Method of counting a stack of flat items placed on edge, tilts stack to formed stepped edge profile for stack and uses optical scanning and step recognition to make count

摘要

The counting method displaces each item (1) in the stack (2) slightly relative to its neighbor, forming a stepped edge profile (5,6) for the stack. The steps are then counted. The stack has the items standing on their edge, and is tilted to one side to allow optical counting from the stepped profile. The profile is first captured then the steps detected.