GB2350455A - Hand held electronic counter - Google Patents

Abstract

A stand alone compact hand held electronic counter counts in any step size. The main features are: <SL> <LI>It can incorporate an integral stopwatch/ watch facilities. <LI>Step size can be chosen, which can be used for counting items in packaging, but primarily as a teaching aid for learning times tables. </SL>

Description

2350455 Hand held electronic counter This invention relates to a hand held

electronic counter.

Mechanical counter better known as tally counter are widely available, their main disadvantages are as follows:

I. Bulky, which makes them uncomfortable to handle.

2. These counters only increment in one step, usually in step of 1, (1,2, 3,4 etc).

3. The counter can only count up.

4. Make a clicking noise when being used, which can be disruptive when used in quite places.

5. Cannot be used in dark places, as the display is not easily readable.

According to the present invention of an electronic hand held counter it overcomes all the above disadvantages. Namely as follows:

I. Light weight, typically 25g, which may easily incorporate a keychain for easy of carrying.

2. As it is an electronic counter the step size can be programmed by the user to any size, say for example the step size is 5, the counter will count 5,10,15,20 etc. This is a very useful feature as an aid for learning times tables, counting product in packaging etc.

3. The counter can either count up or count down-, this can be selected by selecting the correct key prior to starting the count cycle.

4. There is no blipping or clicking sound as there is no mechanical clicking sound when depressing the keys.

5. The display can easily have a light option; hence it can be lit in the dark and easily readable.

A above will be explained by use of a typical example, with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Figure I shows a typical count counter.

Referring to the drawing:

The counter comprised of a plastic housing in an oval shape (the shape and size can be varied to suit the application and ones liking), which embodies the electronic circuitry, the battery/batteries, connections etc. A 4-digit liquid crystal display (LCD) 2. This gives the counter a displaying capability from I to 9999. The light button _3 3 that can be used to illuminate the display. The step button 4 used to selecting the step size. The conform/start button starts the cycle. The Count 6 is used for increment/decrement the counter. The On/Reset button 7 is used for switching the counter ON or resetting the counter.

If one was to use this counter to count in steps of say 3, the user does as follows. 1. Switch the counter on using button 7, display shows 1 2. Press the step button 2 times, display shows 3. 3. Press button 5 to conform all is correct, display shows 3 4. Press the count button, display shows 3, next press display shows 6, etc. 5. Pressing the light button at anytime will illuminate the LCD for a set time then light will switch off 6. To reset the counter press button 7 at any time.

The counter can easily have a stopwatch and a clock either using the same display or use two displays, one for the count facilities and the other for the clock/stopwatch, as shown in figure 2.

The electronics can either comprise of several integrated components (IC), e.g. A counter IC, clock IC display driver IC with supportive components such as resistors, capacitors, connectors etc. to make up electronic circuitry to make the counter, clock, timer function. A more usually and economical solution would be to get a dedicated IC, especially if these are to be made in any volume.

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Claims (5)

Claims

1. Integral hand held stand alone system electronic counter,

2. May have facilities for programmable step size.

3. May also have a integral stopwatch/ watch facilities

4. Can either have a single or several sets of displays

5. An oval shape is shown in the diagrams, but this shape and size can be varied to suit the application and one's liking.

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