into display 22 for a
direct reading of the count.
It may be desired to set up a predetermined count in the display so
as to permit counting forwardly from such predetermined count. This
is achieved by manipulating thumb wheels 68 to actuate selector
switch 66. The preset number count is transferred to the outputs of
counter units 52 and thereby to display 22 when the preset enter
switch is actuated by depressing push button 70. After this occurs,
count probe 28 can be manipulated to count additional numbers and
these numbers will be added to the preset number set up in the
display. Such additional count at any time may be transferred to a
particular memory location in the manner described above.
The apparatus can be used with other data handling equipment, such
as a computer or the like, by coupling interface structure 72 to
the equipment for directing the outputs of counter units 52 to the
main input of the equipment. When this occurs, the apparatus of the
invention will define the input portion of the equipment by means
of which numerical calculations can be made.
The foregoing description of the operation has been made with
respect to count probe 28. Distance measuring probe 30 can be used
in substantially the same way. Initially, the user of the apparatus
will manipulate the selector switch of selector input 32 so that
not only will the signal pulses generated by the actuation of probe
30 be gated that operate clock 34, but also the proper scale factor
will be selected in accordance with the scale factor used with the
surface segment whose distance is to be measured with the probe.
The signal generated by the actuation of the probe will be in pulse
form to operate the clock and the output of the clock will go to
the input of counter 14, following which the counter will count to
the proper number and this number will be displayed on display
tubes 48. The number can then be read into the memory at a selected
location thereof and later be read out from the memory and returned
to the display tubes in decimal form. The displayed information can
be such as to provide distances on a full scale model of the object
having a linear parameter on a reduced scale defined by the surface
segment over which probe 30 moves.
* * * * *